Bounce

The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice

Matthew Syed

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English

Fourth Estate Ltd
01 July 2011

Psychology; Popular science; Sports psychology

Can we really ALL be the best? Is the idea of innate ability holding us back? Could the ability to fail – and then get over it – be fundamental to success?

Matthew Syed, bestselling writer and international table-tennis champion (after many hours of practice) takes us on a revelatory exploration of being the best and the true nature of talent. In so doing he debunks many cherished myths – that we can be born brilliant (and that child prodigies prove it); that we are restricted by our genetic make-up; and that social background matters. He also makes some surprising discoveries, including the impact on performance of intense religious belief, why athletes and others ‘choke’ and how a Hungarian man turned his daughters into three of the best chess players in history.

Entertaining, provoking and positive, BOUNCE reveals how we can ALL be exceptional.

By: Matthew Syed
Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 220g
ISBN: 9780007350544
ISBN 10: 0007350546
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 01 July 2011
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Matthew Syed is an award-winning journalist on the times, writing for both the sports pages and the comment pages. He is a three-time Commonwealth table-tennis champion and competed in two Olympics. He studied PPE at Balliol College Oxford where he was awarded a prize-winning first class degree.

Reviews for Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice

'A gripping examination of the hidden forces that come together in the making of a champion.' Michael Atherton, former England cricket captain 'A fascinating subject and Syed is a dazzling writer.' Owen Slot, The Times 'I love this book. A must-read if you have ever wondered what sets the super-achievers and the rest of us apart -- in any field, not just in sport. I only wish I had read it when I was fifteen.' Gabby Logan, BBC presenter and former international gymnast 'Intellectually stimulating and hugely enjoyable at a stroke ! challenged some of my most cherished beliefs about life and success.' Jonathan Edwards, triple jump world record holder