That Near Death Thing - Rick Broadbent

The broken man pushes a leftover
calzone around a plate in Paparazzi
and falls off the Verandah.

Rated 10/10

The Isle of Man TT is a throwback to a maverick era that existed before PR platitudes and PC attitudes. William Hill shortlisted author Rick Broadbent gets inside the helmets of four leading motorcycle racers as they battle fear, fire and family tragedy for a gritty sort of glory.

My Thoughts: I was already a fan of Rick Broadbent when I picked up his in depth account of the TT, as I had read his work on the Moto GP a while ago and adored it.

I was not disappointed this time round either. That Near Death Thing scoops you up from your seat, carries you over to The Isle of Man, and gives you a glimpse behind the visors of some of the most fearless men (and Jenny) in the world. But these guys would never see it that way - they just love racing, finding the pencil line that marks out their limit and stepping over it. Sometimes they make mistakes. Sometimes they pay big time for these mistakes. Sometimes they get lucky and bring it home in one piece.

I could never say that I have a favourite rider as I respect every single one of them for their sheer gut and determination, and I believe Broadbent shares the same view. I love the way that he sheds light on the individual characters that he writes about - really opening my eyes to the differences between the riders, their passions, emotions, family feuds, what makes them tick. McGuinness and M.Dunlop are a mile apart when it comes to emotion and race ethic, and yet they scrape leathers on track and have the utmost respect for one another. Same goes for all of them.

I loved the way that Broadbent described the difference between road racers and circuit racers too. They are very much in different classes, but the passion for both is very much at the forefront of every single word.

I could read his observational descriptions all day - and I really hope that he is planning to write more on racing, though I get the feeling I would be happy enough to pick up any of his works, no matter the topic.

Ring of Fire - Rick Broadbent

"It is the unusual that makes
sport such and addictive drug"

Date Finished: 20th June 2012

Ring of Fire is an insider’s account of the acclaim, heroism and pressures of being a MotoGP racer. It is a high-octane revelation of the feuds, danger, politics and adrenaline inside MotoGP World Motorcycling Championship.

My Thoughts: I adored this book. It is really well written - Broadbent is a master of weaving the spectrum of events together with all of the drama and focus that the sport deserves. He captures every moment as if there were a camera set up right there. He gives me access to the side of the riders that I don't see on track and it makes me love them more.

Ring of Fire entertained me to no end and I'm so pleased that he has a new book out about the TT. It appeared instantly on my 'to-read' list and I'm really looking forward to it.

A magic little book that I would recommend to any casual or avid motorsport fan.

I RATED IT 10/10

Pepe - Pepe Reina

Date Finished: 13th February 2012

My Thoughts: Pepe gives us an insight into his career in Spain and Liverpool. He speaks very glowingly of the fans and the club, and gives you a real sense of the pride he takes in keeping for LFC.

I love Pepe, absolutely adore him, and I treasure my signed copy of this book very much.

That's why I'm sorry that I'm going to have to pick a few negatives about this one. Pepe repeats himself quite often, he also rambles on a bit in places when really he could get to the point a lot quicker and more precise.

But, of course, this is an autobiography, and perfect literary techniques are not expected.

Although he does pick out the odd moment that's quite entertaining with regards to his antics off the pitch - I can't help but feel that there must be a lot more to Pepe's life than he reveals here. Fair dos to the guy, he wants to keep his home life under wraps; but it's so under wraps that it's less an autobiography and more an account of Liverpool's successes and failings as a club.

Pepe is brilliant: He will always be an entertainer and he will always make me smile. But this one has been written more with fans of the club in mind and less with fans of himself in mind. Not a bad read, but nothing spectacular.

I RATED IT 6/10

Barry - Steve Parrish & Nick Harris

Date Finished: 1st February 2012

My Thoughts: Barry Sheene - an absolute legend. This book actually made him come across as a bit of a nightmare, but I loved some of the antics he got up to. I still get the feeling that a lot more was left uncovered, but it was well written, fun to read and left me with a real picture of Sheene and his family.

A fitting tribute to a man with a massive character. Brilliantly written.

I RATED THIS 8/10