The Outsider

A Memoir

De: Jimmy Connors

Narrado por: Rich Orlow

The Outsider is a no-holds-barred memoir by the original bad boy of tennis, Jimmy Connors.

Connors ignited the tennis boom in the 1970s with his aggressive style of play, turning his matches with John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Ivan Lendl into prizefights. But it was his prolonged dedication to his craft that won him the public’s adoration. He capped off one of the most remarkable runs in tennis history at the age of 39 when he reached the semifinals of the 1991 U.S. Open, competing against players half his age.

More than just the story of a tennis champion, The Outsider is the uncensored account of Connors' life, from his complicated relationship with his formidable mother and his storybook romance with tennis legend Chris Evert, to his battles with gambling and fidelity that threatened to derail his career and his long-lasting marriage to Playboy playmate Patti McGuire.

When he retired from tennis twenty years ago, Connors all but disappeared from public view. In The Outsider, he is back at the top of his game, and as feisty, outspoken, and defiant as ever.

This autobiography includes original color photographs from the author.

Another good one

Where does The Outsider rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a good audiobook. I am glad I purchased it, I never really had the chance to watch Connors, but I was really curious to listen about that era.

What other book might you compare The Outsider to and why?

It is a sparring partner to Open, he definitely takes some shots at that book and I admire that he says what he feels honestly.

What does Rich Orlow bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He has the attitude to fit the words and capture what Jimmy was going for.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, some funny parts. Hearing about his mother being attacked was definitely alarming. I like Jimmy Connors after listening to this book.

Any additional comments?

If you like sports bios check this one out.

Well written and narrated story of a living legend

I highly recommend this audible autobiography, which takes an indepth look and one of tennis' greatest players. I grew up seeing Jimmy Connors play at the US Open, and it helps knowing most of the cast of characters referenced in the book. Triumph and tragedy blend in a poignant portrait, from his childhood in East St. Louis when his mother and grandfather were attacked on a tennis court by thugs to his rise to #1 throughout much of the '70s and '80s. His romance with Chris Evert to his marriage, family issues, OCD, the death of his friend Gerulaitis, it goes into it all. And of course his magic US Open run of '91 at age 39. His story is entertaining and moving, his passion for tennis shining through it all. Unlike Agassi who "hated" tennis, Connors is the opposite, as he loves it, and the US Open was always his true home!

Better than I expected

Where does The Outsider rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not being a big tennis fan, I was surprised that the book held my attention and made me want to see what would happen next. It's probably as good as any of the biographies I've listened to (with the exception of Rob Lowe's).

What other book might you compare The Outsider to and why?

It reminded me alot of Joe Namath's biography as it chronologically told about the events professionally and personally and how each coincided and affected the other. Professional successes and failures influenced personal behavior and personel events affected professional performance levels, etc. Also told about physical injuries and how they affected life long after the career was ended.

Have you listened to any of Rich Orlow’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but he was fantastic. I often forgot I wasn't listening to Jimmy Connors telling his life story. There was humor and self-deprecation, there was sincerity when dealing with personal conflicts and losses, there was anger when injustices were inflicted. He told the story as if it were his own. Very impressive!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Well, I didn't cry but I did laugh a little. Connors has a good sense of humor and his antidotes about other famous tennis players, family members and even his own problems were told with self-deprecating humor. I found myself liking Connors and wishing I had watched him play more.

Any additional comments?

A few "choice" words but fairly clean all-in-all.

THE Competitor

Would you listen to The Outsider again? Why?

Yes, I would. Jimmy is an interesting person and for me as a sports fan his love of tennis shows.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outsider?

His harsh childhood !

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If possible I would have enjoyed doing so.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed his lack of commentary regarding Andre Agassi since he made a big point in his book we all understand he believes Connors is a big jerk.

I was moved by his frankness regarding his close friendships with Vitas Gerulaitis and Ilie Nastase.

He does love tennis.

Great book if you enjoy tennis, gambling, or partying:)

I am 43 so missed the early carrier of Jimmy Connors so wanted to learn more. Amazing life story takes you inside of Jimmy’s life. A must read for tennis fans.