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 Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
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Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
The Lonliness Of A Long Distance Writer, 30 Sep 2008
Anyone who knows anything of Murakmi's work should be aware that a book about running written by him won't just be a book about running. Short, but never slight, the book muses on many subjects from memory, to why he started writing, perfecting a swimming technique, to some of the best music to run to. All written in Murakmi's own distinctive voice.
Whatever he writes about this is Murakami's voice you're hearing. There is insight into the kind of person he is and also the kind of person runners are. There is plenty of running here and at times it does almost feel like the book has been written at the pace of a long run as its energy is brisk yet economical. For anyone looking for a big novel, it's not here. For anyone who wants a look into the world of a man who likes to write and run and tell you about it there's enough here to keep you entertained for a while.
OK, but not brilliant, 26 Sep 2008
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. I bought it because I'm a runner not because I've read anything by him before. Great to read someone else's take on distance running and some of his observations are indeed spot on but I'm afraid a number of things grated with me. Take these two quotations - "I don't care about the time I run" and "competing against time isn't important". Mmm. Makes him very different from every serious runner I know!! And he IS a serious runner who later on is disappointed by his time in New York and tries hard to analyse the reason. He's also obsessed by the fact that, in his mid-50s, he's past it "that's what happens when you get older" which I found to be somewhat pessimistic. At 60 now, I'm lucky enough to be running better than I have for years - maybe he should rejig his philosophy? One other thing - some of the prose I found to be very jerky, with some use of idiom which doesn't ring true somehow. OK, English isn't his native tongue, fair enough but I notice the book has been translated from the Japanese by someone else. Perhaps it's the translator's fault. But then Murakami has lived in the US and is translating Scott Fitzgerald, implying, I would have thought, an excellent command of the language? Do you have to be a runner to appreciate this book? No, but it would definitely help. His description of how it feels at around 22 miles in the Marathon is right on the money and I like very much his would-be epitaph - "he never walked" to go with his assertion that the marathon is, after all "a running event" something many entrants to London could do with remembering.
Inspiring and humble, 12 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading this book and have to say that i thought it was an excellent read. I am not a fan of Murakami's novels (i abandoned the Wind Up Bird Chronicle half way through) but this has whetted my apetite to perhaps try another.
This book was written by a genuine running enthusiast and fan. He comes across as no different to any runner that i have encountered and this is why the book works. He expresses the thoughts and feelings that most runners will be familiar with, the insecurities around training, the nerves when competing and the frustration with injuries.
I have been running for years and found this both inspiring and motivational. It is written with a light touch and does not seem to take itself to serious which lends it a charm.
I'd recommend this book to any runner!
Fantastic Material for runner even non runners can benefit from it !! Very Inspiring !!, 10 Sep 2008
I found this book very inspiring and charming. When I started reading it, I found it hard to stop, literally read it from cover to cover ...not many books do that to me.
This book is very thought provoking, it makes you think about yourself, goals, its about achievement as well as doing something to live life to the fullest!! Its also about passion and lessons to be learned,and overcoming failure
I love running and this book has motivated me to keep going and set new goals not just in running but also helped drive my motivation to learn new skills and avoid procastination
He talks about how ''if something is worth doing, its worth giving it your best, even more than your best'' !!
I highly recommend this book to people who love running , and other sports. Even for the non-sporty, there is a lot to be learned from this book !!
Disappointed, 08 Sep 2008
Perhaps the best novelist out there and he comes out with this non-fiction entry after a long hiatus. What readers want more of are the incredible stories and characters. How about a follow-up to Norweigan Wood or South of the Border? The fans do not want to wait such a long time to be let down by receivership of a matter-of-fact title.
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Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
The Lonliness Of A Long Distance Writer, 30 Sep 2008
Anyone who knows anything of Murakmi's work should be aware that a book about running written by him won't just be a book about running. Short, but never slight, the book muses on many subjects from memory, to why he started writing, perfecting a swimming technique, to some of the best music to run to. All written in Murakmi's own distinctive voice.
Whatever he writes about this is Murakami's voice you're hearing. There is insight into the kind of person he is and also the kind of person runners are. There is plenty of running here and at times it does almost feel like the book has been written at the pace of a long run as its energy is brisk yet economical. For anyone looking for a big novel, it's not here. For anyone who wants a look into the world of a man who likes to write and run and tell you about it there's enough here to keep you entertained for a while.
OK, but not brilliant, 26 Sep 2008
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. I bought it because I'm a runner not because I've read anything by him before. Great to read someone else's take on distance running and some of his observations are indeed spot on but I'm afraid a number of things grated with me. Take these two quotations - "I don't care about the time I run" and "competing against time isn't important". Mmm. Makes him very different from every serious runner I know!! And he IS a serious runner who later on is disappointed by his time in New York and tries hard to analyse the reason. He's also obsessed by the fact that, in his mid-50s, he's past it "that's what happens when you get older" which I found to be somewhat pessimistic. At 60 now, I'm lucky enough to be running better than I have for years - maybe he should rejig his philosophy? One other thing - some of the prose I found to be very jerky, with some use of idiom which doesn't ring true somehow. OK, English isn't his native tongue, fair enough but I notice the book has been translated from the Japanese by someone else. Perhaps it's the translator's fault. But then Murakami has lived in the US and is translating Scott Fitzgerald, implying, I would have thought, an excellent command of the language? Do you have to be a runner to appreciate this book? No, but it would definitely help. His description of how it feels at around 22 miles in the Marathon is right on the money and I like very much his would-be epitaph - "he never walked" to go with his assertion that the marathon is, after all "a running event" something many entrants to London could do with remembering.
Inspiring and humble, 12 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading this book and have to say that i thought it was an excellent read. I am not a fan of Murakami's novels (i abandoned the Wind Up Bird Chronicle half way through) but this has whetted my apetite to perhaps try another.
This book was written by a genuine running enthusiast and fan. He comes across as no different to any runner that i have encountered and this is why the book works. He expresses the thoughts and feelings that most runners will be familiar with, the insecurities around training, the nerves when competing and the frustration with injuries.
I have been running for years and found this both inspiring and motivational. It is written with a light touch and does not seem to take itself to serious which lends it a charm.
I'd recommend this book to any runner!
Fantastic Material for runner even non runners can benefit from it !! Very Inspiring !!, 10 Sep 2008
I found this book very inspiring and charming. When I started reading it, I found it hard to stop, literally read it from cover to cover ...not many books do that to me.
This book is very thought provoking, it makes you think about yourself, goals, its about achievement as well as doing something to live life to the fullest!! Its also about passion and lessons to be learned,and overcoming failure
I love running and this book has motivated me to keep going and set new goals not just in running but also helped drive my motivation to learn new skills and avoid procastination
He talks about how ''if something is worth doing, its worth giving it your best, even more than your best'' !!
I highly recommend this book to people who love running , and other sports. Even for the non-sporty, there is a lot to be learned from this book !!
Disappointed, 08 Sep 2008
Perhaps the best novelist out there and he comes out with this non-fiction entry after a long hiatus. What readers want more of are the incredible stories and characters. How about a follow-up to Norweigan Wood or South of the Border? The fans do not want to wait such a long time to be let down by receivership of a matter-of-fact title.
The best, and possibly the most important sports biography ever written, 10 Oct 2008
Marcus Trescothick has written a truly amazing book here. Unlike many sports biographies which are stodgy and difficult, "Coming Back to Me" reads easily, almost like a gripping novel. The writing style draws you into a very personal dialog with the writer and before long you almost feel as if you are in conversation with him.
The subject matter too is very enlightening. First of all, there is the history of his cricketing career, which doesn't get bogged down in a dreary list of scores and averages, but bounces along bringing the excitement of the game to life. The mainstay of the book however, is Marcus' struggle with the depressive illness which has had such a major impact on his life and career.
Descriptions of anxiety attacks and those all engulfing black periods that many depressives suffer are described so lucidly that you could be forgiven for believing him to be a professional in that field as well. His descriptions of all aspects of his condition are extremely thought provoking, and served with far more clarity than those from many experts.
The book also throws more light on the appalling behaviour of some areas of the media who did so much to destroy a genuine sporting hero.
Prior to reading this book, I considered Spike Milligan and Anthony Clare's "Depression and how to survive it" as the foremost in it's field. Now I would put "Coming Back to Me" alongside, if not above it.
Tragic!, 01 Oct 2008
My heart goes out to Marcus and his family. He has been to hell and back over the last few years and I really hope that he's over the worst now and can make a full recovery. His honesty comes through in the book as does the loyalty displayed by his wife and family. As a result of reading this book, I will never again dismiss depression as a disease which only weak people suffer from - it can happen to all of us.
I've also learned that the life of a cricketer, travelling the world etc is not the glamour life we tend to think it is.
Once again Marcus, I wish you well and hope you make a complete recovery.
Unlike any sports biog I've ever read, 15 Sep 2008
I've never read a book from a sportsman that actually tells the truth about how hard it can be to be in the spotlight. As well as what happens when you can't handle the pressure. He's brave enough to be able to admit to this, which is something I've never seen before. A great read.
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Tackling Life
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Jonny Wilkinson;
2008-10-02;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £9.25
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Rush: The Autobiography
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.99
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Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
The Lonliness Of A Long Distance Writer, 30 Sep 2008
Anyone who knows anything of Murakmi's work should be aware that a book about running written by him won't just be a book about running. Short, but never slight, the book muses on many subjects from memory, to why he started writing, perfecting a swimming technique, to some of the best music to run to. All written in Murakmi's own distinctive voice.
Whatever he writes about this is Murakami's voice you're hearing. There is insight into the kind of person he is and also the kind of person runners are. There is plenty of running here and at times it does almost feel like the book has been written at the pace of a long run as its energy is brisk yet economical. For anyone looking for a big novel, it's not here. For anyone who wants a look into the world of a man who likes to write and run and tell you about it there's enough here to keep you entertained for a while.
OK, but not brilliant, 26 Sep 2008
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. I bought it because I'm a runner not because I've read anything by him before. Great to read someone else's take on distance running and some of his observations are indeed spot on but I'm afraid a number of things grated with me. Take these two quotations - "I don't care about the time I run" and "competing against time isn't important". Mmm. Makes him very different from every serious runner I know!! And he IS a serious runner who later on is disappointed by his time in New York and tries hard to analyse the reason. He's also obsessed by the fact that, in his mid-50s, he's past it "that's what happens when you get older" which I found to be somewhat pessimistic. At 60 now, I'm lucky enough to be running better than I have for years - maybe he should rejig his philosophy? One other thing - some of the prose I found to be very jerky, with some use of idiom which doesn't ring true somehow. OK, English isn't his native tongue, fair enough but I notice the book has been translated from the Japanese by someone else. Perhaps it's the translator's fault. But then Murakami has lived in the US and is translating Scott Fitzgerald, implying, I would have thought, an excellent command of the language? Do you have to be a runner to appreciate this book? No, but it would definitely help. His description of how it feels at around 22 miles in the Marathon is right on the money and I like very much his would-be epitaph - "he never walked" to go with his assertion that the marathon is, after all "a running event" something many entrants to London could do with remembering.
Inspiring and humble, 12 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading this book and have to say that i thought it was an excellent read. I am not a fan of Murakami's novels (i abandoned the Wind Up Bird Chronicle half way through) but this has whetted my apetite to perhaps try another.
This book was written by a genuine running enthusiast and fan. He comes across as no different to any runner that i have encountered and this is why the book works. He expresses the thoughts and feelings that most runners will be familiar with, the insecurities around training, the nerves when competing and the frustration with injuries.
I have been running for years and found this both inspiring and motivational. It is written with a light touch and does not seem to take itself to serious which lends it a charm.
I'd recommend this book to any runner!
Fantastic Material for runner even non runners can benefit from it !! Very Inspiring !!, 10 Sep 2008
I found this book very inspiring and charming. When I started reading it, I found it hard to stop, literally read it from cover to cover ...not many books do that to me.
This book is very thought provoking, it makes you think about yourself, goals, its about achievement as well as doing something to live life to the fullest!! Its also about passion and lessons to be learned,and overcoming failure
I love running and this book has motivated me to keep going and set new goals not just in running but also helped drive my motivation to learn new skills and avoid procastination
He talks about how ''if something is worth doing, its worth giving it your best, even more than your best'' !!
I highly recommend this book to people who love running , and other sports. Even for the non-sporty, there is a lot to be learned from this book !!
Disappointed, 08 Sep 2008
Perhaps the best novelist out there and he comes out with this non-fiction entry after a long hiatus. What readers want more of are the incredible stories and characters. How about a follow-up to Norweigan Wood or South of the Border? The fans do not want to wait such a long time to be let down by receivership of a matter-of-fact title.
The best, and possibly the most important sports biography ever written, 10 Oct 2008
Marcus Trescothick has written a truly amazing book here. Unlike many sports biographies which are stodgy and difficult, "Coming Back to Me" reads easily, almost like a gripping novel. The writing style draws you into a very personal dialog with the writer and before long you almost feel as if you are in conversation with him.
The subject matter too is very enlightening. First of all, there is the history of his cricketing career, which doesn't get bogged down in a dreary list of scores and averages, but bounces along bringing the excitement of the game to life. The mainstay of the book however, is Marcus' struggle with the depressive illness which has had such a major impact on his life and career.
Descriptions of anxiety attacks and those all engulfing black periods that many depressives suffer are described so lucidly that you could be forgiven for believing him to be a professional in that field as well. His descriptions of all aspects of his condition are extremely thought provoking, and served with far more clarity than those from many experts.
The book also throws more light on the appalling behaviour of some areas of the media who did so much to destroy a genuine sporting hero.
Prior to reading this book, I considered Spike Milligan and Anthony Clare's "Depression and how to survive it" as the foremost in it's field. Now I would put "Coming Back to Me" alongside, if not above it.
Tragic!, 01 Oct 2008
My heart goes out to Marcus and his family. He has been to hell and back over the last few years and I really hope that he's over the worst now and can make a full recovery. His honesty comes through in the book as does the loyalty displayed by his wife and family. As a result of reading this book, I will never again dismiss depression as a disease which only weak people suffer from - it can happen to all of us.
I've also learned that the life of a cricketer, travelling the world etc is not the glamour life we tend to think it is.
Once again Marcus, I wish you well and hope you make a complete recovery.
Unlike any sports biog I've ever read, 15 Sep 2008
I've never read a book from a sportsman that actually tells the truth about how hard it can be to be in the spotlight. As well as what happens when you can't handle the pressure. He's brave enough to be able to admit to this, which is something I've never seen before. A great read.
Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....
Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!
Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player
More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.
Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally
Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.
The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.
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Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
The Lonliness Of A Long Distance Writer, 30 Sep 2008
Anyone who knows anything of Murakmi's work should be aware that a book about running written by him won't just be a book about running. Short, but never slight, the book muses on many subjects from memory, to why he started writing, perfecting a swimming technique, to some of the best music to run to. All written in Murakmi's own distinctive voice.
Whatever he writes about this is Murakami's voice you're hearing. There is insight into the kind of person he is and also the kind of person runners are. There is plenty of running here and at times it does almost feel like the book has been written at the pace of a long run as its energy is brisk yet economical. For anyone looking for a big novel, it's not here. For anyone who wants a look into the world of a man who likes to write and run and tell you about it there's enough here to keep you entertained for a while.
OK, but not brilliant, 26 Sep 2008
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. I bought it because I'm a runner not because I've read anything by him before. Great to read someone else's take on distance running and some of his observations are indeed spot on but I'm afraid a number of things grated with me. Take these two quotations - "I don't care about the time I run" and "competing against time isn't important". Mmm. Makes him very different from every serious runner I know!! And he IS a serious runner who later on is disappointed by his time in New York and tries hard to analyse the reason. He's also obsessed by the fact that, in his mid-50s, he's past it "that's what happens when you get older" which I found to be somewhat pessimistic. At 60 now, I'm lucky enough to be running better than I have for years - maybe he should rejig his philosophy? One other thing - some of the prose I found to be very jerky, with some use of idiom which doesn't ring true somehow. OK, English isn't his native tongue, fair enough but I notice the book has been translated from the Japanese by someone else. Perhaps it's the translator's fault. But then Murakami has lived in the US and is translating Scott Fitzgerald, implying, I would have thought, an excellent command of the language? Do you have to be a runner to appreciate this book? No, but it would definitely help. His description of how it feels at around 22 miles in the Marathon is right on the money and I like very much his would-be epitaph - "he never walked" to go with his assertion that the marathon is, after all "a running event" something many entrants to London could do with remembering.
Inspiring and humble, 12 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading this book and have to say that i thought it was an excellent read. I am not a fan of Murakami's novels (i abandoned the Wind Up Bird Chronicle half way through) but this has whetted my apetite to perhaps try another.
This book was written by a genuine running enthusiast and fan. He comes across as no different to any runner that i have encountered and this is why the book works. He expresses the thoughts and feelings that most runners will be familiar with, the insecurities around training, the nerves when competing and the frustration with injuries.
I have been running for years and found this both inspiring and motivational. It is written with a light touch and does not seem to take itself to serious which lends it a charm.
I'd recommend this book to any runner!
Fantastic Material for runner even non runners can benefit from it !! Very Inspiring !!, 10 Sep 2008
I found this book very inspiring and charming. When I started reading it, I found it hard to stop, literally read it from cover to cover ...not many books do that to me.
This book is very thought provoking, it makes you think about yourself, goals, its about achievement as well as doing something to live life to the fullest!! Its also about passion and lessons to be learned,and overcoming failure
I love running and this book has motivated me to keep going and set new goals not just in running but also helped drive my motivation to learn new skills and avoid procastination
He talks about how ''if something is worth doing, its worth giving it your best, even more than your best'' !!
I highly recommend this book to people who love running , and other sports. Even for the non-sporty, there is a lot to be learned from this book !!
Disappointed, 08 Sep 2008
Perhaps the best novelist out there and he comes out with this non-fiction entry after a long hiatus. What readers want more of are the incredible stories and characters. How about a follow-up to Norweigan Wood or South of the Border? The fans do not want to wait such a long time to be let down by receivership of a matter-of-fact title.
The best, and possibly the most important sports biography ever written, 10 Oct 2008
Marcus Trescothick has written a truly amazing book here. Unlike many sports biographies which are stodgy and difficult, "Coming Back to Me" reads easily, almost like a gripping novel. The writing style draws you into a very personal dialog with the writer and before long you almost feel as if you are in conversation with him.
The subject matter too is very enlightening. First of all, there is the history of his cricketing career, which doesn't get bogged down in a dreary list of scores and averages, but bounces along bringing the excitement of the game to life. The mainstay of the book however, is Marcus' struggle with the depressive illness which has had such a major impact on his life and career.
Descriptions of anxiety attacks and those all engulfing black periods that many depressives suffer are described so lucidly that you could be forgiven for believing him to be a professional in that field as well. His descriptions of all aspects of his condition are extremely thought provoking, and served with far more clarity than those from many experts.
The book also throws more light on the appalling behaviour of some areas of the media who did so much to destroy a genuine sporting hero.
Prior to reading this book, I considered Spike Milligan and Anthony Clare's "Depression and how to survive it" as the foremost in it's field. Now I would put "Coming Back to Me" alongside, if not above it.
Tragic!, 01 Oct 2008
My heart goes out to Marcus and his family. He has been to hell and back over the last few years and I really hope that he's over the worst now and can make a full recovery. His honesty comes through in the book as does the loyalty displayed by his wife and family. As a result of reading this book, I will never again dismiss depression as a disease which only weak people suffer from - it can happen to all of us.
I've also learned that the life of a cricketer, travelling the world etc is not the glamour life we tend to think it is.
Once again Marcus, I wish you well and hope you make a complete recovery.
Unlike any sports biog I've ever read, 15 Sep 2008
I've never read a book from a sportsman that actually tells the truth about how hard it can be to be in the spotlight. As well as what happens when you can't handle the pressure. He's brave enough to be able to admit to this, which is something I've never seen before. A great read.
Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....
Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!
Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player
More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.
Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally
Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.
The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.
An incredible read - what a story!, 16 Sep 2008
Just extraordinary. What a fantastic read. If you could imagine an unlikely cross between Angela's Ashes and Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas with a loose motor racing backdrop, this is it. It has you in hysterics one moment, full of sadness the next. The most amazing sports biography I've ever read. In fact even if it was a work of fiction, it would still work. If you never buy another book again, you must buy this one.
Loved the book, what a read I couldn't put it down., 11 Sep 2008
I loved the book, gripping from the beginning and a great read all through. The Racing stuff is very interesting but it's not just a book about racing the strange characters that Tommy encounters through his life you just couldn't make up!
Full throttle racing, money, steeling, sex, drugs and rock and roll (without the rock and roll).
Hurricane Byrne!, 05 Sep 2008
This is some journey!
Barely believable, 'Crashed and Byrned' somehow twists through the apposite worlds of grubby 1970's O'Connell street, the 1982 Las Vegas Grand Prix and a seedy mansion in drug addled Mexico. Why? Because Tommy Byrne was chasing his quest to make the motor racing world realise that he was the most naturally gifted racing driver of his generation (and that is no idle boast by the way). And what is more, this book does it in a kind of surreal innocence that would be quite at home in a Hunter S.Thompson yarn!
Tommy Byrne will generally only be known to racing people but his story is so unique that he and his adventures will be enjoyed by those who have never seen a motor race in their lives before. This story will surely become a classic alternative to the bland and colourless publications that modern sports stars often produce.
It wasn't so much that Tommy was anti establishment it was more like he created his own establishment and then whether it was his fault or not, trashed it in a bright haze of his own brilliance and confidence. This had an uncanny knack of rubbing people up the wrong way. Ron Dennis was one of these people, so was Ayrton Senna. Years before Eddie Irvine was getting a slap from the great Brazilian champion, another and more gifted urchin from the Emerald Isle was getting under Ayrton's skin! Put bluntly, if John Lydon and Phil Lynott had raised a bastard child that took up motor racing, then his name would have been Tommy Byrne.
The anecdotes are told in a fabulously honest and more often than not comic fashion. There is no self pity and no 'what ifs'. These are left to the reader, who by the end of it are likely to ask these questions quietly to themselves. His 'tell it, how he saw it' descriptions of situations and people are quite superb, brutally honest and tremendously funny. In these days of wretched PR sheen this book takes you back to an era when genius 'literally' stole. It's sports answer to 'The filth and the fury!'
Put together in a simple and effective way by Mark Hughes, who proves that he is as subtly adept at translating these unforgettable memories of racings greatest roguish lost talent' as he is of acutely detailing the weekly technical and strategic aspects of the current Grand Prix scene in Autosport magazine. Hughes also offers an oversight to Byrne's memories, dipping in to the likes of Gary Anderson and Ron Dennis himself, for a revisionist perspective twenty five years on from 'Hurricane Byrne.'!
Above all, it tells of an ambitious and talented young man who was fighting a desperate and constantly losing battle to be accepted by an elitist sport that even by the standards of the early 1980's found Tommy Byrne just too much of a risk. It cannot be recommended highly enough.
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Product Description
People around the world have found inspiration in the story of Lance Armstrong--a world-class athlete nearly struck down by cancer, only to recover and win the Tour de France, the multiday bicycle race famous for its gruelling intensity. Armstrong is a thoroughgoing Texan jock, and the changes brought to his life by his illness are startling and powerful, but he's just not interested in wearing a hero suit. While his vocabulary is a bit on the he-man side (highest compliment to his wife: "she's a stud"), his actions will melt the most hard-bitten souls: a cancer foundation and benefit bike ride, his astonishing commitment to training that got him past countless hurdles, loyalty to the people and corporations that never gave up on him. There's serious medical detail here, which may not be for the faint of heart; from chemo to surgical procedures to his wife's in vitro fertilization, you won't be spared a single x-ray, IV drip, or unfortunate side effect. Athletes and coaches everywhere will benefit from the same extraordinary detail provided about training sessions--every aching tendon, every rainy afternoon, and every small triumph during his long recovery is here in living colour. It's Not About the Bike is the perfect title for this book about life, death, illness, family, setbacks, and triumphs, but not especially about the bike. --Jill Lightner, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
The Lonliness Of A Long Distance Writer, 30 Sep 2008
Anyone who knows anything of Murakmi's work should be aware that a book about running written by him won't just be a book about running. Short, but never slight, the book muses on many subjects from memory, to why he started writing, perfecting a swimming technique, to some of the best music to run to. All written in Murakmi's own distinctive voice.
Whatever he writes about this is Murakami's voice you're hearing. There is insight into the kind of person he is and also the kind of person runners are. There is plenty of running here and at times it does almost feel like the book has been written at the pace of a long run as its energy is brisk yet economical. For anyone looking for a big novel, it's not here. For anyone who wants a look into the world of a man who likes to write and run and tell you about it there's enough here to keep you entertained for a while.
OK, but not brilliant, 26 Sep 2008
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. I bought it because I'm a runner not because I've read anything by him before. Great to read someone else's take on distance running and some of his observations are indeed spot on but I'm afraid a number of things grated with me. Take these two quotations - "I don't care about the time I run" and "competing against time isn't important". Mmm. Makes him very different from every serious runner I know!! And he IS a serious runner who later on is disappointed by his time in New York and tries hard to analyse the reason. He's also obsessed by the fact that, in his mid-50s, he's past it "that's what happens when you get older" which I found to be somewhat pessimistic. At 60 now, I'm lucky enough to be running better than I have for years - maybe he should rejig his philosophy? One other thing - some of the prose I found to be very jerky, with some use of idiom which doesn't ring true somehow. OK, English isn't his native tongue, fair enough but I notice the book has been translated from the Japanese by someone else. Perhaps it's the translator's fault. But then Murakami has lived in the US and is translating Scott Fitzgerald, implying, I would have thought, an excellent command of the language? Do you have to be a runner to appreciate this book? No, but it would definitely help. His description of how it feels at around 22 miles in the Marathon is right on the money and I like very much his would-be epitaph - "he never walked" to go with his assertion that the marathon is, after all "a running event" something many entrants to London could do with remembering.
Inspiring and humble, 12 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading this book and have to say that i thought it was an excellent read. I am not a fan of Murakami's novels (i abandoned the Wind Up Bird Chronicle half way through) but this has whetted my apetite to perhaps try another.
This book was written by a genuine running enthusiast and fan. He comes across as no different to any runner that i have encountered and this is why the book works. He expresses the thoughts and feelings that most runners will be familiar with, the insecurities around training, the nerves when competing and the frustration with injuries.
I have been running for years and found this both inspiring and motivational. It is written with a light touch and does not seem to take itself to serious which lends it a charm.
I'd recommend this book to any runner!
Fantastic Material for runner even non runners can benefit from it !! Very Inspiring !!, 10 Sep 2008
I found this book very inspiring and charming. When I started reading it, I found it hard to stop, literally read it from cover to cover ...not many books do that to me.
This book is very thought provoking, it makes you think about yourself, goals, its about achievement as well as doing something to live life to the fullest!! Its also about passion and lessons to be learned,and overcoming failure
I love running and this book has motivated me to keep going and set new goals not just in running but also helped drive my motivation to learn new skills and avoid procastination
He talks about how ''if something is worth doing, its worth giving it your best, even more than your best'' !!
I highly recommend this book to people who love running , and other sports. Even for the non-sporty, there is a lot to be learned from this book !!
Disappointed, 08 Sep 2008
Perhaps the best novelist out there and he comes out with this non-fiction entry after a long hiatus. What readers want more of are the incredible stories and characters. How about a follow-up to Norweigan Wood or South of the Border? The fans do not want to wait such a long time to be let down by receivership of a matter-of-fact title.
The best, and possibly the most important sports biography ever written, 10 Oct 2008
Marcus Trescothick has written a truly amazing book here. Unlike many sports biographies which are stodgy and difficult, "Coming Back to Me" reads easily, almost like a gripping novel. The writing style draws you into a very personal dialog with the writer and before long you almost feel as if you are in conversation with him.
The subject matter too is very enlightening. First of all, there is the history of his cricketing career, which doesn't get bogged down in a dreary list of scores and averages, but bounces along bringing the excitement of the game to life. The mainstay of the book however, is Marcus' struggle with the depressive illness which has had such a major impact on his life and career.
Descriptions of anxiety attacks and those all engulfing black periods that many depressives suffer are described so lucidly that you could be forgiven for believing him to be a professional in that field as well. His descriptions of all aspects of his condition are extremely thought provoking, and served with far more clarity than those from many experts.
The book also throws more light on the appalling behaviour of some areas of the media who did so much to destroy a genuine sporting hero.
Prior to reading this book, I considered Spike Milligan and Anthony Clare's "Depression and how to survive it" as the foremost in it's field. Now I would put "Coming Back to Me" alongside, if not above it.
Tragic!, 01 Oct 2008
My heart goes out to Marcus and his family. He has been to hell and back over the last few years and I really hope that he's over the worst now and can make a full recovery. His honesty comes through in the book as does the loyalty displayed by his wife and family. As a result of reading this book, I will never again dismiss depression as a disease which only weak people suffer from - it can happen to all of us.
I've also learned that the life of a cricketer, travelling the world etc is not the glamour life we tend to think it is.
Once again Marcus, I wish you well and hope you make a complete recovery.
Unlike any sports biog I've ever read, 15 Sep 2008
I've never read a book from a sportsman that actually tells the truth about how hard it can be to be in the spotlight. As well as what happens when you can't handle the pressure. He's brave enough to be able to admit to this, which is something I've never seen before. A great read.
Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....
Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!
Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player
More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.
Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally
Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.
The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.
An incredible read - what a story!, 16 Sep 2008
Just extraordinary. What a fantastic read. If you could imagine an unlikely cross between Angela's Ashes and Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas with a loose motor racing backdrop, this is it. It has you in hysterics one moment, full of sadness the next. The most amazing sports biography I've ever read. In fact even if it was a work of fiction, it would still work. If you never buy another book again, you must buy this one.
Loved the book, what a read I couldn't put it down., 11 Sep 2008
I loved the book, gripping from the beginning and a great read all through. The Racing stuff is very interesting but it's not just a book about racing the strange characters that Tommy encounters through his life you just couldn't make up!
Full throttle racing, money, steeling, sex, drugs and rock and roll (without the rock and roll).
Hurricane Byrne!, 05 Sep 2008
This is some journey!
Barely believable, 'Crashed and Byrned' somehow twists through the apposite worlds of grubby 1970's O'Connell street, the 1982 Las Vegas Grand Prix and a seedy mansion in drug addled Mexico. Why? Because Tommy Byrne was chasing his quest to make the motor racing world realise that he was the most naturally gifted racing driver of his generation (and that is no idle boast by the way). And what is more, this book does it in a kind of surreal innocence that would be quite at home in a Hunter S.Thompson yarn!
Tommy Byrne will generally only be known to racing people but his story is so unique that he and his adventures will be enjoyed by those who have never seen a motor race in their lives before. This story will surely become a classic alternative to the bland and colourless publications that modern sports stars often produce.
It wasn't so much that Tommy was anti establishment it was more like he created his own establishment and then whether it was his fault or not, trashed it in a bright haze of his own brilliance and confidence. This had an uncanny knack of rubbing people up the wrong way. Ron Dennis was one of these people, so was Ayrton Senna. Years before Eddie Irvine was getting a slap from the great Brazilian champion, another and more gifted urchin from the Emerald Isle was getting under Ayrton's skin! Put bluntly, if John Lydon and Phil Lynott had raised a bastard child that took up motor racing, then his name would have been Tommy Byrne.
The anecdotes are told in a fabulously honest and more often than not comic fashion. There is no self pity and no 'what ifs'. These are left to the reader, who by the end of it are likely to ask these questions quietly to themselves. His 'tell it, how he saw it' descriptions of situations and people are quite superb, brutally honest and tremendously funny. In these days of wretched PR sheen this book takes you back to an era when genius 'literally' stole. It's sports answer to 'The filth and the fury!'
Put together in a simple and effective way by Mark Hughes, who proves that he is as subtly adept at translating these unforgettable memories of racings greatest roguish lost talent' as he is of acutely detailing the weekly technical and strategic aspects of the current Grand Prix scene in Autosport magazine. Hughes also offers an oversight to Byrne's memories, dipping in to the likes of Gary Anderson and Ron Dennis himself, for a revisionist perspective twenty five years on from 'Hurricane Byrne.'!
Above all, it tells of an ambitious and talented young man who was fighting a desperate and constantly losing battle to be accepted by an elitist sport that even by the standards of the early 1980's found Tommy Byrne just too much of a risk. It cannot be recommended highly enough.
It's about courage, desire and perserverence, 04 Aug 2008
One of the best true stories you are ever likely to read. If you want to be inspired whether it be in cycling,sports,work or your overall life then this book will do it for you. Get a good new copy as you will read it again and again.
Lethargy, 02 Jun 2008
The writing style of this book is odd, and at times it reads like a blog or if Lance is recording thoughts and handing them oer to the co-author. In fact the writing style and the short length of the book were the negative points for me. I somehow felt there might be more he could share but then again I guess this is his style, so if you are looking for a great piece of writing you've come to the wrong place. Its also not really an explanation of the cancer experience (I guess thats in the first volume). What it is a description of a man's life, what bothers him, what choices he has made and is making with cancer, his relationship to the disease and the sufferers he actively makes a point of meeting, how he manages to train every day of the year and have a family life (but not very sucessfully as he recently divorced Sheryl Crow- also a cancer sufferer), and his views on lots of issues like religion and even the Iraq war. There is also quite a lot of material which in summary are a dummies guide to how Lance keeps on winning the tour de france, as well as personal feedback on specific races or incidents such as the fall up the mountain in 2003. As a result I think if you are not a cycling or Tour de France fan you would be better off reading the cancer story. However if like me you wanted to get an insight into a sporting and personnal enigma then this is a good read and I couldn't put it down once I'd started.
This book enables even the most ignorant spectator of cycle racing and the Tour de France in particular to appreciate how much more is involved in this sport than the pedalling of the routes of France we see on television. The details Lance Armstrong provides brings both the race and the figures in the peleton to life.
However, much deeper than the insight into this famous race, is the appreciation the reader is able to experience of a very human man with very human failings but incredible strength of purpose and character. He leaves you with the determination to make all your own seconds count.
Amazing!, 24 Mar 2008
This book is truly inspirational and I love it! Heard it on audiobook and loved it so much i'm buying the book!
It's Not About the Bike: My Journney Back to Life, 23 Feb 2008
An excellent book, well written and gives a very open and honest insight into what only can be said is someone who clearly is a great sportsman with a very special talent.
More interesting than inspirational, 30 Jan 2008
As pure inspiration goes I'm not sure this one really hit the spot for me. However it was an entertaining, easy reading walk through armstrongs early years as a bolshie youngster, the shock of cancer and then his recovery back to a world class athlete. I found the most interesting angle was the discussion about how the tour and peleton operate with it's rivalry and gentlemans agreements.
This seems more about one mans journey of discovery and growing up as a man than it is about coming back from cancer.
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Customer Reviews
Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.
A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.
Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!
`And number one, is Carragher, and number two was Carragher, and number..., 06 Sep 2008
Jamie Carragher is one of the most popular footballers in Liverpool`s history. He is worshiped by the LFC fans, and the envy of rival back fours. His popularity was proven when he was recently voted the most popular player in the entire Liverpool squad.
The story tells how a teenage Carra came to Liverpool even though he had been brought up as an Everton fan, from an Everton family and with Everton friends. The book is well written packed with great anecdotes and stories, and he doesnt pull any punches with some controversial opinions and large helpings of his trademark humour, you cannot help but enjoy it. There has been a growing list of good books from Liverpool authors lately, `43 years with the same bird, by Brian Reade` is great, `Here we go gathering cups in may` by Nicky Alt is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones(SET at Anfield) are terrifiyingly good!! There is another Carragher book due out next year, obviously written by someone else. This is the real mcoy from the horses mouth. The only thing missing is the story of how he picked up a bag full of premiership medals....but there is plenty of time yet.
So popular now he is now vice-captain. In fact he is so integral to the Liverpool squad, the Kop chants 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers' to the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. Raw, funny and down-to-earth, his book is an antidote to the anodyne sports autobiography. It takes you behind the scenes of all of Liverpool and England's greatest triumphs and disasters in the company of a player who never fails to be intelligent, controversial or just downright hilarious.
A decent read, 04 Sep 2008
I enjoyed the stories from Liverpool's end of season parties each January, and the valiant battles with Spurs and Everton to secure 4th place each year.
The only disappointment is the lack of a chapter on JT's mum, maybe there could be an update in the paperback edition?
Overall, not bad at all.
The Lonliness Of A Long Distance Writer, 30 Sep 2008
Anyone who knows anything of Murakmi's work should be aware that a book about running written by him won't just be a book about running. Short, but never slight, the book muses on many subjects from memory, to why he started writing, perfecting a swimming technique, to some of the best music to run to. All written in Murakmi's own distinctive voice.
Whatever he writes about this is Murakami's voice you're hearing. There is insight into the kind of person he is and also the kind of person runners are. There is plenty of running here and at times it does almost feel like the book has been written at the pace of a long run as its energy is brisk yet economical. For anyone looking for a big novel, it's not here. For anyone who wants a look into the world of a man who likes to write and run and tell you about it there's enough here to keep you entertained for a while.
OK, but not brilliant, 26 Sep 2008
On the whole, I did enjoy this book. I bought it because I'm a runner not because I've read anything by him before. Great to read someone else's take on distance running and some of his observations are indeed spot on but I'm afraid a number of things grated with me. Take these two quotations - "I don't care about the time I run" and "competing against time isn't important". Mmm. Makes him very different from every serious runner I know!! And he IS a serious runner who later on is disappointed by his time in New York and tries hard to analyse the reason. He's also obsessed by the fact that, in his mid-50s, he's past it "that's what happens when you get older" which I found to be somewhat pessimistic. At 60 now, I'm lucky enough to be running better than I have for years - maybe he should rejig his philosophy? One other thing - some of the prose I found to be very jerky, with some use of idiom which doesn't ring true somehow. OK, English isn't his native tongue, fair enough but I notice the book has been translated from the Japanese by someone else. Perhaps it's the translator's fault. But then Murakami has lived in the US and is translating Scott Fitzgerald, implying, I would have thought, an excellent command of the languag | | |