Media:Hardcover Pages:384 Shipping Weight (lbs):1.4 Dimensions (in):9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4
ISBN:0007285809 EAN:9780007285808 ASIN:0007285809
Publication Date:September 1, 2008 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days Condition:IN STOCK - BRAND NEW - IMMEDIATE FIRST CLASS DISPATCH
A depressed cricketer bares his soulJanuary 9, 2009 If you are interested in cricket or depression or both, then this book is for you. It sets out to show the reader that even a strong sportsman at the top of his game can fall foul of this dreadful illness. No words are spared to show the feelings on a Test match cricket square or those of a man under the ravages of mental illness. It's a fascinating, harrowing book. The book begins at the end of Trescothick's England career. He suffers a mental breakdown at Heathrow Airport on his way to Dubai with his County side Somerset. The writer then takes the reader on the life journey which got him to that decisive and destructive point. There are statistics and stories of cricket and deeply moving descriptions of a mind caving in. It's not all doom and gloom. There are many high points. Particularly his well made centuries and the victory in the Ashes series. His relationships with other players are seen in delicate tones, and there are other things brought out about the England cricket set-up which the discerning reader will see between the lines. Get it and read it. It will do you good.
Good blend of sport and personal insightJanuary 6, 2009 I enjoy cricket and have suffered depression and anxiety so both aspects of this book interested me and I found both really well dealt with. There was a good insight into the career of a successful cricketer and its incessant lifestyle living away from home and in hotels. It is a wonder that more of them don't shout Enough and go home.
Marcus' story of his depression and anxiety was heartbreaking and it came across clearly how much he went to the depths and continues to deal with the illness. I confess it came across so strongly that I shed a tear because it brought back to me my worst times. I think it is excellent to see it brought into the open - too often mental issues are hidden away.
The story about his health I don't think would spoil the book for the cricket fan who isn't really wanting the health side - maybe they will learn something from the struggle Marcus went through!
A must-read, and not just for cricket fans...December 16, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As great a cricket fan as I am, I'm not normally one for ghosted biographies. Somehow they seem to lack the passion of those written by the players themselves.
This, however, was very much the exception to that rule. It made absolutely fascinating reading, and whilst gripping, was utterly tragic.
It was incredibly informative for a sporting biography, and gave me a much better understanding of mental illness, what causes it, how it manifests itself and most interestingly the types of personality most likely to suffer from it.
I was so absorbed that I quite literally could not put it down, and my heart goes out to Markus and anyone else affected by such a terrible illness. I hope he goes on to make a full recovery, and full marks to him for having the courage to tell his story with such candour.
Hopefully this will promote greater understanding and encourage other sufferers to seek help - as someone so astutely says on the back cover, if he has this in his life, then so must other top-flight sportspeople, and they're hiding it.
This is a must-read, and not just for fans of a wonderful game that will miss one of the finest exponents it has seen this century.
Absolutely superbNovember 4, 2008 12 out of 12 found this review helpful
This book is an absolutely incredible, insightful and engaging book. As somebody who has struggled with anxiety and depression recently, this book has been the focus point that has changed my way of thinking about my illness around. It is an extremely good read, which I recommend for anybody suffering with mental illness at the moment. As for the cricket, it is engaging without being tied down in numbers. A really great read. And to Marcus - I really hope everything gets sorted, and thank you for helping me.
A cricketing hero bares his soulOctober 16, 2008 13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I have just finished reading this excellent autobiography. As a lifelong Somerset and England fan I really enjoyed reliving lots of the cricketing memories with Marcus, but it was his account of the ups and downs of his cricketing life and in particular his battle will depressive illness which will leave a lasting impression.
His detailed accounts of his low points were painful to read and his insights into how his views of depression and burnout changed when he experienced them himself were fascinating. The main message I want to give is that Marcus was always a hero of mine with bat in hand, but now he's a true hero as he has hopefully opened up the eyes of hundreds and thousands of readers about the realities of depressive illness and that it doesn't just affect wimps ... it can strike anyone no matter how big and tough they may be.
The writing style was incredibly easy to read and the book was really gripping in places. It's also bang up to date including Marcus's views of the next chapter of English cricket with Kevin Pietersen at the helm.
Well done Marcus and very best wishes for your continued recovery.
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