Get Her Off the Pitch!: How Sport Took Over My Life

Description

From the bestselling author of 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves', this is the hilarious new book from Lynne Truss about her strange journey through the world of sport and sports journalism. 'Years ago, Boris Becker famously said, after losing at Wimbledon, "Nobody died. I just lost a tennis match." And while some people applauded him for his healthy sense of proportion, it didn't ring remotely true. While I was writing about sport, I was caught on the horns of this dilemma for the whole bloody time. I was like the poor confused jurors in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' who sit in their jury box, writing emphatically on their little slates, both "important" and "not important" because they honestly don't have a clue.' In this magnificent book, Lynne Truss charts her often bizarre wanderings during her time as a sports journalist for the 'Sunday Times'. From covering a heavyweight world title fight at Madison Square Garden, to watching England beat Holland from an airship above Wembley (while eating chocolate cake); from her extravagant feelings about Andre Agassi, to covering sports like cricket (where, initially, she didn't have any idea what was going on), Lynne Truss manages to crystallize exactly the essence of what sport is about, and bring her characteristic wisdom and wry humour to it. The book will be a revelation to sport's foolish doubters, and a treat for the many of us who spend too much of our time watching it.

Lynne Truss began her writing life as a literary journalist, editing the books section of The Listener magazine between 1986 and 1990. Since then she has kept a high profile as a journalist, writing for The Times as a critic, columnist and sportswriter (shortlisted for Sportswriter of the Year 1997); for Woman's Journal (Columnist of the Year, 1996); and more recently as a critic for the Daily Mail and The Sunday Times, where she is a regular book reviewer. She has published six books, including three novels, With One Lousy Free Packet of Seed, Tennyson's Gift and Going Loco. Her book on punctuation, Eats, Shoots and Leaves, was the publishing phenomenon of 2003. She has also written many scripts for BBC Radio 4, including dramas, sitcoms and talks. She appears regularly on the network presenting features and taking part in discussions.

'By turns hilarious, unpredictable and controversial. It's a terrific read, whether you love sport or are still wondering what all the fuss is about.' Mail on Sunday 'She can write comedy for Britain.' Sunday Times 'Truss is not only warm and witty on her personal journey from footie virgin to sports bore, she also delivers unique and piercing perspectives. What elevates it far beyond the average nostalgia trip is her trademark pith and an inventive way with simile and metaphor.' Emma John, Observer 'If you are a fan of Truss's self-depreciating moroseness you will hugely appreciate 'Get Her Off the Pitch!' ... her writing on sport was always worth reading.' Alyson Rudd, The Times 'Who will want to read this book? Just people like me who are largely indifferent to sport but enjoy literate, amusing, properly punctuated writing about anything.' Peter Lewis, Daily Mail 'An amiable amble through the press boxes of the sporting world.' Andrew Baker, Daily Telegraph