Madness: The Man Who Changed Basketball by Mike DeLucia

There is a certain quality about people who make valuable contributions to history. They seem to have an uncanny ability to remain focused on their goals and to overcome their hurdles with stoic determination. Such is the story of one Angelo-Giuseppi ‘Hank’ Luisetti. Many people do not know who this is including some basketball fanatics. He played before our time, some will say. Others will say that is achievements have since been overshadowed by the likes of Michael Jordan. However, the fact remains that Hank revolutionized basketball. Madness is his story of courage, focus, determination and immeasurable passion for the game. 

The author has done the world a big favor. The legacy of this man should never go unrecognized. He lived an inspiring life of hard work and motivating those around him to be better. Mike DeLucia tells his story in a compelling manner. He pulls in the reader right from the introduction with a little peep in Hank’s life before basketball being taught not to question God and a whole delve into his life during. You will get to see the struggles as a ‘different’ kid. Nothing has been held back. This book is marked with candid banter and a knack to inspire the reader.

The book does not discriminate between demographics. It is enjoyable by anyone of any age. It is written in simple unintimidating language. It weaves the plot of Hank’s life in a way that keeps you interested in how one person can be such a pillar of strength not only his own self but for others too. You will find all the spirit, joy and heart of the game and the man himself captured between the lines of this book. The story is told in such vivid detail that you can almost hear the sweat trickle down Hank’s face. You can feel his heart beat in his chest every time he was on the court. To put it simply, it is a well written book. 

Mike DeLucia uses true events but has created fictional characters to support the plot. These characters are properly built with enough backdrop and dimensions but it is done so carefully so that they do not overshadow the purpose of the story. They are great characters that will appeal to the reader. These characters will affirm that truly no great man becomes so without a few trusted people to cheer him on along the way.

There is a lot to learn from this book. You do not even have to be a fan of football. You could know absolutely nothing about the sport but you would still enjoy it. That is because this is a trip into the heart of a man. One of the greatest sportsmen of all time. Five stars out of five. This is a book with depth. It is a book with heart. It is a creative presentation of a man’s life and soul.