The Basketball Diaries
by Jim Carroll
The Basketball Diaries by Jim Carroll holds a well received rating of 3.98 out of 5, based on 23.7K reader ratings. First published in 1978. The book spans 224 pages.
About The Basketball Diaries
The urban classic coming-of-age story about sex, drugs, and basketball. Jim Carroll grew up to become a renowned poet and punk rocker. But in this memoir of the mid-1960's, set during his coming-of-age from 12 to 15, he was a rebellious teenager making a place and a name for himself on the unforgiving streets of New York City. During these years, he chronicled his experiences, and the result is a diary of unparalleled candor that conveys his alternately hilarious and terrifying teenage existence. Here is Carroll prowling New York City--playing basketball, hustling, stealing, getting high, getting hooked, and searching for something pure. "I met him in 1970, and already he was pretty much universally recognized as the best poet of his generation. . . . The work was sophisticated and elegant. He had beauty." -- Patti Smith
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Jim Carroll |
| Published | 1978 |
| Pages | 224 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Biography & Memoir, Mystery & Thriller, Suspense |
| Average Rating | 3.98 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 23,739 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Basketball Diaries?
The Basketball Diaries is categorized as Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Biography & Memoir, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Mystery & Thriller.
Is The Basketball Diaries worth reading?
Based on 23.7K reader ratings, The Basketball Diaries has an average score of 3.98 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Basketball Diaries?
The Basketball Diaries has 224 pages.
Who wrote The Basketball Diaries?
The Basketball Diaries was written by Jim Carroll. It was first published in 1978.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
