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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I watch the Australian Open on TV every January - the only Grand Slam matching my waking hours. And every year sitting in the stands watching with an eagle eye is Billie Jean King. A woman I knew nothing about until seeing the movie Battle of the Sexes and then when I saw this come into the bookshop, it lured me in with it's over the top action cover, I had to read it. These sports biographies of extraordinarily successful and enduring athletes are usually outstanding, and this is one of the best. I play tennis too and I am female - ha, ha - the only common characteristics with Billie Jean, and only a very average player at that too. Still, at least I know how the game works which is a major advantage when reading this as there is a lot of tennis in it, and the psychology that goes with playing the game.
Billie Jean is now in her late 70s, although in no way does she look it. Understated well groomed glamour and that fantastic smile that, in our average eyes, makes her so human, approachable and likeable. Her story begins in the early 1940s, Long Beach, California, born to possibly the most wonderful self-sacrificing and adoring parents ever, committed to giving their two athletic and bright children every opportunity they can, encouraging and developing in them the self belief that made them both exceptional athletes, her brother Randy in baseball. She also highlights the huge influence other adults had in her life - her first tennis teacher and the previously famous player, Alice Marble, who took her under her wing and for a period of time was the most important adult in her young life. A lack of money was never going to stop this dynamo from achieving her goals, which she drew up at a young age, and in swash buckling style set about taking the tennis world by storm.
It seems to me, that aside from her talent, work ethic and her endless optimism, her greatest talent is her intense interest in people, getting on with them, building and maintaining friendships, tennis partnerships, getting the best out of people. She marries Larry King, and together these two should get medals for what they have done for professional and team tennis competition. More importantly they, with Billie Jean as the face of everything they do, created the Women's Tennis Association - the WTA - with 8 other women players, taking on the male tennis establishment resulting, eventually, in prize money for money equalling that for men. Magnificent.
Then there is the campaigning and tireless work she has done for the LGBTQ+ community, again a labour of love, intense focus, energy. The energy and tirelessness this woman has is jaw dropping, even she admits at times she is too much! She shares her personal life, her marriage and enduring love for Larry, their commitment to each other, her internal sexuality conflict, her love relationships and the fall out at a time when being a gay sports star was the kiss of death. Then her meeting and relationship with the love of her life.
What stands out is how in the very abnormal world of top level professional sport, she seems to be so normal, so grounded, so straight forward and endearing. This is a big book, because she has had, and continues to have a big life. A truly outstanding legacy she is leaving, having used herself as the prime leverage for what she has achieved. She would be the last one to say these achievements are hers alone, she would have lists of names and organisations of everyone and everything that has led to the successes attached to her. Fabulous book, fabulous woman. Oh, and there is also plenty about tennis!
Billie Jean is now in her late 70s, although in no way does she look it. Understated well groomed glamour and that fantastic smile that, in our average eyes, makes her so human, approachable and likeable. Her story begins in the early 1940s, Long Beach, California, born to possibly the most wonderful self-sacrificing and adoring parents ever, committed to giving their two athletic and bright children every opportunity they can, encouraging and developing in them the self belief that made them both exceptional athletes, her brother Randy in baseball. She also highlights the huge influence other adults had in her life - her first tennis teacher and the previously famous player, Alice Marble, who took her under her wing and for a period of time was the most important adult in her young life. A lack of money was never going to stop this dynamo from achieving her goals, which she drew up at a young age, and in swash buckling style set about taking the tennis world by storm.
It seems to me, that aside from her talent, work ethic and her endless optimism, her greatest talent is her intense interest in people, getting on with them, building and maintaining friendships, tennis partnerships, getting the best out of people. She marries Larry King, and together these two should get medals for what they have done for professional and team tennis competition. More importantly they, with Billie Jean as the face of everything they do, created the Women's Tennis Association - the WTA - with 8 other women players, taking on the male tennis establishment resulting, eventually, in prize money for money equalling that for men. Magnificent.
Then there is the campaigning and tireless work she has done for the LGBTQ+ community, again a labour of love, intense focus, energy. The energy and tirelessness this woman has is jaw dropping, even she admits at times she is too much! She shares her personal life, her marriage and enduring love for Larry, their commitment to each other, her internal sexuality conflict, her love relationships and the fall out at a time when being a gay sports star was the kiss of death. Then her meeting and relationship with the love of her life.
What stands out is how in the very abnormal world of top level professional sport, she seems to be so normal, so grounded, so straight forward and endearing. This is a big book, because she has had, and continues to have a big life. A truly outstanding legacy she is leaving, having used herself as the prime leverage for what she has achieved. She would be the last one to say these achievements are hers alone, she would have lists of names and organisations of everyone and everything that has led to the successes attached to her. Fabulous book, fabulous woman. Oh, and there is also plenty about tennis!
AMAZING. Immediately goes into my all time top 5 memoirs. Billie Jean is a national treasure, an inspiration, and a role model. I knew she had made a huge difference in womens’ sports but I had no idea how her advocacy extended well beyond the court. She has spent decades making the US a better and more equitable place. WOW!
Being born in the late 1980s myself, the Battle of the Sexes and all the excitement and tension that surrounded it happened before my time. Though, I would argue, that the battle of the sexes is still going on to a certain extent...but I digress. Nonetheless, I have long been fascinated with the story of this famous tennis match which was supposed to determine once and for all whether women or men were more athletically inclined. Spoiler alert: gender does not determine athletic ability BUT in this case, the woman won (insert Billie Jean King's warrior cry of triumph here). However, did you know that Bobby Riggs actually played another top women's tennis talent BEFORE King finally accepted the challenge, and that he beat her? He may have been a bit of a pig but he was no slouch, even in middle age. Did you also know that he and King remained friends to the end of his days? The story behind the flashy moments in history is always more complicated and extraordinary than we could possibly imagine. Having listened to the audiobook version of this, I loved hearing the story told in King's gravely, enthusiastic voice. She truly has lived an extraordinary life and hearing about it in her own words was awe-inspiring. Whether you're a tennis fan or not (I am in the latter category...) I highly recommend giving this a read!
Billie Jean King is an absolute exceptional human being, my shero. She has led a remarkable life and her legacy is inspiring. I really enjoyed reading "All In" and learning what makes her so human. The last few chapters gave me goosebumps and hope for what we can all achieve together.
"The way we define success is by doing well AND doing good."
"The way we define success is by doing well AND doing good."
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced