Sports Fact and Book Rec of the Day 12/07/2007

12/7/1997:
Leave it to Reggie Miller to provide the heroic touch in Larry Bird's first matchup with former teammate Danny Ainge as NBA head coaches. The Indiana sharpshooter hits a baseline jumper over Jason Kidd at the buzzer in overtime, lifting Indiana to a 99-97 victory over Phoenix. Miller leads the Pacers with 19 points, helping to celebrate Bird's 41st birthday. Bird quickly shows he can coach as well as play. He'll win Coach of the Year honors in his debut campaign with a 58-24 record.

Birthdays:
Bo Belinsky b. 1936
Gerry Cheevers b. 1940
Johnny Bench b. 1947
Larry Bird b. 1956
Tino Martinez b. 1967


Hard to believe that a book of a mere 112 pages can be as intense and engrossing a read as Silk is. The story of a Frenchman traveling to Japan in 1861 and becoming involved with a Japanese woman is as taut as a thriller and as haunting as a memory. It’s perfect for a busy holiday season when you need an escape from the bustle, but you haven’t much time to commit to a big novel.

SILK, by Alessandro Baricco (Vintage, 1998)