In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court

Brittney Griner · Sue Hovey

Apr 2014 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

The WMBA All-Star shares the inspiring story of her singular life as an athlete and activist in this “searing and ultimately liberating memoir” (New York Times Book Review).

Brittney Griner is a once-in-a-generation basketball player. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and a six-time WNBA All-Star, she has been hailed by Sports Illustrated as “the sport’s most transformative figure.” But she is equally famous for speaking out on a range of social issues, as well as for surviving a wrongful detention in Russia that became a geopolitical flashpoint. Now Griner shares her coming-of-age story, revealing how she found her strength to overcome bullies and embrace her authentic self.

At 6’8”, with an 88-inch wingspan and a size 17 shoe (men’s), the Phoenix Mercury star has heard every vicious insult in the book, enduring years of taunting that began in middle school and continues to this day. Through the highs and lows, Griner has learned to remain true to herself, rising above the haters trying to take her down.

In her heartfelt memoir, she reflects on painful episodes in her life and describes how she came to celebrate what makes her unique—inspiring lessons she now shares. Filled with all the humor and personality Griner has become known for, In My Skin is more than a glimpse into one of the most original personalities in sports; it’s also a powerful call to readers to be true to themselves, to love who they are on the inside and out.

With eight pages of photos.

Ratings and reviews

Brittney is an inspiration to me. I 6 ft. tall and i've never played basketball in my life until the assit. coach saw me playing volleyball and told me to try out for basketball. I stuck with basketball for the whole season mybteam made it to city and passed and district and passed our lost to riverside took a whole of me. I felt as if a the running and practice we did didnt pay off until i looked at myself in the mirror and saw what my body looked like. She has really inspired me to keep pushing myself.

Great read. Britt and my daughter went to schook together and played some spots together. She was always so respectful, never would've known what she was going through. Proud of you Britt and I know the rest of Nimitz High is as well.

An inside look to how Brittney learned to be comfortable in her own skin... Hope she continues to grow comfortable and be an example that others can look up to... Thanks for sharing...

About the author

Brittney Griner was a three-time All-American at Baylor University, where she scored 3,283 career points (No. 2 in Division 1 women's history) and blocked 748 shots (No. 1 all-time), while earning national Player of the Year honors in both her junior and senior seasons. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Sue Hovey is a former vice president and executive editor at ESPN. She spent fourteen years with ESPN The Magazine, and is now an independent writer and editor. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.