BOOK REVIEWS
Autobiography
Too Many Reasons To Live
Rob Burrow
We Rate:
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Rob Burrow is one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time - and the most inspirational. As a boy, Rob was told he was too small to play the sport. Even when he made his debut for Leeds Rhinos, people wrote him off as a novelty. But Rob never stopped proving people wrong. During his time at Leeds, for whom he played almost 500 games, he won eight Super League championships, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenges. He also played for England in two World Cups. In December 2019, Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a rare degenerative condition, and was given a couple of years to live. he was only thirty-seven, not long retired, with three young children. When he went public with the devastating news, the outpouring of affection and support was extraordinary. And when it became clear that Rob was going to fight it all the way, sympathy turned to awe. This is the story of a tiny kid who adored rugby league but never should have made it - and ended up in the Leeds Hall of Fame. It's the story of a man who resolved to turn a terrible predicament into something positive - when he could have thrown the towel in. It's about the power of love, between Ron and his childhood sweetheart Lindsey; and of friendship, between Rob and his faithful teammates. far more than a sports memoir, Too Many Reason to Live is a story of boundless courage and infinite kindness.
OUR REVIEW
A heartbreaking tale that sadly will end in tragedy despite the best efforts of not only the Rugby League community, but the British public's best intentions. Looking for positives of such a sad situation, it has highlighted not only the best wishes towards a man small in stature but a giant in the world of Rugby League, and sharpens the focus on finding a cure for MND, a horrendous disease that has sadly inflicted Rob Burrow. If this book does nothing else, it highlights that we should live our lives to the full because for somebody like Rob, who is a family man that has shown passion, pride and talent in his career and for his family, and to let us into his life at the most emotional, traumatic and despairing time in his life to teach us about being humble and to to cherish life, is awe inspiring.
The sport of Rugby League is a small community full of brutal force, yet this book clearly shows the softer side through both the players, coaches and the fans as they come to the forefront in fighting this ghastly disease. It's a sport that is to be admired if not loved by those outside of the Northern wall, and though I'm from a staunch Rugby Union area, I've always been more drawn to the more physical and brutal nature of the game. The book hits home straight away as Rob talks about his diagnosis and the lead-up to it as he goes through the signs that appeared after his career had finished. There is also an acknowledgment that there seems to be some kind of connection to the game and diagnosis of MND and there certainly seems to be a possible link and upon research, the amount of cases in hard-hitting games such as both codes of Rugby and the popular US based game of American Football, it certainly makes you think there is a case to be answered.
Whilst the book is hard hitting and deals with the sad nature of the disease, the book details Burrow's career, starting out as a youngster coming up through the ranks, again against the odds due to his small size and led to calls that he would never make it as a professional. However, his desire saw him overcome the odds to become a successful Rugby League player both for the Leeds Rhinos and for Great Britain and England. Along the way, we hear the stories that make up any professional sport dressing room, full of high jinks and determination on the field and the brilliant touch that see's lots of anecdotes from his teammates, friends, family and even fans. Such was the admiration for Burrow, the amount of people willing to testify on the character of the well loved Rugby League player shows why this story is a tragedy that is sadly awaiting an unhappy ending that is imminent, despite the advancements in fighting this disease.
A tragic tale, destined to end the life of a brave brave man and an inspiration to everyone, grab the book and give it a read and let us know your thoughts!
