Unscripted

May 1, 2017
When Emmy-winning sports broadcaster Johnson was an eight-year-old in Atlanta, Ga., a Little League game on a hot summer day took an unexpected break when two players in search of a ball discovered a blackberry bramble and enthusiastically ate it clean. That story—which he heard recounted innumerable times by his father and namesake, who was the voice of the Atlanta Braves for more than 30 years—is the theme of Johnson’s affecting autobiography: pay attention to life’s unexpected blackberry moments, as they can change you and become your most treasured memories. Johnson writes with humility and humor, devoting attention in particular to the oldest of his adopted children, Michael, a Romanian boy who has severe learning differences and emotional and physical problems and requires 24-hour care. Unfortunately, Michael is the only one of Johnson’s adopted children to get much space on the page, and his story is mostly used as a vehicle for discussing resilience in the face of challenges. Johnson’s poignant chapter detailing his two biological children’s weddings will not leave a dry eye, but he all but ignores his adopted daughter Carmen, now in her early 20s. The religious component of Johnson’s book generally remains in the background, but his conversion from lapsed Catholic to Bible-studying Wesleyan and his relationship with his pastor are described in detail. The book is recommended regardless of religious affiliation and great for Father’s Day.