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mrsbooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
I genuinely did not expect to love 'Life to the Limit' as much as I did. Sure, I like Jesper Button and I have a mild interest in Formula One. I wouldn't have classed myself as a super-fan of either prior to reading this book. But I find that there is something compelling about Formula one stars. They are all SUCH personalities. There isn't one who is just bland. There is the one that mouths off, the arrogant one, the angry one, the happy one... whatever or whoever, but they are all personalities.
Getting a chance to delve into one of those personalities was the biggest driving force - pun not intended for a change - for me giving this book a whirl. I had tried [b:Aussie Grit: My Formula One Journey|26023669|Aussie Grit My Formula One Journey|Mark Webber|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442531925l/26023669._SY75_.jpg|45946858] a while ago, but I really struggled with it, and like an Aussie with a sheared brake line. I DNF. So I genuinely was not expecting to like 'Life to the Limit'.
There was such a brilliant blend of personal and professional. At every stage of Jason's career, there was also the personal progression. Developing relationships whether friendships or relationships, frank discussions about his emotional state at each point... It wasn't a rose-tinted look back, it was honest, a bit warts-and-all.
It had me so invested in Jesper's story that I was full on crying when he won the World Championship and hugged his Dad. I felt so happy for him, and proud because I had been rooting for him for so long, even though I hadn't, I'd just been reading about it all retrospectively.
I think the two elements that really touched me was just how much Jenson loved racing, and the genuine, soul-deep bond that he had with his father. Yes, they argued and had negative moments, and Jason wasn't afraid to tell us about those times, but I also just felt the love. I felt his Dad's pride. I felt it all. Ah man, I may cry again just writing the review.
I find it hard to award 5 star reviews. I reserve them solely for books that I would read again, usually ones that have impacted me deeply, often emotionally. I always, always try to find the reason to mark down to 4 stars. But I cannot do that for 'Life to the Limit'. There wasn't a thing that I didn't enjoy. I genuinely loved it.
Getting a chance to delve into one of those personalities was the biggest driving force - pun not intended for a change - for me giving this book a whirl. I had tried [b:Aussie Grit: My Formula One Journey|26023669|Aussie Grit My Formula One Journey|Mark Webber|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442531925l/26023669._SY75_.jpg|45946858] a while ago, but I really struggled with it, and like an Aussie with a sheared brake line. I DNF. So I genuinely was not expecting to like 'Life to the Limit'.
There was such a brilliant blend of personal and professional. At every stage of Jason's career, there was also the personal progression. Developing relationships whether friendships or relationships, frank discussions about his emotional state at each point... It wasn't a rose-tinted look back, it was honest, a bit warts-and-all.
It had me so invested in Jesper's story that I was full on crying when he won the World Championship and hugged his Dad. I felt so happy for him, and proud because I had been rooting for him for so long, even though I hadn't, I'd just been reading about it all retrospectively.
I think the two elements that really touched me was just how much Jenson loved racing, and the genuine, soul-deep bond that he had with his father. Yes, they argued and had negative moments, and Jason wasn't afraid to tell us about those times, but I also just felt the love. I felt his Dad's pride. I felt it all. Ah man, I may cry again just writing the review.
I find it hard to award 5 star reviews. I reserve them solely for books that I would read again, usually ones that have impacted me deeply, often emotionally. I always, always try to find the reason to mark down to 4 stars. But I cannot do that for 'Life to the Limit'. There wasn't a thing that I didn't enjoy. I genuinely loved it.
percervall's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
dreamawakebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a massive petrol head, and motor racing is my favourite sport (not one particular type, all of it). I've followed F1 for as long as I can remember, and Jenson has been a staunch favourite from the beginning to the end of his career! The only reason it's taken me so long to read this (now he also has a second book out) is because of the method I use to pick my next book.
Anywho, I'm not normally a massive fan of autobiographies, I tend to find them quite tedious and not always very interesting (despite my love of Snooker I struggled with Ronnie's, they took me ages to read), and I normally have another book on the go at the same time. This one, however, was different!
Despite the fact that Motorsport was all he ever knew, rising up the ranks to the prestigious F1 circuit from an early age, Jenson doesn't give off the pretentious "look at me, aren't I great" persona that alot of celebrities do. He's a very humble person, and gives a "warts and all" account of his life. From being bullied at school, to being made a show of in assembly, the highs and lows of a life long racing career. He acknowledges the rookie arrogance of his first years, the errors made and the lessons learned. The fire and passion he has for his sport is never far from his writing. The intense disappointment at seasons lost, the ecstacy of his Championship win, the heartbreaking loss of his Father (you'll need tissues), it's all there. Through it all, he remains grounded and always thankful to those around him who made his dream possible.
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk through F1 history, guided by one of the true gentlemen of the sport! Definitely recommended for anyone who is a staunch "Team Button" member, or just has a love for the sport.
Anywho, I'm not normally a massive fan of autobiographies, I tend to find them quite tedious and not always very interesting (despite my love of Snooker I struggled with Ronnie's, they took me ages to read), and I normally have another book on the go at the same time. This one, however, was different!
Despite the fact that Motorsport was all he ever knew, rising up the ranks to the prestigious F1 circuit from an early age, Jenson doesn't give off the pretentious "look at me, aren't I great" persona that alot of celebrities do. He's a very humble person, and gives a "warts and all" account of his life. From being bullied at school, to being made a show of in assembly, the highs and lows of a life long racing career. He acknowledges the rookie arrogance of his first years, the errors made and the lessons learned. The fire and passion he has for his sport is never far from his writing. The intense disappointment at seasons lost, the ecstacy of his Championship win, the heartbreaking loss of his Father (you'll need tissues), it's all there. Through it all, he remains grounded and always thankful to those around him who made his dream possible.
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk through F1 history, guided by one of the true gentlemen of the sport! Definitely recommended for anyone who is a staunch "Team Button" member, or just has a love for the sport.
beamichs's review against another edition
5.0
jenson button my beloved, what a book!! such a great read :)