Books: "Magic in the Air" By Mike Sielski

 

Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk

By Mike Sielski

St. Martin's Press; hardcover, 320 pages, with a 24-page photo insert; $32.00; available today, Tuesday, February 11th

Mike Sielski is a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the author of four books, including the bestseller The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality. He was formerly a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, and his work has been anthologized three times in The Best American Sports Writing and The Year's Best Sports Writing.

Books: "The Umbrella Maker's Son," By Tod Lending

 

The Umbrella Maker's Son

By Tod Lending

Harper Paperbacks/HarperCollins Publishers; paperback, 387 pages; $18.99; available today, Tuesday, February 11th

Tod Lending is an Academy Award-nominated and national Emmy-winning producer, director, writer, and cinematographer. His work has aired nationally on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and HBO; has been screened theatrically and received awards at national and international festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival; and has been televised in Europe and Asia. He is the founder and president of Nomadic Pictures, a documentary film production company based in Chicago. 

Books: "Les Normaux: A Graphic Novel" By Janine Janssen

 

Les Normaux: A Graphic Novel

By Janine Janssen with S. Al Sabado

Avon and HarperAlley; hardcover, $30.00; paperback, $22.99; available today, Tuesday, February 11th

Janine Janseen (aka J.J.) has been drawing ever since she could hold a pencil, leading to a BA in illustration and MA in animation. She loves telling stories about oddballs in society, and has been sharing them online as webcomics since 2013. She lives in the south of the Netherlands, but takes trips around the world in her mind every day.

St. John's Cracks Top 10 In Both National Rankings For First Time In Quarter Century

 

Deivon Smith leading a fast break on Tuesday night against Marquette. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm took another big step in the Top 25 rankings on Monday, as they came in at No. 9 in the Associated Press poll, and No. 8 in the USA Today Coaches' poll.

Yankees Bring Back Reliable Lefty Tim Hill

 

Yankee Stadium's landmark facade. Photo by Jason Schott.

One of the bigger bright spots in the Yankees' bullpen last season was left-hander Tim Hill, and he will be returning to The Bronx on a one-year deal, with a club option for the 2026 season.

St. John's Stakes Their Claim With Takedown Of UConn

 

Kadary Richmond waiting to defend an inbounds pass. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm made quite the statement as they took down the two-time defending National Champion Connecticut Huskies, 68-62, on Friday night.

Yankees Welcome A Pair Of Former Mets To Camp

 

Yankee Stadium. Photo by Jason Schott.

While Citi Field is starting to look like Yankee Stadium East, the Yankees might balance it out with a couple of invitees to spring training who have played for the Mets in recent years.