Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete

I did not read this book. It was a gift for my grandson. He said it is a really good book. Very interesting.

After reading this book I was surprised to learn about many details I did not previously know about Pistol in both the early years as well as the later years. I did not know the depth of his convictions once he found the meaning in his life and his true calling. I really felt like I was able to truly understand Pistols struggles and ultimate triumphs. A very truthful yet uplifting and hopeful account of a great athlete and a great man.

Having known the Maravich family all of my life;from my perspective so much is missing. Glossing over Press and Helen, doesn't make sense. Helen was a wonderful and kind person. Both she and Press were raised through difficult circumstances. I guess that wasn't important to Pete's biography. I've read the other books, and I didn't care for this one at all. I wish the authors could have understood Basketball, then maybe they could have got to understanding Pete. When Jackie was interviewed on ESPN, she said she was always asked, "What's it like to be married to Pistol Pete?" And she said, " I don't know I married Pete Maravich. I wish that could have come through in this book. Pete was mortal and Jackie knew it too well.

OK, I read the hard-cover version of this book (Maravich) a couple years back and found it - far and away - the most comprehensive and informative book ever written on the Pistol (and I've read them all).

This is basically the paperback version of that book but with an added forward by James Dobson. Yes, THAT James Dobson. He was with Pete the day he died. (Focus on the Family published this version - which doesn't bother me but I won't be lending it to my sister.)

What sets Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete apart is the astonishing detail of every aspect of Pete's life (Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, LSU, the NBA, Christianity, and his legacy). For example - there's an entire chapter on Pete's year at prep-school (Southwood College) and another on his failed attempt to make the 1968 Olympic basketball team.

It was written with the full co-operation of the Maravich family and it shows. The private letters from Pete to his wife and boys are beautiful and heart-breaking.

My only complaint is that Ronnie Maravich is referred to as Pete's "step" brother when, in fact, he was Pete's "half" brother.

This is the book (along with the CBS documentary) that future historians will resource when chronicling his life. ESPN called it "The definitive biography of Pistol Pete Maravich." The NY Times called it the "essential biography of Pete Maravich."

It's that and so much more.