More Than an Athlete

By Etan Thomas

Book Overview

Etan Thomas is More Than An Athlete. In this, his first collection of poems, Thomas defies the stereotype of the typical a-political athlete, and plants his roots in his budding literary career. With the conviction of a Bill Russell and the poetic finesse of Muhammed Ali, Thomas takes on controversial topics, such as the death penalty, the GOP, racism, and abortion. Agreat read for young people, Thomas speaks to the conscience of youth with poems like Sesame Street and Toys R Us Kids. The poet is the center for the NBA's Washington Wizards and this collection is a slamdunk in the faces of those who say poetry belongs to one type of audience. The beautifully produced CD that accompanies the book is a journey from 18th century classic, to jazz and Hip Hop. Scored by award-winning producer, Kenyatta Poole, the soundtrack to the poetry collection is just as impactful as the read.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965830896
• ISBN13: 9780965830898
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Moore Black Press
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Articulate Athlete!

Etan Thomas is certainly More Than an Athlete. I ordered this book because I am a basketball fan and was curious about what this quiet aggressive Wizard center would write about. I was so impressed with this articulate young man whose poetry speaks to the heart. He writes about many issues that plague our country from domestic violence to the war in Iraq. I especially enjoyed the DVD that is included, which contains several of my favorite poems read by Thomas with music. I think this book would be a great "text" for high school English and History classes.

Speaking truth to power

I was totally shocked to see him speak at the anti-war protest in DC over the weekend - and totally amazed at what he had to say. Look for a transcript of it, it is a great piece (it's currently posted at AlterNet). Definitely going to check his book out. Bush should be impeached and CONVICTED for CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!! Thank You Etan!!!

This book is truly amazing! I happened to see this book mentioned in Sports Illustrated and decided to take a chance on reading what Etan had to say. I was so impressed that I plan on buying several copies and giving them out to friends and family. I think it should be required reading! Its an eye opener & then some!! Etan is no gimmick! He raises your level of conscious awareness, he educates & feeds food to your mind as well. I am very proud to have this book, I can't begin to tell you how inspired this book makes me feel. Etan clearly has tremendous talent outside of his basketball abilities. His poems are thought provoking and readily hits home with our society and current affairs. He is on point with so many issues, I wish more athletes took a stand like Etan does. I am very proud of the messages that are in his poems. He has unlimited potential as a poet, please read this book, he truly is more than an athlete. All I can say is give me more!! I will be watching & following this man's career. He is destined for a higher calling. It needs to be said, Thank You Etan!!

Etan Serves Up The Truth( Straight, no chaser)

This book is so awesome!!! If you are one of those people who are afraid of hearing the truth, then you probably won't like it. However, if you enjoy poetry that truthfully discusses the real issues of the world today, then this is the book for you! The Wizards forward/center discusses everything from abuse, the war, and abortion, to the death penalty, bullying, and religion. But then there are also some very heartfelt poems such as "My Heritage" (with guest poet/actor Julian Thomas) that talks about his West Indian roots. You will not be disappointed by this collection. It is something that teens and adults will be discussing for years to come.

This is a great book and cd!!

More Than An Athlete is a beautiful collection of poetry, and the scored cd is amazing. This is what poetry and music should sound like. Hope to see it win a Spoken Word Grammy! Congratulations to Etan Thomas for not being afraid to be a poet, and an NBA athlete. The murder that murder produced is very powerful and so is "The Field Trip," and Toys R Us Kid." If you love poetry and politics, buy this collection!