I Always Wanted to Be Somebody

by Althea Gibson

An autobiography of the aspirations and triumphs of this famous Negro from her youth to her hopes for the future

Genres: Sports, Memoir, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1958

About the author

The first African American tennis player at Wimbledon in 1951, Althea Gibson won the singles title of women of United States and the doubles in 1957 and 1958.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Althea_...

Reviews

[Barbara Reynolds]

She had an interesting life. Difficult childhood, she skipped school a lot, but she was smart and ended up going to college. AG broke barriers but she wasn’t really concerned about racism. She seemed to take it in stride. I can only imagine what kind of athlete she would have been today.
This book is candidly written. It could have been edited better. An enjoyable read, though.

[La'Tonya Miles]

Exceptional human being. Average book. Someone really should write the definitive story of Althea Gibson. She doesn't get enough credit for her accomplishments.

[CindyLulu]

I consider Althea Gibson's book "I Always Wanted to Be Somebody" a worthwhile read; however, I couldn't help but feel that this 50+ year old book needed to be edited more by the publisher. Ms. Gibson was an amazing tennis player and the first African American EVER to win at Wimbledon! I just felt that this book lacked depth and personality.

[Dot]

Very good bio, obviously written by Althea G. She was candid, succinct, she gave credit to those who helped her along the way. It was also an interesting peep into the life of an African-American in the 1950s; good addition to "Go Set a Watchman."

[Hazel]

Childhood read; Althea Gibson's autobiography was accessible and enlightening.

[Jane]

I read this in 1958 when I was a junior in high school. It gave me a glimpse into the life of an American black person who had "made it." In those days, it was rare and encouraging.

[Gregory Booker]

Good story, written from a first person hence as an autobiography. Personal and touching revelations.

[Janiyah]

i loved it