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A review by confessions_of_a_bookaholic
No Spin: My Autobiography by Shane Warne
3.0
Everyone in Australia knows Shane Warne's story - or at least thinks they do. The larikin leg spinner who broke records, and one of Wisden's cricketers of the century. This is Warne's chance to tell things his way.
I have grown up watching cricket, and spent a lot of years involved in grass roots clubs, so it's safe to say I knew who Shane Warne was long before I moved over to Australia. Regardless of where you are from he was a legend of the game, and someone well respected for his achievements.
I was lent a copy of this by a colleague who I often chat with about cricket, and he had mentioned to me that the technical aspects and discussion of the game were excellent. He wasn't wrong. I found the insight into how Warne got into the opositions' heads during the game absolutely fascinating, and I think it's safe to say that he has one of the best understandings of the game the world has ever seen.
The off-field stuff is less fascinating. For someone who has lived such a colourful life, a lot of it is played down or not really talked about. I did expect that in some ways, and I can appreciate that there are details and aspects of life that involve and impact others, and as such aren't for public discussion. One thing that is clear though is that Warne had some great relationships. The friendship he had with his ex wife and the strong bond with him and his kids makes it clear that he was a much loved character (if that wasn't already clear).
The thing that I struggled with were that the book doesn't really follow a linear timeline, it jumps backwards and forwards as Warne discusses particular events in his life and career. I think the intention with this is to give the book a conversational tone, but I found it made things a little harder to follow.
Ultimately anyone who loves the game of cricket will get a lot out of reading this. The way Warne could see the game, the strategy and his thoughts on how things should go for the future are captivating. He was truly an entertainer and an incredibly talented player. It's a huge shame that he is no longer with us and able to share his talents with the cricketing community.
I have grown up watching cricket, and spent a lot of years involved in grass roots clubs, so it's safe to say I knew who Shane Warne was long before I moved over to Australia. Regardless of where you are from he was a legend of the game, and someone well respected for his achievements.
I was lent a copy of this by a colleague who I often chat with about cricket, and he had mentioned to me that the technical aspects and discussion of the game were excellent. He wasn't wrong. I found the insight into how Warne got into the opositions' heads during the game absolutely fascinating, and I think it's safe to say that he has one of the best understandings of the game the world has ever seen.
The off-field stuff is less fascinating. For someone who has lived such a colourful life, a lot of it is played down or not really talked about. I did expect that in some ways, and I can appreciate that there are details and aspects of life that involve and impact others, and as such aren't for public discussion. One thing that is clear though is that Warne had some great relationships. The friendship he had with his ex wife and the strong bond with him and his kids makes it clear that he was a much loved character (if that wasn't already clear).
The thing that I struggled with were that the book doesn't really follow a linear timeline, it jumps backwards and forwards as Warne discusses particular events in his life and career. I think the intention with this is to give the book a conversational tone, but I found it made things a little harder to follow.
Ultimately anyone who loves the game of cricket will get a lot out of reading this. The way Warne could see the game, the strategy and his thoughts on how things should go for the future are captivating. He was truly an entertainer and an incredibly talented player. It's a huge shame that he is no longer with us and able to share his talents with the cricketing community.