Rise of Michael Jordan and Decline of Pop Herring - Book Report/Review Example

Lake Thomas portrays two major characters from a different perspective in his work; did this man really cut Michael Jordan. He tries to depict the link which exists between Michael Jordan and Pop Herring based on their traits to illustrate a theme of hard work and persistence, luck and adversity in society. For example, in this society hailing from the tobacco region tolerance and persistence is what should be inculcated in a real-life situation.

From his early life, Jordan pushed hard to be recognized and appreciated. Woke up early to the gym for practices; it was not a practice that was to be ever changed in the entire life. He consistently got support from Herring who could pass by Michael’s house every morning. It was basically a routine that Michael adopted and perfected in his entire life. Mr. Herring knew how important a coach can be; it is a trait which he adopted from his own coach, Earl.

When the infamous roster mushroomed 33 years ago it got some of the boys off guard. For those whose luck was positively ululated about the information contained in the list. Michael’s close friend is happy to have featured in the anticipated list; the main reason for his own selection was his height advantage. Unfortunately, Michael did not appear on the list, this became a detrimental moment in his life and he held almost everybody accountable for his misfortunes.

The head decision-maker loved his boys which made it even harder to gauge the selection criteria. The way in which he associated with them was a major signal of how close they were in his life. For example, he spent six days in a week training with them or he could share a slice of potato pie which was made by his wife. He was nicknamed Pop, an utter of his name could trigger some reactions from other trainers; he was only 28 years when he led the team.

Over the next three decades, Jordan became devastated and held almost everybody to account for his misfortune. The aspect of him not appearing in the final team list was a blow; typically the pain infringed by this was huge such that he saw everybody as an enemy. This pain pushed him to play hard to gain recognition in the school; the jayvee team became a major phenomenon in the school from the motivations these boys had gotten from Michael.

Unlike Pop who had gone to college on a sports scholarship, Michael was in the school struggling to fit in the college team; this ambition in the start seemed elusive as he on most occasions missed out. It was a fight that he brings out by involving a coach who passes at his home every morning. There is a big distinction between Michael’s life and Pop’s in the sports section of life. For example, Pop never really struggled to achieve what he ever wanted in life while on the other hand Michael continuously pushed himself to fit into his ambitions. It is the fights that are depicted here that eventually lead to a breakthrough.

Pop later develops into a helpless man in the street begging and in the company of other beggars who clutch at any opportunity they get. Eventually, there lies a great distinction between these two stars. However, the difference emanates from the period each became a star on their own. Luck is one of the considerations which might have brought out the success in the two individuals. Both Pop and Michael hailed from common backgrounds who were always struggling in society. Pop experiences a problem that leads to his dropping out of his job. The mental complications he develops leads to his admission to the hospital.

It is the misunderstandings between Pop and the school authorities that they weigh their options on whether to retain him or let him go. However, Pop is replaced with a different coach who later features in a documentary in place of Pop. The misfortunes in Pop’s life do not end there. His mother in the hospital passes on after a long-suffering. Pop is also abandoned by his family, the wife claims that she is no longer able to live with him; his arrogance and deeds push her out of the relationship.

Michael later on a certain occasion comes looking for Pop in his town, which can be described as a secret-free environment because almost every person is known. The size of the locality is depicted as a place where a movement from one corner of the town to another will entail the whole town. Michael gets Pop in a dire situation; his clothes are explained as tattered and shambled in a manner to suggest that he no longer appreciates himself (Lake 56).