Serious: The Autobiography [Paperback]

In this book McEnroe discusses his childhood, his rise to tennis fame and success, his fantastic 1980 and 1981 Wimbledon-finals against Bjorn Borg, his marriage to actress Tatum O'Neal, becoming a father (eventually six times!), his slow slide down the rankings, his divorce from Tatum O'Neal, his rock 'n roll career, the start of his art gallery in New York, meeting his second wife Patty Smyth, and being a father of six children. He also discusses his current work as tennis commentator for both US and UK television.

Although I am/was a huge John McEnroe-fan I am slightly disappointed with this autobiography. Yes, it does shine some light on the magical tennis player, but it does not go very deep. There are not many details and he remains mostly at the surface. In all honesty, he comes across as selfish and childish (for example: his divorce from Tatum O'Neal was her fault, his slide down the tennis rankings was also not his own fault.) Just like some other readers I expected more as that is what autobiographies are about. However, for John McEnroe-fans like myself it is a MUST.

Whether you loved or hated the Super Brat, admired his skill,or despised his behaviour, this autobiography is a candid and reflective look by McEnroe over his life, with special focus on the past twenty five turbalent years in the public eye.
For all tennis fans, (even for those whose interest is only alight during a certain fortnight in June!)this book takes you into the mind of one of the greatest sporting icons of the 20th Century.

Natuarlly, like any autobiography, there are moments when the reader will raise an eyebrow at the occasional egotistical comment or assumption but these just add to the flavour that is J.P.M. If, like the majority of us mortals, you realise that the chances of ever being able to take McEnroe down to the pub for a drink are remote, this book is a good substitute! With its laid back style and cynical approach by the time you have finshed it you will be willing to buy the bloke a pint!!

The book is an entertaining enough read while never breaking out of the conventional. His childhood and development to a tennis playing teenager are reassuring for me as the parent of two sport-obsessed kids. His surprise at his initial success is handled with humility but once he gets to the top he never seems to smile again.

The stories from his period at the top flow thick and fast and keep it going at a good rate but rationalising of his personnal life at the start and end of the book are something I could have done without. When will sportsmen learn that readers read their books for an insight into the game and their stories from inside the game? Marital break-ups, etc are part of their life, but have normally received more than enough coverage in the newspapers.