Big Up Big Frank!
I've never been one for reading celebrity autobiographies but I've always had a soft spot for big Frank Bruno, having supported him ever since he appeared on the boxing horizon when I was just 9 years old! So when I came across his 2006 book 'Fighting Back' in a Salvation Army charity shop a few weeks ago, I paid my money and took my chance. I must say it was the best £1.95 I've spent in a long time!
Written with great honesty and clarity, the book begins with his 2003 sectioning after he went through psychiatric problems and then rewinds all the way back to his humble beginnings in south London. It takes in his relationship with his late father, run-ins with authority that prompted his move to boarding school, all the big fights, injuries, drug abuse and even his courtship, marriage and break-up with ex-wife Laura.
It couldn't have been easy for him to go into such detail, particularly that he risked opening himself up to ridicule. In taking the chance Frank has allowed me, like many others in the Sunday Times best-selling book to understand that the challenges of life come to all of us regardless of our fame or the state of our bank balance. 
In my teens and early twenties, I harboured dreams of following Frank into the professional ring, until the media bug bit me. Still, now he's set me another challenge - to be able to write with such honesty and self-effacing humour in a way that sheds light into the corners of life many don't understand.
Big Up Big Frank!
Which celebrity tell-all books have you read? Did they disappoint or impress?
By the way, when you have a moment, check out our website, www.GMAgency.co.uk and tell me what you think.
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Veron Graham - telling it like it is.
Yeah Veron.
Enjoyed this one! I've gone through school being nicknamed Big Frank and You Know What I Mean?
I've come to love Bruno too and I'll check out his book since you write so highly about it.
He's gone a bit quiet lately it would be nice to see him out and about like in the old days.
I like the guy, dont matter what anyone has to say. He did the best for himself and his family.
Yeah I saw your website too. Looks wicked!
FB
I agree, it's certainly one of the better sports autobiographies out there and it also an interesting insight into the mental problems that he suffered with.
Hi Andy and thanks for the post.
Have you read any others?
I'd like to read a decent footballing one. Can you advise on a good one?
V
I have not read this book but something is prompting me to say something and it is this. Its not always clear what goes on behind the scenes of someone famous and by the time we see a celebrity, they have 'made it big'.
The pain, tears and heartache that they have been through or at times are facing it at the time and still keep going - is not clear to the public eye. When I have read biographies they always touch a part of me that say to me keep going Maxine do not give up. Theres a message of hope in the midst of set back, betrayal etc
Its a shame that along the way the support disappears or the focus get distorted and failure begins to creep in. Not all end in tragedy but when it dose it hits big time.
In Frank Bruno's case without reading the book I feel it was part of his healing to write his book and Like Veron I admire Franks tenacity and yes I Big up Frank!