Autobiography: sport Books

Book Synopsis'War doesn't start at nine in the morning and finish at five at night...As the war progressed I soon learned there was no time, dates or even an outside world, it was just an existence.'- Phil Stant's story is miles away from your usual footballer's rags-to-riches tale. He might have grown up like many sixties lads - idolising George Best and dreaming of playing at Wembley - but his life before professional football included bomb disposal, manoeuvres in the dark and seeing front-line action in the Falklands.Throughout his school days, Stant dreamed of gracing the pitch and hearing thousands of fans cheer his name. As his thoughts turned to an army career, however, he endured rigorous training and was soon engaged in combat and military exercises. Part of the task force that sailed to regain the Falkland Islands, Phil witnessed the defining moment in the conflict - the sinking of the Sir Galahad. He never gave up his love for football, and swapped the thrill and excitement of the battleground for the pitch, playing for a string of teams, including Notts County, Reading, Fulham, Brighton and Lincoln City.Phil writes about his extraordinary life from the days of 'jumpers for goalposts' to living in the barracks and his time on the frontline, onto the pitch and from the sidelines. Including an account of his return to the Falklands on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the conflict and with candid anecdotes told in Phil's frank style, this is a must-read with something for everyone.

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Book SynopsisJohn Lowe is one of Britain's greatest ever darts champions. Unruffled on the oche, even in the face of the greatest challenges, 'Old Stoneface', as John is known, became an indomitable force in the darts world. With every major darts accolade under his belt, his name has gone down in the history of the game. It was fate that kick-started John's career in the sport when, one evening, he was asked to take someone's place during a match. Had it not been for this, John would have followed his father down the mine and led quite a different life. In this fascinating book, John speaks candidly of his two marriages, the glamour and the strain brought about by jetting around the world to play in tournaments, as well as tales from all the major matches and what he really thinks about his big-name opponents. A must-read for any sports fan.

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Book SynopsisMeet Dave Hazard; world class martial artist. A 7th dan black belt in Shotokan karate, he's as respected in the tough streets, bars and clubs of the East End of London as he is in the best karate dojo in Japan. His reputation is legendary. He's faced down many tough challenges as a street fighter but also as a mentor and teacher. As a member of the Great British karate team, Dave fought for his country, facing some of the world's leading martial artists in both competition and the highly dangerous and demanding sparring of the dojo, where no rules apply...Born into a harsh world which demanded that you learn how to look after yourself and those around you, Dave Hazrd grew into a complex and extraordinary man. The ups and downs of his remarkable life, and the challenges he's overcome throughout it, prove he is truly a force to be reckoned with - a living embodiment of the power of the mind as well as the fist.

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Book SynopsisJohn 'Budgie' Burridge is a true journeyman pro and a hero to football fans up and down the country. In a unique career spanning 30 years, Budgie played 771 league games for 29 teams and became the oldest player ever to appear in the Premier League. Highly respected as a goalkepper, but denounced by many as an 'oddball', Budgie was famous for the madcap antics. And the Burridge story was far from over when he finally retired in 1997, at the age of 47. He lapsed into depression and spent months in the Priory Clinic as he struggled badly to cope with the void in his life. He then became player-manager at non-league Blyth Spartans - only to be convicted for dealing in counterfeit leisurewear. Together with his wife of more than 30 years, Budgie moved to Oman to take up a coaching post with the national team. He sustained serious injuries when he was knocked down by a car in 1999, but is back in rude health and is now a TV pundit and newspaper columnist. Burridge is still fascinating and funny to this day, and this tell-all autobiography reveals the truth behind his astonishing football career.

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Book Synopsis‘If I could choose a place to die, it would be in the mountains.’Clouds from Both Sides is the autobiography of Julie Tullis, the first British woman to climb an 8,000-metre peak – Broad Peak – and the first to reach the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. A truly remarkable woman, Julie describes her early days in a London disrupted by World War II; her family life, climbing, teaching and living by the sandstone outcrops of High Rocks and Harrison’s Rocks in Tunbridge Wells, Kent; and her experience as a high-level mountaineer and filmmaker. Tullis demonstrates her determination and self-discipline through training to black-belt standard in both judo and aikido, and never allows financial concerns to keep her away from the high mountains – a place where she felt at peace. Filled with vivid accounts of frostbite, avalanches, snow blindness and exhilaration alongside her climbing partner Kurt Diemberger, Clouds from Both Sides takes us to Yosemite, Nanga Parbat, Everest and K2. First published in 1986 before her death, and with an additional chapter written by Peter Gillman documenting Tullis’s final, fated expedition to K2, this story is as relevant and awe inspiring today as it ever was. Tullis’s achievements are timeless and her attitudes and opinions far ahead of their time. Clouds from Both Sides is a tribute to the memory of an inspirational woman determined to strive for her dreams, an extraordinary account of her adventures and an exhilarating testament to her courage.Trade Review'Remarkable ... her book serves as a moving and prescient epitaph.' (Sunday Telegraph).Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION: `I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now’; CHAPTER 1: First Steps; CHAPTER 2: `From win and lose and still somehow … ’; CHAPTER 3: World’s End to a New Horizon; CHAPTER 4: Harrison’s and Handicaps; CHAPTER 5: A Question of Fate; CHAPTER 6: Legless in Peru; CHAPTER 7: Graduation by Bicycle and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik; CHAPTER 8: Sun Dance in Yosemite; CHAPTER 9: French Lessons – Bewitched by Nanga Parbat; CHAPTER 10: The Correct Exposure; CHAPTER 11: Ciao to China – Explorations in Sinkiang; CHAPTER 12: K2: The Mountain of Mountains; CHAPTER 13: Why?; CHAPTER 14: Both Sides of the Avalanche – K2 and a Summit; CHAPTER 15: Keeping Fit; CHAPTER 16: Everest from Five Directions; CHAPTER 17: Nanga Parbat – To Be or Not To Be?; CHAPTER 18: The Final Summit; COMPARATIVE CLIMBING GRADES; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

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Book SynopsisThe Evidence of Things Not Seen is the autobiography of remarkable mountaineer, writer and environmentalist W.H. Murray. After being introduced to climbing in his early twenties, Murray’s relationship with the outdoors was shaped as much by his time on the mountains as away from them. His early Scottish climbs were brought to a halt by the Second World War, which saw him spend three years as a Nazi prisoner of war. These years were devoted to not only to philosophical study, but also to writing his classic Mountaineering in Scotland not once, but twice, on toilet paper.The time to write about mountains only fuelled Murray’s enthusiasm to climb them. The regeneration in mountaineering that followed the war saw Murray complete three Himalayan expeditions, alongside other iconic figures such as Doug Scott, Tom MacKinnon and Tom Weir, and Eric Shipton. He not only explored Himalayan peaks never before attempted by westerners, but also established the crucial Khumbu Icefall route up Everest, which paved the way for the mountain’s first ascent in 1953.Later life saw Murray return to Scotland and begin the fight to conserve the wild places that motivated him. From pioneering the John Muir Trust to fighting threats to forestry, Murray’s writing is laced with a philosophical edge and a contagious appreciation for Scotland’s wild places, capturing the essence of why Murray’s work has been inspiring readers for decades. Written just before his death in 1996, and with a foreword by renowned Scottish mountaineer Hamish MacInnes, The Evidence of Things Not Seen is a must-read for anyone for which the mountains are still a source of wonder.Trade ReviewA big, quiet book that resonated beyond the clamour of ego and conquest. – Dermot Somers, Judge, Banff Mountain Festival of Literature and Culture. This autobiography captures the huge scope of Murray's extraordinary life - I'd wager that many climbers under thirty have read little of Murray, seeing him as a remote figure from the past. This book has changed all that and made him relevant and current. – Ed Douglas, Climber Magazine. Would it live up to expectations? The answer is a resounding yes. Murray's words of optimism, insight and humility flow from each page, No inflated ego, no cynicism, no backbiting - and no false modesty either. – Jim Curran, High. Through the concise and page-turning war days we learn that the author spent two years scribing Mountaineering in Scotland on toilet paper. The Gestapo found the then manuscript, interrogated Murray and then destroyed it, believing it was coded intelligence information. Over the next two years Murray describes how he forced himself to rewrite the book. – Jonathan Waterman, American Alpine Journal. Bill Murray married a poet and the poetic sensibility which so often gives his work its depth is on display here. Its prose enhanced by pages of sumptuous photographs, valuable artefacts of climbing history in themselves, The Evidence of Things Not Seen is the memorial Murray deserves. Like a Highland sunset, his talent flared in glory one final time. – David Rose, The Guardian.Table of ContentsCONTENTS Foreword by Hamish MacInnes Introductory Note Early Years 1 Twists of the Thread 2 Siren Song Pre-War Climbing in Scotland 3 Rocks and Climbers 4 Renaissance: 1930s 5 The Winter Ascent of Garrick’s Shelf Fortunes of War 6 The Home Front 7 North Africa 8 To Iraq and Cyprus 9 The Battle of the Cauldron Incarceration 10 Stone Walls: Chieti 11 To Bavaria and Bohemia 12 Brunswick The Post-War World 13 Home 14 The Right Holds 15 Freedom – Decisions to Make 16 First Steps 17 The Alps: Highs and Lows First Expeditions to the Himalaya 18 Introduction to the Garhwal 19 To the Rishi Gorge 20 Attempts on Bethartoli Himal and Hunaman 21 Mountaineering and Medicine in Dunagiri 22 The Ascent of Uja Tirche and an attempt on Lampak South 23 Through the Girthi Gorge to Milam 24 The Ralam Pass and Panch Chuli 25 Untrodden Ranges: Around Menlungste and Gaurisankar Exploring the Api Massif 26 Approach to Api: The Kali Gorge 27 Api and Nampa 28 Yokapahar Himal – Warnings 29 Tibet – Into Chinese Held Territory 30 The Seti Gorge 31 A Meeting with the Rajah of Bajhang Everest and the Muztagh Tower 32 Everest and the Muztagh Tower: the seemingly impossible overcome Concerns Closer to Home 33 Return to Scotland 34 The Cragsmen of Lewis 35 The Life of Ben Humble – Tribute to a Fighter 36 A Writer’s World 37 Conservation 38 Tomorrow Epilogue Appendices I Murray’s Books, Plays and Articles II Sundry Correspondence III Writing about Climbing and Mountain Landscape IV The Rob Roy Affair V Publishing and the Practicalities of the Writing Business Photographs, Maps and Illustrations

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Book SynopsisIn this candid, revealing, and entertaining memoir, the beloved New York Yankee legend looks back over his nearly fifty-year career as a player and a manager, sharing insights and stories about some of his most memorable moments and some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball.For nearly five decades, Lou Piniella has been a fixture in Major League Baseball, as an outfielder with the legendary New York Yankees of the 1970s, and as a manager for five teams in both the American and National leagues. With respected veteran sportswriter Bill Madden, Piniella now reflects on his storied career, offering fans a glimpse of life on the field, in the dugout, and inside the clubhouse.Piniella speaks from the heart about his teams and his players, offering a detailed, up-close portrait of the Bronx Zoo’s raucous personalities such as Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter, as well as his close friendship with Thurman Munson and his unusual relationship with George Steinbrenner. He also delves deep into his post-Yankee experiences, from winning a World Series for the controversial owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Marge Schott, to transforming the perennial cellar-dwelling Seattle Mariners into one of the league’s best teams. Some of the game’s brightest stars are here: Ken Griffey Jr, Randy Johnson, and Alex Rodriguez, Piniella’s supremely talented and controversial protégé. Throughout his time in the majors, Piniella has witnessed MLB grow into a multi-billion-dollar business. Piniella reflects on those changes, voicing his highly critical opinions on a range of controversial subjects, including steroids. Hilarious and uproarious, filled with eight pages of photos, Lou brings into focus a man whose deeply rooted passion for baseball has defined his life.

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Book SynopsisThe NFL icon who first brought show business to sports shares his life lessons on fame, fatherhood, and football. Three days before the 1969 Super Bowl, Joe Namath promised the nation that he would lead the New York Jets to an 18-point underdog victory against the seemingly invincible Baltimore Colts. When the final whistle blew, that promise had been kept. Namath was instantly heralded as a gridiron god, while his rugged good looks, progressive views on race, and boyish charm quickly transformed him - in an era of raucous rebellion, shifting social norms, and political upheaval - into both a bona fide celebrity and a symbol of the commercialization of pro sports. By 26, with a championship title under his belt, he was quite simply the most famous athlete alive. Although his legacy has long been cemented in the history books, beneath the eccentric yet charismatic personality was a player plagued by injury and addiction, both sex and substance. W

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Book SynopsisTHIS BOOK IS FOR ALL THOSE WHO GOT KNOCKED DOWN AND CAME UP SWINGING.Paige VanZant is a rising Mixed Martial Arts star in the UFC''s women''s strawweight division and holds a reputation for her ability to defeat obstacles and brutal fights in and out of the octagon. Long before she was a fighting champion and household name winning over fans on Dancing with the Stars with her beauty, strength, and infectiously bold personality, Paige struggled with her self-esteem.On Dancing with the Stars, Paige won hearts when she opened up for the first time about being bullied but there is so much more that she hasn''t shared until now. The journey that brought Paige to the UFC is a stunning story of overcoming tragedy and finding the strength and skills to defend oneself in the face of evil. Within the pages of Rise is a girl who was so severely bullied in highschool she had garbage thrown on her, so tortured she had to move hometowns. She sought refu

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Book SynopsisOf the many storylines to the Chicago Cubs incredible 2016 season was the late career renaissance of David Ross, the 39-year-old journeyman player affectionately known to his Cubs teammates as Grandpa Rossy. Ross became the unlikely heart and soul of the championship team, who finally broke the near 100-year Cubs curse. At the end of the Cubs victorious game seven--in which Ross entered the game in the 5th inning and proceeded to hit a crucial home run (becoming the oldest player to homer in World Series History), he was carried off the field by his teammates. Ross''s late career blossoming and role as a Cubs mentor has been one of the defining sports stories of 2016, inspiring a write-in campaign for him for the All Star game, an endless series of feature stories and becoming the nightly talk of TV analysts and sports radio. This book would be memoir of Ross'' career -- written with veteran collaborator Don Yaeger -- with the championship run at Wrigley this year as the cap

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback--an inspiring memoir from David Ross, the 39-year-old journeyman player affectionately known to his teammates as "Grandpa Rossy," who became the unlikely heart and soul of the 2016 Chicago Cubs championship team.

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Book SynopsisThe absorbing, often revealing, and entertaining autobiography of a football icon.

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Book SynopsisAndrew Strauss, one of the most successful and respected England cricket captains of the modern era, announced his retirement from professional cricket at the end of 2012. In DRIVING AMBITION he gives a candid account of the highs and lows of his remarkable career for Middlesex and England.An outstanding opening batsman and natural leader, Andrew Strauss captained his country in 50 of his 100 Tests. During his time in charge, England emerged from a turbulent and controversial period to become the world''s top team.Fully updated to cover the past year in Andrew''s life; the transition from player to pundit and the fortunes of English cricket. This is an honest and entertaining story of a quiet, modest but fiercely ambitious man who became a magnificent man-manager, leading England to victory in the 2009 Ashes series and again in Australia the following year. Strauss is a fine raconteur and this revealing autobiography will appeal to all those who love cricket.<

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Book SynopsisIt''s hard to believe MONTY PANESAR only arrived on the international cricketing scene in March 2006. His electric performances against India and in the Ashes series saw him catapulted to hero status in a matter of months, and widely rated as England''s best spin bowler for 30 years. In MONTY''S TURN, Panesar takes a look at his extraordinary rise to stardom. Taught spin bowling by a friend of his father, Hitu Naik, his first experience of league cricket was with the Luton Town and Indians CC. His raw talent and utter dedication to his craft as a bowler soon saw him signed to Northamptonshire before he had completed his degree at Loughborough. Since his call-up to the England senior squad, Panesar''s life has been a whirlwind of headlines and hero worship. The national outcry that met his exclusion from the first two Ashes Tests placed the weight of a despondent England''s expectations on his comparatively inexperienced shoulders, but Panesar responded to the pressurTrade ReviewA reflective, analytical work, which mercifully avoids cliches. * The Herald *He is extraordinary in so many ways * Sue Mott, Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'Maybe the good Lord was just waiting for me to put on the pinstripes.'When Joe Torre was fired as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1995, he thought his career in baseball was over. After more than three decades and4,200 games as a player and manager, one thing had always eluded him--winning a World Series.  He had all but given up his dream when the New York Yankees made him an offer to manage their 1996 club.  Encouraged by his wife and others, he accepted, and so began one of the greatest seasons in the fabled history of the New York Yankee franchise and one of the most inspiring, heartwarming stories in all ofbaseball.  Here is the ultimate insider's record of that unforgettable season by the man whose personal struggles captured the hearts and imaginations of fanseverywhere. Tough, gritty, but always fair and honest, Torre vividly reveals how he turned a potentially volatile mix of talented youngsters such as A

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Book SynopsisWho is Rampaging Roy Slaven? John Doyle, the man who knows him best, delves into the early years of the master of midfield mayhem.

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Book SynopsisKLIM, the moving autobiography from Michael Klim, delves into the life of the legendary swimmer, exploring his triumphs, challenges and extraordinary resilience in and beyond the swimming lanes. As one of Australia's most celebrated athletes, Michael Klim's impact extends far beyond the pool. Klim's journey to greatness began with his early years in Poland before his family immigrated to Australia. From a young age, Klim displayed an extraordinary talent for swimming, honing his skills through rigorous training and competition. He burst onto the international scene in the late 1990s, becoming a dominant force in butterfly and freestyle events. His crowning moment came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he captured the hearts of millions with his gold medal performances and world record-breaking swims. Klim's success continued on the world stage, earning numerous medals at World Championships and Commonwealth Games, solidifying his s

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Book SynopsisHaving faced death head on, we wanted no regrets. It was time to go''. In 2005 Rob and Jo Gambi became the first married couple to achieve the ultimate adventurer''s ambition when they climbed the ''Seven Summits'' (the highest mountains on all seven continents) and skied to both the North and South Poles together in record time. Rob is also the first Australian and Jo the first female to achieve this feat. What makes their story even more remarkable is that they achieved all this while Rob was in remission from his second bout of cancer. In spite of setbacks and facing death high in the Himalayas, they persevered and fulfilled their dreams (while unwittingly setting a string of records). Jo''s inspiring book is not just an enthralling account of mountaineering and polar achievements; it is a powerful and emotional story of love and survival against the odds.Trade ReviewA great read, great story, and a great love...what champions you both are. * Bear Grylls (Leading mountaineer & explorer) *

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Book SynopsisRichard Parks has what must be one of contemporary sport''s most extraordinary and inspirational stories. Soon after he turned thirty, the professional career in rugby that had been his life for over a decade was cut short by injury, leaving him faced with an uncertain future. But unlike many other young athletes, Richard decided to tackle his fears, anxiety and depression head on, taking inspiration from Ranulph Fiennes and a line from his grandmother''s eulogy - The horizon is only the limit of our sight and setting out on challenges that have become part of his everyday life.Richard created history with his first endeavour - the 737 Challenge - by becoming the first person to conquer the highest mountain on each of the world''s continents and venture to both the North and South Poles within seven months. Then in 2013 he tackled three hugely challenging events - an ultramarathon through the Peruvian jungle, the world''s highest mountain bike race, and a double iron man tri

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Book SynopsisIn 2014, Kevin Pietersen''s autobiography was one of the most talked about sporting media stories of the year, largely due to the shockwaves it sent through the cricketing establishment. Now, Kevin turns his focus to events on the pitch, offering his views on what it takes to be a successful cricketer in the modern age. This summer''s Ashes series has demonstrated just how demanding and unpredictable the game has become, and Kevin is ideally - perhaps uniquely - placed to comment on those developments. In KEVIN PIETERSEN ON CRICKET we''ll see exactly how today''s player approaches batting, bowling, bowling, captaincy, preparation, and many other aspects of the game itself, through the prism of the author''s own experience. We''ll see what it''s like to face a bowler like Mitchell Johnson at his menacing best, learn how cricketers cope with the challenges presented by foreign climates and conditions, and gain a fresh understanding of how players manage the psychological side

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2017 Cross Sports Autobiography of the Year ''Full of illuminating anecdotes, piercing insights and unsparing self-analysis from the former England batsman'' The Cricketer Jonathan Trott was England''s rock during one of the most successful periods in the team''s history - he scored a century on debut to clinch the Ashes in 2009, and cemented his position as their pivotal batsman up to and beyond the team''s ascendancy to the number 1 ranked test team in 2011. Yet shortly after reaching those heights, he started to crumble, and famously left the 2012-13 Ashes tour of Australia suffering from a stress related illness. His story is the story of Team England - it encompasses the life-cycle of a team that started out united by ambition, went on to achieve some of the greatest days in the team''s history but then, bodies and minds broken, fell apart amid acrimony.Having seenTrade ReviewUnguarded is not just the story of Jonathan Trott, it is also the story of the rise and fall of an England team that reached great heights before imploding just as spectacularly * All Out Cricket *Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott's autobiography, Unguarded is just that, a no holds barred account of Trott's rise to the heights of the sport, helping to clinch the Ashes in 2009, and subsequent descent into depressive illness * Choice Magazine *A painfully honest book characterised by a dry wit: Trott's eyebrow is perpetually raised at the absurdity of it all. He can be thin-skinned, but what could have been a gruelling book is notable for its emotional intelligence * Daily Mail *The man who famously left the 2012/13 Ashes tour on account of stress related illness takes us inside the heart of the England dressing room and the head of a professional sportsman. Unguarded charts the highs of Trott's role in propelling England to the summit of World Cricket before a shattering reversal. It uses accounts from team and family members to illustrate the pressure facing professional sportspeople in the modern era and how dangerous expectations of others and oneself can breach any walk of life * GQ *Full of illuminating anecdotes, piercing insights and unsparing self-analysis from the former England batsman * The Cricketer *

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Book SynopsisAn inspiring and entertaining guide to staying healthy in older age by a 75 year-old triathlete.Trade ReviewAs the oldest person to complete an Ironman triathlon (at age 74), Eddie is testament that it's never too late to start. This inspiring book is a look back over her life, its ups and downs and how she used these to fuel her enthusiasm for life, health and fitness. Her chatty style is so engaging as she shares how she got where she is today, from her childhood with a grandmother who cooked for Winston Churchill, to losing her husband to cancer and nourishing a close relationship with her children. A truly inspiring read for any age! * Outdoor Fitness *

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Book Synopsis''A book that''ll change your perspective on life. You''ll not be able to put it down.'' Fearne Cotton''Everyone should read this book. Sophie Morgan is the epitome of grit and determination. Her writing is thought provoking, honest and in parts hilarious.'' Katie Piper OBE''Wrenchingly honest...eye-opening and deeply moving. *****'' Mail on SundayAs seen on ''Living Wild; How to Change your Life'' a two-part prime-time series on Channel 4, Loose Women and The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2COn the precipice of starting her adult life, aged eighteen, Sophie, a rebellious and incorrigible wild child, crashed her car and was instantly paralysed from the chest down. Rushed to hospital, everything she had dreamed for her life was instantly forgotten and her journey to rediscover herself and build a different life began. But being told she would never walk again would come to be the least of her concerns.Over the next eTrade ReviewA book that'll change your perspective on life. You'll not be able to put it down. * Fearne Cotton *What I love about this book is it's not about "overcoming disability". Instead, it's about learning how to live a good disabled life - one full of friends, love, opportunities and fun. Disabled joy is so rarely seen, but Sophie Morgan has it in spades. * Lucy Webster, Political journalist, writer and disability advocate *Wrenchingly honest...inspirational, eye-opening and deeply moving * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisGarry Sobers is a cricketing legend, the greatest all-rounder of all time. In this revealing and honest autobiography, Sobers talks about his upbringing and about the tragic accident that inspired him throughout his career. He explains how he helped the West Indies to become the most feared cricketing nation in the world, setting them on a course of success that would run for another 20 years. He also provides authoritative views on the current state of the game and the future of cricket.Trade ReviewThe book is as entertaining as this great player was in his heyday * David Llewellyn, Independent *Cricket fans will be reminded not only how irresistible he was as a cricketer, but also how his uninhibited and generous-spirited personality made him so easy to like and so difficult to forget * Edward Smith, Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisFrom 1958-75 Billy McNeill was at the heart of everything Celtic did. An uncompromising but fair centre half, he captained the club for twelve hugely successful years. Later in his life he returned for two more periods as Celtic manager, winning the undying support of the club''s legion of fans for his complete commitment to the cause. In this remarkable autobiography, he recalls the glory days of the Lisbon Lions alongside Bobby Lennox and Jimmy Johnstone; playing for Scotland with Billy Bremner and Denis Law; coming to England as a manager; and reveals just how good a babysitter Kenny Dalglish was. Told with great humour and intelligence, this is a fascinating story from one of Scotland''s greatest heroes.Trade ReviewUnique story, unique man. * The Scotsman *Much has been written about the Lisbon Lions' captain, but this tome wins in its description of McNeill's complex relationship with Jock Stein and his pain at being sacked by Celtic in 1991. * Scotland On Sunday *

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Book SynopsisThe nation has commented on and devoured Paul Gascoigne for years. But until now no one has ever known what it is really like to be Gazza. Here Gascoigne, in the company of his therapist, confronts his demons and takes the reader into the recesses of his mind. The triggers that plunged Gascoigne into dark despair are revealed together with the critical moments that influenced his alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, gambling, eating disorders and compulsive behaviour. This is more than the story of one man. It applies to people who face turmoil every day. Through self-assessment forms and expert advice, any reader who sees a mirror of themselves will be offered help and a way forward.

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Book SynopsisIn RUGBY TALES, Lawrence Dallaglio recalls with affection and razor-sharp humour, the behind-the-scenes stories that have previously only been shared within the world of international rugby, together with some classics from his rugby-playing colleagues and mates.There''s the one about the 2003 World Cup winner who curtseyed to the queen and another featuring the rugby legend who was affronted by the suggestion that he had been out on the town until 3 a.m. days before a crucial match. ''Don''t you look at me,'' he cried indignantly, ''I got in at six.'' Featuring big games, bigger personalities, quick-fire banter and the odd pint or two, these are the best of the best from the legends of the dressing room, pitch and pub.Trade Review'Guaranteed happiness to rugby lovers...a gem' * planetrugby.com *'Essential reading for blokes who love a bit of skulduggery in the scrum' * Daily Telegraph *'Blood, sweat and beers from droll Lol and friends. Some classic one-liners. Love it!' * Rugby World *

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Book SynopsisGary Sutherland was a lapsed golfer, until he acquired his late dad''s putter. After studying a crumpled golf map of Scotland, Gary decided to embark on a voyage. His target was to play 18 rounds of golf on 18 Scottish islands in honour of his dad, a ship''s captain who, when he wasn''t at sea, was never off the golf course.His journey would take him from the Northern Isles to the Outer Hebrides. Playing in the Harris hail and Arran sunshine, he would encounter an odd variety of golfing hazards, including sheep on the tees, cows on the fairways and electric fences round the greens. This is golf in the raw - a million miles from St Andrews. It is a life-affirming tale of remembrance and discovery. It''s about having a laugh and holding on to what''s dear. And it''s about a putter with magical properties. You can believe what you choose to, but it all happened...Trade Review'A warm and insightful guide...Sutherland's sense of enjoyment shines through, all the way to the most perfect of conclusions' * Herald *'A marvellous romp...giving a pretty good idea of what golf on the islands is all about' * Telegraph *'A great concept...vividly brings to life the courses and often idiosyncratic island life' * Scotland on Sunday *'The most unusual round of golf in the world!' * Sunday Post *'If you're a golf fan you'll find plenty of gold in Sutherlands descriptions of his exploits...the tales of the people he meets, the animals he avoids and the apparently endless appetite for CalMac breakfasts' * Buteman *'Sutherland is very amiable company...a long distance from the stuffiness and snobbery of some golf writing, it's a refreshing and heartfelt journey' * Big Issue *'You don't have to be an enthusiast to enjoy Gary's rounds of golf...an exceptionally well-written book' * Undiscovered Scotland *'How refreshing it is to read a book about Golf which takes the reader miles away from the manicured greens of championship courses such as St. Andrews and Carnousitie' * Scots Magazine *

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Book SynopsisBrush up on your cricket knowledge of the Ashes with a hilarious and alternative guide to cricket''s most fiercely contested series. In this laugh-out-loud follow up to the Sunday Times bestseller Tuffers'' Cricket Tales, ex-England cricketer, TV personality and Test Match Special commentator Phil Tufnell offers his unique take on the whole Ashes experience. Drawing on incidents from his own colourful career and the reminiscences of great English and Aussie cricket characters, both past and present, Tuffers highlights all the elements that make for a truly memorable Ashes series, on and off the pitch.Heroic performances, personal ''Cat-astrophes'', bonkers selections, cultural clashes between Poms and Ockers, slanderous sledges, dubious tactics, odd superstitions, touring high-jinx and nail-biting finishes are all on the agenda as he delves into the 131-year history of a unique sporting institution. Along the way, Tuffers, who playe

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Book SynopsisAre you sitting comfortably? Then Jeff will begin ... The universally-loved, award-winning host of Sky Sports'' Soccer Saturday and Channel 4''s Countdown, and author of the bestselling Jelleyman''s Thrown a Wobbly, returns with a Jackanory-style, football-flavoured narrative which gathers together the funniest, weirdest, most tragic, most heart-warming, under-the-radar stories of the football season. The book is stuffed to the gunnels with behind-the-scenes revelations, opinions and personal anecdotes from Jeff, and has a strong leaning towards the absurdities of both the highest levels and the grass-roots of the game. From the Macclesfield goalkeeper booked for using a golf tee to take his goal kicks, to the unintelligible ranting and raving of South American dictator chairmen. Let Jeff be your trusted guide through the madness of the football season, and let Jeffanory supply you with a veritable treasure trove of great anecdotes to take to the pubTrade Review'Football fans will love this book' * Darlington & Stockton Times *'It will give you a football fix to keep you going' * Southern Daily Echo *'Stelling weaves in his well-fomed opinions on the game' * East Lothian News *

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Book SynopsisThis is a stimulating and deeply insightful football narrative by Rafa Benitez which focuses on the legendary manager''s dramatic six Champions League campaigns with Liverpool. Rafa expertly navigates fans through intriguing European adventures that embrace the triumph and despair of two Champions League finals, three semi-finals and five quarter-finals in what was a golden era for the Anfield club - an era that supporters felt gave them their pride back after years in the wilderness. What sets this book apart is the unique ways in which Rafa allows fans into his high-pressured world, the fascinating glimpses he offers of a top manager''s thought processes and decision making during the cut and thrust of a high-octane European campaign.

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Book SynopsisA rip-roaring, life-enhancing, hilarious memoir from a football cult hero; very much in the same vein as recent bestsellers from Paul Merson and Jeff Stelling.Trade ReviewIn an increasingly toxic and humourless football world, an hour in Bullard's company is great therapy. Apropos of nothing, he reveals he bought his house without realising it has no mobile phone reception. He discusses his passion for fishing. He orders tea and gets brought coffee. He burns his fingers on the toast. Funny things happen in the orbit of Planet Jimmy. At one point an elderly man tentatively approaches, presumably in search of a photo or autograph. "Would you mind talking a little more quietly, please?" he asks Bullard. "You're really annoying my wife." - The Observer

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Book SynopsisMatt Dawson''s Lions Tales gives rugby fans a satisfying dose of wonderful Lions anecdotes, epic stories of triumph and despair, of camaraderie and controversy, and stirring examples of that special bond that only competing in the white heat of battle, halfway round the world, against the mighty All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks, can engender.Lions Tales is peppered with insight and laugh-out-loud moments, dredged from the memory banks of Dawson''s own time in the iconic red shirt, and also from his keen interest in the Lions'' remarkable 125-year traditions.

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Book SynopsisThe story of one of English football's greatest mavericks

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Book SynopsisThe original autobiography of Bradley Wiggins, the first British rider to have won the Tour de France and a record-equalling seven-time Olympic medallist. 'The autobiography of one of British cycling's true greats is an authentic account of hard knocks, tough times and a surprising amount of alcohol' TIME OUTTrade ReviewThe autobiography of one of British cycling's true greats is an authentic account of hard knocks, tough times and a surprising amount of alcohol * TIME OUT *

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Book SynopsisBBC sports presenter Mark Chapman is no longer in his physical prime. There is an argument to suggest he has never been in his physical prime. Now in his forties, he is facing a world of knee replacements and ever-expanding waistlines, whilst his children are thriving.There is huge pride that they are doing so well, mixed with a fair amount of jealousy that actually they are better at a wide range of sport than he ever was. He is passionate about sport and it has played a huge part in his life. His parents encouraged him from a very early age and he wants to pass the baton on to his son and daughters. Although there is every chance he might drop it and have a massive strop instead. He is also very aware of the huge changes in sport today compared to when he was growing up; and he is determined that his own attitude to his son and daughters'' sport - be it football, netball, cricket or gymnastics - will be exactly the same. And he wants to shine a light on grass roots spo

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Book SynopsisThe story of a lifetime at the very centre of international cricket, from the most respected TV commentator in the game.Few people understand cricket as well as Richie Benaud. For sixty years, as player and commentator, he has set the standards for others to follow and has witnessed all the major events in the game. No one else has found such favour with the vast numbers of cricket lovers in both Britain and Australia.A high-class attacking batsman and masterful legspin bowler, he captained Australia in 28 of his 63 Tests, regaining the Ashes in 1958-59 and taking part in both Laker''s match in 1956 and the Tied Test in 1960. His television career, which began in 1963 while he was still a Test player, has coincided with a period of astonishing change - in the way the game is played, with the increasing popularity of the shorter formats, and in the way it is broadcast, with the innovations that began with World Series Cricket.In Over But Not OTrade ReviewWhat former Australian captain Richie Benaud does not know about cricket is probably not worth knowing. - Sydney Morning Herald Plenty of cricket commentators can, of course, offer opinions on everything to do with the bat and ball but few can deliver them with the gentlemanly grace of Richie Benaud OBE. - The Daily Telegraph Excellent mixture of autobiography and reflection on the game and players past and present. - The Age [Benaud s] formidable memory for old battles and strong opinions on contemporary issues mak it a good dip-in read. - Herald Sun His insights are many and varied. - Sunday Herald Sun Well played sir, well played. - Courier Mail

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Book SynopsisAlastair Cook forced his way into the record books in 2006, becoming one of the few England players to score a hundred on debut. By going on to become the only Englishman to hit seven Test centuries before his twenty-third birthday, Alastair found himself in the company of the greatest players in cricketing history.STARTING OUT is Alastair''s personal account of this speedy climb to stardom. Equally gifted at music, he opted for cricket as a schoolboy and the young left-hander broke record after record as he progressed to become the first-choice opener for Essex. Now an integral part of the England team with over forty caps, Alastair is perfectly placed to describe the highs and lows of life within the England cricket camp during one of the most exciting and turbulent periods of their history, both on and off the field.Updated to include the full story of the 2009 Ashes series, STARTING OUT amounts to a fascinating insight into life as one of the rising stars

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Book SynopsisGraeme Swann''s transformation from international outsider to England''s primary match-winner and undisputed best spin bowler in the world has been remarkably rapid. Within two years of his 2008 Test debut, he had become his country''s most reliable bowler, made the shortlist for the ICC''s cricketer of the year award and claimed an Ashes-sealing wicket. Yet the script took many twists and turns along the way.Drafted into the squad for the full tour of South Africa in 1999-2000. Swann''s meteoric received a jolt. While some liked the cut of his jib, others did not and England coach Duncan Fletcher already had a foot in the latter camp when Swann missed the bus for the first of two times on that tour. Suddenly he was judged on temperament and not talent. Although Swann candidly concedes he was nowhere near good enough for the top level at that stage in his career, his jettisoning back to county cricket for the next seven years, following a solitary one-day internation

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