On Form
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On Form
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Narrated by:
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Mike Brearley
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By:
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Mike Brearley
About this listen
The Times Book of the Year
Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of Year
What is being on form? How does it relate to feeling 'in the zone'? Are these states in the lap of the gods, a matter of which side of the bed we got out of that morning? Or is there anything we can do to make their arrival more likely?
In this fascinating book, former England cricket captain and psychoanalyst Mike Brearley examines many of the elements of being in and out of form across a number of different disciplines - not only in cricket and psychoanalysis but also in finance, music, philosophy, medicine, teaching, tree surgery and drama.
Drawing on his own experiences both on and off the field, Brearley describes various states of mind, from the conscious determination involved in training and practice through to that almost spiritual state of being 'inspired'. To achieve any level of form requires us to be able to hold different tensions in mind and to tolerate both ambivalence and ambiguity. Neither form nor creativity can be guaranteed - Brearley illustrates in depth the frequent ways we lose form - though understanding, in a full sense, enables us to make drastic loss of form less likely.
Perceptive and engaging, On Form is an exploration of the benefits and risks of being on form and can help us all reflect on the range of conditions that block or liberate us.
2018, Cricket Society and MCC Book of the Year Awards, Long-listed
2017, William Hill Sports Book of the Year, Long-listed
©2017 Mike Brearley (P)2017 Little Brown Book GroupListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
What listeners say about On Form
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Michael McDermott
- 19-04-22
From Beefy to Bowlby
This is a book primarily about the human mind rather than about cricket. It considers how we achieve that euphoric state where we perform at our best, given the circumstances around us, and how best to make them work in order that we can achieve success.
It draws on a wide range of examples including those from psychoanalysts such as Bowlby and Winnicote, right through to examples of (well-chosen) fictional characters, depicted by writers such as Orwell, Tolstoy and Vonnegut.
While cricketing anecdotes are used sparingly in order to illustrate a point, it would have been nice to hear a few more of them. This is nevertheless an enjoyable listen and MB's warm and intelligent tone compels the listener to be interested and even educated - about themselves.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- cyberdonkey
- 28-10-18
A deeply thoughtful book
Once again Mike Brealey brings his perceptive mind to a subject. The introduction by Ed Smith is also great. Read by the man himself it has an extra dimension of communication, almost like you are just sitting chatting with a favourite uncle.
It deals with the elements of form, what it feels like to have it, lose it, and regain it. Of particular interest to the cricket fan but not really about cricket. Musicians, actors, indeed, any performers will find much to consider here.
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1 person found this helpful