The title “Back from the Dead” aptly applies to the incredible story of Bill Walton. Hailed by critics as “the greatest comeback story in sports history,” Walton’s personal account of his long road to recovery is an inspirational read for anyone who needs encouragement to face the toughest challenges.
In Back from the Dead, Bill Walton’s personal story resonates on many levels. Diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition in the late 1970s that put his entire NBA career in jeopardy, Walton’s courage and sheer determination kept him fighting to make a comeback.
As a student at UCLA in the 1970s, Walton was already a highly acclaimed basketball star with two national championships and a wooden trophy to his name. However, a chance encounter with a doctor revealed that the intense pain he had been experiencing in his back and legs was caused by spinal stenosis, a form of disc degeneration that affects the bones and joints in the spine. With Walton’s future as an NBA player uncertain, he stopped playing basketball and withdrew from college to search for a treatment plan. After a number of unsuccessful attempts, including a risky surgery, Walton found an answer in a unique therapy program at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California. With the help of the specialized treatments and a new perspective, Walton made a miraculous recovery and was able to return to the court in 1984.
From overcoming long odds to rebuilding a career and establishing a new identity, Back from the Dead showcases a story of resilience and hope. Walton details his personal journey in a straightforward and honest style, complete with incredibly vivid descriptions of his physical, mental, and emotional states. The book captures Walton’s setbacks, his courage in the face of adversity, and his incredible willpower to succeed in the face of overwhelming physical and emotional pain.
Back from the Dead also touches on Walton’s various triumphs. After his comeback performance in 1984, Walton went on to become an All-Star, a two-time NBA champion, and NBA MVP. He also established lasting relationships with numerous people throughout the basketball world, including legendary NBA head coaches. A highly knowledgeable and respected statistician, Walton began to offer expert commentary on televised game broadcasts and went on to become a well-loved broadcaster.
For anyone who has ever been met with challenging odds, Back from the Dead is a must-read. Walton’s riveting story of determination, hope, and triumph is sure to give readers strength to tackle whatever challenges life throws their way.
