Yao: A Life in Two Worlds (An English Version)

Author: Ric Bucher
Publisher: Miramax
Publish Date: 2004-09-22
Features: This book is co-authored by Yao Ming and Ric Bucher, a contributor to ESPN magazine. The content is based on hundreds of hours of conversations between the two in the United States and China.
The book introduces Yao Ming's growth journey and its greatest feature is the detailed description of the behind-the-scenes operations leading up to his arrival in the NBA. It covers how the NBA communicated and connected with Shanghai Eastern and the Chinese Basketball Association, how Yao Ming was ultimately secured, and issues such as his salary split ratio. The book also reveals the efforts and even struggles Yao Ming went through to play in the NBA, as well as his thoughts on his confrontation with "The Shark" Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA.
From some of the storylines and reflections he posted on his website, it's clear that he himself is a loyal fan of Yao Ming. Currently, some content available online includes: "Yao Ming's Dream," where it's revealed that Yao Ming had an unattainable dream—bungee jumping—because his 300-pound weight far exceeded the 230-pound limit for bungee jumping. Additionally, the book records fun stories from Yao Ming's life, including an amusing incident where he was approached by a girl in the lobby of the Seattle hotel.