I have read a book I CAN put down.
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Finding The Gaps by Simon Taufel. After the first chapter, that is.
The first chapter in a book titled "Finding the Gaps," by celebrated cricket umpire Simon Taufel is as gripping as I have read.
Proceeding the opening chapter that could have been titled, "Kill the Ref," the book becomes an engrossing "lesson in life."
For the ensuing chapters the book should be read in stages.
Each chapter can be absorbed in its own right. Read over and over.
Taufel writes of the qualities, the components that can only enhance your life. Make it a better, brighter place to live in.
As an umpire who received every conceivable award under the sun, Taufel defines, for example, the need to plan, access knowledge, fitness and diet, relaxation, focus and skill development.
There is a chapter on conflict. Just so much logic flows through this chapter.
This is a book for all ages, both sexes. It is a book that could well make you a better person.
The opening chapter has you ducking for cover.
Not from a Mitchell Starc bumper, but a terrorist bullet.
A bus carrying the elite of the cricket world's umpires including Taufel, leaving their hotel in Karachi and heading to the local ground where Pakistan was scheduled to play in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Three minutes into the journey and the bus is peppered with gunfire, penetrating the bus and killing the driver.
Taufel dodges the bullets by the skin of his teeth. His colleagues injured.
He's emotionally shattered, moved to later hug his colleagues in sheer relief.
The first time he has hugged another man.
I don't want to let the cat out of the bag but if you have read a more dramatic opening chapter like this please let me know.
Finding the Gaps is available from the Bradman Museum for $25.