The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf |
| Faster than lightning: My autobiography Posted: 03 Feb 2014 03:00 PM PST THESE are the chronicles of Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who has become a global superstar in the track and field arena. The reigning 100m, 200m and 4x100m world record holder with six Olympic gold medals to his name, writes the story of his humble beginnings in Trelawny, Jamaica, and his rise to international superstardom in this book. None of the bullish demolition of his rivals, the after-race flamboyance, or the fancy poses and dance celebrations on tracks around the world prepared me for the self-aggrandizement that is a recurring theme of this autobiography. From the first chapter entitled "I Was Put on This Earth to Run" to the boastful declaration of "I am a living legend. Bask in my glory," at a media conference during the 2012 London Olympics, Bolt litters his life story with the kind of self-importance many would argue is a trait of champions. Fortunately, Bolt's easy going nature and fun-loving character does make the egotistical overtones easier to accept. Having said that, I couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer talent of Usain Bolt and his insatiable desire to be the best at whatever he does. He talks candidly about picking up golf and almost immediately giving up the sport because he knew he would never be the best at it. Even with other sporting passions, like cricket and football, that he does not compete in, Bolt shares that his competitive nature always drives him to win at all costs. And this drive is mirrored in every race – every loss is translated into an intense determination to avenge it, and every win keeps him hungry for more. In the book, Bolt sheds light on the rivalries between the world's top runners, especially the battle between him and American sprinter Tyson Gay. According to Bolt, the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, marked the start of the intense rivalry between the two when, finishing second, Bolt realised he was "able to step up in the biggest events ... I was on Tyson Gay's tail for real". But being able to step up wasn't enough for Bolt, who was dissatisfied with coming in second: "I had only one thought on my mind: Yo Tyson Gay, you got lucky." The book is a great read for track and field fans, as Bolt allows the reader into the camaraderie between the esteemed Jamaican sprinters, the intense training that makes him the fastest man in the world, and personal details of his conversations with his coach, Glen Mills. It was Mills, for instance, who convinced Bolt he was gifted, pointing out that the world's best sprinters take 45 steps to finish the 100m while Bolt would only require 41 due to his height. This and the high standards the coach set for him spurred Bolt to believe in his ability and to start working towards achieving unprecedented success. Track fans will also love the chapters on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Olympics in London. Details of the training in preparation for the Olympics, and the mental exhilaration and physical exhaustion experienced as Bolt broke three world records in Beijing are chapters that prompted me to search for clips of the races on the Internet to re-live the moments. The London Olympics also offered a lot of fun details, especially on the words exchanged between Bolt and his fellow countryman and rival Yohan Blake as their psychological warfare intensified towards race day. Bolt also reveals details of his battle with scoliosis (an abnormal curving of the spine), his constant quest for fitness, and his fight against fatigue and laziness. Through these honest revelations, Bolt comes off as an athlete with commitment issues, which only adds to the wonder of all his achievements. His dietary indulgences (chicken nuggets), his late night partying, and dalliances with fast cars and loose women are all openly discussed, including the 2009 car crash from which he was lucky enough to emerge unscathed. I could see the battle that he fights day in and day out in managing his celebrity status while still trying to maintain the discipline to stay on top, and Bolt makes it evident through his misgivings that this is easier said than done. In my opinion, the book does not represent a motivational story about a man's hard slog to the summit of success. It is not the story of discipline and determination that takes a person through turbulent days. Rather, Faster Than Lightning is the story of an immensely gifted man who has realised his potential by making a few right decisions and listening to a few good people. And that, I think, is the ultimate take away message. |
| Posted: 03 Feb 2014 03:00 PM PST THEY say you should never judge a book by its cover, but how can you help it with Born Of Illusion? The striking cover makes many promises: you expect mystery, intrigue, danger and just a touch of romance. And while the tale that subsequently unfolds may not be entirely enchanting, it definitely is entertaining. Born Of Illusion revolves around Anna van Housen, a talented magician and escape artist who assists her mother Marguerite in stage performances and private seances. While her mother is nothing more than a cunning fake playing on the emotions of those longing to connect with a deceased loved one, Anna suspects she may just have powers that aren't so practised. Supposedly Harry Houdini's illegitimate daughter, Anna is able to sense emotions and glimpse the future. When the duo settle in New York City, Anna hopes she can finally live a normal life. But after meeting mysterious British neighbour Cole Archer, becoming involved with the Society for Psychical Research and dealing with the charming Owen – who is pursuing her in earnest – Anna's chance at a normal life looks slimmer than ever. The situation spirals out of control when 16-year-old Anna begins battling her mother for control of the stage and the chance at her own show, a conflict tempered by the mysterious visions she begins to receive of her mother in grave peril. Set in the glitzy, bootleg gin and tonic-laced 1920s, readers will fall in love with the fashion and glamour intricately outlined by Brown in her novel. Bursting with magic, thrilling stage shows, dashing men and a heady dollop of danger, Born Of Illusion is a safe bet if you're looking for an entertaining young adult (YA) fiction read. Brown captures the jazz era with panache, drawing in plot twists that could have come off as clichéd – a mobster with a heart of gold, for instance – but thankfully don't. Nothing is hashed to death, making for a quick, snappy read. Born Of Illusion is well-paced and thoughtful; it's refreshing to find a YA fic love triangle sub-plot where there's no Romeo-and-Juliet style whirlwind feet-sweeping. Anna is savvy, smart, and level-headed. The love triangle, too, is not where the emotional meat of the story comes from: that honour goes to the relationship between Anna and her mother, something with which many girls can probably sympathise. Marguerite fears her daughter's maturing while Anna is torn between resentment and loving duty. Which is not to say the love triangle is dull – the dark-haired, secretive Cole measures up nicely against light, charming Owen who parties all night and promises romance at the drop of a hat. While it may not be too clear at the onset how the love triangle will culminate, you definitely end up rooting for the right person. The lack of fraught back-and-forth not only makes Anna a strong feminist character who isn't defined by the men in the novel, but also makes for a nice change from the other YA supernatural mysteries in the market right now. The book is strongly character driven, and Brown makes us fall in love with even the secondary roles to an extent where you don't really mind some pointless meandering. Crotchety neighbour Mr Darby is particularly likable, with his protectiveness and sarcastic streak making for some lighthearted moments. There's also vivacious flapper and trophy wife Cynthia, who is far more intelligent than she lets on, as well as the magnetically-written Houdini himself. Born Of Illusion is the first in a series, with sequel Born Of Deception slated for a June 2014 release. |
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