booksbydorothea: Review - Open (audioBOOK)

Open by Andre Agassi (audioBOOK)

OVERVIEW

First off, this memoir was written sixteen years ago. The relationships, memories, and explanations may have changed during this time. Would this book be different if it were written now? We'll never know.

I enjoyed this memoir, but it was overly long and could have used editing. There could have been an afterward to elaborate on some of Andre's relationships with friends, family, and professional staff as they just seem to disappear from his life.

At times, it felt like a pity party, and other times like a cautionary tale. The bottom line is that it was a sad story about a sad person who finally finds happiness and love.

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

The writing was good because it was written by a ghostwriter. Unfortunately, Andre dropped out of school in the ninth grade for his tennis career, so he needed help.

But at times, it seemed full of platitudes and overwrought, especially the tough times during Andre's tennis career.

Narration: 4.5 stars

The narrator was top-notch and did a great job with the male narration. But, the women's narration just grated on me.

I wish Andre had narrated it himself, as it would have been so powerful and emotional.

Character Arc: 3.0 stars

The audiobook is fairly chronological, with a few expected backtracks in time.

Unfortunately, Andre only presents his side of relationships and doesn't take ownership for any that have gone awry. Self-introspection would have been useful for the reader to understand him, his motivations, and his psyche. As usual, I wanted more!

Also, there are many tennis athletes mentioned throughout the book that I didn't know, but it didn't really matter.

Memorable: 4.0 stars

The biggest takeaway for me is that parents who live through their children are usually idiots, asses, and wannabes. This was the case with Andre's dad, Mike.

Just like children on movie sets, the amateur and professional underage athletes also need protection with how they are treated, their earnings, and their safety. This specifically includes parent managers/coaches and "academies" like Nick Bolletterieri, which, not surprisingly, seem to be based in Florida.

What bothered me most is that his mother, Betty, never stepped in and never stopped this child abuse by his father or by the tennis academies. Yes, I said it: Andre and his siblings were subjected to child abuse, both mental and physical.

Entertaining: 4.0 stars

At times, it was funny. Andre does have a good sense of humor about life and himself.

I never, ever knew that he wore a hairpiece and that he prematurely balded. His attitude about letting go of the hairpiece and shaving his head was the most powerful story in the memoir.

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Yes, it was perfect.

Book title: 4.5 stars

A double-entendre that didn't work.

STRONG recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audioBOOK)

Open by Andre Agassi (audioBOOK)

Random House Audio

18 hours, 4 minutes

Release date of 11/9/2009

INFORMATIONAL LINKS