The Unexpected Joy of Pickleball: Inspirational Stories & Life Lessons from the Court

by Ken Kikkawa, Karen Saliba

Overview

Discover the story behind the sensation that's sweeping the country and beyond - pickleball. From its humble origins on Bainbridge Island in 1965 to becoming the fastest-growing sport in America, this book delves into the heart of what makes pickleball more than just a game; it's a global phenomenon, an obsession, and a life-altering experience for the millions of people who play it.

In a world inundated with claims of its explosive growth, uncover the truth about pickleball's meteoric rise. Explore the allure that draws millions to courts, parks, and unexpected places, transcending age and athletic prowess. It's a sport that welcomes everyone, where patience and strategy frequently overcomes sheer speed, power, and fitness, and where connections forged on the court create friendships that last a lifetime.

Through the accounts within these pages, experience the tapestry of narratives that pickleball weaves. Stories of unexpected camaraderie, life-changing encounters, and personal growth unfold with each swing of the paddle. It's more than just a sport; it's a catalyst for rejuvenation, a conduit for hope, and a source of pure and boundless joy.

This book isn't just about pickleball; it's a celebration of the connections, lessons, and unforgettable moments born from the game. As you journey through these pages, you'll witness how pickleball has touched lives, transformed perspectives, and become an irreplaceable part of the lives of countless individuals.

Experience the laughter, the triumphs, and the profound impact of the game in The Unexpected Joy of Pickleball. Join us as we share the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the joy discovered through the lens of this beautiful, oddly-named game. Whether you're a seasoned player, new to the court, or just curious about the game, this book invites you to indulge in the magic of pickleball.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798872268901
Publisher:	Ken Kikkawa
Publication date:	07/11/2024
Pages:	132
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.29(d)

About the Author

Ken Kikkawa has been an executive in ecommerce, retail merchandising, cruise line operations, and business development for over 35 years. He has worked for such iconic brands as Macy’s, Warner Bros., Holland America Line, May Department Stores, Seabourn, Knott's Berry Farm, and Princess Cruises.

Ken is an avid enthusiast of nutrition, health, and fitness. He has competed in swimming, water polo, basketball, baseball, and racquetball, and has run three marathons. After being introduced to pickleball in 2022, Ken began competing in tournaments, where he has continued to medal in mixed and men’s doubles up to the 4.0 skill level.

Ken is a certified pickleball coach by the Professional Pickleball Registry and an active member of USA Pickleball. He loves the game because it favors patience and placement over speed and power. Youth and athleticism are neutralized and people of all ages can get a little better each time they play. In pickleball, the best players are not always the biggest, strongest, fastest, or tallest on the court. In fact, the most dominant player can often be the oldest of the group!

Ken lives with his wife in the Los Angeles area. They are the parents of a pickleball-loving son and dance-loving daughter.

Dr. Karen Saliba, PsyD, MFT, is a psychoanalyst and a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been in private practice for over 35 years. She studied child development at the University of California, Santa Barbara and Cal State Los Angeles, where she also played collegiate tennis. Karen holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate degree in psychology from Newport Psychoanalytic Institute.

Karen transitioned from tennis to pickleball in 2021 and she has not looked back. She was amazed at how many ways the game impacted her and decided to write about it. What started out as journal entries and storytelling ended up as chapters when her doubles partner Ken asked an intriguing question: “Why don’t we write a book together?” Combining her therapeutic insight and athletic background has been overwhelmingly fun and continually challenging.

Karen lives with her husband and is also the mother of two adult daughters who brighten her life daily. She is very grateful to have found a sport where she can age gracefully while continuing to play at a high level.

Editorial Reviews

I kept waiting for lessons on techniques of playing pickleball. Instead, this book is more about the JOY & lessons learned from playing pickleball as a partner, community member & how to be respectful to this wonderful game. The rules of pickleball & skills can be learned, over time, but the important lessons on patience, respect, partnerships, and life are really what this book reveals. An unexpected joy and a very worthwhile read for pickleball players at any level !

Amazon - Sam Williams

There are plenty of "how-to" books out there on the crazy fad of pickleball but few that reflect so eloquently on "why-to." This book goes so much further than that, I read it happily on a recommendation and I haven't even played the game (don't invite me). The "why" of it, as described by Saliba and Kikkawa, reveals the ways that a communal sport can mean so much in a time plagued by division and being sedentary. Funny, winsome, moving—it's an easy read that sticks with you.

Amazon

This is a "must read" for any pickleball player and anyone curious about the rising swell of pickleball as a sport sweeping the world. Karen and Ken write in an easy-to-read storytelling narrative that grabs your heart, humor, and soul. You will laugh, you might shed a tear, and you will not only learn about the sport, you will learn about what it's like to be part of a vibrant community. Because playing pickleball is the microcosm of who you are in life, these tales are about life itself...

Amazon - Dr. Connie Lillas

I "play" pickleball with the hope that I will get better and improve my skills, but I enjoyed this book because it was not about how to get better - it was about the overall experience of playing pickleball including the community, friendships, laughter, and the people you meet along the way. Loved the personal stories that Ken & Karen shared about their life and their pickleball journeys. It's a quick read that is inspiring, interesting, intriguing and will leave you smiling.

Amazon - Holly Bowyer