Autographed Edition of "A Father First" By Dwayne Wade

by Dwayne Wade

Dwyane Wade, the eight-time All-Star for the Miami Heat, has miraculously defied the odds throughout his career and his life. In 2006, in just his third season in the NBA, Dwyane was named the Finals' MVP, after leading the Miami Heat to the Championship title, basketball's ultimate prize. Two years later, after possible career-ending injuries, he again rose from the ashes of doubt to help win a gold medal for the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As co-captain, he helped lead the Heat to triumph in the 2012 NBA Championship. Little wonder that legendary coach Pat Riley has called Dwyane "B.I.W."—Best In the World.

As incredible as those achievements have been, it's off the court where Dwyane has sought his most cherished being a good dad to his sons, Zaire and Zion, by playing a meaningful role in their lives. Recounting his fatherhood journey, Dwyane begins his story in March 2011 with the news that after a long, bitter custody battle, he has been awarded sole custody of his sons in a virtually unprecedented court decision. A Father First chronicles the lessons Dwyane has learned as a single dad from the moment of the judge's ruling that instantly changed his life and the lives of his boys, and then back to the events in the past that shaped his dreams, prayers, and promises.

As the son of divorced parents determined to get along so that he and his sister Tragil could have loving relationships with both of them, Dwyane's early years were spent on Chicago's South Side. With poverty, violence, and drugs consuming the streets and their mom descending into addiction, Tragil made the heroic decision to take her younger brother to live with their father. After moving his household to suburban Robbins, Illinois, Dwyane Wade Sr. became Dwyane's first basketball coach. While this period laid the groundwork for Dwyane's later mission for fathers to take greater responsibility for their kids, he was also inspired by his mother's miraculous victory over addiction and her gift for healing others. Both his mother and his father showed him that the unconditional love between parents and children is a powerful guiding force.

In A Father First , we meet the coaches, mentors, and teammates who played pivotal roles in Dwyane's stunning basketball career—from his early days shooting hoops on the neighborhood courts in Chicago, to his rising stardom at Marquette University in Milwaukee, to his emergence as an unheralded draft pick by the Miami Heat. This book is a revealing, personal story of one of America's top athletes, but it is also a call to action—from a man who had to fight to be in his children's lives—that will show mothers and fathers how to step up and be parents themselves.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Basketball, Autobiography, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say that I am a girl from Detroit who is not a fan of Dwyane Wade and/or the Miami Heat, and that is mostly because of my loyalty to the Detroit Pistons. I simply decided to read this book because I am a fan of sports in general and a fan of books that talk about important issues in society and books that tell a story of someone coming from nothing and making their dreams a reality.

I really enjoyed learning about his journey to get to the place he is at currently. He did not have an easy childhood and that is sad because I do not feel like any child deserves to suffer because of stupid choices their parents make, but unfortunately that’s the world we live in today. It was so incredible and inspiring to learn how he went from the bottom to the top and about the values and standards he lives by and to understand what being a father truly means to him.

I am glad I decided to give D. Wade a shot by reading his book!

[Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I try not to critique bios that much because it’s someone story. I found the book to be a little slow and at times it turned into a rinse, wash, and repeat of the same thing over and over again. I think I was expecting more from this book than what was presented. I could not finish this book but maybe at a later date I’ll pick it up again and give it another chance.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really interesting to learn about Dwyane Wade, his growing up story, the struggle for his kids, and the elements of his career. At the time when D.Wade wrote this story the NBA was experiencing a shortened season because of a lockout and he is in the middle of a struggle for custody of his 2 sons. After the story opens with this, it jumps back to his growing up years in a broken home in Chicago being raised by his older sister because his mom was in the middle of a struggle with drug abuse. I never followed D.Wade's career and I heard he was a good guy and wanted to learn about him. I have a lot more respect for him as a person after this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know who Dwyane Wade was before reading this, other than the fact he played b-ball. I used to follow the NBA back in the day (and I've never been a Miami fan) but these days, I like college b-ball better.

I didn't like the way this one started. It sounded like it was going to be superficial, but I ended up liking it. He seemed like he was a good kid and a great father. I also liked some of his wisdom when it came to family relationships and how to avoid contention. But what I absolutely LOVED was his consistent positive outlook in all things. That is a true gift. So 4 stars.

[Deacon Tom F. (Recovering from a big heart attack) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Honest Book

I really enjoyed this book by Dwyane Wade. He is honest about his struggles with the achievements and all the pain in his life.

Additionally, there are terrific pictures about his life.

Although I’m not a heat fan, I have a basketball fan and enjoyed this book

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

[Ryan E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that the book was very exciting. It gives a lot of information about him and his opinions. It talks about his life when he was growing up to winning the NBA title against OKC. (Oklahoma City Thunder) The book talks about who impacted his life and how they did it. Talks about the people who kept him motivated. The problems he had and how he fixed them. I really liked the book. I would read it again and recommend it to anyone who likes sports. The setting takes place in Miami and where he has traveled. He talks about his relationship problems and how he handles these situations. He has two children. He talks about the things he would do differently. He also talks about his religious background and how it helped him get through tuff situations. He went to Marquette University. He was drafted in the first round by the Miami Heat. He gets married to his girlfriend in high school. He talks about life, and how important it is to have a great relationship with God! I really liked the book and would recommend it to anyone that is struggling with life or loves sports.

[LadyS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Wade. He's one of my fav Ball players. however, I will not be bias this book was not all that. I was so excited to read it because i felt so proud that he was taking a stand for something so important: fatherhood. However i must say the book was lacking real depth into the extent of what he will be doing as a father first. sure, there.was the sob stories that really gives the reader a solid context of where Mr Wade is coming from especially the parts about his custody battle. What was failed to be emphasised is how he will be there for his children and what he will actively do-- i expected everything he spoke about...getting his children involved in extra curricular, making sure they know how much their mother loves them but what about the mention of directing them to love the lord and reading the bible?? isn't he a Christian?? how about more info on how hes training them to be men right now? more thoughts on discipline?? respect? the book lacked essential details...i think.

[Jevius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read in a while. It shows the hardships on Southside of Chicago as a young boy. The start from humbled beginnings, gave him the necessary tools to stay grounded when he became a NBA superstar. Then he shows that everything that glitter isn't gold with his marriage. The nasty divorce was blown up in the media, putting his two sons in the middle of it. Being awarded full custody was the best thing that happened him.(Stated Dwayne Wade) All in all just the shear perseverance of an individual is very intriguing.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew his wife was cray-cray but I didnt know she was like that! Excellent story of a man actually stepping up and being the man his children need all the while being a professional.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story of a truly remarkable athlete and father. You will really enjoy this story that happens so close to home.

[Kaci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most well-written book I have ever read, but definitely full of genuine emotion. D-Wade is definitely a stand-up guy and has a view of fatherhood which is to be admired.

[Chad Rexin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting read and gives more insight into Dwayne Wade's life both on and off the court. Told from his perspective it has 3 or 4 main themes. The first sad theme was his growing up years in Chicago and how the gangs and drugs were so much a part of his community and how he had to deal with his Mom's divorce and drug usage. It tells of how he was able with his grandma and sister able to stay with his uncle and where he developed his toughness and skills for basketball. He struggled academically, but had a great coach at Marquette who stood by him and helped him as a person in college. The next phase went into the NBA and it's ups and downs. The theme intertwining was his own marriage and subsequent divorce, but his will to do what was right in being the best father he could for his son's. In spite of all of his celebrity status, money, and ability to mix with the likes of Shaq, LeBron James, and others, it shows he still had struggles like many of us do, including having the struggles of difficult family relationships. He truly has a big heart and worked hard to keep his family together with healthy relationships in spite of the difficult antics of his ex wife. I also found it great that his Mom broke her addiction to drugs and was even preaching. It shows that even though his Mom had big problems with drugs and not being around a lot, but that she was still a big part of Dwayne's life and his development.

[Darius Murretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started out a little slow . I have been so involved in organic farming and the science of God realization that I had never heard of the author or his basket ball team !!!

That understood---- I'd give this a 4.25 star rating -at least .

The bond between parent and child is the strongest and purest on earth however love running to an extreme becomes a negative thing . Love is positive only if kept in certain limits and if allowed to include every one concerned. The authors conviction that teh springs of love and forgiveness must never stop flowing fro all fiends and enemies is the take away lesson for me ---a reminder that we are all one being and that ego is a mere illusion of separateness --and that we can be happy only of we love every one as we love our selves until that illusion is eventually over come by the realization of the reality of our oneness

It also shows that our own mind can be our worst enemy and we should be patient and loving with every one . There si great merit in this . I left feeling happy that love, forgiveness and patience would continuity to be the driving forces in the author's life .

I would want to reread in 5 years . Sorry . No time to write more ...

[Harsh Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dwyane Wade’s “A Fathee First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball” published by Harper Collins offers an intriguing perspective into the life of Dwyane Wade. Unlike many books about basketball icons, this book by Dwyane Wade focuses on the personal life of Dwyane Wade, and how he balanced his role as a father and job as an NBA star. While this book does an excellent job of showing Dwayne Wade as a father and his struggles with getting custody, it can sound artificial at times. Dwayne writes about he his fight for his kids was the greatest accomplishment of his career. After reading this, I really learned a whole new part of Dwyane Wade’s life. Before this I had known him as a basketball star, but now, after learning what he’s been through, it’s really admirable to see where he came from. Wade shows a completely different side of his life, unseen by many. One of the key defining moments occurs near beginning, the moment where Dwyane Wade’s kids arrive to him, after he has just received news that he won custody of his children. Overall this book was very good at showing the personal side of Wade.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mixture of fatherhood and basketball. The main conflict in the book revolves around his custody battle with his ex-Wife. All of the basketball parts of his life do not hold a candle to his children. Wade's actions speak louder than his words. Wade's kids are proof of his commitment to family. Hopefully more aspiring athletes put their Family First and follow the footsteps of Wade.

Here are a few random things I enjoyed about this book


I know more than I wanted to know about his ex-wife Siohvaughn Wade.

Dwyane's Mom Jolinda Wade was a drug addict constantly getting in trouble with the law.

Dwyane Wade sr. (his Dad) introduced him to basketball and helped develop his skills.
College was one of the hardest times for Wade. He missed a full season because of a failed ACT.
He had his first kid with Siohvaughn when he was still in college.

Dwayne has been underrated throughout his basketball career.

[Marcia Huntting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other than the Warriors and LeBron, I have limited knowledge of NBA; so reading Dwyane's book was a way for me to make points with my grandchildren! I enjoyed the book very much. His heart for fatherhood and lifting up others were of course the things that captured me the most. Following that was the writing style: being able to weave the past with the present was very well done. I believe I read that he had help with that, but if he didn't, he's one heck of a writer! I would have liked to read more about how he is raising his boys to be close to Christ, but that might have turned off some readers. I'm guessing he wanted his theme to be "fatherhood" instead of the narrower "Christian fatherhood" so he could reach the largest audience. I'm good with that!

[Angelica LeMinh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh dear. This one took a long time to get through. I've read a lot of basketball books in my day, and this was one the hardest, save Bill Walton's, which I couldn't get through the first chapter because it was strongly scented with cologne. It was a library book, so I have questions.

I think that it was hard to read because of the subject matter-and it's also not that well-written. It's difficult to hear about anyone's divorce, let alone a high-profile celebrity divorces and custody battles.

But good for Dwyane for realizing his goal to write a book-I'm glad that his next autobiography is a film. He really is a hero of a dad, though. He served Popeye's at his wedding, just like Beyonce, and she has done much better with the medium of film as well.

[Steve Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I had no idea Dwayne Wade lived through such a tumultuous childhood and that he overcame so many obstacles (broken family, addict mother, poor neighbourho9od) or that he endured such a horrible divorce / separation. I'm left with admiration and respect. My only wish is that this book wasn't already 11 years old since I'd love to hear more about the last decade of his life (repeat championships, 2nd marriage, retirement, a transgender child). This is a thoughtful and hopeful retrospective that really is an ode to the love he has for his family (particularly is kids and his sister).

[Ethan Cantorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for many reasons. It was a great insight into how Dwyane became the person he is today. Through his rough childhood on the streets of Chicago to being a basketball phenom at Marquette University, it all leads up to how he is today. He also explains very well how his life wasn't just about basketball-it was about being a father before basketball. I didn't like how he wrote the book so early because many significant things happened since the book was published. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book because it taught me many things about him.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wrong about D-Wade.

I knew of him as a basketball player from South Chicago who had a kid at 20, then went through a messy divorce where he was alleged to have given his wife an std from cheating. I relied on some stereotypes to fill in the blanks of the story.

And I was dead wrong. This is a beautiful, moving account that talks about his priority in life (being a good father), his faith, and his incredible story of personal growth and family drama. As a divorced dad myself, I could relate to what he went through and admire his composure. Absolutely worth reading.

[Jonathan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book
Dwayne lays out his childhood in this book and the many blessings that led him from a tough childhood to becoming an nba star
Be careful of the title
This book is not a manual on how to become a better father
Half of the book was a warning on how disastrous going through a divorce can be
It’s crazy how he and his first wife toughed through being broke college parents to everything crashing down within a few years of having it all in the nba
Money does not buy happiness
I recommend this book for kids going through a tough childhood to not feel so alone

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up watching the NBA and the rise of LeBron James. I got to learn and watch more of Dwayne Wade in 2011 when LJ joined the Miami Heat. From the moment I learned about his book I got interested, little I knew about DW life.
This book is a window to the reality of someone who went through life struggles from a young age and managed to a find a way to overcome it.
In terms of the writing, it's a mix of alternating chapters from his childhood/youthhood and parenthood years, which nicely contextualizes his thought process throughout the book.

[Salah Mortaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dwyane is my favorite basketball player.
Reading his story and learning what he has gone through only cements his legacy as one of the finest to ever play in the 4 position.

It was published in 2012. And although I believe it was not meant to narrate his basketball story in details but to provide an overview of his life circumstances and how he managed to get over them, a newer edition that includes the events of the last 6 seasons would be nice!

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dwyane Wade is an all around incredible human being. I thought that his basketball skills and general philanthropy was what was admirable about him, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Hearing his philosophy on life and parenting and how he has used his past to inform his future is inspiring. I'm not a Christian, but I have some things I'd like to try to apply in my own life that Wade shares in this book.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am only a third into this heartwarming yet straight with no chaser account of Dwyane Wades' early childhood and his coming of age experiences. The tone and timeline of events are full of love, consideration and repeatability.

I am literally crying and laughing throughout the story mainly because I can relate and because I am very proud of the way this young man was raised; with love, rules and support.

[Patriciaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly personal and chatty memoir

Enjoyed reading Dwyane Wade's story, as much a tale of how he became the NBA star and man he is today, against seemingly insurmountable odds, as it is an introspective look at what makes for a good father, good parent. Refreshing and enjoyable.

[Diedra Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring & moving read! I started recommending this book halfway through. Now that I’ve finished I’m happy to say my mind hasn’t changed. D-Wade really impressed me with his story-telling ability, but more so in what a great father, son, brother, uncle, & friend he is. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be another autobiography about his life after basketball.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a far stretch from my usual read. However, I am super glad that I checked it out and read it! Having had the opportunity to watch the 2003 season Marquette U Dream Team in action, it was actually pretty cool to hear about his story.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of basketball, I loved the inside look into the NBA. I’m also inspired by the rough life many people grow up in, and the dedication to be better. Power of positive thinking and belief in self is huge!