Shot and a Ghost: A Year in the Brutal World of Professional Squash Paperback – March 1, 2012

I was really impressed with James' writing style and the way this book read, as it was not ghost written.. It's such a good read you're going to blow right through it. He covers a year of his life on the way to his #1 ranking. At the same time he hits a lot of flashbacks of his youth and how he arrived at where he is as a professional athlete.He tells a very honest story, going into detail about his obsessive compulsive habits, some of which we all have.. Anyone who has lost a parent to cancer can relate and appreciate James's relationship with his mother.I highly recommend this book, not only to squash players but to anyone who enjoys autobiographies by great writers.I would love to See James write a book on Squash Training & Fitness, amassing all he's learned throughout the years. I really think his honest approach to writing would result in a much needed book on the modern approach to squash training.

Definitely a lot of interesting information and insight into the psychological perspective of a top athlete. In a lot of ways the book is more about how James "feels" about various events, circumstances, victories, and failures. At times, it's quite interesting to see just how much of an emotional rollercoaster his career is, full of the highs and lows of winning, losing, being injured, and being bored with inactivity.At other times there's an intense anger, indignation, and arrogance that is both repugnant, yet also honestly portrayed, which ironically is the one thing that seems humble about the author's life. I came away with a lot of mixed feelings about James Willstrop as a person and as a player. I'm undecided as to whether his work ethos is really as grand as he proclaims it to be and undecided if his anti-social behavior outside of the court is truly justified. Frankly, the fellow seems to demonstrate knowledge in a very narrow band of experience (just competitive squash) and his approach to life as a result is somewhat strange and alien to most people. I wanted to chide him for telling an amateur club player that he wouldn't play him unless he was paid to...but perhaps it's not that he was wrong to turn down an amateur, but that he was wrong to be so upset about it.There is a lot of discussion of his mother and her battle with cancer as well. This is a sensitive topic, but I'm not sure how much of its inclusion is really an honest appraisal of a squash career and how much it just feels like the sort of obligatory "tragedy" that Bob Costas would have milked relentlessly in regards to any Olympic athlete. Having also lost my mother to cancer (when I was 16), I find it hard to relate to the idea that it has vastly shaped my career or that it's a noteworthy aspect of who I am - but everyone interprets grief differently, so I can't completely fault Willstrop for bringing it up.I would have vastly preferred a great deal more information about the ins and outs of training for squash, what works and what doesn't work, what strategies to apply, what drills etc. But this is more of an autobiography than a squash training manual, so don't get your hopes up on becoming a better player as a result of the book. Instead take it more as a bizarre journey into a very harsh and often unpleasant sports career.

Even if you're not a squash aficionado, this is a powerful and captivating book. James Willstrop has opened a part of his life for his readers, showing himself honestly - even if it means not showing himself in the best light. I empathised and cried with some of his struggles and heartbreak, was stunned at some of the "not so shiny" realities of being a professional sportsman (even if you're world no. 1), felt awe at the mind and body breaking schedule of the life he leads and had a few good belly laughs along the way. I found it interesting and inspiring and I enjoyed his writing style. Take my advice - just read it!!!

As a intermediate-level recreational squash player who plays 2 to 3 times a week (if I am in a city that has good squash court), it is easy to recommend this book to both squash players and non-players. I found it refreshing to have a first hand peak into the mind of professional squash player, James Willstrop. As I read the book I was reminded how lucky I am to be a recreational squash player, someone who plays for fun, versus someone who tours the world and plays for money.James Willstrop shares the pain and suffering of a pro as he travels from tournament to tournament, following an often brutal travel schedule, to compete in perhaps the most demanding, underrated and unappreciated sport today. Constantly on guard for colds, flu, infections, food poisoning, sleepless nights, fatigue, injuries, stress, isolation, depression and loneliness, James Willstrop paints a somewhat bleak picture of the life of a world class, professional squash player. All I could think during my time reading James' thoughts were "what a tough and unappreciated way to make a living"; there was little to no glamour or celebrity appeal to speak of in James Willstrop story; however, there was plenty of agony, pain and suffering.I'm not sure how reading this insightful book will effect my "fun and friendly" squash play or even my active sports lifestyle in general; but I did develop a deeper respect and sympathy for these touring players; and as mentioned, am thankful I can rest as much as I like between matches and cancel a match if I feel sick or fatigued; options mostly not available to these touring pros. It's one thing to be a great player, but it's quite another thing to be a happy, healthy, great touring squash player; and James Willstrop accounting of his life as a squash pro takes the shimmer and shine out of the "outsiders view" of professional squash play; something that we would not have at our fingertips if it was not for James Willstrop writing this account of his life as a pro. Thank you James and best of luck to you in your career! I will be following you more closely and cheering you on.

James Wilstrop is one of the best squash players in the world over the last 10 years and this book, sort of a diary of one year competing in professional squash, is an incredible and honest insight into the world of top shelf professional squash. As a squash player I find his descriptions of his mental state before, during and after matches very insightful.

I'm fairly new to the game of squash, having only been playing seriously for a couple of years. As I study the game, a few names are always in the headlines, among those, Ramy Ashour, Greg Gaultier, Nick Matthew, and of course, James Willstrop. This book is an honest, insightful and personal look behind the scenes of a top professional squash player. Mr. Willstrop is a sensitive athlete and that sensitivity comes across in his writing. He tries to give the reader a sense of what it's like to be driven to succeed in a tough (and underrated) sport, and the toll it takes, both mentally and physically.Even if you don't love Squash, this is a fascinating read!

james talks very straight about the competetive world of a world class squash player, love, family and encounters with strangers. sometimes he comes across rude and arrogant, at other scenes considerate and calm. he askes big questions and dont pretend to have answers.

I am not a fan of sporting autobiographies. However this book presents far more than the all too familiar formulaic approach, adopted by some contemporary sports people - or in many cases, their ghost writers. Here, James Willstrop takes us on a sporting journey that not only has emotional highs & lows, but also reflects on some of the most intimate and personal aspects of his relatively young life. The world of professional squash is frequently described as "brutal" for many good reasons. The punishing training loads, the spirit sapping travel to far flung tournaments, the constant pressure to produce world class performances. These factors combine to test a players physical, mental and emotional capabilities to their limit. James tells his story in a most compelling fashion, as he takes us on a year long journey, that proved to be pivotal for him in many respects.

I have known James since he was born and watched his career closely, together with the support he has had from Malcolm. A very honest and interesting exposition of the life of a top class sportsman, though at times it becomes too introspective and I found myself losing pity - life is that tough for most top sports people, and whilst this presentation of attitude is unique, I guess it is transferable to many players who suffer ups and downs, injuries and good times, personal highs and lows.A good read from an unusually rounded and intelligent player, worth a read not just for squash players.