Jonny admits on the first page of the book that he is not an expressive person. Yet this book explores, how he ticked, what made him one of the most recognisable sportsmen on the planet and what nearly ended his career while he was at his prime. The first few chapters set the scene. Jonny talks at length about his routine in the years prior to the 2003 World Cup. Hours and hours would be spent on the training field, but life was passing Jonny by. After his heroic exploits in that final against Australia, Jonny felt at his lowest. Nerves were getting the better of him and his was not enjoying the game that he loved. In the years that followed a string of injuries and his constant obsession with perfection, nearly bought to an end a glittering career.
This is where Blackie (below with Jonny) comes in. Together they reassessed Jonny's life between 2003 and 2007, what was working and what was not. However this was not about the rugby. As the title of the book suggests, this was all about life.
As the chapters go on, progress is made. Although the book does switch from Jonny's world pre 2003 to his life in the four years after the World Cup, there is a general flow towards the end game in 2007. Taking on the style of a conversation, Jonny assesses what was sending him to the brink and Blackie is there to share his wisdom, with the use of several motivation techniques and quotes. An example and personal favourite of mine is Blackie's notion of not simply treating people how you would want to be treated but take the time to find out how people want to be treated. There are plenty of antidotes too from both men, memories to express the ideas put forward in the book. At times it borders on self help, but it truly gives a great insight into the mindset of one of English sport's most iconic figures of modern times.
The lessons learnt and the ideas shared can be applied to any walk of life. Blackie in-particular highlights how business can learn from sport and vice versa. Together Jonny and Blackie lift the reader. Simple guidelines are suggested with clarity and humour, which makes reading the book a truly enjoyable experience.
If you are looking for a timeline of Jonny's finest hours, then Tackling Life is not for you. I would suggested Jonny: My Autobiography. However it is very rare that a sporting star is so open and honest about his life. Therefore, Tackling Life is not only for sports fans, but anyone searching for themselves.
Hinman Rating- 87/100
Authors- Jonny Wilkinson and Steve Black
Publisher- Headline
ISBN- 9780755318452
Price- Cheap, no more than £8
Availability- Wide, most bookshops and websites
