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An Autobiography
Author: Andre Agassi
Subject: biography
Author's website: click here
My rating: 4*


About the book:
This book raised some controversy at the time of publishing. I planned to read it for a while now, and I finally got the chance to do it. Probably the most unexpected statement Andre makes throughout the book (several times) is that he hates tennis (and always did). This should come as a surprise for those who know his amazingly successful career as a professional tennis player. Becoming world no.1 and being considered the best service returner prove that one can achieve excellence by doing the things you hate (sic). Andre's tone is sincere and matter of factly; he comes out talking about the incredible pain, anguish and mental struggles the spectators never see. It makes this book a great resource for those who are searching for the secret of success. I would give this book to any parent who ever pushed their kids in their' sports endevours. It will bring up some interesting questions...

From the book:
'Our best intentions are often thwarted by external forces- forces that we ourselves set in motion long ago. Decisions, especially bad ones, create their own kind of momentum, and momentum can be a bitch to stop- as every athlete knows [...]. Momentum rules the world.'

'This is why we're here. To fight through the pain and, when possible, to relieve the pain of others. So simple. So hard to see.'