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Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court
Instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller! A powerful and unexpected memoir of family, faith, tragedy, and life's most important lessons.
The day after future NBA superstar Chris Paul signed his letter of intent to play college basketball for Wake Forest, he received a world-shattering phone call. His grandfather, Nathaniel "Papa" Jones, a pillar of the Winston-Salem community where he owned and operated the first Black-owned service station in North Carolina, was mugged and ultimately died from a heart attack resulting from the assault. His funeral filled the largest church in the county, which held over one thousand people. He was sixty-one years old.
The day after burying his grandfather, Chris was coping the best way he knew how: by playing basketball for his high school team. After pouring in shot after shot, his last attempt was an airball purposely flung out of bounds from the foul line before Chris exited the game. The next day, local news headlines declared that he fell six points shy of the statewide single game high school scoring record. But he accomplished exactly what he set out to do: scoring sixty-one points, one for each year of life lived by his grandfather.
In Sixty-One, Chris opens up about life beyond basketball and the role his grandfather played in molding him into the man and father he is today. He’ll speak about the foundation of faith and family he built his life upon, what it means to be a positive light within your community and beyond, and the importance of setting the proper example for future generations. Most importantly, Chris will talk about his home, Winston-Salem, and the close-knit family and village that raised him to become one of the most respected leaders in all of sports.
The day after future NBA superstar Chris Paul signed his letter of intent to play college basketball for Wake Forest, he received a world-shattering phone call. His grandfather, Nathaniel "Papa" Jones, a pillar of the Winston-Salem community where he owned and operated the first Black-owned service station in North Carolina, was mugged and ultimately died from a heart attack resulting from the assault. His funeral filled the largest church in the county, which held over one thousand people. He was sixty-one years old.
The day after burying his grandfather, Chris was coping the best way he knew how: by playing basketball for his high school team. After pouring in shot after shot, his last attempt was an airball purposely flung out of bounds from the foul line before Chris exited the game. The next day, local news headlines declared that he fell six points shy of the statewide single game high school scoring record. But he accomplished exactly what he set out to do: scoring sixty-one points, one for each year of life lived by his grandfather.
In Sixty-One, Chris opens up about life beyond basketball and the role his grandfather played in molding him into the man and father he is today. He’ll speak about the foundation of faith and family he built his life upon, what it means to be a positive light within your community and beyond, and the importance of setting the proper example for future generations. Most importantly, Chris will talk about his home, Winston-Salem, and the close-knit family and village that raised him to become one of the most respected leaders in all of sports.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published June 20, 2023
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June 22, 2023
Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court is a memoir by NBA star, Chris Paul, in which he shares the influence and impact his grandfather, Papa Chilly, had on his life.
Papa owned the first Black-owned gas and service station in Winston-Salem, NC, where Chris grew up. He taught Chris and his brother CJ the value of hard work, the importance of community, and was consistently a supportive figure in Chris’s life and for his whole family.
The lessons Chris shares in Sixty-One are good reminders for everyone — You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from these. As a basketball fan though, I enjoyed those aspects included in this story too.
Sixty-One is a heartfelt tribute to an impactful role model, gone too soon, and I appreciate Chris’s honesty and relatable tone in this book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Papa owned the first Black-owned gas and service station in Winston-Salem, NC, where Chris grew up. He taught Chris and his brother CJ the value of hard work, the importance of community, and was consistently a supportive figure in Chris’s life and for his whole family.
The lessons Chris shares in Sixty-One are good reminders for everyone — You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from these. As a basketball fan though, I enjoyed those aspects included in this story too.
Sixty-One is a heartfelt tribute to an impactful role model, gone too soon, and I appreciate Chris’s honesty and relatable tone in this book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2023
Chaotic week in my house. I did start back to work one half day to get my feet wet. For six days I have all four teens at home and it means I’m spending even more time in the kitchen on top of my usual routine. Once they go back to school it means institutional style meals so I’m happy to serve them home cooking. Celebrity memoirs are almost a necessity if I want to get any reading done during these hectic times. I know the writing will be iffy at best but I don’t read memoirs, celebrities or anyone else, for the writing. If I pick up a memoir it’s because I want to learn about the whole person away from his/her selected profession. When piecing together all of the memoirs that I read, I get a feel for the patchwork quilt that makes up Americana, which is probably why I enjoy reading memoirs in the first place. I had known about Chris Paul’s book that is an ode to his grandfather for a while now and had to wait until my library had it in; the timing for this was perfect for me. Ensuing was a guidebook to life that Paul learned from his grandfather.
Chris Paul has been an elite point guard in the NBA for eighteen seasons. I’m actually excited for his upcoming season as he joins the Golden State Warriors because maybe he will finally win that elusive ring. I must admit that I have always liked the Warriors because I have a thing for sports dynasties, but this is not a basketball discussion, nor is Paul’s memoir entirely a basketball book, although the game comprises a huge portion of his life. Paul hails from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and later starred at his hometown university Wake Forest. Both his parents worked at blue or white collar 9 to 5 jobs to provide for the family, with Chris and his older brother CJ working at their grandfather’s service station from the time they were old enough to contribute to the family budget. Nathaniel Paul served as a patriarch to a giant extended family and was also Chris’ best friend for his entire childhood. Chris and CJ were built in best friends and competitors so they had little need for friends outside of their network of cousins. With so much time spent at Jones Chevron, Chris spent almost as much time growing up servicing cars as he did on the basketball court. It was there that he learned under his grandfather’s watchful eye and molded himself into a wonderful human being.
Not many NBA starting point guards can say that they can change oil and break pads and enjoy doing so. Chris and CJ knew how to from the time they were in upper elementary school. Papa Chilly owned his service station, the first African American owned service station in North Carolina. The boys would spend many a summer day and weekend there learning the ropes just in case one of them one day would inherit the family business. All the tips meant earning an honest living as the boys had to save up to buy their own video games and Jordan shoes. Chris, known as CP3 to his myriads of fans, has been part of Jordan Brand for so long that his two children have free sneakers for life. To them having to save up to buy shoes is unfathomable. Yet, to Chris and CJ, working and earning a paycheck was as much a part of growing up in Winston Salem as church and playing basketball at the YMCA. This work ethic kept them off of the streets and also taught them to finish a job started and to develop a strong work ethic. To this day, Chris prides himself on being the first one in the gym and the last to leave. If the starting point guard is going to spend that much time on his craft, that positively effects the rest of his team to do the same. Likewise, his children might not have to work for their shoes, but they must finish all their chores before being allowed to play sports or video games. They can trace this work ethic to their great grandfather.
Chris notes that his grandfather gave back to his community with open arms. On Sundays the entire extended family received free gas. He would also give menial jobs to members of the community who might have been between jobs or have no where to go. Chris has done that by mentoring younger players in the NBA, serving as the head of the players association for over five years. He and his family started the CP3 AAU team to assist underserved youth of North Carolina in having a chance to compete at higher levels. Not every kid is going to make it to the NBA or WNBA but with mentorship and good coaching, kids who might not have had an opportunity now have a fighting chance. Chris hopes to continue to build on this network and organization long after his playing days are over, continuing to give back to the kids in his community.
This memoir is not for the faint of heart as Chris details how his grandfather was taken from him far too young. He never got to see him play in college or in the NBA, as his entire career has been dedicated to his grandfather. Chris has only been to the finals once in his long career and perhaps this coming year might be the year that he finally wins a championship, which would cap an elite career. With school starting up, I know that I will be reading a lot more memoirs in the coming months as they are easy reading while also teaching me about life. Sixty One Lessons has been a reminder of how much I enjoy reading these as I always find I learn about life by reading about the legacy of others.
4 stars
Chris Paul has been an elite point guard in the NBA for eighteen seasons. I’m actually excited for his upcoming season as he joins the Golden State Warriors because maybe he will finally win that elusive ring. I must admit that I have always liked the Warriors because I have a thing for sports dynasties, but this is not a basketball discussion, nor is Paul’s memoir entirely a basketball book, although the game comprises a huge portion of his life. Paul hails from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and later starred at his hometown university Wake Forest. Both his parents worked at blue or white collar 9 to 5 jobs to provide for the family, with Chris and his older brother CJ working at their grandfather’s service station from the time they were old enough to contribute to the family budget. Nathaniel Paul served as a patriarch to a giant extended family and was also Chris’ best friend for his entire childhood. Chris and CJ were built in best friends and competitors so they had little need for friends outside of their network of cousins. With so much time spent at Jones Chevron, Chris spent almost as much time growing up servicing cars as he did on the basketball court. It was there that he learned under his grandfather’s watchful eye and molded himself into a wonderful human being.
Not many NBA starting point guards can say that they can change oil and break pads and enjoy doing so. Chris and CJ knew how to from the time they were in upper elementary school. Papa Chilly owned his service station, the first African American owned service station in North Carolina. The boys would spend many a summer day and weekend there learning the ropes just in case one of them one day would inherit the family business. All the tips meant earning an honest living as the boys had to save up to buy their own video games and Jordan shoes. Chris, known as CP3 to his myriads of fans, has been part of Jordan Brand for so long that his two children have free sneakers for life. To them having to save up to buy shoes is unfathomable. Yet, to Chris and CJ, working and earning a paycheck was as much a part of growing up in Winston Salem as church and playing basketball at the YMCA. This work ethic kept them off of the streets and also taught them to finish a job started and to develop a strong work ethic. To this day, Chris prides himself on being the first one in the gym and the last to leave. If the starting point guard is going to spend that much time on his craft, that positively effects the rest of his team to do the same. Likewise, his children might not have to work for their shoes, but they must finish all their chores before being allowed to play sports or video games. They can trace this work ethic to their great grandfather.
Chris notes that his grandfather gave back to his community with open arms. On Sundays the entire extended family received free gas. He would also give menial jobs to members of the community who might have been between jobs or have no where to go. Chris has done that by mentoring younger players in the NBA, serving as the head of the players association for over five years. He and his family started the CP3 AAU team to assist underserved youth of North Carolina in having a chance to compete at higher levels. Not every kid is going to make it to the NBA or WNBA but with mentorship and good coaching, kids who might not have had an opportunity now have a fighting chance. Chris hopes to continue to build on this network and organization long after his playing days are over, continuing to give back to the kids in his community.
This memoir is not for the faint of heart as Chris details how his grandfather was taken from him far too young. He never got to see him play in college or in the NBA, as his entire career has been dedicated to his grandfather. Chris has only been to the finals once in his long career and perhaps this coming year might be the year that he finally wins a championship, which would cap an elite career. With school starting up, I know that I will be reading a lot more memoirs in the coming months as they are easy reading while also teaching me about life. Sixty One Lessons has been a reminder of how much I enjoy reading these as I always find I learn about life by reading about the legacy of others.
4 stars
August 22, 2023
I’ve been a fan of Chris Paul since his Lob City days so I was so grateful to be able to read his memoir ‘Sixty-One’. If you are familiar with the NBA, you know who Chris Paul is. NBA Rookie of the Year, 12x NBA All-Star, and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist — just to name a few of his accolades.
He has cemented himself as one of the greatest point guards to play the game and had distinguished himself for his leadership skills and relentless motivation and disciple in the game of basketball. I always had the belief that it takes a village and it was great to learn who makes up Chris’s village, one of the most important ones being his late grandfather.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I honestly teared up hearing Chris recount his grandfather’s tragic murder. This book is a love letter of sorts to his grandfather and all the lessons he’s learned from him through their 17 years together. The day after burying his grandfather, Chris scored sixty-one points, one for each year of life lived by his grandfather — are you crying because I was!!
We learn the reason behind his philanthropic ventures and a glimpse into some of the most defining decisions in his life on and off the court — from his decision to leave the LA Clippers and the behind-the-scenes to the NBA’s decision to be vocal during the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020.
His love for his family, community, and hometown, Winston-Salem, shines through and kept him grounded throughout his life. All the lessons he’s learned from his grandfather can be appreciated by everyone and it was great to learn more about the man who is shaping the next generation.
Thank you St Martins Press for the copy! Great for sports fans and those who enjoy memoirs!
He has cemented himself as one of the greatest point guards to play the game and had distinguished himself for his leadership skills and relentless motivation and disciple in the game of basketball. I always had the belief that it takes a village and it was great to learn who makes up Chris’s village, one of the most important ones being his late grandfather.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I honestly teared up hearing Chris recount his grandfather’s tragic murder. This book is a love letter of sorts to his grandfather and all the lessons he’s learned from him through their 17 years together. The day after burying his grandfather, Chris scored sixty-one points, one for each year of life lived by his grandfather — are you crying because I was!!
We learn the reason behind his philanthropic ventures and a glimpse into some of the most defining decisions in his life on and off the court — from his decision to leave the LA Clippers and the behind-the-scenes to the NBA’s decision to be vocal during the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020.
His love for his family, community, and hometown, Winston-Salem, shines through and kept him grounded throughout his life. All the lessons he’s learned from his grandfather can be appreciated by everyone and it was great to learn more about the man who is shaping the next generation.
Thank you St Martins Press for the copy! Great for sports fans and those who enjoy memoirs!
June 19, 2023
A book about basketball that is so much more!
I don't watch basketball these days, but I've heard of Chris Paul and besides being incredibly talented, he has a work ethic that more than matches it. He is one of the oldest active players and is a leader in everything he does. But I didn't know any specifics or anything about his personal life.
Chris writes with great heart about all the lessons he learned from his Papa "Chilly" and in many ways, this book is a tribute to him. But he includes many others who have been part of his village, including the rest of his family, his church community, many in the NBA community, this coach Prosser in Wake Forest, and so many others. It's clear from this book that while he emphasizes the importance of hard work and never giving up, he credits his Papa for drilling this lesson into him and for others for reinforcing this. Over and over he stresses the importance of mentors and a strong community, and while he does mention specific accomplishments in the latter part of the book, he writes with humility and with great love of his Papa, God, and his family, neighbors, and friends.
I loved getting to know Papa "Chilly" through his eyes and am so sad the community lost such an important member too soon. Chris also talks about his foundation and its many goals to ultimately build a strong community, much like what he grew up with in Winston-Salem. I love the way he and his wife are raising their kids to have the same work ethic and learn about their roots.
This is a movingly and well-written memoir that I can easily recommend to anyone, even those who may not have an interest in sports. The lessons shared in this book are universal and can be learned by anyone. This has been one of my favorite sports memoirs.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't watch basketball these days, but I've heard of Chris Paul and besides being incredibly talented, he has a work ethic that more than matches it. He is one of the oldest active players and is a leader in everything he does. But I didn't know any specifics or anything about his personal life.
Chris writes with great heart about all the lessons he learned from his Papa "Chilly" and in many ways, this book is a tribute to him. But he includes many others who have been part of his village, including the rest of his family, his church community, many in the NBA community, this coach Prosser in Wake Forest, and so many others. It's clear from this book that while he emphasizes the importance of hard work and never giving up, he credits his Papa for drilling this lesson into him and for others for reinforcing this. Over and over he stresses the importance of mentors and a strong community, and while he does mention specific accomplishments in the latter part of the book, he writes with humility and with great love of his Papa, God, and his family, neighbors, and friends.
I loved getting to know Papa "Chilly" through his eyes and am so sad the community lost such an important member too soon. Chris also talks about his foundation and its many goals to ultimately build a strong community, much like what he grew up with in Winston-Salem. I love the way he and his wife are raising their kids to have the same work ethic and learn about their roots.
This is a movingly and well-written memoir that I can easily recommend to anyone, even those who may not have an interest in sports. The lessons shared in this book are universal and can be learned by anyone. This has been one of my favorite sports memoirs.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2023
Published: 06/20/23
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for accepting my request to read and review Sixty-One.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 80% of this book. Paul, an NBA player, whom I had never heard of, writes about his relationship with his family while growing up. He attributes his successes and strong work ethic to the lessons handed down from his grandfather. This is written lovingly, and the love is for all his family. He does minimally discuss that as a black man his upbringing was not stereotypical; however, outside of his family as well as out of uniform, he has the same fears as other black men. I found this part of the book so endearing. As I read I imagined being at a venue and NBA superstar Chris Paul sat down and chatted on real life.
If you are looking for NBA stuff, I'm guessing you'll be disappointed. He talks about player relationships, team work and the effects of trading on his family, quite briefly.
The last 20% came out of nowhere. I was disappointed. Paul opted to go political with his opinions on George Floyd as well as professional athletes using game time to let their political thoughts be known. His memory on Floyd was vastly different than mine and we disagree on cramming politics into gaming. He sees a platform and I see athletes employed to perform while handling their personal business at home.
Sadly, the last part confused me. He went from smart and loving to swearing and platforming. This took the book from five stars to four, the foul language to three, and the clear cut memory that was foggy to two.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for accepting my request to read and review Sixty-One.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 80% of this book. Paul, an NBA player, whom I had never heard of, writes about his relationship with his family while growing up. He attributes his successes and strong work ethic to the lessons handed down from his grandfather. This is written lovingly, and the love is for all his family. He does minimally discuss that as a black man his upbringing was not stereotypical; however, outside of his family as well as out of uniform, he has the same fears as other black men. I found this part of the book so endearing. As I read I imagined being at a venue and NBA superstar Chris Paul sat down and chatted on real life.
If you are looking for NBA stuff, I'm guessing you'll be disappointed. He talks about player relationships, team work and the effects of trading on his family, quite briefly.
The last 20% came out of nowhere. I was disappointed. Paul opted to go political with his opinions on George Floyd as well as professional athletes using game time to let their political thoughts be known. His memory on Floyd was vastly different than mine and we disagree on cramming politics into gaming. He sees a platform and I see athletes employed to perform while handling their personal business at home.
Sadly, the last part confused me. He went from smart and loving to swearing and platforming. This took the book from five stars to four, the foul language to three, and the clear cut memory that was foggy to two.
July 13, 2023
basketball ☺️
September 16, 2022
This is Chris Paul's journey and the man he became because of the love and all that his Papa passed on to him. He carried it with him, and he made the choice to be like his Papa, and did for others what his Papa did for him.
Reading his story, we realize why the title Sixty-One, and he made another choice.
The book is inspiring, and he carried on his Papa's legacy by living his life the way his Papa did. He wanted to live his best of himself, and share that with others. Through him, others chose to become the best version of themselves.
I enjoyed meeting his Papa and all that his Papa was, and did, because he was blessed. There were hard times, but he remained believing and knowing he was blessed. I am taking away a lot of things from this story, and being blessed is one of them.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. I hope this book finds its way to you, and you choose to read it. There is a lot of negativity out there, and this is a story that will show you the difference one person can make. People are choosing to see the way Chris is, what he learned from his Papa, and choosing to pass down to the next generation, not words, but the way of life he lives.
Reading his story, we realize why the title Sixty-One, and he made another choice.
The book is inspiring, and he carried on his Papa's legacy by living his life the way his Papa did. He wanted to live his best of himself, and share that with others. Through him, others chose to become the best version of themselves.
I enjoyed meeting his Papa and all that his Papa was, and did, because he was blessed. There were hard times, but he remained believing and knowing he was blessed. I am taking away a lot of things from this story, and being blessed is one of them.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. I hope this book finds its way to you, and you choose to read it. There is a lot of negativity out there, and this is a story that will show you the difference one person can make. People are choosing to see the way Chris is, what he learned from his Papa, and choosing to pass down to the next generation, not words, but the way of life he lives.
August 3, 2023
I have always been a fan of Chris Paul so when I saw he had released a book I decided to check it out. The book is a very sweet tribute to his late grandpa who had a huge impact on Chris’s and the Winton Salem community’s lives and was tragically murdered.
However, while the book was definitely heartwarming at times, my issue with the book really comes down to that it feels more like a kids book than I had expected? The font is very big and the way things are described feels like it was written for grade school/middle school kids. I think 10 year old me would have eaten this book up but 26 year old me found it too simple and lacking in depth.
10 year old me would have likely given this 4 star and 26 year old me is thinking two star so I’ll split the difference.
However, while the book was definitely heartwarming at times, my issue with the book really comes down to that it feels more like a kids book than I had expected? The font is very big and the way things are described feels like it was written for grade school/middle school kids. I think 10 year old me would have eaten this book up but 26 year old me found it too simple and lacking in depth.
10 year old me would have likely given this 4 star and 26 year old me is thinking two star so I’ll split the difference.
June 26, 2023
As much as I like to read memoirs from sports figures, the best aspect of this book by NBA star guard Chris Paul is that it DOESN’T read like a typical sports memoir or even a biography. From the first pages, it is easy to tell that this is not only a book written from the heart, but it is a very moving tribute to a figure who was very important in Paul’s life.
His grandfather Nathaniel “Papa” Jones was a hard-working entrepreneur who overcame racial discrimination, naysayers and other obstacles to open his own service station in the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. This made a very huge impression on Paul and his brother and they both took away many valuable life lessons. Paul talks not only about items taught to him such as the value of hard work and to always follow your dreams but even tasks taught at the shop. I loved when showed off his pride in being able to quickly rotate tires and change a car’s motor oil. If nothing else, that shows that his success in basketball hasn’t changed his view of more menial tasks that some undertake to make a living.
The moments with “Papa” that Paul shares range from unbelievably joyous (when he announced he was going to go to Wake Forest and Papa gives him a Wake Forest cap) to immeasurable sadness (when Papa was beaten and murdered). Through them all, this is a loving tribute to a person that molded a future basketball all-star into the person that he has become today. Don’t expect a lot about Paul’s basketball career or a lot about his view on the social issues of today. There are significant passages on each of these, but the bulk of the book is a loving tribute to “Papa.”
I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
His grandfather Nathaniel “Papa” Jones was a hard-working entrepreneur who overcame racial discrimination, naysayers and other obstacles to open his own service station in the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. This made a very huge impression on Paul and his brother and they both took away many valuable life lessons. Paul talks not only about items taught to him such as the value of hard work and to always follow your dreams but even tasks taught at the shop. I loved when showed off his pride in being able to quickly rotate tires and change a car’s motor oil. If nothing else, that shows that his success in basketball hasn’t changed his view of more menial tasks that some undertake to make a living.
The moments with “Papa” that Paul shares range from unbelievably joyous (when he announced he was going to go to Wake Forest and Papa gives him a Wake Forest cap) to immeasurable sadness (when Papa was beaten and murdered). Through them all, this is a loving tribute to a person that molded a future basketball all-star into the person that he has become today. Don’t expect a lot about Paul’s basketball career or a lot about his view on the social issues of today. There are significant passages on each of these, but the bulk of the book is a loving tribute to “Papa.”
I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
July 6, 2023
I’m not sure whether this classifies as a memoir due to CP3 showing how his grandfather influenced him through the seventeen years that they were both alive before his grandfather died. Either way, it’s a good read and sportsball people will get enjoyment out of this. Selfishly, I would like even more stories about CP3 but maybe those will come in a book down the line? Even though this is billed as his “papa” being the star of this book, you’ll read about others in his life who have left an impact on CP3 and you’ll understand why he plays the way that he plays on the basketball court. Great shoutout by CP3 reminding me of Lil Chris and the “Blake face” that he made around a decade or so ago. It’s a great clip on YouTube...watch it! I also feel bad for laughing at CP3 to 6 week jokes now because he’s usually hurt nowadays. Gonna be weird seeing him as a Warrior playing as the backup to the dude that’s been better than him for the past decade...
December 15, 2023
So interesting to learn about Chris Paul’s life. And more importantly a fantastic tribute to his grandfather who has shaped every aspect of who CP3 is. The story telling in this book is so enthralling and listening to it read by Chris himself made it feel even more intimate. A real character of a guy. A must read for inspiration!
January 15, 2025
3.5 stars. It was great learning more about Chris Paul and his journey to the NBA. I really enjoyed hearing the impact his late grandfather had and continues to have on his life. Such a special bond.
January 13, 2024
The quotes before each chapter were great. His papa sounded like a great man. You can tell how having strong role models around shaped and influenced Chris Paul's life.
May 31, 2025
3.5⭐️
May 1, 2023
This book is an emotional tribute to Chris Paul's maternal grandfather as well a memoir of Chris’ upbringing. Paul credits his Papa “Chilly” with his strong work ethic & his character. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was completely intrigued with it & read it in almost one setting. Not to give away any spoilers, I highly recommend this one!!!
Thanks, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2023
I enjoyed learning more about Chris Paul and where he came from! So many important lessons he learned from his papa that made him into who he is today! I have always loved Chris Paul on and off the basketball court so I was thrilled to get an ARC of his new book! This is a must for anyone who loves a good memoir & sports!
April 3, 2023
Chris Paul is one of basketballs most talented and loved man. His knowledge of basketball and teaching others about the game and about life is very important to not just the players but in many other areas. He has been one of my favorites for many years. In this book you will see many of these lessons.
October 10, 2022
CP3 as he is fondly called around the league crafted a beautiful tribute to his grandfather in “Sixty-One, Life Lessons from Papa On and Off the Court.”
Chris Paul, a 17-year NBA veteran and the starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns grew up in North Carolina with his brother, their parents and grandparents, a very tight knit group. If they weren’t at school, or on the basketball courts CP3 and his brother, CJ, were often helping out at their Papa Chilly’s gas station. A hustler from a young age, CP3 was eager to earn money to add pairs to his Jordan sneaker collection. At the gas station they watched their Papa get his hands dirty every day and never shy away from hard work. As CP3 got older his Papa instilled in him a relentless work ethic that got him where he is today and keeps him in the starting lineup.
Chris Paul, a 17-year NBA veteran and the starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns grew up in North Carolina with his brother, their parents and grandparents, a very tight knit group. If they weren’t at school, or on the basketball courts CP3 and his brother, CJ, were often helping out at their Papa Chilly’s gas station. A hustler from a young age, CP3 was eager to earn money to add pairs to his Jordan sneaker collection. At the gas station they watched their Papa get his hands dirty every day and never shy away from hard work. As CP3 got older his Papa instilled in him a relentless work ethic that got him where he is today and keeps him in the starting lineup.
March 10, 2023
Sixty-One by Chris Paul isn't just a memoir or a coming of age celebrity story. Sixty-One is a community story and at the heart of this book is one central character and it's not Chris Paul- it's his grandfather, Papa Chilly. By centering the story and legacy of Papa Chilly, Chris Paul shows his readers the power of the community he grew up in. Papa Chilly was born in 1941 and owned his own gas station which was rare back in a time where Black business owners were few and far between.
Chris Paul shares highlights from his childhood and lessons he learned from his grandfather's example of community care. His grandfather looked out for everyone and if there was a need that someone had they knew they could turn to Papa Chilly for support. Chris also amplifies the stories of both of his parents, his brother, Coach Prosser, and his church, Dreamland Park Baptist Church, as a way to show readers the main influences on his upbringing and the values he brings to his career as a basketball player, a husband, a father, and community leader.
I enjoyed reading about his motivation for starting The Chris Paul Family Foundation and his reflections on fatherhood overall. Paul is definitely a man who is driven by family and community and it shows in his writing and the chapters of his life he chose to share with his fans. It was heartbreaking to read about the violent attack that led to Papa Chilly's death. Paul is vulnerable and honest about his grief and rage while also holding nuance for the importance of redemption.
When I requested an arc I was expecting to read about Paul's journey to the NBA and was delighted to find that Sixty-One is that and so much more. This book is truly a testimony about the power of community to raise up strong boys turned to men and the impact that community care and collective care has on the development of children and families at large. I know that Papa Chilly is somewhere smiling knowing that his legacy is being honored in such a way.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
Chris Paul shares highlights from his childhood and lessons he learned from his grandfather's example of community care. His grandfather looked out for everyone and if there was a need that someone had they knew they could turn to Papa Chilly for support. Chris also amplifies the stories of both of his parents, his brother, Coach Prosser, and his church, Dreamland Park Baptist Church, as a way to show readers the main influences on his upbringing and the values he brings to his career as a basketball player, a husband, a father, and community leader.
I enjoyed reading about his motivation for starting The Chris Paul Family Foundation and his reflections on fatherhood overall. Paul is definitely a man who is driven by family and community and it shows in his writing and the chapters of his life he chose to share with his fans. It was heartbreaking to read about the violent attack that led to Papa Chilly's death. Paul is vulnerable and honest about his grief and rage while also holding nuance for the importance of redemption.
When I requested an arc I was expecting to read about Paul's journey to the NBA and was delighted to find that Sixty-One is that and so much more. This book is truly a testimony about the power of community to raise up strong boys turned to men and the impact that community care and collective care has on the development of children and families at large. I know that Papa Chilly is somewhere smiling knowing that his legacy is being honored in such a way.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
March 22, 2023
This book is definitely not in my usual repertoire of genres to read, but seeing it was sports related, I couldn't help but request the arc to see what it was all about.
Chris truly has a way with words that are so thought and emotion provoking. The way he expressed the teachings and lessons he gained from his father, on and off the court; was really tear jerking for the reader. He did an incredible job of delving into it all and still being able to show how there were highs and lows within this life that he lived.
This was truly one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. The lessons he shares with the reader are things we should all try to be practicing in our lives. The impact of this book is huge. Definitely a book everyone should read if they get the chance to.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Chris truly has a way with words that are so thought and emotion provoking. The way he expressed the teachings and lessons he gained from his father, on and off the court; was really tear jerking for the reader. He did an incredible job of delving into it all and still being able to show how there were highs and lows within this life that he lived.
This was truly one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. The lessons he shares with the reader are things we should all try to be practicing in our lives. The impact of this book is huge. Definitely a book everyone should read if they get the chance to.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2022
Chris Paul gives us a thought-provoking book on the values and ideals growing up instilled in him by his grandfather to whom he had a special bond. His upbringing was the foundation on which he lives his life. It helped him navigate successfully all the pitfalls many athletes face upon entering the world of major league sports. He focuses on the importance of giving back and raising his children to be humble and kind. A great read.
March 13, 2023
If you're looking for an autobiography where basketball star Chris Paul tells scintillating tales of life in the NBA, you will be disappointed. This is a life book, not a basketball book. This is the story of a family, fully invested in each other. This is the love story of a hardworking grandfather setting life examples for his grandson. It is the story of a grandson making his grandfather his best friend and the guiding light of his star studded life.
Chris Paul is much, much more than a superb basketball player. He's an example to males of all ages who are self absorbed and self-obsessed. Paul's grandfather, the guiding light of this book, instilled values that made Chris the role model he is. Here is an athlete who is more than a scorer. He's a leader, an achiever, a Christian, a loving father, and an example worth delving into.
Chris Paul is much, much more than a superb basketball player. He's an example to males of all ages who are self absorbed and self-obsessed. Paul's grandfather, the guiding light of this book, instilled values that made Chris the role model he is. Here is an athlete who is more than a scorer. He's a leader, an achiever, a Christian, a loving father, and an example worth delving into.
April 20, 2023
NBA star, Chris Paul, tells his life story this far in a wonderfully different way. By telling of life lessons learned from his grandfather, he actually shares a biography and autobiography seamlessly intertwined. From his childhood in Winston Salem, where Air Jordan and being like MJ were his childhood goals, he tells of his grandfather's rise from poverty to being a beloved and respected (black) business owner who taught everyone by example how to rise above the petty and the not so petty unfairness of life. But no one learned his lessons better than his grandsons who were privileged to work hard beside him all summer.
October 29, 2022
Chris Paul details his life and loss of his Papa, his grandfather who was the first African American owner of a business in Winston-Salem, NC. He writes of the bond they shared and the heartbreaking loss when Papa suffered a heart-attack and died after a mugging.
Chris shares his hometown with his children and details the events of his life that made him the man he is and his drive for success on and off the court.
I really loved the book and have recommended it to a couple friends.
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Chris shares his hometown with his children and details the events of his life that made him the man he is and his drive for success on and off the court.
I really loved the book and have recommended it to a couple friends.
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2023
I loved this telling of CP3's life thus far.
It showed his deep family values he was brought up with and how he's repeating the same process with his kids.
I wish it had a little more NBA action but it's ok - still a great story of how one boy loved his Grandfather like no other and did everything he could to make him proud.
I just reviewed Sixty-One by Chris Paul. #NetGalley
It showed his deep family values he was brought up with and how he's repeating the same process with his kids.
I wish it had a little more NBA action but it's ok - still a great story of how one boy loved his Grandfather like no other and did everything he could to make him proud.
I just reviewed Sixty-One by Chris Paul. #NetGalley
August 17, 2023
This book reads like one long text message with a friend. Love CP3, but this book hardly compares to his contemporaries. Bare minimum effort.
June 20, 2023
Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court
Chris Paul
Out June 20, 2023
Who in your life inspires you to be a better person?
In this heartfelt + personal memoir, basketball player Chris Paul talks about his home town of Winston-Salem and all the people that helped create a strong foundation for him to succeed. The biggest influence was his Papa “Chilly”, who taught him the importance of community, faith, family, and giving back.
Papa Chilly owned the first Black-owned gas station in North Carolina. He worked there for 38 years giving back to anyone that needed help. Papa was tragically murdered before he could see Chris become the man, father, and basketball legend he is today. But Chris lives every day with intention and to make Papa proud. He even makes sure there’s a chevron logo on every brand of basketball shoes he designs.
Even if you aren’t a sports fan, this is a wonderful look at the ways and influence those around us have on our future. And how important it is to pay it forward to the next generation. This is the story of the importance of hard work, family, fat, leadership, and the power of community. And the power of therapy and forgiveness to help forge a future without hate.
Thank you St Martins Press and Chris Paul for sending me an early copy to read and review.
TO ORDER: Sixty-One on Amazon
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Chris Paul
Out June 20, 2023
Who in your life inspires you to be a better person?
In this heartfelt + personal memoir, basketball player Chris Paul talks about his home town of Winston-Salem and all the people that helped create a strong foundation for him to succeed. The biggest influence was his Papa “Chilly”, who taught him the importance of community, faith, family, and giving back.
Papa Chilly owned the first Black-owned gas station in North Carolina. He worked there for 38 years giving back to anyone that needed help. Papa was tragically murdered before he could see Chris become the man, father, and basketball legend he is today. But Chris lives every day with intention and to make Papa proud. He even makes sure there’s a chevron logo on every brand of basketball shoes he designs.
Even if you aren’t a sports fan, this is a wonderful look at the ways and influence those around us have on our future. And how important it is to pay it forward to the next generation. This is the story of the importance of hard work, family, fat, leadership, and the power of community. And the power of therapy and forgiveness to help forge a future without hate.
Thank you St Martins Press and Chris Paul for sending me an early copy to read and review.
TO ORDER: Sixty-One on Amazon
FOLLOW ME ON IG: Momma Leighellens Book Nook on IG
WATCH MY BOOKTUBE: Momma Leighellens Book Nook on Book Tube
READ MY BLOG: Momma Leighellens Book Nook Blog
BROWSE MY PANGO SHELVES: Momma Leighellens Book Nook Pango Store
November 29, 2023
Chris Paul’s 1st Book Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, on and off the court was good. It is written with ease giving the reader bite sized snacks to enjoy while being taken through his life.
Being a former collegiate and professional athlete who also works with this target group, I try to find resources to point them towards in the development of their work ethic and people that may have a similar background. Chris Paul is definitely one of those people.
I didn’t know too much about him off the court before reading his book, but I’ve developed a greater appreciation for him and his alpha level expectation of himself as well as teammates. He gives many quotes that can be foundational in one’s approach to life, sports and family that may help tremendously on your journey.
I took time to read his book because I know he is coming up on the last days of his NBA career. He is in the middle of his 1st season with the Golden State Warriors and he just recently had another spat with referee Scott Foster.
This book gives insight to why CP3 is upfront and vocal as a leader and teammate while also taking us behind the scenes and learning more about his family dynamic as well as his upbringing. Being given more talent than size, Chris has always been a baller on the court but has learned many of these habits to develop him into a professional player from the family, love, and community around him.
I recommend this book to parents and athletes. it gives a glimpse into the process of becoming a leader, how to support your children and or young athletes, as well as what a person can do outside of their athletic identity to make a greater impact on the younger generation as well as your community.
Being a former collegiate and professional athlete who also works with this target group, I try to find resources to point them towards in the development of their work ethic and people that may have a similar background. Chris Paul is definitely one of those people.
I didn’t know too much about him off the court before reading his book, but I’ve developed a greater appreciation for him and his alpha level expectation of himself as well as teammates. He gives many quotes that can be foundational in one’s approach to life, sports and family that may help tremendously on your journey.
I took time to read his book because I know he is coming up on the last days of his NBA career. He is in the middle of his 1st season with the Golden State Warriors and he just recently had another spat with referee Scott Foster.
This book gives insight to why CP3 is upfront and vocal as a leader and teammate while also taking us behind the scenes and learning more about his family dynamic as well as his upbringing. Being given more talent than size, Chris has always been a baller on the court but has learned many of these habits to develop him into a professional player from the family, love, and community around him.
I recommend this book to parents and athletes. it gives a glimpse into the process of becoming a leader, how to support your children and or young athletes, as well as what a person can do outside of their athletic identity to make a greater impact on the younger generation as well as your community.
June 21, 2023
Chris Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards to have ever played the game, winning awards and recognition throughout his illustrious (and still ongoing) career. In this memoir, he details the journey it took for him to get to this point and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Filled with anecdotes and stories of his life growing up in North Carolina, we learn about the work ethic that was instilled in him at a young age that gave him the drive and determination to get to where he wanted to be. Surrounded by hard-working family members, he always had good examples around him of what needed to be done in order to reach for your goals.
A deeply personal memoir that captures the essence of the grandfather he loved, this book is a reminder to us all that our actions are always seen by the younger generation. Paul is able to show how his grandfather shaped him and how that legacy is one that he hopes to pass on to his children - as well as the young athletes that he works with through his charitable foundation.
Whether you’re a fan of basketball or not, this memoir will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of what matters most in life. Though the public persona on the basketball court is what we normally see from Chris Paul, this book gives us a deeper look inside the man himself.
And yes, there were several times throughout the book that I was in tears. Paul writes from the heart and it shows.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.
Filled with anecdotes and stories of his life growing up in North Carolina, we learn about the work ethic that was instilled in him at a young age that gave him the drive and determination to get to where he wanted to be. Surrounded by hard-working family members, he always had good examples around him of what needed to be done in order to reach for your goals.
A deeply personal memoir that captures the essence of the grandfather he loved, this book is a reminder to us all that our actions are always seen by the younger generation. Paul is able to show how his grandfather shaped him and how that legacy is one that he hopes to pass on to his children - as well as the young athletes that he works with through his charitable foundation.
Whether you’re a fan of basketball or not, this memoir will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of what matters most in life. Though the public persona on the basketball court is what we normally see from Chris Paul, this book gives us a deeper look inside the man himself.
And yes, there were several times throughout the book that I was in tears. Paul writes from the heart and it shows.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.
July 4, 2023
Even though I haven’t paid attention to sports since my son was born in 2016, I do know who Chris Paul is, and watched him several times battle the San Antonio Spurs in regular season and playoff games. I also knew he went to Wake Forest, just like Tim Duncan from the Spurs.
I was trying to figure out before reading it, what the number Sixty-One had to do with him, and for the life of me, I couldn’t.
But after reading the book, I figured it out. Basically, this book is a tribute to his Papa, who taught him a lot of lessons about life. His Papa owned Jones Chevron, one of the first black owned service stations in North Carolina. Chris got hands on learning as he worked there a lot.
I enjoyed learning about Chris’s upbringing, and especially how important his family is and continues to be.
I also enjoyed learning about his playing days in high school and some of the schools that were interested in him to play college basketball. He did dive into a little bit about the NBA draft and teams he has played with, but I wished there was more in that section. I mean, he has been in the NBA for 18 years and is the oldest player currently in the league. Maybe when he retires, he will write about it.
Why Sixty-One?
Well, his Papa got robbed and killed at the age of 61, and at Chris’s next high school basketball game after that tragedy, he scored 61 points. He could’ve easily eclipsed the state record, but he knew what he had to do to honor his Papa, and 61 was just perfect.
I was trying to figure out before reading it, what the number Sixty-One had to do with him, and for the life of me, I couldn’t.
But after reading the book, I figured it out. Basically, this book is a tribute to his Papa, who taught him a lot of lessons about life. His Papa owned Jones Chevron, one of the first black owned service stations in North Carolina. Chris got hands on learning as he worked there a lot.
I enjoyed learning about Chris’s upbringing, and especially how important his family is and continues to be.
I also enjoyed learning about his playing days in high school and some of the schools that were interested in him to play college basketball. He did dive into a little bit about the NBA draft and teams he has played with, but I wished there was more in that section. I mean, he has been in the NBA for 18 years and is the oldest player currently in the league. Maybe when he retires, he will write about it.
Why Sixty-One?
Well, his Papa got robbed and killed at the age of 61, and at Chris’s next high school basketball game after that tragedy, he scored 61 points. He could’ve easily eclipsed the state record, but he knew what he had to do to honor his Papa, and 61 was just perfect.
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