emmajohns12's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve followed Tom and his career from an early age. This book was wrote brilliantly, with a personal and honest insight into not only his diving career but his life as a whole. Not only talks about how he got to this point in his career, but also the training it takes to get to the level he’s at, the setbacks he’s faced along the way and ways he learned to deal with those setbacks. He also talks about his life with his family, husband and son and it’s nice to get an even deeper look into the life of Tom and learn more about the man our nation loves and has followed. Huge fan of Tom and of this book!
emfon001's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
olliel's review against another edition
5.0
(AB) An incredible insight into Tom's life and the events he has experienced in both diving and his private life.
rainybob's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
james1star's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I did quite enjoy this memoir and would recommend it, it just wasn’t a new favourite. Daley’s book follows a somewhat linear narrative starting in 2012 and finishing in 2021 but certain chapters and parts zig-zag chronologically focussing on the particular topic he’s talking about. There was maybe a bit too much technical parts about diving for my personal liking but not excessive in comparison with the parts I was more interested in which I’ll list:
- Sexuality, coming to terms with it and coming out in the public eye
- Mental health, dealing with burnout, internal and external pressure, mindfulness and ways to deal with it
- Body image in regards to men and toxicity within sports
- Grief, how to do it and love forward, the many ways one is impacted ~ I cried in public when he was talking about his dad omfg he sounded like such an amazing person, Tom he’d be so so proud of all you’ve accomplished
- Gay family and parenting, viewed but outsiders, how to make it work, hurdles to overcome
There are others but these are the major points of discussion. I found them all quite interesting and I enjoyed hearing Daley’s personal take. As a gay man there were also parts I could relate to well such as this quote where he felt he had to ‘Overcompensate for not fitting the mould’ in terms of achieving success in diving, something I very much felt and still do but want to love on from. Overall a decent read (listen ~ totes recommend the audiobook narrated by Daley himself) and a solid 4 star book.
I wish Tom, Lance and Robbie all the best you’re such an amazing and adorable family, something I aspire to have in the future too!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Grief
Minor: Cancer, Eating disorder, Death of parent, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pandemic/Epidemic