Autobiography: sport Books

Book SynopsisWhen Seth Burkett answers a tweet calling for overseas players to join a professional Sri Lankan football team in a new tournament, he has no idea what awaits him. The team is Trinco Titans, owned by Sri Lankan cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and he will be spending the summer playing in the North Eastern Premier League. Unfortunately, he is in the dark about the quality of football, the standard of pitches, the delicate local political tensions, even the dates of the fixtures... Before long, he is fully immersed in the Titans family, experiencing everything the country has to offer him: new friendships, picture-postcard beaches, a relaxed approach to organisation and time-keeping, thousands of new Facebook followers, and a crash course in the Teardrop Isle's recent troubled history. There will be results to forget but it will be a summer to remember.

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Book SynopsisEndurance, Determination and Grit: The first ever man to run the length of Africa shares his inspirational story10,000 miles. 16 countries. 352 days. Hardest Geezer, Russ Cook, is the first person to ever run the entire length of Africa. From his starting point in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, through sandstorms in the Sahara Desert, rainforests, mountain ranges and long empty roads stretched out for miles in front of him, Russ ran the equivalent of 386 marathons before finally crossing the finish line in Tunisia 50 weeks later. Through attempted kidnaps, an armed robbery where he was held at gunpoint, and the gut-wrenching moment when he was denied the right to cross Algeria and whole challenge was left hanging in the balance, Russ never once contemplated giving up. When he crossed the finish line in Ras Angela, he did so with the eyes of the world on him. Africa may have been his most physical challenge yet but it certainly wasn't his first. For years, Russ hid from the realities of life by drinking too much and losing himself in the world of online gambling, and it wasn't until he discovered running and sought out endurance challenges that life took a different turn. He soon learned that you don't get to avoid the struggle, but you do get to choose it. Hardest Geezer: Mind over Miles is an inspirational story full of sheer grit and incredible determination. You get one chance at life. Go and have a stab at it.'

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Book Synopsis*Sports Book Awards Autobiography of the Year**Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award**The Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year* *The Times Sports Book of the Year* *Telegraph Football Book of the Year*Readers love The Boy on the Shed''A journey full of emotion . . . Spectacular'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Honest, insightful and shows how football really has to sort itself out'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Paul Ferris writes from the heart, a wonderful book'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Exceptional'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Ferris''s wonderful memoir represents a twin triumph. He has endured every kind of setback in life but has invariably reinvented himself; and his writing is a pure pleasure.'' The Sunday Times ''Enough depth and humanity to make your average football autobiographyTrade ReviewThis will be one of the most talked about football books of 2018. * Henry Winter *A remarkable piece of writing...Life, death, love, leaving home, motherly relationships, striving, all weaved into the football journey and every page I found myself relating to his experiences, some very personal...So much more than a sporting memoir. You could take so much from it without an interest in football. * Simon Bird, Football Correspondent, Daily Mirror *An excellent read. * Alan Shearer *Paul Ferris has a good story to tell, in fact several, Irish and Geordie, politics and football, and he tells it well, avoiding the obvious pitfalls of trying to be either lyrical or philosophical or too clever. * Hunter Davies *It is also not a run-of-the-mill book about football, but a well-rounded, exceedingly candid account of his life on and off the pitch and of his family, warts and all. * Belfast Telegraph *Unique, interesting, extremely emotive and gives some insight that supporters have never heard before...His story is raw and will keep you engaged without using any exaggerations which try to win over readers...Ferris has pushed himself forward extremely well in his new book, so well that any Newcastle supporter's book collection will be incomplete without The Boy on the Shed in it. * Newcastle Chronicle *Paul Ferris has written a book that transcends genres...Ferris writes with the sort of fluency that, on the pitch, once impressed peers such as Paul Gascoigne.Ferris has gone beyond standard sports autobiographies. The Boy On The Shed is of a time and place, of Ireland, of Northern Ireland, of growing up a Catholic on a Protestant estate in Lisburn in the 1970s. It is a story of everyday sectarianism and its effects...These books offer a window on another world. Paul Ferris spent much of his childhood in Lisburn looking through one. What he saw, how he understood it and didn't understand it, is gripping. * Irish Times *Once opened, you will be unable to put it down. * Chronicle Live *Superb * Oliver Holt *What a life, what a book...it is excellent. Sports book of the year. * BBC Radio 2 Simon Mayo *A stirring testament to the strength of the human condition and the power of ideas. * Sunday Times Northern Ireland *An early contender for sports book of the year, The Boy On The Shed is not only a great story of a man who came tantalisingly close to making it as a top-flight footballer (and went on to achieve so much else besides), but is simultaneously engaging, well-paced and, like the very best stories, well written. * Press Association *Paul Ferris's compelling memoir is different. For starters, he wrote it all himself, beautifully. Also, it extends well beyond football...It has been quite a journey from the garden shed he used to climb, back in Lisburn, that gives this engaging book its title - and one which thoroughly confounds the notion of the idiot footballer. * Daily Mail *The appeal of his astute story-telling is that this book works on levels that reach far beyond football. The Boy on the Shed reveals an impressive triumph of human resilience over adversity as well as a truly gifted wordsmith. * Sunday Mirror *Quite simply one of the best football memoirs I've ever read and I've worked my way through rather a lot. Paul Ferris writes beautifully and weaves a fascinating tale that lures you into not wanting to put this wonderful book down. A masterpiece of the genre. * Brian McNally *Football memoirs rarely produce great literature but Ferris's The Boy on the Shed is a glistening exception, which sets a short career with Newcastle United against the backdrop of a Catholic childhood in a protestant stronghold of Northern Ireland. He's witty, emotional and painfully self-revealing. If, as Alan Shearer intimates in the foreword, a second book is on the way, he may turn out to be the new Frank McCourt. * The Guardian *Ferris writes so well about the sensation of playing that those who have never kicked a ball are given a glimpse of how to be a footballer. This is so much more than a memoir about the game, however. This is rare male honesty about crippling shyness, love and despair and so very moving about the relationship between a mother and her son. * Alyson Rudd, The Times *If by any chance you like a good book and you are not averse to sport, even football, take this recommendation. It is called The Boy on the Shed and it was written by Paul Ferris. Ferris's story is fascinating and stylishly told. -- David Walsh * The Sunday Times *In a genre too often mired in platitudes, former Newcastle and Northern Ireland winger Ferris's account of growing up Catholic in Protestant Lisburn - and the football career that promised him a way out - stands out for its honesty and humour. * i Paper *A fascinating life story, bearing much heart and soul as well as being 'warts and all'. It is well worth reading for its honesty and its insights by any reader and will be a particularly absorbing read for anyone with an interest or love for 'the beautiful game' as well as Ulster readers and those who remember the would-be local football star from these shores. * Irish Tatler *This is a fascinating life story, bearing much heart and soul as well as being warts and all'. It is well worth reading for its honesty and its insights by any reader and will be a particularly absorbing read for anyone with an interest or love for 'the beautiful game'. * Ulster Tatler *A roller coaster read with appeal beyond football fans, this is a tale of struggle and tragedy, of love and hope, and offers humbling reality as an alternative to the traditional "rags to riches" adventure. * Daily Express *In literary terms, his autobiography is far and away the best book here. Not for nothing was it shortlisted for the William Hill sports book of the year award. As with Nick Hornby's peerless classic it will endure beyond a convenient Christmas stocking filler for your dad. That's because it's not about sport, but rather about the far bigger themes of family, pain, identity, masculinity and loss. -- Robert Crampton * The Times *The Boy on the Shed has enough depth and humanity to make your average football autobiography look like a Ladybird book. * The Telegraph *Ferris's wonderful memoir represents a twin triumph ... and his writing is a pure pleasure. * The Times *Ferris's book offers new insights into professional sport - and what happens when the dream curdles. * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Like St-Pierre, this book is part philosophical, part scientific, part business-tutorial and even part self-help, with carefully selected pieces of the fighter's personal story interwoven throughout. It's all fascinating, coming from one of the most evolved fighting minds the sport has ever produced." -- SportsIllustrated.com "The Way of the Fight delivers a great deal ... part biography, part self-help, part philosophy. It is a book that, read in the right manner, teaches more than it tells." -- Bleacher Report "An interesting view into the psyche of an athlete ... the most insightful view to date of a fighter and person that has not only dominated his sport, but has been one of the foundational figures bridging the gap between MMA's community and the greater mainstream sports audience." -- Sherdog "This is an outstanding book ... at the heart of it The Way of the Fight is about setting and achieving goals, and what it takes to overcome obstacles to become your most successful self... I highly recommend The Way of the Fight." -- New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag "GSP the warrior reveals himself. The Way of the Fight is the way of his life. It's about the process of Georges St-Pierre, who came from nowhere to become an international icon." -- Diane Sauve, Radio-Canada

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Book SynopsisAn honest, end-of-career autobiography from widely adored Harlequins and England rugby star Danny CareThey say everything happens for a reason, and I think my life is proof of that. There have been a series of moments, some of them tough setbacks, that have proved over time to be pivotal to the person and player I am today. There was the time when my dreams of a football career came to an abrupt end but opened the door for rugby in my life; the ill-judged sledging outing that may have cost me the opportunity to go on a Lions tour; the times when my name made the headlines for the wrong reasons; the choice I made to miss an England tour, which led to meeting the love of my life on a party island halfway across the world; and the devastating moment when Eddie Jones dropped me from the England squad and I thought my international career was over.I sometimes wondered if it was meant to be but I kept on smiling and I worked hard as I kept my focus on playing the

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Book Synopsis'ENDLESSLY ABSORBING' Mail on Sunday'MASTERPIECE' The Times'RUTHLESS' Daily Telegraph'INCOMPARABLE' Sunday Mirror'SEARINGLY HONEST' The SunThe No.1 bestselling memoir of Roy Keane, former captain of Manchester United and IrelandIn a stunning collaboration with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, Roy Keane gives a brutally honest account of his days as a player, the highs and lows of his managerial career and his life as an outspoken ITV pundit.As part of a tiny elite of football players, Roy Keane has had a life like no other. His status as one of football's greatest stars is undisputed, but what of the challenges beyond the pitch? How did he succeed in coming to terms with life as a former Manchester United and Ireland leader and champion, reinventing himself as a manager and then a broadcaster, and cope with the psychological struggles this entailed?THE SECOND HALF blends anecdote and reflection in Roy Keane's inimitable voice. The result is an unforgettable personal odyssey which fearlessly challenges the meaning of success.Trade ReviewRoy Keane's book is a masterpiece: The Second Half gives a startling account of his colourful career and reveals the hard-man midfielder's long-hidden good points ... Keane's book, ghost-written by Roddy Doyle, is an endlessly absorbing piece of work. It may well be the finest, most incisive deconstruction of football management that the game has ever produced -- Patrick Collins * THE MAIL ON SUNDAY *There is much in Roy Keane's new book that is thoughtful and self-mocking, insightful and funny -- George Caulkin * THE TIMES *Keane's book - ghosted by Roddy Doyle - is brutal, amusing and self-deprecating, often at the same time -- Des Kelly * EVENING STANDARD *Roddy Doyle's works, mostly set in a fictional Dublin suburb, often star quietly frustrated everymen, and it's this book's achievement to make you see its mighty subject in that light -- Anthony Cummins * DAILY TELEGRAPH *It is the dearth of integrity that makes Pietersen such a peevish, trifling character, and the surfeit that makes Keane so entrancingly epic ... the personification of honest to a fault ... he is as close as sport can offer to an Old Testament prophet. Heroically unconcerned with being loved, almost insanely devoted to telling what he regards as the plain truth, he may not always be engaging. But ... he stands out as utterly and irreducibly true to himself -- Matthew Norman * THE INDEPENDENT *The best things are the small things: regretting joining Ipswich when he discovered the training kit was blue; refusing to sign Robbie Savage because his answerphone message was rubbish; being appalled that his side had listened to an Abba song before playing football. The irrational, blistering intolerance is delicious. Keane famously detested yes-men; he created himself as the ultimate no-man. And he's still here -- Dan Jones * EVENING STANDARD *A genuine pleasure; it is a masterpiece of the genre and one that paints, in an entirely unintentional way, an extremely flattering portrait of the man ... Keane is not afraid to laugh at himself by telling stories against himself ... His thoughts on his players are humane, interesting, candid and never less than believable ... Keane's story is of a man, too, one who has had to look at football and life anew as a manager, and it is this added perspective that gives richness and humanity to the tale -- Mike Atherton * THE TIMES *When Keane says anything, listening is usually the best option. He's scarily extreme, dangerously provocative, oxy-acetylene forthright ... and hugely entertaining ... Self-desctruction, self-pity, self-laceration - his latest unburdening has all this and more. His book reveals more flaws and admits to more mistakes than Sir Alex Ferguson did in his last literary effort - and Keane's is much funnier -- Aidan Smith * SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY *The book is brilliantly constructed, rattling along at breakneck speed. And it makes a change from the standard sporting autobiography in being so hard on its principal subject. This is a book full of self-deprecation ... No self-aggrandisement, rather a ruthless self-examination -- Jim White * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Keane's eminent co-writer, Booker Prize-winning Irish author Roddy Doyle, does a brilliant job. His gift for comedy and swearing, together with his wonderfully transparent style, not only captures his country man's voice but also adds some much-needed light and shade to the unforgiving business of being Roy Keane. It's not a sentence I expected to write but the account of Keane's triumphant first season at Sunderland is particularly uplifting -- Neil O'Sullivan * FINANCIAL TIMES *I'm surprised how much Roy Keane's second autobiography made me laugh ... More importantly the book told me that Keane should be the next Manchester United manager. The more I read what he had to say, and his reflections on his two jobs as boss, the more I realised how perfect he would be at Old Trafford -- Adrian Durham * MAIL ONLINE *A book that offers great insight into the modern manager's job ... The book does not attempt to deflect the mistakes Keane made but it adds a dimension to the man. Especially in his reflections on small details of behaviour, and there are scores of them ... Keane must hope that the decision-makers in football take the trouble to read the book itself -- Sam Wallace * i NEWSPAPER *Very funny ... fantastically entertaining * SHORTLIST *The rhythm of it compels attention - it's like someone talking directly to you in a pub ... It's a thoughtful book, for a footballer. But while it's taken a novelist to write his life, it may take a psychoanalyst to understand it -- Anthony Quinn * THE MAIL ON SUNDAY *Reflective and funny ... Doyle helps to capture Keane's humour and polish his jokes (the punchline is invariably an expletive). Despite the involvement of such an esteemed novelist and author of The Commitments, there is no doubt that the voice is Keane's ... an enjoyable read ... Keane is full of such sharp observations -- Matt Dickinson * THE TIMES *Searingly honest * THE SUN *The belligerence, dry humour and short fuse still exist but it has now been accompanied by introspection, harsh self-criticism and no little humility -- James Olley * EVENING STANDARD *I've just got my copy of The Second Half and although I'm only a couple of chapters into it, it has not disappointed. People have their own opinions of Roy and some would be fearful of him, given how outspoken he can be. I have always judged people how I find them and I can honestly say I have never found a fault in him ... He had a fabulous career and I know I'm going to enjoy reading about it -- Jamie Carragher * DAILY MAIL *A candid and at times moving account of Keane coming to terms with the end of his playing career. It is at its most engaging when Keane steps out of character: describing shedding tears upon leaving Old Trafford and his twilight season at Celtic when his broken body failed him. Star ghost writer Roddy Doyle captures Keane's short, sharp and abrupt rhythm, like the cracks of a snare drum -- Paul Rees * SUNDAY EXPRESS *People miss the fact that Keane is funny. Caustic, yes, clenched, he'd admit. Angry (though no longer prone to rage, his book claims) more than most. But funny. The light touch in The Second Half is not exclusively Doyle's. Yet the heavy stuff compels ... The account of Keane's Sunderland reign is riveting. The everyday trials of a first-time manager are uncovered as in no other book ... The Second Half is brutally honest -- Jonathan Northcroft * THE SUNDAY TIMES *Defiant and enjoyable * THE OBSERVER *If you write a book, you have got to be true to yourself. It's no good just making something up. You have got to show what is in your heart, and what is in your head, and that is what Roy has done -- Terry Venables * THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *The thing I love about this man is there is nothing he writes down that he would not say to someone's face -- Stan Collymore * THE PEOPLE *There is no denying the man is a compelling figure... Keane is a welcome maverick. Football is entertainment and the Irishman is infinitely entertaining. His aura makes his every word worth listening to... Roy Kane is a treasure of the game; love him or hate him, football would the all the poorer without his loveably, uniquely scathing presence * FOOTBALLFANCAST.COM *True star quality... a brilliant insight into Keane's mindset * IRISH EXAMINER *There are plenty of insightful and entertaining anecdotes, wry asides and sarcastic barbs. It's not unexpected. Keane is a more rounded individual than the cartoon image that's been created around him might suggest... Surprisingly, you might find yourself chuckling as you work your way across a panoramic footballing landscape * THE HERALD (Ireland) *Keane's wry wit enjoys the turbo-boost of Doyle's comic timing, absurd observations and his mastery of the dark arts of expletives -- David McKechnie * IRISH TIMES *Two books in one - the tales of a truly great Premier League footballer, flawed by raging moments of visceral destructiveness... then the tortuous account of an aspiring, complex 21st-century manager... addictive road-crash reading... But the book's true revelatory value is seen during Keane's time as manager of Sunderland, which he relates with a remarkable candour and honesty. An incomparable achievement - written with Booker prize-winner Roddy Doyle - illustrating the contemporary demands on a player and boss whose life has always been conducted with its own stark, peculiar, and sometimes violent, logic -- Neil Masuda * SUNDAY MIRROR *I won't name names, but most sporting biographies couldn't set an ashtray on fire, let alone a crowd. The best one I've read of late is Roy Keane's The Second Half, which is actually written by Roddy Doyle, of course; and this is why it's good. It's not just Keano himself that makes the book interesting; it's Doyle's writing * Philip Kerr, author of IF THE DEAD RISE NOT and JANUARY WIDOW *Keano rarely fails to entertain and with a ghost outrider such as Roddy Doyle, we get a snappy, snapping tale,, with Keane putting the boot into those he considers deserving but also not sparing the rod on himself... Like the midfield dynamo in his prime, this story could run and run * RTE GUIDE *Engrossing... a book that is both an exercise in truth-telling and a piece of literary football writing -- Leo Robson * NEW STATESMAN *Brutally honest, self-deprecating and critical of everyone. Whether you're a fan of Roy or not, you will see a whole new side of him and his views * THE SUN *One of the most compelling sports autobiographies in recent times -- Olivia Cole * GQ Magazine *The former Manchester United and Ireland hard man comes across as funny, scathing, regretful and, as with so many forcefully clear-minded people, touchingly contradictory -- Giles Smith * THE TIMES *A thoroughly entertaining rampage -- Matt Dickinson * THE TIMES 'Books of the Year' *Keane pulls no punches in what he says. I admire him. He's incredibly passionate and doesn't suffer fools. He deserves credit for that. I was never on the end of one of his tackles but I always enjoyed watching him and I like how he speaks his mind. We've lost a little bit of that personality in the game - the likes of Keane and his bust-ups -- Peter Crouch * LOADED *Booker Prize-winner Roddy Doyle nails Keane's attitude and cadences... Compelling, eye-opening, and - whisper it - great fun -- Ben East * METRO *To use a sporting cliché, this blisteringly honest book - written in collaboration with Roddy Doyle - is a tale of two halves. An account of the driven Premier League star's career, then an insight into life as a manager. Roy Keane's self-deprecating wit, combined with a take-no-prisoners approach, make for an entertaining read * i newspaper 'The 10 Best Sporting memoirs' *As an Arsenal fan, I was never a lover of Roy Keane. But I loved his book, The Second Half, written with Roddy Doyle. Honest, self critical and... a raising of the bar in the generally dodgy field of football autobiography -- Sam Mendes, Film and stage director * THE OBSERVER *

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Book SynopsisIn national treasure Dame Kelly Holmes' most personal book yet, she tells the true story behind her extraordinary life from army recruit to Olympic hero and much- loved TV personality. Last year, Dame Kelly came out publicly as being gay and revealed that for the first 52 years of her life she'd been living a LIFE OF FEAR. Now in a heart-rending and inspirational new memoir she tells of her journey from hiding her sexuality as a young soldier at a time when being gay in the military was illegal, to her fears of being outed as she stood on the podium at the Athens Olympics, the games which catapulted her to fame as a double-gold medallist. Dame Kelly tells how she has managed to find happiness and inner peace as she has opened herself to a world where she's finally free to be herself, and proud. In the last year she has become an unofficial ambassador for the LGBT community and has become one of the best- loved faces of daytime TV, joining the regular panel of ITV's Loose Women. This honest memoir is a tale of self-discovery, overcoming struggles and learning to be true to yourself. This honest memoir is a tale of self-discovery, overcoming struggles and learning to be true to yourself. Dame Kelly says: "80,000 people were chanting my name as I stood on top of a double-decker bus and did a victory lap of my hometown. I'd won two Olympic gold medals, the first woman the UK to ever do that, and I should have been on top of the world at my homecoming parade but even in that magical moment I had this deep fear that someone was going to go to the media and out me for being gay. "All my life I lived with that fear and anxiety of not being accepted if I lived publicly as my true self. But 18 years later I was standing on stage in Trafalgar Square at London Pride, and people were chanting for me again, this time for the person I have become and I was finally free to be me. Nothing is perfect, the journey continues and I'm learning every day about the community I'm now proud to be part of. But I'm being true to myself and that means everything."

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Book SynopsisFully updated to include Sir Chris Hoy's incredible, record-breaking golds at London 2012 (making him his country's greatest ever Olympian), this is the story of a sporting legend in his own words.This 33-year-old cycling fanatic from Murrayfield in the suburbs of Edinburgh defied the doubters who thought he would struggle when his specialist discipline, the 1km time trial, was dropped from the Olympics, and went on to reinvent himself as a track cycling sprinter and triple Olympic gold medallist in Beijing. His return to these shores sparked unprecedented celebrations and real admiration that here was a role model who was the epitome of all things that are good in sport.What makes a champion in sport? In his autobiography, Hoy returns to his roots as a child fully engaged with the BMX craze of the Eighties; when, even as a seven year old his will to succeed allied to an unyielding mental strength set him apart from other youngsters of his age. A promising rower and rugby player in schTrade ReviewPraise for Chris Hoy: ‘It’s hard to think of a more deserving recipient of success than Chris Hoy’ Guardian ‘Who is my sporting hero?' It's Chris Hoy.' He's an inspiration…a real role model’ Team-mate Victoria Pendleton ‘To appreciate Hoy, you need to understand his exercise of self-control, plus those nagging doubts, for it is this potent combination that has driven him to such heights’ The Times

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Book SynopsisPaperback edition of the autobiography of an English cricketing star whose life was turned upside down when he turned to crime

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Book SynopsisA REVELATION IN SPORTS MEMOIRS. THIS IS THE JOURNEY OF A WOMAN FIGHTING TO RUN FREE."A compelling insight her towering resilience and determination." Telegraph, Best Sports Books of 2023"A story which makes us all interrogate our humanity and the world we build with our actions everyday." Trevor Noah"An inspirational story of courage, of fighting the odds and of winning change not just for yourself, but for generations to come." Owen Jones"Her defiance bleeds onto the page." Elle Magazine“For sports lovers and avid readers alike, The Race to Be Myself is as illuminating as it is enjoyable.” – Gay Times"An inspirational tale; what it inspires is compassion." The Guardian"Reading Semenya's story, it's impossible not to come to admire her." The Telegraph"Her resilience is remarkable given what she faced, and her defiance surely saved her." i News"Told with candour, Semenya's story reminds readers to treat all humans with dignity and that being different does not mean being wrong." Lit HubOlympic and World Champion, Caster Semenya finally shares the story of her extraordinary life and her battle to compete on her own terms.Labelled 'different' and banned from the sport she loved, Olympic and World Champion Caster Semenya shares the revealing and blisteringly honest story of how the world came to know her name, and place her at the centre of a debate about gender in sports which still continues today.Told with defiance and speed, The Race To Be Myself is a journey through innocence, ambition, obstacles and acceptance. From her rural beginnings running in the dust, to crushing her opponents on the track. To the falsehoods spread about her name, and the many trials she has been forced to endure publicly and privately. This is Caster's time to set the record straight and share her story of how she became a defiant champion.Caster's story is our story, and testimony to anyone forced to stop doing what they love and to fight for what they believe in.Trade ReviewSemenya is an engaging memoirist who skillfully unpacks topics of discrimination in sport…for sports lovers and avid readers alike, The Race to Be Myself is as illuminating as it is enjoyable * Gay Times *

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Book SynopsisMichael Hutchinson is a writer, journalist and former professional cyclist. As a rider he won multiple national titles in both Britain and Ireland and competed at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. He was a three-time Brompton folding-bike World Champion, and once hit 73mph riding down a hill in Wales.As a writer, he wrote the award-winning The Hour about his attempt on the sport's most famous and sought-after record. He followed that up with Faster, about the training, the science, the genetics and the luck behind the world's fastest riders, and Re:Cyclists, a history of cyclists from 1816 to the present day.He is a columnist for Cycling Weekly magazine, and his writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Financial Times, The New York Times and The New York Review of Books. He has presented cycling TV and radio shows for the BBC and others and has appeared as a pundit and commentator for Eurosport, the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Sports. And before he did any of that he was a legal academic at Cambridge and Sussex universities. He now lives with far too many bicycles in London and Cambridgeshire.

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Book SynopsisThe wisdom of a king of sport, business and charity.Dedicated to a legend of basketball, this is a pocket-sized compendium of the inspirational thoughts of one of the game's all-time greats. From the earliest years of his life through to the heartfelt tributes that poured in after his untimely death, this is a timely portrait of one of sport's most remarkable, accomplished and influential figures.From his high school years, through his meteoric rise on the court, Bryant always had lots to say. His words on sport, business, charity and life will delight, inspire and amuse the reader. He was almost as famed for his memorable words as for his sporting achievements, so this is a carefully crafted collection of motivational, insightful and amusing quotes from one of basketball's most respected stars.'My brain... it cannot process failure. It will not process failure. Because if I sit there and have to face myself and tell myself, 'You're a failure'... I think that's almost worse than death' (On his winning mentality, as seen on NYPost.com, January 27, 2020, by Hannah Frishberg)Kobe is the only NBA player in history to have two separate numbers retired by one team, as he wore both No. 8 and No. 24 with the Los Angeles Lakers.Table of ContentsHigh School Hero • The Rookie Rises • All-Star Years • Get in the Zone • The Charity Champ • Feel the Love.

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Book SynopsisJust One More Goal is the acutely observed story of the development of modern football, as seen through the eyes of one man, David Pleat.

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Book SynopsisWinning strategies from the three-time European Championship winner and the only football coach ever to reach the final of five international tournaments.As FIFA''s most decorated female football manager and a former player, Sarina Wiegman has led both the Netherlands and England women''s national teams to historic victories. She stands out as a true pioneer in the game, and her coaching philosophy has earned her a reputation as one of the most successful coaches in football history.This personal account of Sarina''s life journey begins with her early passion for football, and covers her key moments on the pitch as well as her ascension to the top of the coaching world. Join Sarina as she talks us through her rollercoaster ride of victories and challenges, the tough decisions she had to make both on and off the pitch, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that saw her rise to become an indomitable figure in the world of sports.And, it's not just about the game. In a world where football has become more competitive than ever, Sarina''s revolutionary approach to leadership, mentorship, and performance management has garnered global attention. In What It Takes we gain invaluable insight into Sarina's unique philosophy, as she shares how she fostered an environment that values determination, teamwork, and mutual respect. A strong advocate for women in the sport, she outlines a transformative and inclusive future for football where everyone has an equal chance to shine, irrespective of gender.

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Book SynopsisBrian Clough, arguably Britain''s greatest ever football manager, died in September 2004 at the age of 69. His passing was marked by a minute''s silence at both the Derby County and Nottingham Forest grounds and provoked a wave of tributes from across the sporting spectrum. A memorial service due to be held at Derby Cathedral had to be moved to Pride Park to accommodate the fans'' demand for tickets. This overwhelming affection and respect was fully deserved for the man who was often described as being controversial, outspoken and opinionated. His achievements in football speak for themselves: he took two lowly Midlands sides to the very top, winning two consecutive European Cups, with unfashionable Nottingham Forest, in a feat that will surely never be matched by a club of similar stature.This special edition contains two new chapters, written shortly before he died, which offer his candid and entertaining views on club directors and chairmen and on Newcastle''s treatment of Sir Bobby Robson, as well as his scathing analysis of England''s recent performances. Cloughie also talks honestly about his battles with alcohol and the liver transplant that gave him 21 months of health and happiness.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most talked-about and bestselling books of last year, this is the no-holds-barred autobiography of a sporting legend driven to the brink of self-destructionThe bestseller that has everyone talking.In this, his first, autobiography, Iron' Mike Tyson pulls no punches and lays bare the story of his remarkable life and career. Co-written with Larry Sloman, author of Antony Keidis's best-selling memoir Scar Tissue', this is a visceral, and unputdown-able story of a man born and raised to brutality, who reached the heights of stardom before falling to crime, substance abuse and infamy.Full of all the controversy and complexity that you would expect from a man who delighted as much as he shocked, this is a book that will surprise and reveals a fascinating character beneath the exterior of violence.If you think you know all about Mike Tyson, read this book and think again.Trade Review‘Might be the most soul-baring book of its genre ever written’ Washington Post ‘Savagely compelling… A voyage through the great American underbelly’ Telegraph ‘Sensational… Fascinating… An epic tale’ Daily Mail ‘Completely riveting’ Janice Turner, The Times ‘A fallen hero mauled by excess’ Evening Standard ‘A gripping and indecently enthralling autobiography . . . Tyson’s life reads like an Elmore Leonard thriller’ Telegraph ‘Undisputed Truth, is the American dream writ large in raw detail: think Citizen Kane scripted by the writing team of The Wire’ New Statesman ‘Utterly gripping’ Janet Street-Porter, Independent ‘Addictive’ Geoff Dyer, Observer ‘Extraordinary’ Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisJoe Simpson is the author of several best-selling books, of which the first,Touching the Void, won both the NCR award and the Boardman Tasker Award. His later books are This Game of Ghosts - the sequel to Touching the Void - Storms of Silence, Dark Shadows Falling, The Beckoning Silence and two novels, The Water People and The Sound of Gravity.Trade ReviewA brilliant, vivd, gripping, heart-stopping account of their terrifying adventure... Superbly written * Sunday Express *One of the absolute classics of mountaineering...a document of psychological, even philosophical witness of the rarest compulsion -- George Steiner * Sunday Times *On every level it is an outstanding literary achievement * Independent *A quite extraordinary and moving book...Touching the Void touches the Great Questions in an understated yet utterly compelling way * Guardian *A truly astonishing account of suffering and fortitude...the narrative acquires an irresistible force, carrying all before it * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis*WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR*Fever Pitch is Nick Hornby''s million-copy-selling, award-winnning football classic''A spanking 7-0 away win of a football book. . . inventive, honest, funny, heroic, charming'' IndependentFor many people watching football is mere entertainment, to some it''s more like a ritual; but to others, its highs and lows provide a narrative to life itself. But, for Nick Hornby, his devotion to the game has provided one of few constants in a life where the meaningful things - like growing up, leaving home and forming relationships, both parental and romantic - have rarely been as simple or as uncomplicated as his love for Arsenal.Brimming with wit and honesty, Fever Pitch, catches perfectly what it really means to be a football fan - and in doing so, what it means to be a man.''Hornby has put his finger on truths that have been unspoken for geTrade ReviewFunny, wise and true—Roddy Doyle

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Book Synopsis*WINNER OF BEST SPORTS WRITING AT THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2023**Out now: Includes brand new material*THE AWARD-WINNING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Neville at his authentic best. [He] is the closest thing to a spokesman there is for English football.' Sunday Times'Brilliant.' Mail on Sunday'Gary Neville usually talks a lot of sense, and writes it too . . . Neville's words are timely.' Henry Winter, The Times__________The beautiful game is under threat. The greed and selfishness of the biggest clubs is harming the sport, with smaller clubs struggling for financial survival and supporters being left behind.It's time to fix football.__________Football is the people's game. A sport accessible to everyone and enjoyed by millions around the world.But football is broken. Beneath the glamourous sheen of the Premier League, it's a game that's rusting and rotten. The growing influence and wealth of the biggest teams is harming the game, leaving fans out of pocket and smaller clubs clinging to survival. The European Super League, which looked to eradicate competition in favour of guaranteed profits, was just the beginning.This isn't what football is about. Something's got to change. Enough is enough.Gary Neville has had a front-row seat in football for over 30 years, witnessing the sport at every level - as a player, a coach, a pundit and an owner. Most of all, he's a fan. Shocked by the state of the game, Gary looks to find out how we got into this mess, who's responsible, and what we can do about it.The People's Game is Gary's vision for a brighter future. Drawing on interviews with those at the epicentre of the sport's biggest issues - from the role of ownership to the lack of funding in the football league, the rise in racism, ownership models and the future of the women's game - he explains how football has sleepwalked into this mess and offers a new path forward. With stories from his own playing career, as well as insight into some of the biggest footballing decisions in recent history, this is a total look at the game today.This is a passionate, personal and critical account of how football lost its soul, and what we can do to get it back.__________

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Book SynopsisThe autobiography of the fastest man of all time and a superstar whose talent and charisma have made him one of the most famous people on the planet.Whether you know Athletics or not, and even whether you know sport or not, chances are you know Usain Bolt. The fastest man on the planet, not just now but ever, Usain has won the hearts of people everywhere with his mind-blowing performances and his infectious charisma uniting supporters around the world.In this, his full autobiography, Usain tells his story in his own words: from humble beginnings in Jamaica, to international stardom at Beijing and on to the new heights of superstardom he has reached since lighting up London 2012.Full of the charm and charisma that has made him the most popular sporting figure of our time and a universal celebrity, this is a book that Usain's millions of fans will love.

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Book SynopsisRun or Die by Kilian Jornet - the autobiography of the world''s most dominating athlete in ultra runningShortlisted for the 2014 William Hill Sports Book of the Year AwardNational Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2014Marca Legend Award 2014 ''This man can run 100 miles. Up and down mountains. Without stopping. After skipping breakfast. Meet Kilian Jornet, the world''s greatest ultra-runner'' The TimesAt 18 months he went on his first hike. At 3, he climbed his first mountain. At 10, he entered his first mountain race. At 26, he plans to run up Everest - without an oxygen mask.Kilian Jornet has conquered some of the toughest physical tests on the planet. He has run up and down Mt. Kilimanjaro faster than any other human being, and struck down world records in every challenge that has been proposed - all before the age of 25. Dominating ultra marathons and races at altitude, he has redefined whaTrade ReviewFascinating insight into the gruelling world of the ultimate ultra-runner . . . It's impossible not to be inspired by Jornet's feats ... at his sheer dedication and talent to remain at the pinnacle of what must arguably be sport's most challenging discipline * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisKatarina Johnson-Thompson is an English athlete. A multi-eventer, she is primarily known as a heptathlete and an indoor pentathlete. In heptathlon, she is a double world champion and double Commonwealth Games champion. She holds the British indoor pentathlon record of 5,000 points and won gold in that event at the 2018 World Indoor Championships, as well as the 2015 and 2019 European Indoor Championships. Johnson-Thompson has also represented Great Britain in her two strongest individual disciplines: the long jump and the high jump, in which she holds the British outdoor record. Unbroken is her first autobiography.

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Book SynopsisThe true story of the 1972 Andes plane crash and rescue dramatised in Netflix''s Society of the SnowIn October 1972, Nando Parrado and his rugby club teammates were on a flight from Uruguay to Chile when their plane crashed into a mountain. Miraculously, many of the passengers survived but Nando''s mother and sister died and he was unconscious for three days.Stranded more than 11,000 feet up in the wilderness of the Andes, the survivors soon heard that the search for them had been called off - and realise the only food for miles around was the bodies of their dead friends ...In a last desperate bid for safety, Nando and a teammate set off in search of help. They climbed 17,000-foot-high mountains, facing death at every step, but inspired by his love for his family Nando drove them on until, finally, 72 days after the crash, they found rescue.Trade ReviewHis story is awesome. It is also enthralling, inspirational and an impressive testimony to one man's unquenchable instinct for survival and to the amazing resilience of the human spirit * Daily Mail *Given up for dead after an air crash in the Andes in 1972, Nando Parrado not only survived but showed the strength and determination that saved his own life and that of his fifteen friends. Now he gives his own account of his ordeal -enthralling, enlightening, modest, and moving. An impressive testimony to what love can achieve -- Piers Paul Read, author of AliveAn utterly compelling read * Sunday Express *Miracle in the Andes is an astonishing account of an unimaginable ordeal. In straightforward, staggeringly honest prose, Nando Parrado tells us what it took - and what it actually felt like - to survive high in the Andes 72 days after having been given up for dead. If you pick this book up, you will not be able to put it down -- Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin AirFantastic - it's the most emotional book I've ever read -- Sir Jackie StewartThis book not only reveals the lengths to which humans will go to survive, it makes you question your own strengths and weaknesses ... [This] dramatic story is moving, powerful and riveting * Daily Express *Far and away the best book I've read this year is Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado, survivor and rescuer of the others who lived by desperate means through the horrific 1972 Andes plane crash * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'The beautiful game has taught me a lot, but I’ve had quite a life outside of football too. This book is full of my best stories – kickabouts with jumpers for goalposts with Bobby Moore, mine and Sandra’s disastrous honeymoon to Torquay in a dodgy car and my funniest ‘Mr Pastry’ moments – as well as my thoughts on the important things in life. I’m finally sharing what I’ve learned on and off the pitch: from growing up poor in Poplar to the heights of the Premiership and even lying in a coffin with a load of rats on national television. It’s everything I know about true team spirit, hard work, tough times, why family are so important and why everyone deserves respect no matter whether they’re royal or sleeping rough – and, of course, the real joy of a jam roly-poly.'

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Book SynopsisFrom Ross Brawn—one of the most successful figures in Formula One auto racing—comes a compelling insider’s account of what it takes to win, featuring practical advice for overcoming obstacles and becoming a champion both on and off the racetrack.Formula One racing is a wildly popular global sport with millions of fans and billions more engineering dollars at stake. For four decades, Ross Brawn has been one of the most innovative technical directors and team principals in the high-stakes world of Formula One. He is considered the most successful competitor in the history of Formula One to date, and “the closest thing there is to a certifiable genius” (The Wall Street Journal). Leading Benetton, Ferrari, Honda, and Mercedes, he has worked with legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, and Lewis Hamilton to make them Grand Prix champions. Now, in this fascinating book, presented as a frank conversation between Brawn anTrade Review'Frank, fearless and original... I hung on every word' -- Murray Walker'The closest thing there is to a certificable genius' * Wall Street Journal *'A must-have insight into the awe-inspiriting career of a true motor racing great' * Daily Express *'This is a must-read' * Autosport *

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Book SynopsisThe amazing autobiographical account of the youngest ever solo circumnavigation of the Earth. First time in English! If you want to see the other side of the world, you can do two things: turn the world upside down, or travel there yourself. In 2012, at the age of just 16, Laura Dekker became the youngest sailor ever to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe. In realising her long-held dream, she had not only braved the wild oceans and long weeks of solitude at sea, but also the doubts and sometimes hostile resistance of officials. In this remarkable account of her incredible journey - for the first time in English - Laura describes in her own words what it is like to sail solo around the world, and the determination it takes to do it at such a young age. Exciting, awe-inspiring and inspirational, this is a real-life adventure for readers of all ages.

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Book SynopsisMichael Phelps is one of the greatest competitors the world has ever seen. From teen sensation in Sydney, to bona fide phenomenon in Athens, he is now - after the Beijing Games - a living Olympic legend. With an unprecedented eight gold medals and seven world-record times, his performance at the 2008 Games set a new standard for success. He ranks among the most elite athletes in the world, and is both an inspiration and a role model to millions. In No Limits, Phelps reveals the secrets to his remarkable success, from his training regimen to his mental preparation and, finally, to his performance in the pool. Having been raised by a single mother and diagnosed with ADHD, Phelps's success is imbued with defeating obstacles and earning one's way and No Limits explores the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice that go into reaching any goal. Filled with anecdotes from family members, friends, team mates, and his coach, No Limits gives a behind-the-scenes look at the makings of a real champion, and reveals a step-by-step guide to realizing one's dream.

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestsellerFOUR FOR ENGLAND. THREE FOR HURST. 'Images of us celebrating have taken their place in the nation's photo album. Trophy aloft, smiling into our future. Banksy, George, Jack, Mooro, Ray, Nobby, Bally, Bobby, Martin, Roger. My ten teammates. My old friends. They've now all gone. Heroes from an era that is slipping into sepia.'But it isn't all over. Not yet. One of them is still here, and before he goes, Geoff wanted to get down his final thoughts about 1966. He talks about Alf Ramsay - his vision, his drive, his loyalty. Also his shyness, even awkwardness. About his teammates, about Jimmy Greaves - hard workers, cool heads, dedicated pros. Geoff tells their collective story, digging below the surface, reflecting on their victory, its impact on their lives. It was a bittersweet onward journey for the Boys of '66. Their legacy was squandered and their team uncelebrated. But the eleven of them shared something that no other Englishman has ever experienced. Here Geoff brings them all together, one last time, to see them make history.

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Book SynopsisAS SEEN ON NETFLIX'S AT HOME WITH THE FURYSTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR** TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR **DOUBLE WINNER: BEST AUTOBIOGRAPHY & BEST OVERALL SPORTS BOOK OF 2020________________________________ 'Incredible stories... you don't have to be a boxing fan to enjoy it' SCOTT MILLS, BBC RADIO 1'One of sport's most heart-warming stories' SUNDAY TIMES, SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR'A must-read for any boxing fan.' WORLD BOXING NEWS'If you know someone who is a fan of the People's Champion then they'll love this.' TALKSPORT XMAS GIFT GUIDEThe extraordinary story of the rise and fall and rise again of Tyson Fury...THE GYPSY KING.A Manchester lad from Irish Traveller stock, born three months premature and weighing just a pound at birth, Tyson (named after his father's boxing hero) grew up to become one of the most unlikely heavyweight champions in history. This 'dream come true' soon turned to nightmare, however, as alcohol and cocaine abuse took hold and Tyson was stripped of his titles. What followed was the darkest moment of his life - detailed in this book for the first time - in which he came within seconds of ending everything.THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION.Like all the greatest stories, though, there is redemption and Tyson defies all the odds and literally drags himself to his feet. 10 million people around the globe watched Fury fight Wilder in the biggest fight of the boxing calendar. Speaking candidly about his struggles with mental health, this is Tyson Fury as you have never seen him before.A BRITISH ICON.________________________________ Behind the Mask is an unflinching story from the greatest boxer of our time and a man who has demonstrated strength of a very different kind by conquering his demons.________________________________ 'It's a great book, if I could read, I'd buy it' BILLY JOE SAUNDERS, WBO World Super-Middleweight Champion'I didn't believe boxers could be role models, but Tyson Fury has changed my mind... This 30-year-old Mancunian has made us all think twice about the possibilities of redemption.'SIMON KELNER, INDEPENDENT'Tyson Fury has become Britain's most unlikely inspirational figure... the sight of a broken Fury caught a mood with the public. Never was the epithet "People's Champion" more apt'RON LEWIS, THE TIMES'Tyson Fury is an amazing real-life champion' SYLVESTER STALLONE, star of Rocky'You may not have any interest in boxing at all and you will find this story about Tyson's life fascinating' BBC RADIO 5 LIVE'An unusual, heartening story, nicely told. There is much to amaze and admire' SUNDAY TIMESTrade ReviewSpeaking candidly about his struggles with mental health, this is Tyson Fury as you've never seen him before. * Daily Telegraph *Fury delivers on his Behind The Mask promise. Beneath the rowdy showmanship is a gifted athlete with bottomless reservoirs of determination and a rare willingness to be frank about his vulnerability to depression […] you may have to take him more seriously than your instincts suggest. * The Sportsman *‘The story of his recovery and resurgence... struck a chord with fans around the world. When his autobiography, Behind the Mask, was released in November 2019, it reached the No 1 spot on Amazon’s charts within 24 hours.’ * iNEWS *‘Behind the Mask is his unflinching account of how he overcame his battles with obesity, anxiety, drink and drug abuse, depression and despair to become one of the most exciting fighters of boxing’s modern age.' * Penguin.co.uk *His autobiography Behind The Mask and ITV programme has shown how vulnerable people are to depression and other mental health issues. The country should make him an ambassador for mental health awareness. -- Letter from reader, The Sun

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Book SynopsisThe legend. In his own words. From the poverty-stricken streets of Sao Paulo to an international icon and one of the most celebrated footballers of all time, Pele''s life story is as extraordinary as it is enrapturing. With his trademark wit and deference, the legend draws us into a wonderful story lit by insight and humour and encompassing everything you ever wanted to know about the great man himself. From shining shoes for extra pennies at the Baru Athletic Club to triumph in several World Cups, the glory of being on top of the world -- and staying there -- is shared in what is undoubtedly one of the must-read autobiographies of the year. On top of his athletic achievements, Pele has also been a staunch campaigner for human rights and in particular the plight of street children in his home country, leading to an appointment as a UN Ambassador and an honorary knighthood from the British monarchy. By turns addictive, moving and enlightening, this i

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Book SynopsisMy Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding is a funny, brave, tender story of self-discovery''I had spent most of my childhood thinking I was a dog, and suspect I had aged in dog years.''Clare Balding grew up in a rather unusual household. Her father a champion trainer, she shared her life with more than 100 thoroughbred racehorses, mares, foals and ponies, as well as an ever-present pack of boxers and lurchers. As a toddler she would happily ride the legendary Mill Reef and take breakfast with the Queen.She and her younger brother came very low down the pecking order. Left to their own devices, they had to learn life''s toughest lessons through the animals, and through their adventures in the stables and the idyllic Hampshire Downs. From the protective Candy to the pot-bellied Valkyrie and the frisky Hattie, each horse and each dog had their own character and their own special part to play.The running family joke was thTrade ReviewMoving, funny and larger than life -- Michael MorpurgoSimply fabulous -- Jilly Cooper

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Sports Book Awards 2022The updated edition of the huge Sunday Times number one bestselling inspirational memoir from rugby league legend Rob Burrow on his extraordinary career, his incredible friendship with fellow Rhino Kevin Sinfield, and his battle with motor neurone disease.‘A pocket rocket of a player and a giant of a character . . . He [was] one in a million and his story is truly inspirational’ – Clare BaldingI’m not giving in until my last breath – Rob BurrowRob Burrow was one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. And the most inspirational. As a boy, Rob was told he was too small to play the sport. Even when he made his debut for Leeds Rhinos, people wrote him off as a novelty. But Rob never stopped proving people wrong. During his time at Leeds he won eight Super League Grand Finals, two Ch

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Book Synopsis**THE INSTANT NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**'Gripping to read. Funny, real, exciting. It's a brilliant book.' - Chris Evans'Fearless and candid... A gleeful guide to a bonkers sport from a loveable rogue insider.' - The Times---'People talk about football managers being under pressure. Trust me, that's nothing. Pressure is watching one of your drivers hit a barrier at 190mph and exploding before your eyes...'Guenther Steiner is one of motor racing's biggest and most celebrated characters, known to millions for his show-stealing appearances on Netflix's hugely popular fly on the wall series, Drive to Survive.In Surviving to Drive, the Haas team principal takes readers inside his Formula 1 team for the entirety of the 2022 season, giving an unobstructed view of what really takes place behind the scenes. Through this unique lens, Guenther takes us on the thrilling rollercoaster of life at the heart of high stakes motor racing.Packed full of twists and turns, from hiring and firing drivers, balancing books, pre-season preparations, the design, launch and testing of a car - and of course, the race calendar itself - this is the first time that an F1 team has allowed an acting team principal to tell the full story of a whole season.Uncompromising and searingly honest, told in Steiner's inimitable style, this is a fascinating and hugely entertaining account of the realities of running a Formula 1 team.---'Very colourful. Like having a conversation with Steiner.' - Radio 4, TodayNumber 1 Sunday Times Bestseller, April 2023Trade ReviewFearless and candid, Surviving to Drive reads like the night-time confessions of a football manager who is fighting to stay in the Premier League. A gleeful guide to a bonkers sport from a loveable rogue insider. -- Melanie Reid * The Times *It's gripping to read. It's funny, it's real, it's exciting. It's a brilliant book. -- Chris EvansVery colourful. Like having a conversation with Steiner. -- Radio 4, TodayLifts the lid on life as a Formula One team principal. The book gives us honest, unfiltered Steiner. * The Athletic *A brilliant, brilliant book. -- Matt Baker * Sky Sport F1 Podcast *

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year Award 2023****Winner of the Rugby Book of the Year Award 2023****Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022****A perfect gift for Father's Day**'Powerful, moving' - The Guardian'A deeply affecting read [...] among the most important ever' - Daily Mail'So powerful. This book might just change the way you think about sport forever' - Sir Clive Woodward'As brave as they come' - Gareth Thomas'Moving and profound' - The Times'Heartbreaking' - Owen Slot, The Times'I'm in my early forties. There are days when I don't remember the names of my wife and four kids . . .'RUGBY, DEMENTIA AND THE FIGHT OF MY LIFEIn 2003, England won the Rugby World Cup. Steve Thompson was in England's front row, at the heart of the match, and at the heart of the scrum - one of sport's most violent battlegrounds. But triumph came at a cost. Today, he remembers nothing about playing in that final. In his words, watching the tape back is like watching a ghost. The years of hurt, and the culture of sucking up punishment and coming back for more, have taken a terrible toll. Steve has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and serious progressive brain damage. Steve and his wife Steph had a happy family life planned, with decades ahead of them. Now he needs to capture these elusive memories for the sake of his children, before they disappear forever. With stories contributed by his world-cup winning teammates and his former manager, Sir Clive Woodward, Unforgettable is raw, powerful storytelling. This tale of hope and courage stands as testament to the ultimate strength of the human mind - and to a man no longer pushing himself to the limit for competition, but for his own place in the world.Trade ReviewPowerful, moving * The Guardian *A deeply affecting read [...] among the most important ever * Daily Mail *Moving and profound [...] heartbreaking * The Times *So powerful. This book might just change the way you think about sport forever -- Sir Clive WoodwardAs brave as they come -- Gareth Thomas

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Book Synopsis‘It’s a preposterous plan. Still, if you do get up it, it’ll be the hardest thing that’s been done in the Himalayas.’So spoke Chris Bonington when Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker presented him with their plan to tackle the unclimbed West Wall of Changabang – the Shining Mountain – in 1976. Bonington’s was one of the more positive responses; most felt the climb impossibly hard, especially for a two-man, lightweight expedition. This was, after all, perhaps the most fearsome and technically challenging granite wall in the Garhwal Himalaya and an ascent – particularly one in a lightweight style – would be more significant than anything done on Everest at the time.The idea had been Joe Tasker’s. He had photographed the sheer, shining, white granite sweep of Changabang’s West Wall on a previous expedition and asked Pete to return with him the following year. Tasker contributes a second voice throughout Boardman’s story, which starts with acclimatisation, sleeping in a Salford frozen food store, and progresses through three nights of hell, marooned in hammocks during a storm, to moments of exultation at the variety and intricacy of the superb, if punishingly difficult, climbing. It is a story of how climbing a mountain can become an all-consuming goal, of the tensions inevitable in forty days of isolation on a two-man expedition; as well as a record of the moment of joy upon reaching the summit ridge against all odds.First published in 1978, The Shining Mountain is Peter Boardman’s first book. It is a very personal and honest story that is also amusing, lucidly descriptive, very exciting, and never anything but immensely readable. It was awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for literature in 1979, winning wide acclaim. His second book, Sacred Summits, was published shortly after his death in 1982.Table of ContentsForeword by Chris Bonington 'A Great Partnership'Chapter 1 From the WestChapter 2 The Rim of the Sanctuary (22nd August-7th September)Chapter 3 The First Stone (8th-20th September)Chapter 4 The Barrier (21st-27th September)Chapter 5 Survival (28th September-2nd October)Chapter 6 Recovery (3rd-8th October)Chapter 7 The Upper Tower (9th-13th October)Chapter 8 Beyond the Line (14th-13th October)Chapter 9 Descent to Tragedy (15th-19th October)Chapter 10 The Outside (20th October-1st November)Chronology

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Wrighty''s characteristic honesty means his book is far more engrossing than most bland football memoirs'' Sunday TimesIan Wright, Arsenal legend, England striker and TV pundit extraordinaire, is one of the most interesting and relevant figures in modern football.His journey from a South London council estate to national treasure is everybody''s dream. From Sunday morning football directly to Crystal Palace; from ''boring, boring Arsenal'' to inside the Wenger Revolution; from Saturday afternoons on the pitch to Saturday evenings on primetime television; from a week in prison to inspiring youth offenders, Ian will reveal all about his extraordinary life and career.Ian will also frankly discuss how retirement affects footballers, why George Graham deserves a statue, social media, why music matters, breaking Arsenal''s goal-scoring record, racism, the unadulterated joy of playing alongside Dennis Trade ReviewWright's characteristic honesty means his book is far more engrossing than most bland football memoirs -- Julia Llewellyn Smith, Sunday TimesA warm and engaging read * Sunday Post *

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Book SynopsisAn inspiring and innovative guide towards living your best life - made easy - from Venus Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time.Throughout Venus Williams'' incredible career in tennis, she''s been asked almost every question imaginable. What she eats, how she trains, what she does to unwind, and most frequently, how does she manage to do it all?Venus harnessed a rich blend of hard-won wisdom and core discipline to achieve her goals while keeping a simple promise to herself: to keep things fun. But after being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disorder that affected her emotional and physical wellness, Venus''s vow was put to the test. She came up with the STRIVE strategy--a winning combination of holistic and scientific approaches to wellness and performance that focuses on making self-improvements reachable and sustainable.In STRIVE, readers will learn how eight tiny but essential tenets can help turn

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Book SynopsisPHIL JACKSON is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the NBA. His reputation was established as head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989-1998; during his tenure, Chicago won six NBA titles. His next team, the Los Angeles Lakers, won five NBA titles, from 2000 to 2010. He holds the record for the most championships in NBA history as a player and a head coach. He also has the highest winning percentage of any NBA coach (.704). Jackson was a player on the 1970 and 1973 NBA champion New York Knicks. In 2007 Jackson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition to Eleven Rings, he is also the author of Maverick,Sacred Hoops, and, with his friend Charley Rosen, More Than a Game.

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Richard Jefferies Award 2022Growing up in Shetland with its myriad lochs and burns, Malachy Tallack and his brother would roam the island in search of trout, and in so doing discovered a sense of freedom, of wonder - and an abiding passion.But why is it that fishing - or the mere contemplation of catching a fish - can be so thrilling and so captivating?Why is it that time spent beside water can be imprinted so sharply in memory?Why is it that what seems a simple act - of casting a line, waiting and hoping - can leave so much room for mystery?Here award-winning author and singer-songwriter Malachy Tallack tells the story of his own infatuation with fishing, a pastime that has brought him joy (and frustration) since early childhood. And in bringing together memoir, nature writing and reflections on culture and history, he explores why angling means so much to so many.Beautifully written and hugely engaging, it is a book about attention, about nature, and that sense of wonder; it is about a way of engaging with the world, of reaching out - and feeling it reach back.Trade ReviewMalachy Tallack writes as deftly as he casts a fly. This book is illuminated by water, but also by philosophy, experience and a profound sympathy for the natural world. A delight. -- LUKE JENNINGS, author of the Killing Eve novelsA love letter to still, dark lochs and sparkling trout rivers; an account of a fascination and that deep-down draw we feel towards the water's edge. Tallack's beautiful book is full of interest, passion, and rich, buttery description. Wade into it, and let it flow through you. -- CAL FLYN, author of Islands of AbandonmentA masterfully told fisherman's tale, which gets closer than most to grasping that slippery thing beyond the fish itself: the reason we are drawn to water, and what fishing can teach us. -- JEREMY WADE, author and presenter of 'River Monsters'A memoir with a difference, beautifully evocative, suffused with the calm of many days spent fishing and thinking in tranquillity. The perfect gift for anglers everywhere. -- GAVIN FRANCIS, author of Island DreamsA beautifully meandering meditation on the mysterious allure of fishing. From windswept lochs to sluggish canals, Malachy Tallack grapples with big ethical issues about our place in the natural world as deftly as he does the fish. -- LEE SCHOFIELD, author of Wild Fell…

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Book SynopsisAn incredible and personal story of ultra-running that looks at the determination, science and hidden history behind the sport, and explains why women ultra-runners outperform men.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisHe is the larger-than-life figure who bounced back from rejection at 16 and graduated from parks pitches to become a Premier League goalkeeper, and later represent his country. Paddy Kenny's career was certainly not straightforward... just like his life. In his autobiography, Kenny lifts the lid on his time on and off the football field - including dressing-room rucks, being beaten for the Premier League's most famous goal and having his eyebrow bitten off in a curry house, just days before he faced Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Manchester United. This is Kenny's story... and the gloves are well and truly off.Trade ReviewTakes the reader right to the heart of the dressing room - showing what life can be like with some of football's biggest characters - The Athletic; Strips away the glitzy and glamorous facade... an honest account of what life was really like as a Premier League and international goalkeeper - Yorkshire Post; Goalkeepers have always been a bit crazy and they didn't come much more madcap than Paddy Kenny, who details the truth behind the headlines in this entertaining and frank account of his colourful career and life - Daily Mirror

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