A Sense of Where You Are: Bill Bradley at Princeton by John McPhee

A Sense of Where You Are: Bill Bradley at Princeton by John McPhee tells the story of one of the greatest college basketball players of all-time, Bill Bradley. The biography is a fascinating account of his impressive basketball career at Princeton University, as well as a portrait of the 1960s and its social upheaval.

The story begins with introducing Bill Bradley and his middle-class upbringing in Crystal City, Missouri. Bradley’s father was a hardworking railroad worker who encouraged his son to excel both academically and athletically. As a young child, Bill excelled in both and eventually earned a full scholarship to Princeton in 1961 to further his basketball career. There, he became an integral part of the school's basketball team, and a star of the NCAA.

The book then focuses on the team and Bradley's prowess on the court. He was a true star and leader of the team, influencing his teammates with his intelligence and work ethic. Soon enough, he led the team to the Final Four in 1964. That same year, Benjamin Spock's status quo-challenging book Baby and Child Care was published, symbolizing the social unrest that was beginning to pervade Princeton and the nation.

Despite the turbulence at Princeton, Bradley and his team had another successful season in 1965. Following the season, Bradley was the first college basketball player to receive the Rhodes scholarship. He would then go on to play professionally for the New York Knicks, winning two NBA titles and MVP awards in his long, decorated playing career.

The biography also covers Bradley's post-playing days as one of the most successful public figures in America. After a highly successful stint in politics, he became a thoughtful, insightful cultural and political commentator. By the end of the book, it is clear that Bradley made a lasting impact in both basketball and beyond.

Ultimately, A Sense of Where You Are: Bill Bradley at Princeton by John McPhee gives readers a unique glimpse into one of the most celebrated basketball players and public figures in history. It paints a vivid picture of Bradley's life and career, as well as the tumultuous political climate of the 1960s. Bradley's determination, talent, and ambition make his story an inspirational one, and McPhee's quality writing and skillful storytelling elevate the biography and make it a must-read for basketball and history fans alike.