Thread: Book Review...Mud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls

Possibly the wrong place for this but anyway!!

I have never been able to decide whether I liked the television imaginary of the guy or not, so I started on the book with some hesitation. But for the odd times he talks about his faith and religion, I found the book very readable. In fact, I found the chapters on his Mount Everest expedition both thrilling (and downright fearful in parts) and most informative. His SAS (R) selection chapters were the most compelling for me. The passage recounting his parachuting accident, which ended his SAS involvement, was so explicit you could almost feel the fear. The fact that he was not left a paraplegic is utterly remarkable and testament to the spirit of the man.

It is truly an autobiographical work; has moments of great sadness, some of great joy and some of real humour. I appreciated how he tells of his weaknesses, admits he can cry. It is not all gungho by any means.

The narrative is interspersed with family photographs, North Africa (SAS), expeditions, filming of his television series and personal life.

In two nights I completed reading this soft cover book...it was difficult to put down!

Thanks for the review EBs, this book sounds great! I've just finished a book and have been wanting a new read, I am quite partial to only non-fiction. I might give it a go, hopefully lasts longer than two days.

Thanks for the review eebees, I will have to get a copy

Sounds a reasonable read. As long as it doesnt start a new Andy McKnob type series. Grylls was a reserve trooper, totally different standards and selection proceess. Yet they thrive on it.
His last series that was filmed in my backyard, put me off as far as his/the shows, credibility big time. It was full of flaws and bullshit.

Yes that was my take on the two episode's I saw as well...it was 'woteva' viewing for me hence my hesitation on the book!

If you have a few hours to kill and want a laugh then get hold of a copy of Paul Carters 'Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs, She Thinks I'm A Piano Player In A Whorehouse'.

Scribe this resouce library is alive..........Taking good care of your book only just started though,will pass on the (Soldier/Hunter) read too Spanners as soon as I've finished then it will be back here in the library.Thanks Scribe the last thread was lost when it crashed.

I've already read it, and I found it a light read.

I accept that the territorial SAS are a different bunch from the full timers but those guys have to still go to work and achieve the same tests and pass rates at the weekend afterwards. They still do jobs in theatres around the world as much as a reg SAS. I'd find it hard to say they are any less elite.

Thanks for the review, Ill give it a read.His show was ok but its built for a purpose.same as target, fairgo etc ratings dictate.Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Originally Posted by Raging Bull

If you have a few hours to kill and want a laugh then get hold of a copy of Paul Carters 'Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs, She Thinks I'm A Piano Player In A Whorehouse'.

the feret in the pool table had me in tears.

Originally Posted by Dundee

Scribe this resouce library is alive..........Taking good care of your book only just started though,will pass on the (Soldier/Hunter) read too Spanners as soon as I've finished then it will be back here in the library.Thanks Scribe the last thread was lost when it crashed.

I doubt if resource library will survive without a full life support system "Dundee"

I cant give away a book read not even by offering to pay the postage to the readers door. "Hey the book isnt that bad".

'I am outa there anyway' you just end up looking like a try hard if you try to persevere with something that has already got rigor mortis

Thanks for the review

I'm mates with one of the main SAS guys in the Iranian Embassy Seige. Man, the stories that he has...

Originally Posted by R93

His last series that was filmed in my backyard, put me off as far as his/the shows, credibility big time. It was full of flaws and bullshit.

I agree R93 that the shows Grylls filmed in New Zealand showed up flaws to those of us that have spent time in (and know a little about) our bush. The reality though is that the man is in the business of making shows that bring in viewers and create high ratings. There is no doubting the man's fitness and ability but in my view where the show falls down is in that I find myself asking whether he would take the same degree of risk were he truly alone.

Originally Posted by Scribe

I cant give away a book read not even by offering to pay the postage to the readers door.

Chin up Scribe. Stick with the effort and don't allow disappointment to deter you.

It is hard to fail but it is worse never to have tried to succeed - Theodore Roosevelt

Originally Posted by Rushy

Chin up Scribe. Stick with the effort and don't allow disappointment to deter you.

It is hard to fail but it is worse never to have tried to succeed - Theodore Roosevelt

God I dont need the sympathy 'rushy'

I am up to my neck in paper at the moment well into the third book man and some days I say to myself 'why would I bother'.

For this lot at least why would you?????

I thought I would try and make the Resource Library section worth a visit once in awhile.

Originally Posted by Scribe

God I dont need the sympathy 'rushy'.

My apologies, I didn't mean to offend. Wasn't sympathy. Was meant to be encouragement.