This is a memoir of the life of the Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal published in 2011. I have owned the book for that long as well, but never tried to read it until this year.
The beginning of the book is set against the background of the 2008 Wimbledon finals in London. This was one of the defining matches of Nadal’s career. It is in this match that he defeated the five-time defending champion Roger Federer. As Nadal references this match throughout over half of the book, he tells the reader of his life growing up in Manacor, a town on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Nadal details how he’s always had a difficult relationship with his Uncle Toni who became his coach; yet through his uncle’s rigorous and often seemingly cruel training routines, Nadal has become one of the best and most famous tennis players in history.
Ok, honesty check here: I only read half of the book then skimmed over the rest of it. I just couldn’t relate to Rafa! He has always been my favorite tennis player since I began loving the game ten years ago, but unfortunately, I found this reading very dull. I’m supposing it’s only because of how the book is written, but it just wasn’t engaging. Nadal’s life is interesting, but I felt sorry for him because of the rigorous training from his Uncle Toni. His uncle’s purpose was to numb Nadal to the bright lights of stardom and to keep him grounded, but personally it felt almost degrading to Nadal. It felt like Nadal could never be good enough.
I understand in comparison to our walk with the Lord that we are continuously improving our relationship with Him and those around us; but God’s grace covers our mistakes, because He loves us despite our sins. That doesn’t mean He gives us a green light to keep sinning, but rather we need to take time daily to reflect on and improve our actions and words; because, like a mirror, our lives are reflections of God’s character. 2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” As Christians, we are the ambassadors for Christ to those who don’t believe in God’s saving grace through Christ’s death on the cross.
I pray this post encouraged you to reflect on your own life and ask God to show you what area He wants you to improve on. I always say, if it doesn’t glorify God or bring you closer to Him, it doesn’t need to be in your life. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
My rating for this book is ☕☕/5 coffees. These ratings correspond with my ratings on Goodreads, so please check out my profile over there. Happy reading!
Books, Coffee, and Jesus 