Review By: Sara Tripp
Full Title: Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler’s Germany
Author: Andrew Maraniss
Published: 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Sports, Basketball, World War II
Summary: From the New York Times bestselling author of Strong Inside comes the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball at the 1936 Summer Games in Hitler’s Germany. On a scorching hot day in July 1936, thousands of people cheered as the U.S. Olympic teams boarded the S.S. Manhattan, bound for Berlin. Among the athletes were the 14 players representing the first-ever U.S. Olympic basketball team. As thousands of supporters waved American flags on the docks, it was easy to miss the one courageous man holding a BOYCOTT NAZI GERMANY sign. But it was too late for a boycott now; the ship had already left the harbor. 1936 was a turbulent time in world history. Adolf Hitler had gained power in Germany three years earlier. Jewish people and political opponents of the Nazis were the targets of vicious mistreatment, yet were unaware of the horrors that awaited them in the coming years. But the Olympians on board the S.S. Manhattan and other international visitors wouldn’t see any signs of trouble in Berlin. Streets were swept, storefronts were painted, and every German citizen greeted them with a smile. Like a movie set, it was all just a facade, meant to distract from the terrible things happening behind the scenes. This is the incredible true story of basketball from its invention by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891, to the sport’s Olympic debut in Berlin and the eclectic mix of people, events and propaganda on both sides of the Atlantic that made it all possible. Includes photos throughout, a Who’s-Who of the 1936 Olympics, and bibliography.
Review: As a high school teacher always on the lookout for engaging and educational reads, Games of Deception by Andrew Maraniss caught my attention as a valuable resource for my students. This meticulously researched book tells the captivating story of the first U.S. Olympic basketball team, which competed in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. Beyond just being a sports narrative, the book weaves together themes of politics, race, and history, making it an excellent fit for a classroom discussion on the intersection of sports and society.
Maraniss brings the story to life with a blend of historical facts and personal stories. He transports readers to a time when basketball was still a developing sport, and the world was on the brink of one of its darkest periods. The descriptions of life under Hitler’s regime and the propaganda efforts surrounding the Olympics provide crucial context for understanding the environment in which these athletes competed. What stands out to me as a teacher is how Maraniss manages to balance the athletic achievements with the heavier historical realities. The book doesn’t shy away from discussing the implications of the athletes participating in an Olympics designed to showcase Nazi ideology, and it raises important questions about the role of sports in society. These are questions that I believe my students will find both challenging and thought-provoking.
Moreover, the narrative is accessible and engaging. Maraniss writes in a way that is easy for high school students to follow, yet the content is rich enough to spark meaningful discussions. The book also provides ample opportunities to connect the past to present-day issues, such as the intersection of sports and politics, and the moral dilemmas athletes often face. Games of Deception is more than just a sports story; it’s a powerful reminder of how history, politics, and culture can shape and influence something as seemingly simple as a basketball game. I’m excited to introduce this book to my students, knowing it will not only enhance their understanding of history but also challenge them to think critically about the world around them.
