Thompson, John

Thompson was the first Black coach to win a NCAA championship, and left an indelible mark on college basketball. His autobiography is an important American life story, highly recommended for all public libraries and sports collections.

Beginning with the book's apt title, Thompson (The Reservoir) has written an engaging and intriguing portrayal of America's Reconstruction and industrialization period to draw readers into an engrossing story, told with strong characterization and meticulous attention to detail.

While not as ponderous as Caleb Carr's The Alienist, for example, this novel will appeal to readers of historically accurate fiction.