The Book of Fred

by Andrew Flintoff

The hilarious new book from one of Britain's best-loved national treasures! As told by the man himself.

This isn't a book of life lessons. It's not going to tell you make your bed, or stand-up straight or any of that. There's no blueprint to follow here. But, at 43 years of age, and with a bit more time on his hands than usual, Freddie Flintoff has had a moment to reflect, and he's noticed that although there's been little method in the madness, there has been the occasional common thread.

The Book of Fred is filled with anecdotes, observations and the odd opinion all told with Fred's trademark humour and no-nonsense style. Fred's approach to life draws on the sublime (his series-winning performance in the 2005 Ashes) and the ridiculous (singing Elvis Presley's 'Suspicious Minds' in front of a live audience), from highs (making the transition to top TV presenter) to occasional lows (accidently upsetting the lovely Bruce Forsyth), from the profane (discussing Shane Warne's barnet with Hollywood royalty) to the profound (why 'having a go' leads to self-respect).

Throughout, Fred shares his code for success, happiness and a life fully lived, gleaned from half a lifetime of hard yakka on the wicket, in the dressing room, behind the wheel, in the boxing ring and even treading the boards of a stage musical. And he gives his listeners a laugh, some joy and (the occasional) pause for thought along the way.

Genres: Audiobook, Comedy

Audible Audio

Published October 28, 2021

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the previous two books in this series but I'm not sure what the point of this book was, It says it's a book of life lessons but it mainly felt as though Fred was just talking in general about whatever topic the chapter was based around such as Money, Fame etc.

A lot of this book felt like filler, there was so much repetition which grated on me, the book felt as though it had been edited as each chapter as a separate entity rather than as a book as whole. For example he states how he feels about hanging shirts/accolades on the wall at least twice and each chapter features a line about him being a really shy, awkward person but people expecting him to be a big character. Fred has an engaging, conversational feel to his writing and his voice shines through in the writing, as with his previous books I really enjoyed his writing style and you can't help but really like him as a person as he seems a sound, level-headed guy.

My main issue with the book is that he seemed to try really hard to come across as humble and whilst he definitely doesn't come across as excessively flashy it grated on me a lot as the book progressed. There's statements like saying his Ferrari isn't brand new, it's 9 years old, or saying he felt an idiot driving his Ferrari so bought a Land Rover Defender (there's lots of statements like this) which perhaps are humble compared to other sports stars but not against the average reader.

I'd read more of Fred's books because I really enjoyed the previous ones, a lot of my dislikes about this book were down to poor editing rather than Fred's content or writing. If you enjoyed his previous books in this series then you might enjoy this one too.

[Aabha Jawadekar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this because I have a huge amount of respect for Flintoff as a cricketer. While he comes across as a lovely, down to earth person throughout this book, the entire thing felt awkwardly pieced together- perhaps due to poor editing rather than Flintoff's own writing ability. The anecdotes in this book might be funny to listen to if you went for a drink with Flintoff, but when you fill a book with such stories, the reader is going to want a bit more substance. That being said, there were parts of The Book of Fred which I throughly enjoyed such as the memories of his time working at Woolworths. I also admire Flintoff for talking somewhat openly about his mental health, but overall the book missed the mark for me.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was OK. Not as funny as expected, and not a typical biography in that Freddie doesn't describe his complete life story (but I believe he has other books that do this?)although he does include chapters on things such as money, and a great chapter at the end about Mental Health.

It was enjoyable in that he is very open and honest and isn't afraid to give his opinion. I watch Freddie on Top Gear and he's genuinely very funny and expected this to be funnier but it wasn't... it was still a good read.

I watched his documentary in 2020 when he spoke about his battle with bulimia and saw the serious side to him in that, and he refers to it in this book also. I enjoyed the book overall.

[Sandra Donegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this for some light entertainment shortly after I bought it (as a book lover I buy lots of books but often some time passes by before I get to read them), however for me it didn’t deliver the laughs and the enjoyment I expected.
If I hadn’t read “Do You Know What?” I might have enjoyed it more. For me it touched on the same experiences, just packaging them slightly differently for this book.
I have enjoyed hearing Fred’s thoughts and opinions in the past, he is amusing, honest and entertaining, but I think 2 books of his observations on life is enough for me.

[Sparky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking read, seems to skirt over parts of his life but I guess that’s because he’s done a biog before. Written like he’s saying it you personally. The type of stories shared over a beer (if he still drank), and the type of bloke you k ow would be good fun on a night out with or without alcohol….
Only downside is you feel there’s something missing. But it’s a very very small downside
Thanks Freddie

[Tom Frost · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's not dreadful just completely unnecessary. Freddie tells his story again, gives out some advice and gives a small peak behind the curtain. but it's surprisingly dull. he can't quite bring himself to tell you the whole story. hints and teases of wild times but only the sanitised version.
he has a few books in the same vein and feels like money making not that he has anything interesting to say.
I expected/wanted more from a national treasure!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was funny and very down to earth. Very interesting too.

Quotes I liked from this book
It is possible to come from nowhere and get somewhere

There are times all throughout life when you have to stand up for yourself

If someone asks how you are feeling don't be afraid to tell them the truth

[Alan Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read about someone I admire and like. However to say there is a little repetition would be understated. I would have liked a little more of the craziness from tours or the lunacy of Top Gear. There is however scope in my eyes for Fred to write about his depression and how he has conquered it such as the book by Tyson Fury, I feel that would add value and possibly save mens lives!

[Erin Grigson Baylis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I really like Freddie and enjoyed learning to this one!
We laughed out loud at times and somberly listened to the serious bits.
It was a good length with a bit of everything covered. I learned some new things about him and now really want to watch A League of Their Own!
8/10 for his openness in telling his story in his words.

[David Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a cricket fan to be honest but followed Flintoff since he quit and he's led an interesting enough life! The book is funny in places and was a quick and easy read. Some good anecdotes but a little repetitive in places and you get the feeling he was struggling to meet the minimum word count perhaps.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok. Fairly repetitive and topics within the chapters felt like they were all over the place. But it did make me chuckle/smile, especially as I could hear it all in his broad Preston twang in my head lol

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Freddie! Always been a fan thanks to the 2005 Ashes win. So I looked forward to reading this.

It didn’t disappoint, it was good to hear about his rise to cricketing fame and later television fame. He’s funny, honest and brutal at times.

A great little read!

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written the way my mind is set out. Random seeming thoughts that gel together very well! I loved it.
I listened to this on audible and it is read by Fred and he comes across as so nice.
Very funny in places, very relatable.

[Martin Green · Rating 1 out of 5]

Drivel. A series of disconnected and unamusing anecdotes.

[R.J. Southworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant, engaging collection of stories, reflections and life advice, told in a very open and honest manner.

[Adam Murfet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. There’s a lot of great content here for 30-40 year old men who just need some life affirming lessons and a kick up the a***. Good natured, funny but also thought provoking

[Spencer Preece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some overlap with another of his books but it's a quick and fun read.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read that i enjoyed and learnt more about Fred but it wasnt as funny as i was expecting

[Stevie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as funny as I expected and quite disjointed but I gave it three stars because … well it’s Freddie and he’s so close to being a national treasure!

[Kirsty Prager · Rating 4 out of 5]

starts well, seems to lose its way a bit in the middle but overall a good and easy read

[Peter Langston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll admit I didn’t expect much of receiving life lessons from the big lad from Preston in England’s north. I wasn’t surprised or disappointed therefore. Flintoff, by his own admissions has wasted opportunities in his life, sporting and otherwise and he does so again here. Late in the book, he talks candidly about his struggles with depression and eating disorders but he doesn’t speak in enough detail. He doesn’t provide direction for the similarly affected, drawn to his celebrity as an inspiration. Instead, he gives things a quick, all be it passionate mention.
It’s a book of inaccuracies and inconsistency. He makes a statement of faith and denies it soon after. In a section on grief, he states boldly that he is impervious to grief and doesn’t have the emotional reaction others have. A few sentences later, he is extolling his emotional roller coaster ride at a number of deaths. It’s also a book of repetition. The same yarns are repeated and often contradicted from different angles.
There were redeeming sections, usually involving humorous anecdotes and you are left with feeling of warmth toward him and admiration for his ability to shrug his shoulders and “get on”.
In the end, you can direct no ire toward Flintoff. No self-respecting publisher should have progressed this manuscript without close editing and a serious tightening of the content. It could have been half as long and twice as good.
I’m glad I read it as he was a cricketer I had great respect for on the basis of the enhanced level of sportsmanship he bought to the game but this isn’t good writing.

[Michelle Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like watching a butterfly flying around. It jumped from one subject to the next. It was as if he had a short time left to write it and that time was coming to an end too quick