Steve Nash: The Unlikely Ascent of a Superstar

Steve Nash is the greatest Canadian player ever in basketball%E2%80%94at least so far%E2%80%94and there is enduring interest among fans, particularly in Canada, in his story. Feschuk and Grange (Leafs AbomiNation) don't offer a biography so much as an extended series of columns, not surprisingly given that they usually write for the Toronto Star newspaper and broadcaster Sportsnet respectively. This is not the place to look for vivid details on Nash's early life in Victoria, B.C., or for recaps of his greatest moments. Instead, it's about the maturing of Nash through the years, the ways the wildly successful shooter and playmaker has evolved without changing who he is. Interviews with coaches and teammates, as well as Nash himself, add depth and perspective. The writing is compelling, although it takes some patience to read tangents on the Canadian national team and rowing. But there's little on his personal life, and readers expecting a full bio will be disappointed. In the twilight of his career, the chapter on Nash's work outside of basketball as an entrepreneur%E2%80%94product spokesman, founder of a charity, director of an ESPN documentary on Terry Fox, co-owner of an MLS soccer team%E2%80%94suggests that there is more greatness to come. (Nov.)