By now, you’ve filled out a bracket (it’s as easy as a Simple Bracket). What will you do once it’s busted? Why not catch up on some much-needed reading?
For greater context on some of the key voices involved and the tournament at hand, here’s a list of five noteworthy reads. This literature can read and experienced through Amazon’s Kindle Fire and the Kindle Fire HD as a second-screen tool or as a stand-alone device. This selection should provide in-depth insights and history surrounding this long-awaited and annual American tradition that is March Madness.
1. The Power of Negative Thinking: An Unconventional Approach to Achieving Positive Results by Bob Knight
“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride,” said Coach Knight’s grandmother once upon a time and are words that have helped shape his philosophy on winning. With 902 wins under his watch, there’s a lot left to be learned from a man known for his personality and approach to the game.
2. The Ultimate Book of March Madness: The Players, Games, and Cinderellas that Captivated a Nation by Tom Hager
This book chronicles the entire history of March Madness, starting from its inaugural 1939 campaign to the present. Hager covers the top 100 games of its storied past along with anecdotes one won’t find anywhere else. The title alone connotes the comprehensive storylines surrounding this yearly spectacle.
3. The Big Dance: The Story of the NCAA Basketball Tournament by Barry Wilner
Another read that covers the spectrum of the tournament, from its inception to right now. After reading the aforementioned book listed above, this one will surely provide any missing details one may not know previously.
4. Sum It Up: A Thousand and Ninety-Eight Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective by Pat Summit
An autobiographical tale told by arguably the greatest collegiate basketball coach ever. Pat Summit reveals lessons and experiences that paved the way for her unwavering character and success.
5. Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court by Jay Bilas
Jay Bilas is well-known as an analyst for ESPN’s “College GameDay.” This platform has enabled him to have considerable voice on college basketball, but this book conveys everything he has gone through that has brought him to be such a well-respected figure.