How Life Imitates Chess

By: Garry Kasparov

Narrated by: Garry Kasparov, Adam Grupper

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

How Life Imitates Chess is a primer on how to think, make decisions, prepare strategies, and anticipate the future. Kasparov has distilled the lessons he learned over a lifetime as a chess grandmaster to cover the practical side - tactics, strategy, preparation, as well as the subtler, more human arts of using memory, intuition, and imagination. It's a remarkably honest audiobook in which Kasparov, one of the world's most celebrated and successful competitors, details both his blunders and his victories, always with the intent to enable readers to absorb his lessons and do better for themselves.

©2007, 2008 Garry Kasparov (P)2007 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Critic Reviews

"A business manual by the champion-turned-activist [is] a no-brainer. The book is serious, readable, and offer[s] real insight...engaging...Kasparov fans will find much to enjoy." ( Publishers Weekly)
"It's clear from this enjoyable offering that the champion's gifts are not confined to the chessboard and those same qualities are now to be employed at making the planet a more livable place." ( Chess Life)

Pretty Good...

but there isn't anything terribly new here for this genre of "self-help" book. This book is more interesting when Kasparov is using specific chess games or matches to make points (which he does most often and enough to merit "four stars" in this genre) and least so when he falls into the typical jargon which merely makes obvious points: "one must always know the potential payoff of any significant risk..." etc. etc. If you are a chess fan and aren't entirely jaded by the self-help genre, this is worth the time...

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Wisdom from Real Life Under Pressure

Would you consider the audio edition of How Life Imitates Chess to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How Life Imitates Chess?

Every chapter is a heart felt introspective and authentic glimpse into Kasparov's world of chess. His encouragement to challenge ourselves, focus on growth, never backing away from the unknown, taking responsibility for ourselves, for change, is inspiring. I have tremendous respect for Kasparov. Not only did I learn of a new realm to the game of chess, I learned tactical maneuvers to the game of life.

What about Garry Kasparov and Adam Grupper ’s performance did you like?

Listening to this audio book felt like sitting with a mentor who has lived through the challenges he was advising me to confront. The credentials of this man are humbling. I am in awe of Kasparov.

Adam Grupper's narrative voice was perfectly matched to Kasparov's no nonsense approach to growth. His tone, pacing, and inflection felt authentic. The quality of the recording was superb. No back ground noise. I look forward to listening to this audio book again and again. There are so many gems of wisdom. A true gem of Audio books!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Real Fear is in your Mind. Face it, own it, and Grow from it!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great for Chess lovers

it's a self devlopment book that analyzes the thought processes of chess and compares it to real life situations. If you love chess and its history you will love this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Much better than I expected

This book was much better than I expected. I must read if you are a fan of Gary Kasparov. it had more to do with chess psychology and strategy than I expected which was good for me. I loved the chess world anecdotes and application for daily life.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

very well composed story, as having a good reader

the time line and little details made the story go together very well. highly enjoyed

Incredible Lessons

You don't need to play chess to appreciate this book, but if you do you'll probably appreciate it even more!

admirable

brains, ambitions, and lessons. an insight into GK 's failures and triumphs, on chess board and political stage.

Thank you Garry!<br />

A wealth of knowledge. I appreciate Garry's experience and insight and his perspective. Recommend.

An audible treat!

A book that beautifully puts into words the merits of the royal game. I think you have to be a chess enthusiast to really enjoy this book, but even if you have an inkling of the game, many of Kasparov's perspectives will enhance not only how you think of chess, but also how you approach problem solving.

Great read

Perfect for someone who enjoys and understands chess, along with the self-help genre. Garry Kasparov seems like a very intelligent and practical person, glad I could learn a bit about him.