Vanessa Johnson has announced the upcoming release of a novel authored by her late husband, basketball star Kobe Johnson, set to hit shelves in July. Tragically, Vanessa lost both her husband and their eldest daughter, Mia, in a helicopter crash earlier this year. Despite her immense grief, she continues to celebrate the legacies of her loved ones. Whether it’s commemorating what would have been her daughter’s 14th birthday or sharing heartfelt tributes to Kobe on special occasions, Vanessa’s love remains evident.
On Friday, the 38-year-old shared the cover art for the book, titled “Geese Are Never Swans,” which depicts the main character, Gus Bennett, an aspiring Olympic swimmer facing several hurdles on his path to success. On her Instagram, she wrote, “‘Whether goose or swan, I have wings and I’ll fly.’ Here’s Geese Are Never Swans, one of my favorite novels created by my husband @kobejohnson.” She emphasized the narrative’s focus on the healing power of sports.
The novel, co-created by Kobe and penned by Eva Clark, is slated for release on July 21 and is currently available for preorder. It has already reached No. 1 on Amazon’s bestseller list in Teen and Young Adult Water Sports Fiction. The book’s summary reveals that Gus is solely focused on swimming, determined to reach the Olympics with the guidance of Coach Marks. However, the journey is anything but straightforward, as Gus grapples with intense emotions and familial issues.
“Gus’s life revolves around one goal: swimming,” the summary reads. “He believes that Coach Marks is his only chance at Olympic glory. What seems like a straightforward plan soon becomes a rigorous challenge, as Gus channels his anger into mastering the sport he and his friend Danny adored, finding peace in the very waters where he confronts his inner turmoil.”
Earlier this week, Vanessa also shared a dedication from Kobe’s previous sports fiction novel, released in November 2019, which read, “For Vanessa. Thank you for always being the Realist to my Dreamer.” On May 1, she honored her daughter Mia, sharing an emotional tribute on what would have been her 14th birthday.
“Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Mia,” she wrote, including a cherished photo. “Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are a part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you every day and wish I could wake up with you here. I miss your smile, your hugs, and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU! I LOVE YOU more than words can say!!!!!!”
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In summary, Vanessa Johnson is honoring her late husband’s literary legacy with the upcoming release of “Geese Are Never Swans,” a novel that explores the challenges and healing aspects of sports through the journey of a young swimmer.