Being Gazza [Paperback]

Paul Gascoigne (Author), Hunter Davies (Author), John McKeown (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

The nation has commented on and devoured Paul Gascoigne for years. But until now no one has ever known what it is really like to be Gazza. Here Gascoigne, in the company of his therapist, confronts his demons and takes the reader into the recesses of his mind. The triggers that plunged Gascoigne into dark despair are revealed together with the critical moments that influenced his alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, gambling, eating disorders, and compulsive behavior. This is more than the story of one man. It applies to people who face turmoil every day. Through self-assessment forms and expert advice, any reader who sees a mirror of themselves will be offered help and a way forward.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Gascoigne made his professional debut for Newcastle United at 17 before moving to Spurs in 1988. After the 1990 World Cup he became one of the greatest stars in the game. In 1992 he moved to Lazio and three years later to Rangers. From there he played for Middlesbrough, Everton and Burnley. For England he reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96. He was capped 57 times and scored 10 goals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075531543X
• ISBN-13: 978-0755315437
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,614,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Slaying the Demons, October 20, 2008

By 

Paul A. Kirwan (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being Gazza (Paperback)

I am still unsure as to the value of this book and as to why it was actually written. Gazza, Englands most talented soccer player of his generation tells an honest account of the demons that he lives with on a daily basis. The extent of his addictions, the daily struggles and the complexities of being Gazza are all here in brutal honesty. The book reads like a series of letters both from Gazza and from his councellor to the reader and acts something like a diary. It's more coffee-table literature (that demands very little of the reader), than an autobiography. The benefit being that you can 'dip' in and out of the book at your leisure and the down-side being that it lacks consistency. I learned a little about Gazza here but not enough to recommend the book to anyone. Reading the book did not affect me positively or negatively, nor did it give me anything to occupy my mind. If you like Gazza, buy his autobiography 'Gazza.My Story'. If you are obsessed with Gazza, then you could consider buying this.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest Reflection., July 12, 2006

By 

Fitba Fan (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being Gazza (Hardcover)

Being Gazza is an honest look back at his life by Gascoigne. Before this book I was just familiar with the media image of him as, basically, a clown who threw away his talent by too much partying. Now I understand the medical problems underlying his behavior. The book reveals just how much suffering he has gone through and demonstrates how celebrity helps worsen serious medical problems. Takes a lot of courage to be this frank and the book is an easy read for anyone interested in the person rather than just his football career.

3.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, February 3, 2007

By 

Anna Black (Ottawa, ON CANADA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being Gazza (Hardcover)

I don't know anything about soccer players, but wanted to read about bipolar disorder. I love his conversational writing style and all his English-isms throughout the book. I was saddened at how much Paul Gascoigne had to deal with...besides bipolar disorder, as if that's not enough. Yet, it's really heart-warming to see how much he accomplished and continues to accomplish...a great deal more than many who don't have his afflictions.
I don't think anyone would be disappointed reading this book.