A Life Without Limits - Chrissie Wellington

 

The title of this book sums it up nicely.  This is an inspirational read by the British athlete, Chrissie Wellington.
She is a World Champion in the Ironman competition and has broken many world records.  I knew little about this competition before reading this book (not being very sporty myself) but it is an endurance test of a 2.4 mile swim (often in difficult open waters), a 112 mile bike ride and then a marathon.
Even more amazingly, she didn't set out to be a professional athlete but found she had a natural talent for it close to the age of thirty.
This is a frank account and you can not help but admire her.  Although this focuses on her sporting achievements, she is also inspirational as she overcame an eating disorder and has had various experiences through her travel adventures and her developmental work abroad.
She has a positive philosophy about life and shows courage in adversity; thoughts that we could all apply in life.

Personal Read - 10/10

Reading Group Read - 6/10

If you like this try...
My Story So Far - Paula Radcliffe
The Autobiography - Colin Jackson
Black, White and Gold - Kelly Holmes

Review - The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

This is set in North Carolina and has all the elements you expect in a novel by Sarah Addison Allen; friendship, romance, family and some magic / mystery thrown in.
It focuses on two main female characters.  Willa who wishes to escape her past and start over and Paxton, a less likable character who finds it difficult to open up.  Both characters are well developed and it is their growing friendship that I remembered most after finishing this book.
This is a charming book and an easy read.  However, I did find this quite predictable at times and prefered some of her other books, in particular 'Garden Spells.'  Great for a sweet summer read but not 'meaty' enough for a group read.

Overall Rating

Personal Read - 8/10

Book Group Read - 4/10 

If you like this try books by...
Alice Hoffman
Christina Jones
Joanne Harris (my favourite is Blackberry Wine)
Ali Shaw