How (Not) To Be Strong: The inspirational instant Sunday Times Bestseller from the legendary Lioness

Product Information

Former professional football (soccer to US folks) player and current broadcaster Alex Scott opens up about her life. Alex Scott has a way of making you feel what she is feeling. She is the ultimate role model. This autobiography is beautifully honest, tender and written with courage. I learnt so much about her that I didn't know. In this, you gain a real understanding of Alex. It's not dressed up or overly descriptive. It just feels honest and raw. It's hard not to have a huge amount of respect for her in what she's achieved, what she's overcome and what she's willing to share. Why would I saw sorry for the sake of it? My words were already limited, I had no interest in wasting them on something I didn’t mean.” I admire you. I admire your courage, sincerity, and determination. Thank you for being so vulnerable. Your love letter to your mum is one of the most beautiful letters I've ever read.

How (Not) To Be Strong by Alex Scott | Goodreads How (Not) To Be Strong by Alex Scott | Goodreads

As an aside as someone who has played at the grassroots level in both the US and UK, it was interesting to get her perspective on the cultural differences that I feel at times when playing.) Alex Scott MBE is an award-winning broadcaster and former professional footballer. She helped Arsenal in their historic 'quadruple' season, in which they won all of their trophy competitions, and was later appointed as the team's captain. She represented England in 140 appearances with the Lionesses, retiring as the second most-capped England player across the men's and women's game. There was this underlying current that, somehow, playing in America meant we were getting too big for our boots. When in reality, being in America was making me a better player for England. But it helped me understand the part of the English character that feels it has to cut others down to size, rather than encourage them to grow.”From the football cages of East London to broadcasting to millions, the engine powering Alex Scott's remarkable journey has always been her resilience. But thanks to a 'push-through mentality' the world has only ever seen the 'strong' side of Alex Scott.... I really believe that all a good autobiography needs is a genuine willingness to be vulnerable and open with the reader. It doesn't need to be salacious or dramatic. It doesn't need to be written in poetic prose. A true sense of who the person is comes from their willingness to share their story, the parts of their life that shaped them – not just a series of bullet point headline moments. As far as biographies go, I enjoyed this one. It was definitely written by HER, which is refreshing. This did mean it wasn't the most wonderfully written thing I've ever read, but it did seem like one of the most raw and authentic autobiographies. As a Tottenham supporter, I will never be Alex Scott's biggest fan. However, I certainly have nothing real against her and I think what she has done, and continues to do, for women's sport is incredible (a very well deserved MBE, along with all her other accolades). I have been fairly indifferent to her career as a sports pundit but I fully support everything she stands for. In her candid memoir How (Not) to Be Strong, Alex shares the lessons that have shaped her, from finally confronting the legacy of a tumultuous childhood to tarnished truth behind the gleaming football trophies.

How (Not) To Be Strong - Penguin Books UK How (Not) To Be Strong - Penguin Books UK

I enjoyed reading it as a football fan, but I dont think you necessarily have to follow the sport to enjoy this book, as a lot of it is about her upbringing, relationships and mental health. I’ve reviewed a few memoirs written by professional football players - nearly all of them women. Whenever I go to a bookstore I visit the football section, and there are usually none written by or about women, but when there is one, I usually buy it. Even if I don’t really know the player well, I want to support and encourage these books so that people of all genders see better representation in football. I love playing (I play twice a week these days, despite my advancing age) and I want more people to be able to experience that joy if they are interested in playing. From the football cages of East London to broadcasting to millions, the engine powering Alex Scott's remarkable journey has always been her resilience. But thanks to a 'push-through mentality' the world has only ever seen the 'strong' side of Alex. Now, she is ready to lower the shield.Alex, you got me. You got me good. Tears and all. This book made me feel and stirred emotions in me.