Book Reflection: Sixty-One

 

My latest read is Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court by Chris Paul. As a fellow Demon Deacon and native of the Piedmont Triad, I had to grab this one off the shelf. I'm glad I did because this turned out to be one of the most compelling books I have come across in a while. Sixty-One provides insight into the life of Paul and his relationship with his grandfather, Nathaniel "Papa" Jones. Papa, a business owner and pillar of his community, was tragically killed the day after Paul committed to play basketball at Wake Forest. Throughout the book, Paul recounts the formative experiences of time spent with Papa and how the lessons he imparted have influenced his journey. From childhood to his current status as an NBA superstar, Paul connects these valuable experiences to each of his endeavors. Sixty-One also develops with brief chapters that detail the game in which Paul scored 61 points in honor of his grandfather shortly after his passing. From reading, it's clear how Paul's legendary basketball career is a credit to the upbringing and community that raised him. Before he was known around the world as CP3, Paul was a kid in Winston-Salem helping out at his grandfather's service station. It was here that he picked up many of the values and work ethic that allowed him to flourish as an NBA player and philanthropist. Paul also provides glimpses into other impactful relationships in his life, such as his bond with Skip Prosser, who coached Paul at Wake Forest. I appreciated how this book was both reflective and forward-looking, as Paul seeks to pass the lessons he learned to his children and upcoming generations. These lessons include hard-work, compassion, and finding joy in service. Paul illustrates how these lessons can also help us overcome the collective battles we face as a society. Sixty-One is a testament to the fact that we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us. I recommend this book to anyone, even if you don't consider yourself a fan of basketball. Paul's story highlights the importance of role models and mentorship among youth. As someone that grew up in the 336, this book was a powerful read and new introduction to a hometown hero.