MP the Life of Michael Peterson by Sean Doherty

by Sean Doherty

"You are better than me, MP"-Kelly SlaterMichael Peterson ruled the surf scene throughout the early to mid-1970s with his savage, groundbreaking surfing. An undiagnosed schizophrenic, Michael despised the fame his surfing powers attracted, and he retreated into a world of hard drugs, fast cars and shadows. He eventually hit rock bottom after a car chase, which took 35 police cars to stop him.For 20 years, Michael Peterson's exploits in and out of the water have existed only as a series of mythological tales, passed down by the surfing tribe. Until now.MP's life story is part circus, part car crash and purely extraordinary. It's an intoxicating and addictive tale for anyone who has ever felt like a fish out of water.

Genres: Biography

Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Sean Doherty is a native of Forster on the New South Wales mid-north coast, but after years of calling the riffling walls of Dee Why home he has moved to another fabulous surf break and hangs out near Torquay.

He began his career in surf journalism in 1997 with Tracks magazine, and became editor in 2000 the longest-serving (and suffering) editor of the iconic Australian surf magazine. His 2004 bestselling biography on surf legend Michael Peterson is the basis for an upcoming feature film and also inspired Malcolm Knox s latest novel This Life. His bestselling book The Official Bra Boys Story: My Brother s Keeper is also under option. He compiled and wrote the bestselling The Moment. He writes for The Sydney Morning Herald, Surfer and Surfing magazines and is considered by many to be the best surfing journalist in the world. He is also, of course, a great bloke and a red-hot surfer.

Reviews

[Max Dobbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

fucked up guy, fucked up life. a shame that such a talent couldn’t last longer than he did. schizophrenia must be the worst

[Connor FitzGerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story of Australia's first amateur world champion surfer. The mercurial "MP" was a fierce and mysterious competitor in those raw, early days before the commercialisation of modern surfing. Dogged by schizophrenia, he transformed the conventional surfing style into the more modern styles we see today and in trying to outrun his internal demons he became an almost unstoppable surfing force. A sad, tragic, heroic and intriguing tale of an unlikely sporting hero. A must-read for surfers and surfing enthusiasts!

[Steve Beale · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's quite good but is a bit one-sided. An interesting look at one of the forgotten style masters

[Angus Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabbit and Mp, rivals, friends, foes, lovers, nemesis’s. MP and Wayne Bartholemew. The kings of Kirra knightly. Very easy read, interesting enough, good holiday binge book if you’re interested in surfing.

[Peter Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up in the surf culture but never understood it. Still, being born at Cronulla makes you interested. Peterson has reached amazing heights of success but has also been as low as it's possible to go with a dependency on herion among other nasties. All this and schizophrenia too.
The first half of the book was pure for surfing freaks but as the illness grew and MP's dependency on heroine the book becaming captivating. In the end, I was left with a great deal of respect for MP as a surviver.

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldnt say that this is great literature because the writing is not that good. But the story itself is a good one and it gave a good insight into the life of the Aussie surf legend and his battle with Schizoprenia and drug addiction. Be prepared for a lot of surf jargon though.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting examination of one of Australia's surfing legends; his life, his talent and his struggle with schizophrenia. Not really well written and a bit repetitive in parts but still an enjoyable book and an important story.

[James Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MP you are a legend

[Camille Septsault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, the story of Michael Peterson is so full of authenticity. It definitely had to be told, I had never heard about him before but i will always remember him now.