IN BLACK AND WHITE

by Jake White

Book by Jake White

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Sports

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

At about the 200th page I began thinking please God make it end. This could have been written so differently. Alas it was obviously written defensively to justify his position as coach. In the South African sports coach context it is seen as miraculous to last a year let alone 4. The style of writing was completely unnecesary. The he says/she says thats why I did it scenario belongs in preschool. The best part of this book is when Jake starts concentrating on the game and choices he made w.r.t. players and game tactics.



The media is nasty, its understood. Its also understood that rugby is politics in SA and the Springboks coaching position is a shocker - I'm sure Jake was aware of it. Don't get me wrong. Loving Jakes work on the field doesn't mean I have to enjoy his book.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

c2007. If I had read this book at the time it was published, I may have had a completely different rating. It is a straightforward read but with not much perspective. I am not sure that would even be possible after such experiences - but some sort of doubt would have added to the credibility. Unfortunately, only able to recommend to those hardened rugby fans in the normal crew. "Springbok tours are not planned on an ad-hoc basis, and touring schedules are drawn up months, even years, in advance."

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Although I think I'd rather not know what idiots we have in SARU... it makes me feel rather hopeless with regards to our boys. It is hard enough for them to battle every match on the field, without having to battle the "Board" in between. Jake always had my respect, but he has risen even more in my estimation. And being a huge John Smit fan, great to see him receive such high esteem from one of our greatest coaches.

[David Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. It was as expected on the political side of things - clearly he was upset with his treatment which is fair enough. What was more interesting was the insight into the players themselves and the games. I found that part of it fascinating as a Bok fan.

[Nicci Schroenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening. He gives you the background into a period of SA rugby which was wonderful and makes you feel that you were a part of it. He covers the bad stuff, but the good stuff outshone all the bad. Recommended.

[Charl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read, but nothing new and some bad writing in parts of the book. Definitely rushed it to get it out as soon as possible after the South Africa world cup win.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable especially as i read it just after the world cup win which made it very relevant and interesting

[Ewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story from a great man- in any other country he would still be the national coach!

[Mukhtar]

The inner sanctum of SA Rugby revealed. Very basic style of writing, enjoyable and easy to digest

[Web · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed it. It gives you some insights into the pressures of springbok rugby and coaching.

[Jan-Len · Rating 1 out of 5]

OK is the the high-water mark. Jake the self-anointed messiah is just not very interesting.

[Dave]

Geez - and I thought I had problems !

[Byron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read, for a Springbok rugby fan anyway...

[Kirsty Hoggons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and an interesting insight to the rugby system in this country.