Clare Balding is on TV a lot at the moment presenting the Commonwealth Games. I hadn’t considered this when I began to listen to her autobiography a few days ago, but it is certainly an apt time to experience her book. I like Clare as a presenter because she is knowledgeable and comes across as a strong role model - no reliance on simpering or cleavage from her! However, I knew very little about her life before she began presenting mainstream sport. I had no idea she had been such a successful jockey for a time, nor that her family is so steeped in the world of horseracing.Although this is very much a book about that world, I was pleased that I didn’t need to be a fan in order to understand it. While the result of a privileged upbringing, Clare is very down to earth about her childhood and adolescent experiences. I particularly liked that she doesn’t shirk from revealing actions that show her in a bad light as well as times when she shone. Her dawning awareness of the constant misogyny around her makes for an interesting theme and I am grateful that my teenage weight battles weren’t made such a stark focus as Clare’s were.At one point Clare mentions that she enjoys listening to audiobooks and I believe this comes through in her narration as, not only is her story well written, but she does a great job of telling it too. I can't think of anyone else who would persuade me to read a book featuring so much horseracing - something completely foreign to me before, but now I understand it a little better. I've always liked Clare Balding but was bowled over by her role in the 2012 London Olympics and more recently the Winter Olympics. It was fascinating to read this cleverly framed autobiography, focusing on animals that influenced her childhood and young adulthood, and hats off to her for surviving not only with her sanity but with such compassion and understanding for two-legged creatures too. Very English, often extremely touching, and highly memorable.
Do You like book My Animals And Other Family (2012)?
Sensitive and beautiful. She doesn't have any airs and graces. Heartwarming story.
—shauna
the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is its not long enough!
—littalz
Very funny book, made me completely jealous of Gerry's life!
—mehr
