Strictly Me: My Life Under the Spotlight

Fifteen to twenty years ago I was a huge Ramprakash fan and used to travel all over the country to watch him play. I was thrilled to watch him win Strictly Come Dancing, backing him right from the first week. I have always thought that he was a brilliant cricketer (and extremely sexy to boot) and I constantly argued with friends and colleagues on Ramps behalf during his somewhat sporadic Test career. But even I knew then that his biggest obstacle was himself. I have to say that this book has disappointed me immensly as the thread that runs through the entire book is 'woe is me' and how hard done to poor Ramps was. He seems completely unable to accept that any of his failings were his own doing, seeking to constantly blame others. Perhaps if he had had a better control of his moods and temper people would have been more willing to comunicate with him rather than just leaving him to stew - which given his tantrums was probably their prefered choice!!

Fascinating and enjoyable read (0/0 people found this helpful)

So refreshing to read a sporting autobiography by someone approaching the end of their career, not just cashing in on early success! Ramps gives an honest and fair account of the trials and tribulations of his cricketing career, those who helped him along the way, and why he remained an enigma at international level. While the main part of the book focuses on cricket, it is offset nicely at the start and end with the lighter descriptions of his Strictly Come Dancing exploits - offering a contrasting side to the 'intense and highly strung' tag often given to him by the media. Well-written throughout and a fascinating read.

An Open and honest account of a cricketing career (2/2 people found this helpful)

I really enjoyed Mark's openess. He was very honest in his views on the issue of his supposed mental approach to test cricket, but quite rightly points out the inadequate methods of managing a Test squad in his era. He was very critical of his own performances as well and this very honest approach to his writing was a breath of fresh air. For he has been severely criticised throughout his career by people who played with him and to his credit has not responded until now. A well balanced book, plenty of self analysis and acceptance of certain criticisms, but also rightly pointing out the unfairness and 'inaccuracies' by Press and his former cricketing colleagues.
A well balanced book, I thoroughly enjoyed it, as of course I did his 'Four More Weeks' - I only hope he can be persuaded to update this latest book, once he has retired by giving us his account of matches played in Championship and Test matches throughout his career at both Middlesex and Surrey - for there are so many fantastic games he has played in and delighted the watching public - perhaps Amazon can persuade him to do so!!!

Strictly Me: My Life Under the Spotlight

Mark Ramprakash

Reader Reviews:

Strictly Me Me Me Me Me.....! (1/2 people found this helpful)

Fascinating and enjoyable read (0/0 people found this helpful)

An Open and honest account of a cricketing career (2/2 people found this helpful)

Similar Products

Categories