In a Goodreads video that was posted just eight months before the crash, Bryant explained that his reading pick for summer 2019 —Jason Reynolds’ Track series—excited Gigi so much, she couldn’t stop “ranting and raving” about the books.
“The book is about a group of middle-school kids that are track-and-field athletes. It’s about the challenges that they face, not just on the track while competing, but also off the track,” Bryantsaid in the video that was posted in May 2019, as part of Goodreads’ celebrity summer reading picks series. “I’m recommending the book because the book is about dealing with challenges and the adversity that comes with that. And digging deep and fighting through those challenges and fighting through those obstacles.”
Gianna and Kobe Bryant in 2019.Ethan Miller/Getty
The world has been mourning the athlete since the news broke that Bryant, Gigi, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on their way to a game at his sports academy on Jan. 26.
Tributes have subsequently flooded public spaces and online — including libraries. On Jan. 28, the Los Angeles Public Librarycompiled a list of books Bryant has recommendedover the years, titling it “Kobe’s Bookshelf.”
The basketball star.Kobe Bryant/Instagram
“As one would expect from a passionate storyteller, Bryant also appreciated reading a good book,” wrote Keith Kesler, the social media librarian for the library.
“I enjoy stories and creating content that’s going to move people,” Bryant toldSports Illustratedin March 2019, while discussing his book,The Wizenard Series: Training Camp, the first book in his inspirational YA series. On Thursday, theNew York Timesannounced that three of Bryant’s bookstook the top three spotson its middle grade hardcover best-seller list.
Bryant added: “I enjoy creating things that you can look at and say, ‘That forced me to look inward and challenge myself, or challenge others.’ ”
Here’s a look at some of the books Bryant has recommended over the years — from fantasy novels and children’s books to inspirational psychology studies.
Bryant’s reading recommendations:
Riverhead Books
“Here’s the book I recommended to the @Chargers today. Add this to your #musecage #greatread,” Bryantwrote on Twitter in July 2017.
Bryant recommended this classic to fellow basketball player, Kyrie Irving,according to The Athletic.
“This book looks at how an emphasis on specialization can actually hamper our ability to really excel at something,” the athlete-turned-author told Amazon. “It aligns with what I try to do when I am coaching, in my stories, and what we’re doing with Mamba Sports Academy — create all-around athletes who can think critically and make assessments in real time to enhance their play rather than rely only on a narrow set of skills.”
“I lovedTeam of Rivals, andLeadershipreally built on the things I had taken away from that book,” he explained, according to Amazon. “Moving from basketball to building a company, I needed to learn new and different leadership skills, and Goodwin outlines the different skill-sets of Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and Lyndon Johnson, accessibly.”
“Jackson’s book is a great study in how to build character, the strength and importance of friendship, and excellent writing,” said Bryant. “It’s tense like a horror story and yet very real and utterly compelling.”
“Still not feeling well, it’s a day in bed for me,” Bryantwrote on Facebookin November 2012. “Nothing like a good book to take my mind off last night’s tough loss. I’m lovin this one!”
“Thank you mamacita @vanessabryant for my all time favorite Christmas gift! #gameofthrones #georgerrmartin #muse,” Bryantcaptioned a photo of the book serieson Christmas Day 2016. The photo revealed that Martin had signed a copy of the book for Bryant. “To Kobe, Fly high, burn bright,” the author wrote.
“For me, it started with a dream,” the star wrote whilepromoting his bookon Instagram in October 2018. “The only way to achieve that dream was to adopt a winning mentality and focus deeply on the mental aspects of the game I loved. Learn how I did it.”
“It’s an amazing feeling to have an idea, work that idea over and over and over again for 3 years to see it come to life for readers to enjoy,” Bryantwrote on Instagramin September 2019. “I hope #legacyandthequeen inspires you to find that magical light within to guide you thru the dark #liveyourdream.”
“I created @Granity Studios as a way of teaching valuable life lessons to the next generation,” the star wrote whilepromoting the bookon Instagram in November 2019. “Our stories represent a competitive mindset about being the best at what you do. The principles built within #EPOCA: The Tree of Ecrof inspire, motivate, and encourage those who are looking to harness their inner magic.”
“To all the young athletes and eager minds, I created this book for you to learn the lessons that were once passed down to me,” Bryantcaptioned a photo of himself with the bookon Instagram in March 2019.
“Basketball legend Kobe Bryant presents this illuminating follow-up to the #1New York TimesbestsellerThe Wizenard Series: Training Camp,” reads the description of the book, which will be released on March 31, “a story of strain and sacrifice, supernatural breakthroughs, and supreme dedication to the game.”
source: people.com
