Photo credit: Will Navarro
Kobe Bryant’s post-basketball life was dedicated to inspiring young people through storytelling. He told the Washington Post that in fifty years he hoped to be remembered, “as a person that was able to create stories that inspired their children and families to bond together.” His second act was cut short on January 26 when a helicopter he was riding in with his daughter Gianna and seven others crashed in Calabasas, California.
As one would expect from a passionate storyteller, Bryant also appreciated reading a good book. I searched through old interviews and social media posts to find the books that inspired the Black Mamba. In addition, scroll down for books written or created by Bryant.
Books Recommended by Kobe Bryant



Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Gladwell, Malcolm, 1963-

The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work
Campbell, Joseph, 1904-1987.


Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
Luttrell, Marcus.





Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Goodwin, Doris Kearns.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Gladwell, Malcolm, 1963-

Thirty Rooms to Hide in: Insanity, Addiction, and Rock 'n' Roll in the Shadow of the Mayo Clinic
Sullivan, Luke.

Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA
Butler, Caron, 1980-

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't
Collins, James C.

Books Written or Created by Kobe Bryant






This article was edited to include additonal books.