Customer Reviews

Flying Scotsman : Cycling to Triumph Through My Darkest Hours

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first autobiography I've ever read. Obree's life hold's intrigue as he was quickly launched from amateur to pro in the cycling world almost before he really considered himself a cyclist.
As he was setting world records, he was battling with a low self-image, and when you parallel his thoughts with what he accomplished, you cannot deny that this book does more than just show one man's struggle to be a cycling champion - it explores the true heart behind the actions we do, and forces us to realize that money and fame are not an end in themselves. Ugly thoughts from childhood still haunt him through the very moment he wrote them in this book. It's interesting that as he writes this book, he is still uncertain about what the future holds for him. He has survived truly phenominal challenges, and is amazing in his brutal honest opinion of himself.
He has a very informal style, and his mind flows on the page through his pen, and it is an adventure till the last page.

I have been a huge fan of mr Obree since he first appeared on the UK cycling radar but I had no idea what was going on in his private life until I read this book. This book is a harrowing tale and I found reading it to be quite disturbing . It is not a light read as the subject matter is often pretty uncomfortable, especially for someone who held Obree in such high esteem. I met mr Obree at the UK 25 mile time trial championships and thought at the time how quiet and unassuming he was to be such a great champion. I had no idea who the real man was.

On the plus side this book Is a tremendous David vs Goliath story where an average man in the street (If you could ever consider Obree to be average) achieves unheard of success. The style of writing is easy to follow and the the subject matter interesting enough to draw you into the "one more chapter before bed" trap. If you ride a bike you have to read this book.

The movie (although very enjoyable) is not in the same league.

Reading the book makes the movie "The Flying Scotsman" seem like a made for TV lite version. Obree's had some serious ups and downs, but the book is good reading and gives insights into greatness in cycling, and the horrors of depression.

Excellent read, it kept me captivated, couldn't wait to read everyday. Well written and insightful.

This is an interesting book about cycling and mostly about a person's struggles against depression. The book drags a little but it is still interesting.