NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the nine-time women’s basketball icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist—a raw, revelatory account of her unfathomable detainment in Russia and her journey home.
“Compelling . . . An intimate, honest recollection of Griner’s time held captive in Russia. Coming Home reads as a deeply personal, publicly powerful documentation of what happened—what is still happening—to her body and mind.” —Slate
On February 17, 2022, Brittney Griner arrived in Moscow ready to spend the WNBA offseason playing for the Russian women’s basketball team where she had been the centerpiece of previous championship seasons. Instead, a security checkpoint became her gateway to hell when she was arrested for mistakenly carrying under one gram of medically prescribed hash oil. Brittney’s world was violently upended in a crisis she has never spoken in detail about publicly—until now.
In Coming Home, Brittney finally shares the harrowing details of her sudden arrest days before Russia invaded Ukraine; her bewilderment and isolation while navigating a foreign legal system amid her trial and sentencing; her emotional and physical anguish as the first American woman ever to endure a Russian penal colony while the #WeAreBG movement rallied for her release; the chilling prisoner swap with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout; and her remarkable rise from hostage to global spokesperson on behalf of America’s forgotten. In haunting and vivid detail, Brittney takes readers inside the horrors of a geopolitical nightmare spanning ten months.
And yet Coming Home is more than Brittney’s journey from captivity to freedom. In an account as gripping as it is poignant, she shares how her deep love for Cherelle, her college sweetheart and wife of six years, anchored her during their greatest storm; how her family’s support pulled her back from the brink; and how hundreds of letters from friends and neighbors lent her resolve to keep fighting. Coming Home is both a story of survival and a testament to love—the bonds that brought Brittney home to her family, and at last, to herself.
BTST –
“Coming Home” is a beautifully written book that grabs your attention right from the start. Like I usually do with memoirs, I listened to audiobook for this one. Griner shares her heartfelt story with honesty, talking not only about her time in a Russian prison but also about her childhood. Before I read this book, I knew about Griner from her time at Baylor University. But for many people, they only learned about her after she was detained and incarcerated in Russia, which made them realize how important freedom really is. This intrigued people to learn more about her.
Despite facing immense challenges, Griner exhibits remarkable strength and resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of her family, friends, and numerous others. “Coming Home” transcends the genre of memoir; it serves as a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. Personally, this book profoundly impacted me, evoking empathy for young Brittney and the injustices she endured due to circumstances beyond her control. Regrettably, she continues to confront similar challenges, often in the face of misunderstanding or insensitivity.
Get ready to be deeply moved and inspired by this amazing book. Its story stays with you, making you think deeply even after you’ve finished reading.
Lonce LaMon –
I loved the drama. I loved Brittney’s tremendous ability to express her emotions. She’s brave and she’s honest. She’s warm and open. She is uniquely herself and that is a joy. She expresses the pain of being different and is so courageous in the process. Interwoven in all of her excellent writing she’s funny. She intermixes humor in all of her suffering and drama. Great stuff.
Maryann Kowalczyk –
“Coming Home” by Brittney Griner is not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the resilience and courage of a true icon and hero. As one of basketball’s most celebrated figures, Griner opens up about her remarkable journey—both on and off the court—in a way that captivates and inspires.
In this memoir, Griner shares her experiences growing up, facing bullying, and striving for self-acceptance. Her story resonates deeply, not only with sports enthusiasts but with anyone navigating the complexities of identity and societal expectations.
What makes Griner a true hero is not just her athletic prowess but her unwavering commitment to advocacy. She fearlessly champions LGBTQ+ rights and uses her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard. Griner’s advocacy extends beyond the court, making her a beacon of hope for those who are marginalized or struggling to find their voice.
“Coming Home” is more than a narrative of personal triumph; it’s a call to action. Griner’s authenticity and vulnerability shine through, reminding us of the power of visibility and representation. Her memoir encourages readers to embrace their true selves and stand up for what they believe in.
For anyone seeking inspiration or simply a captivating story of resilience, “Coming Home” is a must-read. Brittney Griner’s journey from adversity to empowerment serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world.
LaShanda –
It was written so well that it made me feel I was there with her. How she lasted as long as she did in such dreadful conditions and kept her sanity is more than I can even imagine. Good for you BG. I wish I knew you and your wife personally. You are both brave souls. God bless you both and all of your surrounding families.
Kaley Mooney –
Unbelievable story of courage and resilience couldn’t put the book down.
Amazon Customer –
What this marvellous athlete had to suffer in a Russian jail. But, she survived & is now free. The book is well written.
Darcie –
I’m excited to read this book. I wish since it was a preorder that it came with an autograph by Brittney since the commitment and dedication to their journey was supported king before the book was released.
Lonce LaMon –
“Coming Home” by Brittney Griner is a moving and inspirational account of her tumultuous journey back to normalcy after her detainment in Russia. Griner’s raw and honest storytelling captures the emotional and physical challenges she faced, offering readers a profound insight into her resilience and strength. Her narrative is not just a personal memoir but a testament to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. With heartfelt reflections and candid revelations, “Coming Home” stands out as a compelling read that resonates deeply with anyone who values the triumph of the human spirit.
Shariyka Romero –
This book is captivating and well-written, making me feel as though I was right there with BG. If you’re perfect, without a spot or blemish, this might not be the book for you. But if you’ve ever experienced regret, guilt, or made a mistake—if you’re human—this book will be incredibly enthralling, inspiring, and uplifting. It’s a raw story of resilience, perseverance, and love; though heartbreaking at times. I finished this book in two days and felt nothing was left out. She really put her entire story out there. Thanks for sharing your story, BG! It is so deeply necessary.
Susan –
Loved this book from beginning to end. It’s a very honest and serious look at the very hardest & harshest of treatments given by the Russian courts & jails systems. “BG” has revealed her most honest thoughts and feelings throughout this book … and will make you a big fan of her accomplishments, family, friends, team mates, and gov’t liaisons! I couldn’t stop reading it!!!
Shariyka Romero –
A good read for an election year. A lesson from beyond the borders of democracy. If it can happen to somebody well known, can it happen to you? What do you think?
JW –
I could not be more opposite of BG in every way. Wow, was this an incredible story! The story of her arrest and detention and horrible experience in Russia’s “justice” system is riveting and well told. As many problems as we have in the USA, this story gives me a renewed appreciation for our country despite our current problems. Most striking to me was when BG wrote about her family and how their love and support really helped her, and has helped her throughout her entire life. BG gets a lot of hate (especially online – yay social media!). Her story was incredibly touching. I just wish some of the haters could read this and just begin to understand from her perspective what she has dealt with, starting when she was so young, but I know that won’t occur. I am so glad she has such a loving Mom and Dad, and other family, and Relle. What a blessing. And now starting her own family with Relle. I wish only the best for BG in the future! I recommend this book.