West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 543 ratings

Price: 19.1

Last update: 11-07-2024


About this item

He is one of basketball's towering figures: "Mr. Clutch," who mesmerized his opponents and fans. The coach who began the Lakers' resurgence in the 1970s. The general manager who helped bring "Showtime" to Los Angeles, creating a championship-winning force that continues to this day.

Now, for the first time, the legendary Jerry West tells his story-from his tough childhood in West Virginia, to his unbelievable college success at West Virginia University, his 40-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his relationships with NBA legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. Unsparing in its self-assessment and honesty, West by West is far more than a sports memoir: it is a profound confession and a magnificent inspiration.


Top reviews from the United States

Red Benz
5.0 out of 5 stars Read It
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
Great Book, told honestly and from the heart. RIP Jerry West
Joshua Feig
4.0 out of 5 stars A Father's Love, Denied
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
Jerry's search for his father's love lead to his tortured life of achievement and gave the world a magnificent athlete. This book is essential reading for anyone who loves the game of basketball, as Jerry may have been its consummate ambassador. He is the Logo for a reason. This book deftly illustrates his rise and ability to stay atop the sport in different ways for more than 5 decades.
Amy G
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
This is not just a basketball book, but a great American story. The most honest account by any measure of one of the greatest players in the history of the game and then one of the greatest executives the game has ever seen.
Katherine Cochran Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for lovers of Jerry West and West Virginia!
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
Jerry West was/is my cousin. Our family had property adjacent to the West property. He gave a vey accurate view into his life.
A Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Inside The Life Of Jerry West
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2011
West By West is a wonderful yet tragic autobiography of one of the most popular sports figures of our time. Jerry West explains in detail his personal and professional life on a level that most people cannot even talk about.

From his early childhood having to deal with the abuse of his father, along with the death of his brother David, Jerry struggles during his life with "perfectionism"---this inner desire to be perfect in everything he does-- in a imperfect world.

Although one of the top scorers and players during his time, losing to the Celtics many times was something he could not accept. Always wondering what else he could have done, never being able to be at peace. Even when the Lakers won the championship in 1972(with a record 33 straight wins, that still stands today), all Jerry could say to himself was, "Is this it?"

As an executive with the Lakers, Jerry was very successful bringing talent to the Lakers. Bringing in Magic Johnson, Kareem, James Worthy and company to make "Showtime" during the 80's. While finally beating the Celtics 2 out of 3 times during this time, the inner drive would still haunt this superstar.

While most people would only see the outside of this human being, deep down he is a very caring and loving person. Although not being able to express his feelings very often due to his upbringing(love and affection were rare), Jerry showed tremendous passion for dying former teammate Happy Hairston and former Laker executive Pete Newell.

The book has some rather sad parts to it that surprised me. While fighting depression along with atrial fibrillation, Jerry said "he always feels like a man on the run, fleeing something that is always trying to chase him and hunt him down" only to realize it is himself. Always eating fast, doing everythig in a hurry just to get done. A inner sadness and anger would follow him everywhere.

Jerry West will always be a player and person most people will look up to---very dedicated and hard working. Always wanting the best for his family and friends. The courage it took to write this book is beyond words---for this we are all grateful. Thank you for allowing the public to see a glimpse into your wonderful yet sad life. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Would also recommendWilt: Larger Than Life, Chick: His Unpublished Memoirs and the Memories of Those Who Knew Him, Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon,The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It for more Laker reading.
G.P. Schultz
4.0 out of 5 stars West by West
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2011
I was 16 years old and watching a high school basketball game in my hometown of South Charleston,
West Virginia. The man sitting beside me pointed to a lanky kid on the floor, with East Bank on his jersey, and said that the kid was so smooth that he would score 30 points and I wouldn't even know that he had the ball. I was skeptical, but the man was prophetic, and that was my introduction to Jerry West, who later became an icon in professional basketball.
I was surprised that such a private person would be so open about sharing his personal life. The book gives the reader a realistic view of some of the pitfalls of celebrity and what it was like to deal with depression. And it was an honest appraisal of living with an abusive father, and how that experience affected West throughout his journey into adulthood. He also shares how the loss of his brother was a pivotal event in his life and how that motivated him to excel.
On the court we get to share in the workings of the NBA and meet some of the interesting personalities West encountered throughout his career as a player and as a general manager. And we get to experience the family life of an NBA player and what effect his profession had on the lives of his wives and children. It was an interesting, enjoyable read about the humanistic, psychological side of a professional athlete that is rare in our ego driven society.
I withheld one star because I wanted more pure basketball, and wanted to be in the head of the best player in the NBA as he went up against the Boston Celtics in an exciting play by play journey into the NBA finals. I hope he writes the sequel so that I can award that other star.(
Wolfhound Dennis
5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps one of the greatest players in NBA history
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
I wanted to learn more about the history of Mr West. I did my research and landed on this book. He had one of the most iconic jump shots in the NBA. There are many eras worth mentioning. His life story shown in this book details what hard work ethic can do for someone. Wonderful and easy read for a sports fan or historian. It's work a read in my opinion. Dennis

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