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Straight 8

The Autobiography

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Straight 8

By: Kieran Read
Narrated by: Toby Webster
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About this listen

SHORTLISTED FOR INTERNATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AT THE 2020 TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS.

As Kieran Read prepares to call time on his distinguished New Zealand career at the end of the Rugby World Cup, this is the open and honest life story of one of rugby's greatest players, a legendary All Black and a two-time World Cup winner.

Kieran Read first played for the All Blacks as a 23-year-old in 2008 and since then has amassed more than a century of Test appearances in the famous jersey. Now, after a stellar provincial, club and international career - including back-to-back World Cup victories - the New Zealand captain writes openly and honestly about his time in the game.

Read takes to these pages with his trademark determination, lifting the lid on the unique pressures of succeeding as captain the most celebrated All Black of all time (Richie McCaw). He outlines the decisions that molded his career and uncovers the skills of the coaches who shaped him, while offering readers an inside account of how the world's greatest team functions and thrives.

Read unpacks the emotional toll of injury and the ignominy of defeat, neatly illustrating the intense experience of representing a rugby-obsessed nation while delivering a masterclass in how to manage the many demands on the mind and on the body.

Forthright and frank, Read's well-respected views on the game and its future are a must-read for rugby fans, and his take on the myriad personalities and the peccadilloes of his team-mates, coaches and opponents will be sure to surprise and delight. From the playing fields of Papakura to the summit of the sport, Read has faced every challenge head on. His life story if no exception.

©2019 Kieran Read (P)2019 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
Rugby Sports Travel & Tourism Career Football Inspiring
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What listeners say about Straight 8

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Honest, what you expect from a kiwi

Loved the way the stories were portrayed, very honest, humbling and at times a typical cocky kiwi ....

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    5 out of 5 stars
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If your'e an All Blacks fan this is a must read.

A fantastic insight into the life of the All Blacks captain and a brutal reality of life as a professional rugby player. The book talks much of his career in the crusaders as well as the All Blacks. I found the first chapters a little slow but the latter chapters gripping as he talks you through hes perspective of the All Black test matches and world cups. I couldn't reccomend this book enough.

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Great book

Great fella and an excellent career.... and this is coming from a Springbok fan... 🤙

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Like the man himself

It is just his story from his point of view. And it is a dam good book.

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It was Alright.

If you are a rugby fan, it is an interesting read regarding injuries but didn't really go into much details where other rugby books have. Very much could have been a professional cricketer or rugby player.

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Great but not the Greatest Rugby Story

Wow what a winner, what a leader and what a supreme athlete. Total respect to this NZ AB Legend! However the story does jump around a fair bit, I think Kieran assumes that all readers/listeners know his story and glosses over many events and facts but I for one enjoy the minor details and all the dates and explanations. I enjoyed this story, very interesting and from a true warrior but this is not the best Rugby story I have listened to probably rate this 5th from the 5 that I have read etc, Clive Woodward, Eddie Jones, Joe Marler and the Bomb. Joe Marler had me in absolute laugh out loud stitches btw. Plus there is almost no humour in this book but maybe this is a reflection of Kieran Reeds character and he is a true professional and serious about everything he does and for that I can not fault him. A great read nonetheless for all Rugby fans.

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