Shaq Uncut: My Story

As a lifetime fan of Shaq's since his days at LSU... not only for what he accomplished on the court... but also for his childlike enthusiasm... and even though I'm older than "SHAQ"... as a single Father I used his respect and honor for his parents as a teaching tool for my young son. With that being said I still owe a completely unbiased review for all the people out there who are considering whether to buy this book or not. First of all the average person has to wonder if "Shaq"'s second autobiography in ten years logically makes sense to purchase. Obviously the facts of his life up to 2001 haven't changed. In my opinion it would have made more sense to start this book off more as a sequel to his earlier autobiography than another autobiography, because anyone that has followed "SHAQ"'s life knows that there has been more than enough success... intrigue... controversy... and all around entertainment in the last ten years to fill two more books.There are two categories of people who might buy this book... "SHAQ" fans... and non-"SHAQ" fans. The reason I mention that, is if you love and enjoy "SHAQ"-Daddy... you'll read most of his comments knowing and imagining "SHAQ"'s big giant goofy smile is imbedded between every sentence. If you're not an unabashed "SHAQ"-Diesel fan... you'll probably find much of the commentary massively egotistical. (Or as my dear departed Mother used to say to me: "Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back!") "SHAQ" constantly brags about the money he's made... the houses he's bought... the cars he's bought. Oh man! The cars he's bought... and the egomaniacal reasons he bought most of them.FOR EXAMPLE: One day after practice while still sweaty and wearing sweats he stops by a Rolls Royce dealership and is looking at a beautiful Bentley. It so happens Mike Tyson is there and "NEXT THING I KNOW TYSON HAS PICKED OUT TWO. HE'S BUYING TWO OF THESE CARS, SO YOU KNOW WHAT I'VE GOT TO DO. I'VE GOT TO BUY THREE! I GRAB THE SALESMAN AND I SAY, "I WANT THAT SILVER HARDTOP ONE, AND I WANT THE GREEN ONE, AND GIVE ME THAT RED ONE OVER THERE, TOO." I CAN'T REMEMBER EXACTLY HOW MUCH THEY COST, BUT I THINK THEY ALL RAN ME ABOUT $200,000.00 EACH. SO THERE'S $600,000.00 FOR THREE CARS THAT I CAN'T FIT INTO."These types of incidents whether regarding cars or houses are rampant throughout the book. But there are also great behind the scenes stories regarding his famous feuds with Kobe Bryant... including when "SHAQ" had to literally be restrained from "killing" Kobe after Kobe broke a promise made to Lakers management by bashing "SHAQ" in an interview with Jim Gray. "SHAQ" also comes clean about some of his phony feuds that he played up to the media... including his made up story that Bill Russell gave him the sage advice to make up with Kobe. All of this reminds me of a comment "SHAQ" once made during an interview on TV... when he said: "YOU KNOW WHAT "NBA" STANDS FOR? NOTHING BUT ACTORS!"Despite all the almost nauseating amounts of accumulated wealth and spending habits that would embarrass a drunken sailor who won the lottery... the most beautiful and touching "heart" interspersed throughout this gentle giant's life (if you put aside all the people a younger "SHAQ" punched out when he practiced his "hit'em" first mantra) is his unabashed love and respect for his Mother and Father. His real Father, Philip Harrison ("SHAQ" will eloquently explain to readers the difference between "real" and biological) raised him with an iron fist... and "SHAQ" has never forgotten where he comes from. The declarations of love and respect that "SHAQ" etches on these pages... are the same exact feelings I saw him portray courtside before and after games and in countless interviews for the last twenty years. And as I said... that's one of the main reasons I've loved "SHAQ" all these years. And the fact that like "SHAQ"... I'm a kid that never grew up!The average fan will also have their feelings reinforced regarding selfish, spoiled athletes... who when they go on strike lose our sympathy... when you hear $20 Million Dollars a year in salary isn't enough... along with endorsement deals like "SHAQ" had before he played a minute in the NBA. $13 Million with Pepsi... $15 Million with Reebok... and $20-25 Million from Kenner, Spaulding, and Scoreboard training cards.The author definitely tells it like it is (at least from his point of view) regarding the end of his Magic career... Lakers career... Heat career (Look out Pat Riley!)... and so on. I guess that's why an individual writes a book... to get his side out... *UNCUT* ... without interruptions.Though this book won't win any Pulitzer Prize for literature... it is certainly an interesting read.

When I told someone I was reading Shaquille O'Neal's new autobiography they laughed and said: "Why? His life has been an open book." I had to chuckle. While it is true there is nothing particularly new here that hasn't been reported on, maybe numerous times, it's refreshing because it is clearly told in Shaq's voice and on his terms.So what to say about Shaq Uncut? (I have to wonder if this isn't a play on words.)For starters, as a general outline of his life story, he grew up with a stepfather in the Marines and lived a vagabond life, with a good part of his youth spent in Germany. He quickly grew to be oversized and wasn't particularly athletic but picked up basketball and made it his life's passion. Being in Germany wasn't particularly easy for him but he learned the rough and tumble of hardnosed basketball playing with adults. That, and probably from a good dose of tough discipline from his stepfather that can only be described as a little on the violent side.As everyone knows Shaq went to Louisiana State University to play college basketball and found another father figure in coach Dale Brown. Three years later he was the number one pick in the NBA draft. After leading the Orlando Magic to the playoffs but never entering the promised land he eventually was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.Los Angeles and the outsized body and ego of Shaq? What a match. But it took teaming up with the young phenomenon Kobe Bryant to win three NBA championships, and then the feud between the two of course. Fun stuff.Shaq and Kobe couldn't coexist in the end, so Shaq headed to the Miami Heat to play second option to Dwayne Wade to win another NBA Championship.All the while making rap albums, playing in movies, and being a cultural icon.So what did I learn about Shaq in this book?First he has big ego and is very immature. But there is a very endearing aspect to this. Not only does he admit it, he seems to relish in his immaturity. And makes no apologies for it, nor should he. He admits to being somewhat of a bully as a kid. He talks about going into a car dealership to buy a Benz but if another sports star has bought one, he has to buy two just to one up them. The oddest story is where he had $200,000 worth of quarters from a string of car washes he owned mounted on his wall because he "likes to see his money." His lifelong trusted agent/accountant started looking for the missing money and wondered where it went and ultimately found out.And that personality feeds into his feud with Kobe. He describes it as two alpha males who can't coexist. He doesn't trash Kobe at all in this book, but instead seems to admire him. Placing the feud into the context of two big egos, two alpha males on the same team, which just isn't going to work, puts the entire episode in context. And he really lets Kobe off the hook a bit, because Shaq proved he can be a team player in Miami.A second thing I learned is that Shaq is pretty smart. While he spends lavishly, he invested wisely and found a trusted adviser who had his back. There are plenty of examples of stars who made nearly as much as Shaq that went broke by overspending, bad investments, and stupidity. Not Shaq, clearly.Third, despite the ego, Shaq has a big heart. While it is in his own words, he talks about spending money on charity as his way to give back and sometimes his spending is impetuous and not maybe the wisest decision. Most sports fans will recall when Shaq paid for George Mikan's funeral. Who is George Mikan? The first big man in the 1940's and 1950's who helped carry the NBA. Some say the first great big man. Nobody asked him to do it. He just found out that the family was in financial trouble and volunteered to pay for the funeral. There is a brief mention of this in the book, but the episode is well documented.Fourth is Shaq's self-awareness. He did rap and movies because he always dreamed of it. Part of that ego, but really part of his childhood dreams he lived out. He admits he's not the best actor or rapper, but he notes that if you have the money and the celebrity to live out a childhood dream, why wouldn't you do it? He got great pleasure from both endeavors, so why not?And the player he thinks is the greatest besides himself? Tim Duncan. It was refreshing to see Shaq recognize someone else for greatness.There may be nothing new here, but Shaq tells his story, in his own words, and that is what makes it interesting.

I have only followed "Shaq" since he retired from basketball. His story isn't what I expected....but he was truthful about having been aggressive and a bully in his life. Sounds like he's not that way anymore. It was an enjoyable read and I am thrilled he has shared his wealth with so many folks. He is also very funny on TV.

Shaw is funny, incredibly generous and genuine. Really enjoyed learning more about him. He doesn't forget where he came from and gives back to those communities.

Dominant player, interesting character, generous man.If you’ve a fan of the NBA, learn about Shaq from Shaq himself, not just from everyone else.

Cool book. Learned alot about shaq in his own funny way.

I was never really a fan of Shaq when he played but I'm always curious about the life of mega celebrities.I bought this book with minimal expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. Shaq was pretty honest about his mistakes and shortcomings. Even when he signed his first major contract and how he spent millions in the first day. I think anyone who's coming into money can learn from this book and Shaq's experiences. Especially getting the right financial people around you.He touches on how people's perception got to him and what made him go to Los Angeles vs staying in Orlando. I think if it wasn't for Michael Jordan Shaq would have gotten at least 2 more rings.Overall it's a very good book. So good that I bought my Dad a copy. I hope he read it.

I love this book I laughed I cried it became a part of me. I read the full book once per week just for motivation. If you get this book and the banana cutter on Amazon your whole life will be so much better!

It's just a brilliant look at someone's life...and what a life he's had! Respect the man even more now and was gripped to hear how he grew into the star he is.

Really a great read not only for basketball fans, but for sports fans in general. The book contains an in depth insight into the development of Shaq and the trials and tribulations he and his teams faced. Some great stories and humour throughout, whilst there's some hardship and pain. Highly recommended for a greater explanation of the things contributing to the most dominant force in the NBA!

great price great book loved this one . a great service and product .i would recommend to friends and family.

For anybody who is hesitant on buying this book. Dont be! it isnt just another moronic rant by a self obsessed sob story sportsman. its a detailed hilarious and enthralling book. highly recommend for those who love basketball or those who dont. First book i have read where i have laughed out loud physically.Buy this book, you will not be let down.

Great book and a must read for any Shaq fan!