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Guy Martin: My Autobiography
by
Guy Martin
This is the story of life at the centre of the world's most dangerous sport, by its brightest and biggest star.
Guy Martin, international road-racing legend, maverick star of the Isle of Man TT, truck mechanic and TV presenter, lives on the edge, addicted to speed, thoroughly exhilarated by danger.
In this book we'll get inside his head as he stares death in the face, and r ...more
Guy Martin, international road-racing legend, maverick star of the Isle of Man TT, truck mechanic and TV presenter, lives on the edge, addicted to speed, thoroughly exhilarated by danger.
In this book we'll get inside his head as he stares death in the face, and r ...more
Hardcover
,
320 pages
Published
May 22nd 2014
by Virgin Books
(first published May 8th 2014)
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Community Reviews
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I have watched Guy Martin road race and I have watched him in Speed, and I always thought he was, in his words, a rum bloke. A geeza. Having read his novel, I think he's a bit of an idiot, in all honesty. Too much 'it was all their fault, I'm misunderstood' and 'take me the way I am, or not at all' for me - he just came across as stubborn and far too inflexible for his own good.
The bits I enjoyed were the insights into road racing and what it involves to get out there. The crashes and the camera ...more
The bits I enjoyed were the insights into road racing and what it involves to get out there. The crashes and the camera ...more
This is classic Guy Martin, part phenomenally nice guy, part total headcase. It reads like he talks, which you'll either love or find aggravating depending on how you feel about the man himself I suppose. However you feel, it's a great read and a worthwhile bit of time for fans of the seemingly dying breed of balls to the wall real road racers.
Enjoyable read. Guy does things his own way. I enjoyed the insight into motorbike racing as its a subject I know very little about ( motor bikes have brake 'pedals'! And what all the different race classes are). I enjoy Guy Martin's tv shows and his ability to crack on and get things done. His 'have a brew' ' proper graft' style isn't fake for the cameras. He is what he is, sometimes his own worst enemy, but feet firmly and intentionally planted on the ground.
My dear old daddy recommended me this. I'd seen a bit of The Boat That Guy Built and had no idea he'd raced motorbikes at a pro level, so I thought I'd give it a go, for Daddy's sake.
This was potentially a mistake. If you're a big fan of Guy, then I'm sure this is a very enjoyable read. He likes to fixate on strange little details (which I quite like, actually) and talks all about his various trials and tribulations.
However, he talks very little about his relationships with people. The women in ...more
This was potentially a mistake. If you're a big fan of Guy, then I'm sure this is a very enjoyable read. He likes to fixate on strange little details (which I quite like, actually) and talks all about his various trials and tribulations.
However, he talks very little about his relationships with people. The women in ...more
First of all I want to say that I love this guy. I've seen most of his TV work and watch him annually as he tries to win the ultimate prize (for him)... The Isle of Man TT Senior race. The guy (no pun intended) has big ones and fears nothing.
I bought the book with a ton of excitement, wanting to know more about my new hero, who doesn't live that far from me.
There were parts where I couldn't put the book down. It was always a case of 'OK. I'll read one more chapter.' In other parts, though, it wa ...more
I bought the book with a ton of excitement, wanting to know more about my new hero, who doesn't live that far from me.
There were parts where I couldn't put the book down. It was always a case of 'OK. I'll read one more chapter.' In other parts, though, it wa ...more
Hmmm......Guy comes across on tv as a nice bloke. Having read this, I'm no longer convinced of that - sorry Guy!
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I'm not big on biographies.They can easily become "look how great I am" or "look at all the celebs I know". Well if you are looking for "And Madonna said to me" then look elsewhere. This is as much warts and all as an autobiography gets. I got to the end still not knowing if I actually liked the man. In fact he seems to be as much an enigma to himself as he does to those of us on the outside.
If you can't stand motorbikes and you think people who take risks are just plane crazy then this is not t ...more
If you can't stand motorbikes and you think people who take risks are just plane crazy then this is not t ...more
First review/written opinion of a book, so felt it had to go to this man!
Motorbikes and road racing form a huge part of my life and interests, and Guy has been my favourite rider for a good number of years now, so I found this book to be an absolutely fantastic read.
I bought this book on release day, and never managed to finish it where I became so busy; but, I was determined to finish it before the year was out, and did so in one sitting as I was so hooked! Guy's autobiography provides an exce ...more
Motorbikes and road racing form a huge part of my life and interests, and Guy has been my favourite rider for a good number of years now, so I found this book to be an absolutely fantastic read.
I bought this book on release day, and never managed to finish it where I became so busy; but, I was determined to finish it before the year was out, and did so in one sitting as I was so hooked! Guy's autobiography provides an exce ...more
I read Martin's story prior to a visit to the Isle of Man, home of the famed Tourist Trophy motorcycle races. Guy Martin is a special breed of motorcycle racer. His specialty is road racing, which involves riding sanctioned races at crazy speeds (190 mph) over country lanes and village streets. On the track, Martin is cold, brave, brash and egotistical ... not a very likable character. I like him much more after reading his autobiography, however. He writes honestly, and addresses his fears, sho
...more
I've been watching Guy Martin for the past four years plus now, and his kooky personality, view of life, and of course, being a fellow Lincolnshire resident, he won me over. He is is very watchable, both as a TV personality, as well as a bike rider. I've seen him live at Oulton Park, Cadwell Park also.
Reading his autobiography I particularly enjoyed his thought-processes, his chapters dedicated to his early life where his chatty, no nonsense personality come through. His one-liners, jokes, and g ...more
Reading his autobiography I particularly enjoyed his thought-processes, his chapters dedicated to his early life where his chatty, no nonsense personality come through. His one-liners, jokes, and g ...more
I enjoyed this book, but I found myself disagreeing with some of what was written. This is fine, as the book is an autobiography and therefore a collection of the man's thoughts and beliefs.
I got the impression that Guy did not want to be involved with the TV work, and made it seem as though he was forced into it. Guy is certainly not one to hide his opinion, so I found this a struggle to believe. If he did not want to do the TV work, then perhaps he should have said no. I also found on a coupl ...more
I got the impression that Guy did not want to be involved with the TV work, and made it seem as though he was forced into it. Guy is certainly not one to hide his opinion, so I found this a struggle to believe. If he did not want to do the TV work, then perhaps he should have said no. I also found on a coupl ...more
I liked it, whether it was ghost written or not. Gives a really good insight into what drives him, basically a "good Northern bloke" with little time for the vast majority of consumerism. I can understand the risk seeking stuff and why road racing and the TT is so thrilling for participants but I wouldn't want to do it. Guy makes a good TV present precisely because he is nothing like the usual TV presenters, let's see some guest spots on Top Gear!
Interesting read but jumpy in places. Never the less, good to see a down to earth and genuine story of someone's life. Guy Martin, although sometimes appearing to be arrogant, is a great character full of humour and an attitude of saying it as it is. His career thus far is full of highs and lows - all taken on the chin. Was hoping for more in relation to his later career in television but still! Can't complain! I hope he sticks to his guns and pursues what he believes is right for him. Good on y
...more
If you don't have a soft spot for a man like Guy Martin then you aren't welcome in my house. Yes, he's clearly a little bit arrogant. Yes, he's probably a total pain in the backside if you're actually mates with him. Yes he seems to sweat my-way-or-the-highway from every pore. However, he's just so adorably and unapologetically northern. For that Guy, we love you.
Guy takes us through his life from being a young boy messing with motors to his current dealings with the TV devils. I know very littl ...more
Guy takes us through his life from being a young boy messing with motors to his current dealings with the TV devils. I know very littl ...more
Nice entertaining read. I only knew of Guy through his motorcycling which is why I read it. I Always like a bio as it is nice to read a book that isn't necessarily written by a 'writer' and it's always enjoyable to find out more about how someone's mind works. ( and I'm a huge motorcycle racing fan!)
Easy to read, interesting stories.
Easy to read, interesting stories.
This book is an interesting enough insight into an interesting bloke who I've always admired for his eccentricity and grit. Written by his own hand, Guy gives the run down of his life and career as a mechanic, motorcycle racer and TV presenter. He's obviously a pretty impulsive fellow and some of his snap decisions have seen him into some interesting situations. Overall a fun read and there's many good descriptions and talk-throughs of some of the famous tracks and races in which he competes, li
...more
Totally enjoyed this autobiography. Guy Martin gives a very honest, warts and all account of his life, the highs and the lows.
He may only be 34, but he has packed a lot into those years. Not just a motorcycle road racer, Guy has also featured in T.V programmes such as The Boat that Guy Built. Witty, determined, sometimes reckless but, all in all, a "rum guy".
He may only be 34, but he has packed a lot into those years. Not just a motorcycle road racer, Guy has also featured in T.V programmes such as The Boat that Guy Built. Witty, determined, sometimes reckless but, all in all, a "rum guy".
Guy tells this book with what seems to be complete honesty, even if it makes him look bad. That's what I like about him is that he tells it how it is. He is pure talent in everything he does, but most of it is not natural talent, it is only achieved through hard graft! A great read even if your not into bikes.
This book was read by Sports teacher Lee Speight as part of the Six Book Challenge. Here is his review:
"Good, honest, easy read. I don't normally read autobiographies whilst a person still participates in their profession but I was intrigued about his bike racing and engineering background."
"Good, honest, easy read. I don't normally read autobiographies whilst a person still participates in their profession but I was intrigued about his bike racing and engineering background."
To be honest I had not heard of Guy Martin before or the tv programs he was in. I saw him on The One Show and he looked a down to earth sort of bloke. The book is obviously for the motorbike racing clan and was okay for those who understand the technical side and the racing circuits. Some interesting bits in the book and he is a down to earth bloke!!
Insightful, interesting, mental and laugh out loud funny. I could hear Guy talking as I read it. It was very easy to read, I think I finished it in 3 days. I feel like I understand Guy better for reading this book and it's a very honest account which doesn't pull any punches. Would definitely recommend it!
I guess I am not his target audience as a lot of detail about bikes and engines which went over my head but enjoyed it anyway! An insight into someone who does not trade on his celebrity but does a job because he loves it - a refreshing change!
I did enjoy this book. Although sometimes I got a bit lost in all the mechanical / bike stuff.
He came across as a very honest down to earth bloke. My opinion of him after reading is the same as it was before I started. My only criticism is that sometimes the story does flip from one thing to another and it was hard to keep track of the overriding point.
He came across as a very honest down to earth bloke. My opinion of him after reading is the same as it was before I started. My only criticism is that sometimes the story does flip from one thing to another and it was hard to keep track of the overriding point.
Not like a lot of books in the genre - ghost written badly. Fascinating insight into bike racing for the TT fans and the enigma that is Guy Martin, with possibly the key reason for that enigma. Let's hope he scores that TT win.
Open. Honest. Written from the heart. A little bike heavy and not enough about backstage on his TV shows, but this is about Guy writing about what he loves. Read the whole thing in 1 sitting.
A very enjoyable read though possibly helped by the fact that I am a Guy Martin fan to start with. It seemed to be an honest account of his background and adventures so far.
Guy Martin is a down to earth bloke who doesn't mince his words. He describes himself as a truck fitter first and everything else second. I like his style! He has a good turn of phrase and gives an excellent insight into motorcycle road racing, truck fitting and reluctant TV presenting.
Only managed a few pages. reads as though written by a teenager. Had to stop as it was making me dislike him. very basic and a reminder why I'm not a fan of autobiographies.
I don't know what makes good Autobiography but if you have watched Guy on TV it's easy to imagine him telling his story. I guess that makes it good.
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