What is this wet stuff coming from my eyes and how did a book about basketball cause that?!

Gene, you dang master.

Gene Luen Yang is dang brilliant and Dragon Hoops is a story for fans of basketball…or not! A non-fiction and personal story, Dragon Hoops left me, a non-basketball fan, in tears.

Part memoir, part biography, Dragon Hoops is equally Gene’s story and the story of the Dragons, the basketball team at the high school he taught at. It’s a multi-generational tale, sharing “current” players, players-turned-coaches, historic coaches, and even some basketball history. He explores racism and sexism in the sport. Gene even shares pieces of his entire family.

As a person who lives in the town next to where the Dragons play, it was hard to avoid googling how things turned out. I cheered for this team and was sullen when they lost. I was angry with certain adults and tried understanding unfamiliar methods for others. I’d be lying if I didn’t google where the featured players are now.

I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I worried. I FELT A LOT OF THINGS. Well done.