Read There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib eBook Review

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The Heart of the Game: A Deep Dive into “There’s Always This Year” by Hanif Abdurraqib

In his latest work, “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension,” Hanif Abdurraqib offers a poignant exploration of basketball as a lens through which to examine broader themes of identity, community, and the complexities of life. Set against the backdrop of his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and infused with personal anecdotes and cultural commentary, this book is more than just a tribute to the sport; it is a meditation on what it means to belong, to succeed, and to grapple with loss. Abdurraqib’s lyrical prose invites readers into a world where basketball becomes a metaphor for life’s struggles and triumphs.

Summary

The narrative unfolds in a structure reminiscent of a basketball game, divided into four quarters, each marked by time stamps that mimic the flow of a game. In the first quarter, Abdurraqib reflects on his childhood in Columbus during the early 2000s, particularly focusing on a high school basketball game that pitted the Brookhaven Wildcats against the Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Leprechauns—a team led by none other than LeBron James. This game serves as a microcosm of the larger themes of aspiration and disappointment that permeate the book. As Abdurraqib recounts this pivotal moment in his youth, he delves into the collective pride felt by the Columbus community despite their eventual loss. The Wildcats’ respectable performance against a nationally ranked team becomes a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Through this lens, Abdurraqib examines how sports can unite communities and serve as a source of hope amid societal challenges. The narrative then transitions into discussions about LeBron James’s career—his rise to fame, his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami in 2010, and the emotional fallout from that choice. Abdurraqib poignantly captures the heartbreak felt by Cavaliers fans and reflects on how James’s departure symbolizes broader themes of loyalty, ambition, and survival. As the book progresses through its quarters, Abdurraqib intertwines personal stories with reflections on race, identity, and belonging. He addresses significant events such as the protests following police violence in Columbus and how these moments shape community identity. His writing is infused with a deep understanding of the emotional politics surrounding sports and how they reflect societal realities.

Main Characters

Hanif Abdurraqib: The author serves as both narrator and central character in this memoir-like exploration. His reflections provide insight into his upbringing, his love for basketball, and his evolving understanding of community and identity.
LeBron James: While not present in person throughout the narrative, LeBron’s influence looms large over Abdurraqib’s reflections. As a local hero who transcended his origins to become an international icon, James represents both aspiration and disappointment for many in his hometown.
The Brookhaven Wildcats: The high school basketball team serves as a symbol of local pride and resilience. Their journey throughout the narrative illustrates the highs and lows of competitive sports and community spirit.
Columbus Community: The collective experiences of residents in Columbus provide a backdrop for Abdurraqib’s reflections on race, identity, and belonging. Their stories are woven throughout the narrative to highlight shared struggles and triumphs.

Key Events and Plot

The plot of “There’s Always This Year” unfolds through several key events that shape Abdurraqib’s reflections:

The High School Game: The story begins with a detailed account of the 2002 game between Brookhaven Wildcats and St. Vincent-St. Mary Leprechauns. This event serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of competition, pride, and community identity.
LeBron’s Rise: Abdurraqib chronicles LeBron James’s ascent from local prodigy to NBA superstar. He reflects on how this journey impacts his community’s sense of self-worth and aspiration.
The Departure: The emotional fallout from LeBron’s decision to leave Cleveland for Miami is explored in depth. Abdurraqib captures the heartbreak felt by fans while also addressing themes of personal growth and survival.
Protests Against Police Violence: The narrative shifts to contemporary issues facing Columbus, including protests following police violence against Black individuals. These events serve as critical moments that shape community identity and resilience.
Personal Reflections: Throughout the book, Abdurraqib intersperses personal anecdotes that reveal his own relationship with basketball, grief over loss, and search for belonging within his community.
Conclusion: The final sections tie together the various themes explored throughout the book—identity, community, resilience—culminating in reflections on hope for future generations.

Suspense and Themes

“There’s Always This Year” is rich in suspense as readers navigate through moments of triumph and disappointment alongside Abdurraqib’s reflections on basketball culture. The stakes are high not only within games but also within personal narratives that explore deeper societal issues.

Key Themes

Identity and Belonging: Central to Abdurraqib’s narrative is an exploration of what it means to belong to a community shaped by both pride and pain. Through basketball stories, he delves into personal identities intertwined with cultural narratives.
Race and Society: The book addresses systemic issues related to race in America—how they manifest in sports culture—and challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege and inequality.
Resilience through Adversity: The narrative emphasizes resilience as both individuals and communities navigate challenges—whether through sports or social justice movements—highlighting hope amidst despair.
The Complexity of Role Models: Through figures like LeBron James, Abdurraqib examines what it means to be a role model in today’s society while grappling with personal flaws and societal expectations.

Conclusion

Hanif Abdurraqib’s “There’s Always This Year” is an evocative meditation on basketball that transcends mere sports commentary; it is an exploration of life itself—its joys, sorrows, complexities, and triumphs. Through lyrical prose filled with emotion and insight, Abdurraqib invites readers into his world—a world where basketball serves as both a passion and a metaphor for broader societal issues. As he navigates through memories of childhood games in Columbus alongside poignant reflections on race relations today, readers are left with an understanding that sports can reflect our deepest struggles while also offering pathways toward hope. In “There’s Always This Year,” we find not only a celebration of basketball but also an urgent call to recognize our shared humanity amid division—a reminder that even when faced with despair or loss, there is always room for growth, connection, and renewal. This book stands as another testament to Abdurraqib’s talent as one of America’s most original voices—a must-read for anyone seeking depth in their understanding of culture through the lens of sport. This summary provides an overview of “There’s Always This Year,” including its characters, plot points, themes, and overall impact while adhering to your request for length requirements suitable for a blog post format.