More Than Rivals - by Ken Abraham (Paperback)

About the Book

This New York Times bestseller is the true story of a friendship between two high school basketball players, one black and one white, that diffused the highly charged racial tensions in a small Southern town during the late 1960s.

Book Synopsis

An Inspiring True Story Set in the Midst of the Civil Rights Era

By 1970, racial tension was at a breaking point in the southern town of Gallatin, Tennessee. Desegregation had emotions running high. The town was a powder keg ready to erupt. But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon were boys growing up on opposite sides of the tracks who shared a passion for basketball. They knew the barriers that divided them--some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart--but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill entered the rigors of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill--and transform their town.

This New York Times bestseller is a fast-paced true story of courage, determination, character, and forgiveness.

From the Back Cover

A New York Times bestseller!


"A monster slam dunk that will impact your life."--Pat Williams, founder and senior vice president, Orlando Magic


In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt.
But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, Tennessee. They knew the barriers that divided them--some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart--but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill--and transform their town.

A fast-paced true story of courage, determination, and forgiveness, More Than Rivals offers hope and inspiration for our times.

"A riveting true story. This book will inspire and touch the hearts of young and old alike."--Roscoe Orman, actor; entertainer; and for forty years played Gordon on Sesame Street

"Read it immediately. It is truly an outstanding story."--Charles Martin "C.M." Newton, former basketball coach, Vanderbilt University; former athletic director, University of Kentucky

"A true story about a friendship that transcended the past, reconciled the present, and imagined a new future."--Skip Prichard, CEO, OCLC; leadership insights blogger at www.skipprichard.com

"This book will make you laugh, cry, and want to get to know people who don't look like you. A must-read."--Yolanda Conley Shields, CEO, Let's Go Innovate; author, Letters to Our Sons


Ken Abraham is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including Against All Odds with Chuck Norris and Let's Roll with Lisa Beamer. His work has been featured on 20/20, Dateline, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, The CBS Morning Show, The Today Show, and many more. Learn more at www.kenabrahambooks.com.

About the Author

Ken Abraham is the "New York Times" bestselling author of many books, including "Against All Odds "with Chuck Norris and "Let's Roll "with Lisa Beamer. His work has been featured on "20/20," "Dateline," "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America," "The CBS Morning Show," "The Today Show," and many more. At present, Ken has more than ten million books in print. Learn more at www.kenabrahambooks.com.