Autobiographies

[John]

I really like reading autobiographies, but wondered which you guys have read and if you can recommend any that you've really enjoyed?

I have read Ronnie O'Sullivan's and it was a joy to read. He grew up with Ken Doherty, Ken always got loads more recognition than him for winning low-par tournaments, but still got trophies and free drinks at their local club, the lot. When Ronnie won his first major, all he got was a little plaque at his club that said "Well done Ronnie."

It also goes into how he was a loudmouth as a child, getting thrown out of clubs etc. His dad ran a very successful porn shop and gave him £100 a week to play snooker. Not bad when you're in your early teens is it?

"You can chuck me out but I'm taking my table with me."

Then it goes into his life in and out of the Priory, girlfriend after girlfriend, how he got overweight by constant partying and drinking after his dad went to prison, basically losing control of his life and losing his love for snooker... until things changed for the better again. :)

Have just started reading John McEnroe's - Serious.

[tophatter]

I dont read Autobiographies that much now but I have read a few.

Tony Adams one is not bad and I have read Frank Skinners which is a good read. The trouble is though that people are writing them earlier and earlier. I think they should be written in later life when ambition and career no longer matter because when current stars write theirs the suspicion is they are just cashing in quick and writing a self publicity book rather than a candid reflection on the highs and lows every career and life has.

[mathare]

The only one I can remember reading is Mick Channon's which is excellent

[MattR]

I dont read Autobiographies that much now but I have read a few.

Tony Adams one is not bad and I have read Frank Skinners which is a good read. The trouble is though that people are writing them earlier and earlier. I think they should be written in later life when ambition and career no longer matter because when current stars write theirs the suspicion is they are just cashing in quick and writing a self publicity book rather than a candid reflection on the highs and lows every career and life has.

That annoys me too TH, you see these autobiographies and the person is about 24! Cash in while you're famous why don't you!

I've read Frank Skinner,s, I thought it was mostly good but I thought he came across as a bit of a big head. Carl Fogarty's was not bad. I read one of the George Best one's some time ago (nineties) I can't remember which one it was now but that was quite a good read. I've read some others but of the top of my head I can't think who they were now!

[pilky201]

I'm not a massive fan of autobiographies but managed to pick up a copy of Martin Johnston a world cup winner. The good thing about it is the fella is blunt and to the point and tells you how he learned his trade, how he went to New Zealand and played junior All Blacks, the downside i thought was he keeps going on about games against Wasps and Bath on a cold wet tuesday night at Welford Road. If your not a rugby fan or a Leicester Tigers fan then its not recommened. But on the upside a massive achievement to lift the rugby world cup.

[markwales]

Frankie Dettori's was an enjoyable read - big writing helped :D :laugh

[bigcumba]

On the musical side - Lemmy's is great fun... as is Noddy Holder's, and Meat Loaf's is very good. Anthony Kiedis' (Red Hot Chili Peppers) book had some great reviews too... plus there's Johnny Cash, Motley Crue, Aerosmith,

In film and TV - Eric Sykes book is highly recommended, Julian Clary's is supposed to be very good as is Alan Alda's. My wife has read Sharon Osbournes and really enjoyed it... Gerald Durrell's books are very funny, then there's Kenneth Williams,

Recommended in sport - Lance Armstrong, John Daly...

Politics - Nelson Mandela, Alan Clarke's Diaries, Tony Benn's memoirs, all recommended.

A few ideas for starters! :)

[jonahjones]

John,

I am currently reading Robbie Fowler's autobiography and it is a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would recommend to any football fan, regardless of who they support. Perhaps a little heavy on the expletives but nevertheless a very honest account and not at all bland like some I have read.

In the recent past, I have read those of Peter Beardsley, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Alan Hansen, Stuart Pearce, Brian Clough, Martin Johnson, George Best, Alex Ferguson, George Graham, Tony Cottee, Mick Quinn, Roy Keane, Tony Cascarino, Willie Carson, Frankie Dettori, Gary Stevens (American jockey), Howard Marks and Frank Skinner.

On the shelf, I have waiting those of Gazza, Stan Collymore, Tony Adams, Paul Merson, Niall Quinn, Ian Botham, Darren Gough, John Simpson and Paul Burrell. :yikes:

But, on the whole, I don't really like autobiographies. :wink :)

[wb]

Gazza's book is very good as it is brutally honest. Enjoyed Tony Adams' book too. I'm currently reading Tony McCoy's book, which is very interesting, and gives a great good insight into the life of a NH jockey.

[Fadetoblack]

Mine will be out in time for the Christmas market. Pre-order now to avoid disappointment.

[John]

Cheers for all your responses guys (and very amusing there, Darren! :wink)

So Campbell, have you read Anthony Kleidis' and if so what was it like? I was meant to borrow it from someone at work but never got round to it. I'd like to read it, I think he had a pretty screwed up childhood. His parents let him sleep with his girlfriend for his 13th birthday. I'd like to give Johnny Cash's a read too... and a couple of other musician's... I'm not sure if Jools Holland has done one yet (if he has it's too early, he's still going) but if he has then that'd be on my list.

Yeah, JJ, I can tell you're not really into them that much! :D I bet you're looking forward to reading Gazza's. I'm going to borrow Robbie Fowler's off a mate at some point. Wouldn't mind reading Stuart Pearce's (HE should have been next England manager), Alan Hansen's and Kevin Keegan's either.

I've also got, "The World according to Jeremy Clarkson" to read too, although it's not an actual autobiography I don't think. Ben Elton's started off funny but I stopped reading it cos my sister took it back home with her. :(

[MattR]

Alan Hansen's will be 143 pages on the art of defending.


I wonder if Mark Lawrenson has one? It could be called "How did I get away with that camp voice in the Liverpool dressing room of the early eighties"

[bigcumba]

Haven't actually read Anthony Kiedis yet John, just know from the reviews I've read that it's supposed to be excellent. Same with the Motley Crue book - you don't need to be a fan to enjoy it - it really is warts'n'all.

My father in law has read the Clarkson book - I had a quick gander and it is hilarious, but then I expected that - I've always liked his sense of humour.

[John]

Probably Matt, yeah!

I'm looking forward to Ian Wright's, when he eventually writes one (it shouldn't be around for years, though). His ego used to be huge, he still is a bit of a character but that's what I like to see, people who aren't afraid to be a bit rugged, who don't quite fit it with all the nicey-nicey-ness of what they like to call "good television."

People who aren't afraid to speak their mind are people who are remembered in such a way... quite controversially in some instances.

[John]

Yeah, me too Campbell, always thought Clarkson has been a very funny bloke; he does have a wicked sense of humour. Apart from Top Gear I'm not really sure what else he's done, I'm not old enough to know, I guess. That's why I'm looking forward to digging out that book and reading it properly!

Will probably buy Anthony K's soon, I've also heard it's excellent.

Cheers.

[Win2Win]

Alex Bird - Pro-punter from the 'old' school.....made a fortune from pot finishers before cameras came out....great reaad, and insights.

[bigcumba]

Apart from Top Gear I'm not really sure what else he's done, I'm not old enough to know, I guess. .

he actually had a very funny chatshow on TV a few years back.... was disappointed when it got cancelled!