1-On-1 Interview: Kobe Bryant’s Cousin Gail Williams Writes Book Loosely Based On His Life

I’m a book lover, so I’m always looking for new books to read. I recently came across a book entitled, “Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen” by Gail Williams. Williams is the older cousin of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. The book is loosely based by Kobe’s life. I recently had a chance to chat with Gail to see what inspired her to write the book, how close to reality is it and what does her family think.

First, check the book synopsis:

King Jackson, a high school phenom turned NBA basketball superstar is on a downward spiral. The only son of Donald and Naomi Jackson, who perfectly planned every step of his life from his junior year in high school, now, finds himself in situations he can’t buy himself out of. With the help of his conniving mother, together they have alienated everyone in their path, even each other at some point, but now he is forced to decide if he should trust her and let her back into his life during his darkest hour. His two sisters, Dana and Lena, have lived in the shadow of his success throughout his career and now decide that they have had enough of him and go their own way even if it is in his time of need. King’s family is turned completely upside down when he falls in love with a young Spanish girl named Neila Cruz, and marries her way to quickly for their taste. All the while never telling his high school sweetheart Danielle that their relationship was over. They voice their outrage every chance they get until King reaches his breaking point and disowns his family to protect his new wife, while Danielle tries every way she knows how to contact King and get closure. King’s mother, who never thought her husband Donald could ever take care of her the way her wealthy son could, sets her plan in motion to win back King and his money that she had become so accustomed to, not knowing that at the same time someone close to her is plotting her destruction to finally rid their self of Naomi and her greedy and conniving ways. One night of cheating, King’s ego and a family secret will set in motion a chain of events that will change his life forever. He will quickly learn that all the people he disowned on the way up he will have to face on his path to destruction and realize that they are not to quick to give him a second chance…

Jill Munroe: How are you and Kobe related?

Gail Williams: We are cousins.  My father and his Grand mom (Mom’s Mother)  are brother and sister

JM: What made you decide to write a book loosely based on his life?

GW: I wrote a work of fiction. Thanks to Kobe I have met a lot of basketball players along the way and throughout my own life have had a lot of crazy things happen and with most writers this is were we get inspiration, from things we have experienced.  Of course some of the obvious parts that people have heard in the media I have taken ideas from and loosely based them around him but I have added fiction to them to make for an interesting story

JM: How has your family and Kobe responded to the book? Do you speak with them often?

GW: My family here loves the book.  As for him and his family I have no idea how they feel about the book I haven’t spoken to them.  We live so far,over the years we have grown apart.
JM: How much of the book is based on his life?

GW: Just like a Law an Order episode where they pattern it after an event that happen that’s the best way I can answer that question. It’s how I got the idea for some parts.
JM: Are there plans for a sequel?

GW: That is still up in the air.

I’m still reading the book, but so far there are some characters that seem real familiar to me. Controlling mom, girlfriend left behind and a latina wife… If you have the chance to check it out, leave your review below.

photos via Gail Williams