52 pages 1 hour read

John Grisham

Sooley

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Sooley by John Grisham follows Samuel Sooleymon, a teen basketball prodigy from South Sudan separated from his family by civil war, as he navigates his dreams of NBA stardom amid personal and global turmoil. The narrative juxtaposes Samuel's burgeoning career in America with his family's struggles in a Ugandan refugee camp. The story underscores global inequality, the refugee crisis, and the perils accompanying sudden fame. The text includes depictions of death by overdose, racist stereotypes, and brief moments of war and violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

John Grisham's Sooley offers a compelling tale of determination and resilience through the journey of a young Sudanese basketball prodigy. Positively, readers commend its emotional depth and strong character development. On the downside, some feel the plot can be predictable and a bit stretched. Overall, it's a heartfelt and engaging read despite minor pacing issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sooley?

A reader who enjoys sports dramas, inspirational underdog stories, and emotional journeys will find Sooley by John Grisham compelling. Fans of books like Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger or Hoosiers by Jack and Bobby Knight will appreciate the blend of athletic ambition and personal struggle.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Sports

Poverty

Genre

Historical Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Fame

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Values/Ideas: Equality