I am not really one for the Olympics, I couldn’t really tell you where I was when Ariadne Titmus won gold for Australia in the 400m freestyle..but I absolutely can tell you where I was when Saya Sakakibara called in to Dymocks Eastgate to sign her book Just Go ( I was working at Dymocks Eastgate hahah) I immediately bought myself a copy and read it cover to cover straight away! Since then Just Go has been on my bedside table and is just one I will pick up and read a random page or two most days. It’s an incredible sport memoir.
This is the book that tells of Saya Sakakibara’s triumph over fear, self doubt and family tragedy to become an Olympic gold medalist. I can’t recommend it more highly enough. It’s one I have gifted nephews and nieces and will quote whole sections from endlessly apparently! For me it is memoirs like this that speak to the power of books; thanks to my love of reading I have been able to watch the video of the BMX finals and know exactly how that winner feels! Imagine being able to turn fear into a superpower. It is a book that tells of the BMX family that have had great success and tragedy in the sport. The memoir is about the family’s love of BMX, that competitive love that saw Saya competing as a four year old…it tells us about Kai’s horrific crash that saw him in a coma and having to learn to walk and talk again. It tells of Saya’s own concussions and almost quitting the sport. Learning to love BMX racing again and the desire to be proud and just go…such an incredible memoir of resilience and self discovery with lessons for even the least sporty person!
What a triumph of determination and self belief. Just Go is an incredible book that really does a fantastic job at telling the story of Saya Sakakibara’s journey. I loved it and really think you will too!
March new book releases are coming up fast aren’t they! I’m so looking forward to by When The Party’s Over by Katie Hoskins, The Second Wife by Ali Lowe, The Cursed Road by Laura McCluskey, Laws of Love and Logic Debra Curtis and The Gambler by J.P Pomare! What about you? I’d love to know what you are excited to read next! Let’s chat!
