Novak Djokovic

This rather slim volume is a combination autobiography/motivational/how-to book (light on the autobiography, heavier on the motivation and how-to) in which Djokovic explains how he went from good to great. His humble beginnings as a child in the war-ravaged country of Serbia, along with his incredible success as a professional tennis player and his exquisite physical shape, lend his story credibility, but this book tells his story only briefly—the real focus here is his conditioning and the enormous impact that a gluten-free diet has had on his performance. Nevertheless, his advice is descriptive rather than prescriptive—he tells what’s worked for him, and he encourages the reader to discover his/her own formula for dietary success. There’s no denying that adopting a gluten-free diet will be a challenge, yet Djokovic (together with the professional chef with whom he works) provides practical suggestions and recipes to help the reader transition into a gluten-free lifestyle. And lifestyle is the right word here—as Djokovic insists, diet and exercise are just two of the important components in his plan. He also stresses the importance of adequate sleep and mental conditioning. All in all, it’s a decidedly quick read (I got through it in less than a day), but it contains helpful insights for healthier living.… (más)