Dynasty Restored

Thomas Whalen has written a wonderfully descriptive account of the career of Boston Celtics' star Larry Bird. In chapter 1, a chapter about 1984, he discusses Ronald Reagan, Michael Jackson, the Ghostbuster movie, Apple computers, Goose Gossage and Wayne Gretsky, and yes, Larry Bird. Whalen artfully describes important events and why they happened, and he gives us little-known facts about the likes of Red Auerbach, Bob Cousy, and Bill Russell. Did you know that Auerbach was a terrible driver? He dishes info about the rival Los Angeles Lakers as well. Did you know that Lew Alcindor could have signed with the New York Nets? Did you know that Bird couldn't stand playing for Bobby Knight at Indiana U? Did you know that Bird's trash-talking drove his opponents crazy? I couldn't get enough. I love history from the inside, and so will you. --Peter Golenbock, author of Whispers of the Gods and Baseball Heaven Tom Whalen knows how to tell a rollicking good tale. This is more than an account of one of the greatest rivalries in sports history, it is also a moving tale of what the Boston Celtics meant to their fans and a snapshot of a team that changed pro basketball forever. Whalen has a knack for finding meaning in the particulars of American life during the 1980s, not just on the basketball court but beyond. This book includes a colorful ensemble of larger than life characters, from Hall of Fame players to the reporters who covered them to the fans who bled Celtic green. This is a remarkably fun and insightful read. --Stephen F. Knott, author of Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy