Dream

The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon

De: Mirin Fader

Narrado por: Mirin Fader, Gogo Lomo-David

The life and legacy of pioneering international basketball superstar Hakeem Olajuwon, a two‑time NBA champion whose Hall of Fame career forever changed the game, both in the United States and around the globe—from the New York Times bestselling author of Giannis, Mirin Fader.

It’s now the norm for NBA and collegiate teams to have international players dotting their rosters. The Olympics are no longer a gimme for Team USA. Both via fans streaming from all over the globe and leagues starting in countries throughout the world, the international presence of the game of basketball is a force to be reckoned with.

That all started with Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon. “Dream,” for short. He was the first international player to win the MVP, which is hard to believe now considering the last time an American‑born player won it was in 2018. Award-winning hoops journalist Mirin Fader explores this phenomenal shift through the lens of what Olajuwon accomplished throughout the 1980s and '90s. Dream ignites nostalgia for Phi Slama Jama and “the Dream Shake,” while also exploring the profound influence of Olajuwon’s commitment to Islam on his approach to life and basketball, and how his devotion to his faith inspired generations of Muslim people around the world.

Olajuwon’s ongoing work with NBA Africa, his status as an international ambassador for the game, and his consultations with today’s brightest stars, from LeBron James to Giannis Antetokounmpo, brings the story right up to the present moment, and beyond. Synthesizing hundreds of interviews and in-depth research, Fader provides the definitive biography of Olajuwon as well as a crucial understanding of his pivotal impact on the ever-shifting game.

©2024 Mirin Fader (P)2024 Hachette Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

"With storytelling and writing as dexterous and thrilling as the player himself, Mirin Fader achieves something special with Dream. A massively generous portrait of a life, which feels not only informative, but also transportative."—Hanif Abdurraqib, author of There’s Always This Year and A Little Devil in America

"Fader's nuanced portrayal offers a fresh perspective on one of basketball's greatest centers, showing how Olajuwon's unwavering devotion to Islam shaped his character and inspired a generation. As the NBA's first superstar to openly practice Islam, Olajuwon didn't just break records—he broke barriers, paving the way for future Muslim athletes like me and showcasing the beautiful harmony between faith and sport."—Ibtihaj Muhammad, author of Proud

“Dream is a dream book about a dream topic by one of the best basketball writers on the planet. Hakeem Olajuwon’s journey from Nigeria to NBA superstardom, is one for the ages, and Mirin Fader weaves it with reverential beauty.”—Jeff Pearlman, author of Showtime and The Last Folk Hero

A transcendent story befitting a transcendent man

As someone who followed Hakeem from his college days, I loved the scope of this book and the honor it gave to so many people that were involved in his story, many of whom I had not heard of before. The book didn't shy away from controversies or complexities in Hakeem's life, but painted a full picture of his transformation and the impact that Olajuwon has had on so many others. Anyone who knows me knows that I can never say enough about Hakeem, but my old tapes and DVDs don't do him justice. Now, I'm glad I can just recommend this book!

excellent research and detail about Hakeem

it is obvious the author put in a ton of research and effort to put forth this excellent biography. the story of Olajuwon is more than just basketball and this book does a great job at adding context to one of the greatest basketball players to ever live

Great book on one of the best players in NBA history

Hakeem rarely gets the credit he deserves and this book helps uncover why - he doesn't self promote his greatness like others do. As a fan, I enjoyed learning more about Olajuwon and gained a deeper appreciation for him and what all he has accomplished.

Great Book, Great Narration

Mirin is incredible at taking already fascinating stories and adding even more depth to the people we think we know. She does exactly that again with Hakeem, and the narrator chosen for this project couldn’t have been more perfect.

Hakeem’s Story is Extraordinary

I really enjoyed listening to the story about Hakeem and learning more about how he became the great player and person he did.

The author did a great job covering and researching his history. Overall, it brought back some great memories watching him as a player and I would highly recommend.