Bob Ryan's SCRIBE reads exactly like a Ryan column - opinionated, smart and game-oriented. Unlike many media figures today, Ryan is not interested in being socially relevant or politically correct. What is he is interested about is the playing of the game, and in that regard, his knowledge of what it takes to win and his eye for talent is special. Even though he would end up writing about all the major sports, it is pro basketball where Ryan is rightfully acclaimed as being a first-ballot HOFer.Having grown up in Trenton, Ryan attended Boston College during the Bob Cousy coached years, and from that, he turned a internship at the BOSTON GLOBE into a 45 year marriage. He mentions at least three times in the book that he and Peter Gammons were both hired on the same day. When the Celtic beat post was open, Ryan had his dream job at the age of 23.Ryan was also noted for not being above cheering in the press room. On the Celtics of the 70s, he was practically the 13th man and his love of that era shines throughout the book. John Havlicek is the most under-appreciated basketball superstar of the last half-century, a player that belongs on anyone's top 12 list (and I agree totally!). Dave Cowens gave his heart each and every time. Paul Silas rebounding was genius. The list goes on and on.If that era is Ryan's first love, then the Bird-era is a close second. Bird, like Havlicek and Cowens before him, allowed Ryan complete access. Ryan always wanted to know why the basketball genius did what he did, and Bird seemingly appreciated Ryan's knowledge and enthusiasm.About my only criticism is that Ryan repeats stories throughout the book, but even that is minor. This is a wonderful read from the scribe that his friend Tony Kornheiser always introduces on PTI as "The Quintessential American Sportswriter."