Enjoy these books More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood by Majka Burhardt and Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA by Theresa Runstedtler.

I. In "More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood," Majka Burhardt delves deeply into the complexities and contradictions of balancing her high-octane career as a professional rock and ice climber with the realities of motherhood. When Burhardt discovers she is pregnant with twins, she initially attempts to maintain her adventurous lifestyle, seeing it as a natural continuation of her identity. However, as the pregnancy progresses and motherhood becomes more imminent, she is forced to confront the significant ways her life must change.

This memoir is not just a story about motherhood but an exploration of identity, ambition, and the tension between the person Burhardt was and the person she is becoming. Throughout the book, she reflects on how motherhood challenges her fiercely independent nature, forces her to re-evaluate long-held priorities, and, at times, shakes her to her core. She faces the societal pressures to conform to traditional motherhood ideals while trying to maintain her passion for adventure, leading to a raw and vulnerable narrative.

Burhardt’s journey is an honest account of how motherhood can alter one’s path, but it also celebrates how the experiences of parenthood and adventure can inform each other. Through vivid descriptions of her climbs and her internal struggles, she brings readers into her world of extreme sports while simultaneously highlighting the equally extreme emotional terrain of being a mother. This book offers a fresh perspective on modern motherhood, making it a must-read for those who seek a candid portrayal of life’s unpredictable intersections. Whether you're an adventurer, a parent, or simply someone questioning your life’s direction, Burhardt’s memoir offers insightful reflections on living authentically in the face of life's greatest changes.

It's a bold, reflective, and inspiring read that provides a new look at the dual challenges of adventure and parenting, wrapped in the unique context of Burhardt’s own life journey.

II. "Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA" by Theresa Runstedtler offers a deep dive into the transformative period of the NBA during the 1970s, a time marked by racial tension, changing perceptions of Black athletes, and the rise of basketball as a cultural force. Runstedtler’s book takes a hard look at how this era, often maligned as the "dark ages" of basketball, was actually the foundation upon which the modern NBA was built.

In the early 1970s, the NBA was undergoing a seismic shift. More and more Black players were joining the League, and their dominance on the court was undeniable. However, this influx of Black talent coincided with widespread societal backlash. There was a perception among fans, media, and even some in the League itself that the sport was in decline because of this increasing Black presence. In a country still grappling with the aftermath of civil rights movements and the ongoing struggles against segregation and racial inequality, basketball became a reflection of the nation’s racial tensions.

Runstedtler’s book focuses on key figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood, who not only played critical roles in the sport but also in the fight for racial justice within the NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was known for his activism and his willingness to speak out against racial injustice. Spencer Haywood, on the other hand, was involved in a landmark legal case that allowed underclassmen to enter the NBA Draft, which forever changed the structure of professional basketball.

Through their stories and the stories of other Black players, Runstedtler explores how these athletes were instrumental in changing the way the game was played and perceived. She challenges the narrative that the 1970s were a "low point" for the NBA and argues instead that this was a critical period in which the NBA’s soul was saved. This generation of players paved the way for the high-flying, superstar-driven league we know today, where Black athletes dominate both the court and the cultural conversation surrounding the game.

Runstedtler also delves into the commercialization of basketball during this time and how the NBA began to market its players, particularly Black players, to broader audiences. This shift helped cement basketball as a global phenomenon, but it wasn’t without its struggles. Black players often found themselves at the center of debates about style versus substance, and their individual expression was sometimes seen as a detriment to the purity of the game.

"Black Ball" paints a vivid picture of a pivotal decade in the NBA's history, showing how racial dynamics, legal battles, and cultural shifts came together to create the sport as we know it. It’s not just a sports book, but a historical account of a generation of players who used their platform to challenge societal norms, fight for justice, and ultimately save the soul of the NBA. For basketball fans and those interested in the intersection of sports and social change, this book offers an engaging and eye-opening exploration of the game’s evolution.

Runstedtler’s work shines a light on how the NBA in the 1970s was not just about basketball but about a broader struggle for equality, identity, and respect, making it a must-read for anyone looking to understand the cultural and political legacy of the sport.