A Sense of Where You Are

A Sense of Where You Are is a unique and captivating novel by acclaimed author John McPhee. The novel follows the life of Bill Bradley, a superstar basketball player from a small, rural town in New Jersey who went on to become a phenomenon in college basketball, a leader in politics, and the subject of a fascinating cultural phenomenon.

The story opens with the Bradley family’s move from the small, rural town of Crystal City, NJ to West Orange, NJ. It is here that the young Bill discovers basketball and begins to excel as an athlete. Although he is surrounded by a loving and supportive family, Bill finds himself alone in his pursuit of greatness on the court. The novel follows Bill’s journey as he develops his skills to an exceptional level, attends Princeton University, and eventually becomes an NBA All-Star with the New York Knicks.

In the process of achieving these successes, Bradley must make conscious decisions about the type of person he wants to be. His outlook is shaped by his experiences growing up in rural Crystal City, as well as his interactions with his supportive family and influential basketball coach, Pete Carril. Through these figures, as well as more personal experiences, Bradley explores what it means to be genuine and authentic in the face of fame and success.

McPhee offers an intimate look at the public and private life of Bill Bradley through the form of a narrative autobiography. He does not shy away from describing Bill’s struggles, disappointments and moments of joy, which makes the story both compelling and inspiring.

The novel culminates with the most interesting aspect of Bill’s life - his unexpected transition from one of the NBA’s greatest players to a successful U.S. Senator. Through it all, Bill always maintained his sense of humility, gratefulness and keen awareness of exactly who he was and where he came from. This part of the novel serves as an inspiring reminder that it is always possible to achieve greatness in spite of one’s humble beginnings or general circumstances.

A Sense of Where You Are is a powerful and moving story that captures the inspiring journey of the self-made real-life hero, Bill Bradley. It is a required read for anyone looking for inspiration to strive for excellence in the face of any challenge and be true to oneself no matter the rewards of success. McPhee perfectly captures the essence of Bill throughout the novel, from his struggles in rural Crystal City to his transition to a highly successful career in politics. By the end of this novel, readers will be left with a profound appreciation for the trials and triumphs of Bill Bradley and the inspiring lessons he has to give to us all.