God and Starbucks

An NBA Superstar's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

By: Vin Baker

Narrated by: Arnell Powell

An astonishing memoir of redemption—the moving story of a former top NBA player who miraculously rebounded from a monumental fall thanks to hard work and his deep, transformative faith.

Sixteen years ago, Vin Baker was an NBA All-Star, an Olympic Gold medalist, and a multimillionaire. While he excelled on the court, Vin harbored a dark secret: a dependency on drugs and alcohol that began after the clean-cut preacher’s son turned pro. Eventually becoming a full-blown yet functional alcoholic, Vin convinced himself he played better under the influence—until his addiction cost him his basketball career, his fortune, and his health.

But Vin’s story isn’t a tragic fall from grace. It is a joyous tale of salvation. For Vin, hitting rock bottom was a difficult yet transformative experience that led him to renew his relationship with God and embrace life in a rich and fulfilling new way. Today the manager of a Starbucks and a youth minister, Vin has found more security and happiness in his ordinary working life than in all his years in the glamorous world of professional basketball.

God and Starbucks is a wise and unflinching look at the real dangers of addiction and the importance of taking charge of your life with meaning and purpose. It’s a powerful memoir about reaching the top and beginning again from the bottom—an inspiring personal tale of humility and grace that reminds us what is truly important in our lives.

Fascinating Story

An incredible story. Definitely not a professional writer. But a great perspective into a world the general public doesn’t know much about.

Powerful

This is captivating story of deep despair and a powerful recovery effort. So appreciative of the honesty and accountability and hopeful it continues to serve as a source of value and inspiration for many people in the future.

Wow!

This was a 📽!!! What a story of overcoming struggle. I laughed a lot too.

excellent

one of the best hit bottom recover inspiring stories I've listened to. great narration. would recommend it highly.

A story that doesn't quite make sense

I am happy that Vin has turned a corner but this book wasn't the best.

It tells his story but it's not a tell all, and he doesn't talk enough about his journey out other than thanking God but doing it in a Bible Belt sort of platitude way.

I wish he aimed more directly at a topic than just spraying all over.

It's good, not great, and it's not bad if you enjoy sports. Otherwise it's just "meh"