Marilisa Santarone Book order (chronological)

What makes a champion? Rafael Nadal has the answers in his memoir, co-written with journalist John Carlin. He shares the secrets of his game and the inspiring story behind his success, starting in Mallorca, where his family has deep roots. Coached by his uncle Toni since age four and instilled with humility by his parents, Nadal has achieved global celebrity while remaining a gracious role model. He takes readers behind the scenes, recounting moments from his career, including the 2008 Wimbledon final, hailed by John McEnroe as "the greatest game of tennis" he had ever seen, alongside the personal struggles he faced in 2009 and the injuries that threatened his journey. With candor, Nadal narrates his dramatic and triumphant path, emphasizing the importance of family unity and love. He reflects on the mental battles during matches, where controlling vulnerabilities can lead to victory. Despite the talent gap with rivals like Federer, Nadal believed that silencing doubts and fears could tilt the odds in his favor. He describes the need to don protective armor, becoming a "bloodless warrior," engaging in a serious game of self-hypnosis to mask weaknesses from himself and his opponents.

This moving collection of letters, diary entries, and writings offers a rare glimpse into Nelson Mandela's life through his own voice—direct, clear, and private. An international bestseller, it serves as an intensely personal complement to his autobiography. In the foreword, President Barack Obama notes that it provides an extraordinary picture of Mandela the man. The book reveals the darkest hours of Mandela's twenty-seven years of imprisonment, his troubled dreams on Robben Island, and includes drafts of an unfinished sequel to his autobiography, notes from his famous speeches, and even doodles from meetings. It features photos from his life, journals from his time on the run during the anti-apartheid struggles, and nearly 70 hours of recorded conversations with friends. This intimate journey traces the evolution of his political conscience and his pivotal role on the world stage. Critics have noted its emotional depth, with one calling it more revealing than his autobiography, while another describes it as a work that breaks the heart and then makes it sing. The narrative is intensely moving, blending personal reflections with significant historical events, providing the fullest picture yet of Mandela.