Kobe Bryant’s post-basketball life was dedicated to inspiring young people through storytelling. He told the Washington Post that in fifty years he hoped to be remembered, “as a person that was able to create stories that inspired their children and families to bond together.” His second act was cut short on January 26 when a helicopter he was riding in with his daughter Gianna and seven others crashed in Calabasas, California.

As one would expect from a passionate storyteller, Bryant also appreciated reading a good book. I searched through old interviews and social media posts to find the books that inspired the Black Mamba. In addition, scroll down for books written or created by Bryant.

Books Recommended by Kobe Bryant

The Illustrated Art of War Sunzi, active 6th century B.C. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking Gladwell, Malcolm, 1963- View on OverDrive View in Catalog

The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work Campbell, Joseph, 1904-1987. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 Luttrell, Marcus. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable Grover, Tim. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike Knight, Philip H. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln Goodwin, Doris Kearns. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Gladwell, Malcolm, 1963- View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Thirty Rooms to Hide in: Insanity, Addiction, and Rock 'n' Roll in the Shadow of the Mayo Clinic Sullivan, Luke. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA Butler, Caron, 1980- View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't Collins, James C. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Rowling, J. K. View on OverDrive View in Catalog

Books Written or Created by Kobe Bryant

Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof Pochoda, Ivy View on OverDrive View in Catalog

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play Bryant, Kobe, 1978- View on OverDrive View in Catalog

This article was edited to include additonal books.