In his gripping, graceful account of his own attempt on the Eiger some 40 years after his father's fall in 1966, Harlin elegantly combines a frank biography of his frequently absent parent, "the Blond God", as he was dubbed by the press, with a vivid memoir of his own childhood.

Excellent ... Superbly written ... John Harlin III has shown a non-specialist public that he can write lucidly and beautifully about mountains and the men and women who live for them, die on them ... It deserves to be read

At once a tribute to a legendary climber and a celebration of a very personal triumph, this book will captivate the imagination of anyone who reads it.

As close to being a 'page turner' as any climbing-related book I've read since Touching the Void

It's the differences between the father and the son, not the similarities, that infuse this book with such poignant force

Smoothly written... open and honest. As a sports autobiography, straight between the posts

Searing honesty

A different class... superb insight

Compelling, entertaining and woven together with particular style and grace... O'Gara is up with the greats

He should be commended for his frankness. It certainly defines this tome in contrast to the usual drudgery of rugby autobiographies

Since so many sports efforts in this genre tend to reveal very little, a memoir like O'Gara's, one with real bite and new insight, makes for a markedly refreshing read. The book is laced with fleshy anecdotes. All make for bona fide eyebrow arching, giggle-inducing, page turning stuff

It is to O'Gara's credit that his autobiography remains true to his personality. It is a compellingly candid read... There is a sense of singularity about O'Gara that takes him into places others find uncomfortable... few men walk the walk better than Munster and Ireland's No. 10

This engrossing book sails straight between the posts

Arguably the best Irish book of the year... told with flawless skill

The perfect present for any rugby fan. It shows the goldfish-bowl aspect to life as a modern-day sporting legend and gives an insight into what it's like on the inside looking out

Whether you are a rugby fan or not, this book is likely to please... This honest autobiography will provide an intriguing read for the Christmas period

Compelling reading

Motty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty.

Filled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ...Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.

The voice of the sheepskinned sage and cult hero John Motson will doubtless be heard at the 2010 tournament, and he reminisces on his career to date in the amusing Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box