open

As some of you know, I have been a fan (from the word fanatic) of Andre Agassi since I was 13 years old. Why I have loved him has evolved over the years. As a 16-year-old, I respected his rebellious image and wicked backhand. As a 34-year-old, I now respect the grace with which he left the game. Dan and I witnessed his final match at the U.S. Open in September 2006. It brought many spectators to tears, including me.

So, when Agassi's highly-awaited memoir hit the book stores, I knew I would need more than a couple free hours. There is no way I would be able to put it down, and boy was I right.

Open is a painfully honest, oftentimes funny memoir of one of tennis's greatest players. Agassi openly discusses his hatred for tennis, his meth use, and his failed relationship with Brooke Shields. He tells of his heartbreaking years at Bolletieri Tennis Academy and the abusive relationship with his father. He also reveals some less than flattering things about other tennis legends like Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras.

Whether you're a tennis fan, or a sports fan for that matter, is not important. This is a book about life and one anyone will enjoy.