THE LAST SEASON A Team in Search of Its Soul

Basketball fans, especially those with a predilection for Zen Buddhism, will find this account of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2003-04 season, the author's last as head coach, fascinating reading. Here all is laid bare: the egos, tirades, childish behavior, and sacrifice characteristic of play at the highest professional level. Narrator Stephen Hoye is an inspired, and inspiring, choice for this book. At his best, it's difficult to separate his voice from Jackson's, so completely does he reflect the author's persona and inflections. At his worst, he magnifies Jackson's condescension and dogmatic nature, which pervades the book. Overall, though, Hoye is interesting, appropriately dramatic, and easy on the ears. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]