Self Publishing Titans
Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm
by DeMar DeRozan, Dave Zarum, Gregg Popovich
Published
September 10, 2024
Pages
240 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Harmony
Available Formats & Prices
View on AmazonKindle
$13.99
Hardcover
$19.60
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
Not found
About This Book
From one of the most outspoken and respected NBA athletes comes a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. “DeMar DeRozan’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and love. The persistent effort on his part to rise above is compelling and important.”—Coach Gregg Popovich, from the foreword “As men, and especially Black men, we don’t talk about our mental health enough.
We struggle to admit when things aren’t okay, even when it’s obvious to everybody around us. I’ve seen how toxic that can become. I’ve experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage.” DeMar DeRozan, six-time NBA All-Star, has been called a “basketball savant” ( ESPN ) and “the best closer in the NBA” ( GQ )—but when he went public with his depression, it sparked a conversation that reached far beyond the court.
By breaking the stigma of speaking out, he added a new, seldom-heard voice to the mental health dialogue: a successful Black male athlete, openly naming his pain and advocating for others to do the same. Now it’s time to tell the full story. Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan was no stranger to hardship—living in poverty, losing friends to gang violence.
In worn-out school gyms and community centers, fueled by hunger and a desire to prove himself, he started to rise, but doubts followed. In Above the Noise, DeRozan opens up about his proudest triumphs and the times he felt so weighed down he couldn't get out of bed. He reflects on what it took to make a name for himself in a new country after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the pressure of playing with veteran athletes as a twenty-year-old rookie, and the pain of losing role models.
From a scared, angry kid to a confident father of five, DeRozan traces his journey to basketball stardom and the forces that honed him into the player—and the slowly healing person—he is today. It will encourage anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles and inspire people to rise above the noise and speak their truth.
Introduction
In a world that often feels overwhelming, discovering the path to tranquility can seem elusive. "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm" is a profoundly personal journey that guides readers through the chaos, offering insights into achieving inner peace. Through deeply reflective narratives, the author invites you to explore the transformative power of mindfulness and intentional living, unraveling the secrets to living more peacefully in a demanding world.
This book is not just a memoir but a heartfelt testament to the resilient spirit's quest for balance.
Key Takeaways
Embrace the power of mindfulness to navigate life’s challenges with grace and clarity for inner peace. Cultivate intentional living to create a balanced and serene life amidst daily chaos. Discover personal stories that inspire resilience courage and the pursuit of tranquility.
Detailed Description
Through candid storytelling filled with moments of vulnerability and triumph Above the Noise" explores the relentless pursuit of calm in a chaotic world. With a blend of personal anecdotes and insightful reflections the author draws readers into a world where mindfulness becomes both a compass and a refuge. Each chapter weaves the complexities of modern life with the timeless practice of inner peace inspiring readers to embark on their journey toward serenity.
This book is a compassionate guide that offers not only solace but actionable steps to redefine how we perceive and interact with the world around us. Above the Noise" encourages readers to transcend the tumult of daily life and find clarity by embracing practices that foster a tranquil and harmonious existence.
Standout Features
The author’s raw honesty and vulnerability create a genuine connection with readers offering an authentic exploration of the struggle for inner peace in everyday life.Real-life experiences intertwined with practical mindfulness techniques provide a uniquely accessible entry point for those new to or familiar with contemplative practices.The narrative richness of personal stories combined with universal themes resonates deeply making this book a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone seeking balance and calm.
Book Details
0593581261
978-0593581261
5.7 x 0.86 x 8.53 inches
12 ounces
Specifications
Rating
Based on 15 ratings
Customer Reviews
An Incredible Exploration of Mental Health
First, DeMar DeRozan is an incredible player, and hearing about his life through his own eyes was inevitably going to be interesting. Second, knowing the focus on mental health, I was very excited. It is not as common of an occurrence for athletes to speak so openly about their mental health, especially when it comes to something like depression. Because of this, I was hoping for a strong book. 'Above the Noise' delivered in every way The book takes the reader through DeRozan's life in a semi-linear fashion, at times flashing back or forward to underscore certain points or provide further context. It generally follows a clear timeline through his life, however. This makes it easy to keep track of how he personally was progressing through the events surrounding him, how his struggles came about, and where they came from. DeRozan provides insight into how growing up in a place like Compton predisposes many people to a variety of issues, all of which are amplified by the chaos of the environment. However, he also provides insight into the importance of protective factors. Understanding where and how he grew up provides a clear context for his struggles with depression and mental health, and can likely help so many others put pieces together like he has. And speaking as myself and as a therapist, one of the most important things about this book is that it can be helpful, especially just to tell people that they're not alone.
An outstanding and inspirational memoir-no basketball experience necessary!
I have a meager understanding of most sports and expected to be lost in what turns out to be a touching memoir about a young boy who grew up amid gang warfare but achieved his dreams despite this. DeMar DeRozan was raised in Compton, one of the most dangerous and notorious communities near LA. It is rife with poverty, substance abuse, gang warfare, and a stream of senseless murders. While this took a mental toll on young DeMar, who spent his nights listening to gunshots, sirens, and helicopter rotors, his family support made all the difference. His parents and grandmother protected him from gang life and ensured the extended family, many of whom were in the Crips gang, did so as well. His parents invested in him and put in the time to help him become the man he is today. DeMar struggled with anger and frustration when younger but learned to channel this into hard work on the courts. He achieved his dream and has excelled in his chosen sport, but that does not undo the pain of being raised among violence and death. He took a step that must have felt as alien as the world he discovered when he left Compton: he went public with his mental health struggles and has been a light to many since that day. In an interview, DeMar says it was important to recognize the impact of holding so much in, to break the stigma of admitting to vulnerability, which everyone feels. This is the most fascinating, captivating, and ultimately heartwarming memoir I have read. I highly recommend this to any reader, even if you know nothing about basketball. Many thanks to Rodale Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
Mind reading
Great book to read .
Must Read
DeRozan’s willingness to share his struggles with depression and anxiety, topics that are often stigmatized, especially among men and in professional sports. His candidness in discussing the pressures of life, both on and off the court, resonates with anyone who has faced similar internal battles. Readers will appreciate how he connects his personal experiences to universal themes of resilience, perseverance, and the search for meaning beyond societal expectations.
Great read if you a Demar Derozan fan
I haven't read a book in ages. But as soon as I found out that Demar Derozan was writing a book, I knew I had to pick one up. If you want to learn more about Demar, his upbringing, his battle with mental health, what his father meant to him, and how he became the man he is today. You need this book! Thank you Demar, you really are the GOAT!
