Something of a wasted opportunity - Rated 
Yes, I am glad that this book is not, in Paul Smith's words "another Freddie Flintoff auto/biography", and that it is what I would consider a "proper" sports book. Firstly it is clearly written by Smith himself as opposed to a ghostwriter from the field of journalism. However, I do feel he could have done with a little help in the book's general construction. It is as if Paul is recounting his memories in a chat, as one would in the pub, or dare I say it, after consuming a few drugs. It is extremely rambling, flitting from one memory and story to another almost paragraph to paragraph. I am still none the wiser as to who actually is the mother of Smith's first child. Sometimes he refers to "Caroline", sometimes to "the mother of my first child". Was Caroline his first wife ? Or the mother of his subsequent children ? It all gets very confusing very early on in the book. Similarly, at one instant Smith is describing working on his project "Cricket Without Boundaries" (CWB) in the USA, come the next line and he appears to be in Birmingham ! It drives the reader mad. That said, Smith appears to have undertaken some worthy projects since his leaving cricket and for that he must be applauded. It does take up a huge amount of the book though, at the expense of meaningful cricket anecdotes, of which there are surprisingly few.
Smith's chip on his shoulder weighs heavily on the book too, in many places - his resentment at having "carried the can" for every single drug taker in county cricket, his sadness and bitterness with regard to the custody of his children, and at times his self-pity mixed with a "so what if I took drugs" bravura. However, Smith refuses to "dish the dirt" on other cricketers on many occasions, preferring, albeit honourably, to tempt us with "I could name a batsman who used to get wasted every tea interval" recollections, only to proudly boast that he would never "drop his friends in it". Sorry, Paul, but a truly great read would have you naming and shaming all of them that you felt it necessary to do so. I understand his reluctance to "spill the beans" and admire it, but if one is to get beneath the skin and veneer of respectability of cricket then unfortnately, we as readers demand more. I really feel Smith has missed a trick here. I was looking forward immensely to reading this book, but found it to be something of a let down. Smith carps on endlessly about various perceived injustices to himself, missing the opportunity to write a really insightful look into county cricket. Simon Hughes' "A Lot Of Hard Yakka" does the job so much better.
Nevertheless, I stuck with it and would recommend others do so, as it is an extremely unusual book, not like any other sports biographies. Exactly what evidence there is of Smith being cricket's "first rock 'n' roll star" is questionable. A few passing references to Michael Hutchence and Van Halen and er, that's it. Not good enough I'm afraid. The book doesn't do what it says on the cover.
Finally, it's funny how the same review of this book by two different reviewers has appeared twice each among this book's reviews. One of the "reviewers" also reviewed a book about fathers for justice. You haven't been reviewing your own book in different guises have you Smithy ?
When vices become habits - Rated 
This is a long way from the standard cricket biogs I grew up with in the 50s/60s, or the instant-celeb stuff we get now. Its a very honest & direct account of Paul Smith's rise, fall & redemption. Even given the eccentricities of English selection at the time, its amazing that he never played for his country (apart from Hong Kong 6's!). Presumably he didn't appeal to the roundhead mentality in charge at the time.
The book has a written/spoken from the heart quality - quite often Paul's stories don't reflect that well on him, but he carries on anyway. Quite a large part of the story is in a similar vein to Graham Thorpe's recent book - it's raw, emotional stuff & nothing is left out, whether its his pain at not seeing his kids enough or his loathing of Keith Piper.
For those of us who've played the game but never got beyond the village green, its good to read abt the kind of dedication - from a very young age - thats required to make it to the top. It's interesting, too, to read an inside take on the Warwickshire side of the 90's & his views on Lara & Woolmer (totally positive).
A large part of the book is taken up with his work with cricket as a healing & organising force for disaffected youth, here & in the US. I found some of this very moving. Ultimately its what sport should be about - bringing people together.
The book isn't perfect. Personally I hated the BIG TYPEFACE, but that's a minor quibble. The narrative is a bit hard to follow at times, as PS tends to be rather freeform in his recollections - at times I thought he'd been using Wm Burroughs' "Cut Up" method! But rather this than the old sports biog template ("Schooldays", "My World XI", etc).
Paul Smith's account of how success led to arrogance, complacency & despair will shows similarities to Tony Adams' story in "Addicted", particularly in identifying the subtle transition from indulgence to addiction. Like Adams, PS has been able to turn his mistakes into a positive force.
Next time someone says cricket is boring, just give 'em this book!
A cracking read - Rated 
As an average 'Saturday' cricketer for many years this book appealed to me for the cricketing content of life as a pro in the first class game.
However this was hardly your typical runs diary or results almanac, Smith was arguably the best player never to have played for England, his life on and off the field was turbulent to say the least.
At times when reading wasted I didn't know whether to laugh or cry for Paul, a totally compelling and riveting read.
The story when Paul joined the mile high club had me in stitches, I sincerley hope Paul has got rid of his demons and continues his great work with disadvantaged kids for the Princes trust and the Cricket without boundaries charity.
Colourful character - Rated
Paul Smith's 'Wasted?' is brutally honest, his unique writing style adds to the book, one that I could not put down.
I had the pleasure of attending one of Paul's events during his benefit year, listening to the tales in his speech then left me wanting more, as did the book, a great character with many anecdotes and insights.
It's also heartbreaking reading about his current problems obtaining access to the daughter he has not seen for several years, he ploughs all this energy into helping disadvantaged youths in his many worldwide cricket coaching projects, it only masks the anguish he must feel at his own living bereavement.
A compelling read. - Rated
As a 'normal' Saturday cricketer for many years, this book tells of a pro' cricketer's life over a number of years from a boy to the highs that he obtained as one of the best players never to play for England, to the lows and problems that the 'fast lane' brings.
The story of the drugs that lead to his downfall, to the very humorous every day stories in first class cricket make this book very entertaining reading.
There were times when I didn't know whether to laugh or cry for Paul, in particular with his problems he's had in seeing his kids via his relationships. Sad, enlightening, funny and well worth the read if you play cricket, watch it or even don't like it. Catch the story 'in the plane'.
|
