Barkley: A Biography

Bella’s comprehensive biography follows NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley from his Leeds High School (AL) beginnings, through his playing days at Auburn University, and eventually to the NBA, where he spent 16 seasons. From 1984 to 2000, Barkley led each of his teams (the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets) to multiple playoffs. Accounts of pivotal games are richly recreated. Barkley was known for his athleticism, toughness, and playing angry, which led to infamous fights with Bill Laimbeer and Shaquille O’Neal, to name just two. Barkley attacked life outside the basketball arena as well, with his philanthropy, public brawls, and high-stakes gambling. The coverage of Barkley’s post-NBA career as a television sports analyst (2000–present) on TNT’s Inside the NBA makes this biography distinctive. Washington Post reporter Bella touches on all aspects of Barkley’s life without name-dropping or gossiping. It’s unfortunate, however, that Barkley declined to be interviewed for the book, and his perspective is sadly missing from the pages. Narrator Korey Jackson lends his voice talents to the audiobook, providing a well-paced and engaging listening experience.