October book recommendations
Christopher Clarey: The Master: The Brilliant Career of Roger Federer
Based on over two decades of interviews with the great man, Clarey's definitive portrait of Roger Federer provides a tantalizing glimpse into the life of this most private of sportspeople whilst paying tribute to what natural talent allied to fearsome determination can achieve.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest ever sportspeople, Roger Federer is a beloved as a phenomenon, a symbol of enduring greatness and yet is intensely private. But his path from temperamental, bleach-blond teenager with dubious style sense to one of the greatest, most self-possessed and elegant of competitors has been a long-running act of will, not destiny.
Based on 20 years of one-on-one interviews with Federer and with wide access to Federer's inner circle, including his coaches and key rivals, legendary sports reporter Christopher Clarey's account will be a must-read retrospective for the loyal sports fan, and anyone interested in the inner workings of unfaltering excellence. The Master tells the story of Federer's life and career on both an intimate and grand scale.
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-master/christopher-clarey/9781529342055
Háy János: Napra jutni
"It has a father, mother, grandmother, grandfather, and of course a small child. It has locations, kindergarten, school, yard, border, lands, home, a fence in front of the post office. It has objects, bed, table, TV, sidewalk. It has animals, ducks, geese, hens, roosters, pigs, two dogs, Matyi and Csöpi and other guard dogs of the village. It has people, neighbours, teachers, classmates, foreign relatives (Czechoslovakians), dads’ friends and other villagers. It has emotions (so many), dreams, desires and different realities.
Everything is right where it needs to be, and when the protagonist sets out to roam a part of this landscape, a story is born. He sets off thirty-six times and thirty-six stories are born and, in the end, the other protagonists set off as well. These four lives encircle their thirty-six companions as the fence encloses the yard to the house. This is what the book is like, but also different, like when the smell of fresh pie seeps through a half-open kitchen window. It’s like going back to the past following our noses.”
Náray Tamás: Volt egyszer egy varrodám - ...a valóságos regény folytatódik
"We never talked about others. We discussed our views with family. I was asked not to form an opinion on everything. I should take into account that my point of view is just a drop in the ocean of viewpoints and before I pronounce my judgmental statements hidden in the guise of honesty, I should consider how it would make me feel. If I do so, I will realize that excessive truth-telling does not always lead me forward. After all, my truth is only mine, and it came to me from a single drop of my point of view."
The last morning in Paris was the introduction of an impressive career story and a turning point in life. In the years since it has been released, tens of thousands of readers have been excitedly following the story of Dávid Dárnay and have been waiting for developments ever since. The Volt egyszer egy varrodám is in a sense a continuation of Tamás Náray's most successful novel to date, which is also a completely enjoyable read for those who are unfamiliar with the prequel story. In this case, too, the "real novel" draws on the famous fashion designer's own memories – thus being captivatingly close and sometimes shamelessly outspoken - but at the same time the author boldly uses the freedom of imagination to immerse his readers in the milieu abounding in inconveniences, excitement, anger, emotional heights, and moral descents. The question remains, "How long is it worth fighting for ourselves without compromise?" And if beyond a point it is no longer possible, how can we escape this impossibility while preserving our faith and endurance?
Marcus Aurelius: Meditations
Written in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. While the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation and encouragement, Marcus Aurelius also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries.
