SIMPLY THE BEST! The Cindy Blodgett Story — The Making of a High School Phenom, by Ron Brown, self-published, 248 pages, $22.95.

In this, the latest literary tribute to Cindy Blodgett, a former Lawrence High School basketball star and current member of the University of Maine’s women’s team, Ron Brown attempts to capture the determination and drive that propelled this young woman into state and national athletic fame. Through the words of Blodgett’s fans, teammates, and family, and a nice selection of photographs, Brown shares Cindy Blodgett’s story.

Blodgett’s love of basketball began at a very early age, and Brown begins his book with information about her elementary school basketball experiences. He tells of Blodgett, the 35-pound third-grader on her school’s junior high basketball team, a child so talented that she always sought out older children for an athletic challenge.

Brown’s account goes on to include information about Blodgett’s family, teammates, coaches, and fans, but not with the depth which die-hard Blodgett fans would like. He is never shy with his praise of this young athlete, deservedly so, but one wishes he had dug deeper into the forces that made her what she is. Brown himself stated this as an objective in the writing of this book when he said, “I felt someone had to dig deep into her psyche and find out what makes her tick. What was it about this girl that caused the uproar, before, during, and after the games?” Brown could have pushed himself harder to find the answer to this question.

The most interesting sections are those in which Brown develops a sense of narrative, showing Blodgett growing up and sharing her feelings. In these, the reader is not simply told what a terrific person, athlete and scholar Blodgett is, he or she can see it for himself of herself.

The interest surrounding Cindy Blodgett remains high, and this book, the above complaints aside, will provide fans with a fascinating glimpse into her life. All profits from the sale of the book will benefit the University of Maine Foundation, the Kidney Foundation of Maine, the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches, and the Bangor Christian Schools Charities.

Judy Eyerer is a free-lance writer from Bangor.