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All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me
The trailblazing autobiography of England Football legend Mary Earps.
A playbook for anyone who has ever thought they don’t fit in.
A blueprint for success on your own terms.
‘This book is me, unfiltered. It’s the truth behind the headlines, the setbacks behind the saves. I’m so proud to finally share it with the world. I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever been told they’re not enough, and inspires the next generation to be unapologetically themselves.’
Told in Mary’s inimitable voice, this is her inspiring story, lifting the lid on the reality of a young woman who dreamed big, an elite female athlete in a man’s world, a change-maker who stood up to fight for what she knew was right… and won. This is a book about the moments that change everything and the years of hard work, courage, and finding the relentless self-belief that make them possible. This isn’t just a sports memoir; it’s a guide for anyone who feels they don’t fit in and a story that might just change your life.
A playbook for anyone who has ever thought they don’t fit in.
A blueprint for success on your own terms.
‘This book is me, unfiltered. It’s the truth behind the headlines, the setbacks behind the saves. I’m so proud to finally share it with the world. I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever been told they’re not enough, and inspires the next generation to be unapologetically themselves.’
Told in Mary’s inimitable voice, this is her inspiring story, lifting the lid on the reality of a young woman who dreamed big, an elite female athlete in a man’s world, a change-maker who stood up to fight for what she knew was right… and won. This is a book about the moments that change everything and the years of hard work, courage, and finding the relentless self-belief that make them possible. This isn’t just a sports memoir; it’s a guide for anyone who feels they don’t fit in and a story that might just change your life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2025
85 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 6, 2025
I had pre-ordered this book when it was announced - I’ve been a Mary Earps fan for a few years. I was even more excited to read it after listening to the media frenzy that happened the week leading up to its publication. I definitely wanted to read it first before believing all the reporting happening online.
I’m stuck - and I am giving it 2 stars. The start of the book is fine, but what I think people are really going to be interested in are Mary’s life events from 2022-2025. I don’t mean the rest of the autobiography is reductive, and as a fan, it was interesting to read about her footballing journey and what she faced, but also, she played in the Euros and World Cup!! Of course that it is going to be the reason a lot of people give this a read!
I appreciated the consideration of player vs organisation(s) and where certain power lies - whether this was football or brand sponsorships etc. I definitely agree that a lot of times players are faced with the brunt of negativity and outrage by media and fans, which is often caused by forces out of their control. In this case, United definitely did fall short in their treatment of Mary’s contract, and more broadly, how they treat their women’s team. Issues surrounding the Arsenal transfer and the backlash Mary received from this were caused by United’s lack of communication, commitment, and organisation. I felt like these insights were the strongest part of the autobiography.
In the same vein, Sarina’s decision to bench Mary is, I think, valid: she is the manager. I understand, however, that this has further negative repercussions for players which extend beyond the pitch, with people generally feeling quite strongly about decisions like this and it turning into negative discourse online. I do not think, though, that the book needed to take such a direct approach to discussing Hannah Hampton. In recent interviews, Mary has said that it has been blown out of proportion - but honestly, the book does feel like an attack on Hannah and her character. If Sarina wants a different playing style, and Hannah suits it better, that is OK. The book doesn’t seen to agree.
I just think coming out of another fantastic Euros, with Hannah Hampton being a stand out player, the timing of this book’s release is not great. The book calls out Hannah’s previous behaviour and shows Mary’s frustrations with being dropped to No.2 when she believed she was performing better - I understand it is lived experience and it is Mary’s story, but I felt it became a thread that, once mentioned, was always spinning in the book, which made it feel purposeful? You can feel a lot of anger still, and that is why I think this book may have been better in a couple of years - but I do understand the sell appeal of publishing now.
All in all, some interesting insights, coupled with a lack of detail at times. I feel like we didn’t get to read that much about United, their playing styles, insides from the team - what about Phallon Tullis-Joyce, for example, that has done a wonderful job with Mary’s departure - I would have loved to hear about that relationship/journey. Ultimately, though, I disagree with the ways in which the book paints such a negative light of Hannah and Sarina - unfortunately, it results in a story that does not reflect well on Mary… but maybe the point is to show these different lived experienced and managing expectations?
I’m stuck - and I am giving it 2 stars. The start of the book is fine, but what I think people are really going to be interested in are Mary’s life events from 2022-2025. I don’t mean the rest of the autobiography is reductive, and as a fan, it was interesting to read about her footballing journey and what she faced, but also, she played in the Euros and World Cup!! Of course that it is going to be the reason a lot of people give this a read!
I appreciated the consideration of player vs organisation(s) and where certain power lies - whether this was football or brand sponsorships etc. I definitely agree that a lot of times players are faced with the brunt of negativity and outrage by media and fans, which is often caused by forces out of their control. In this case, United definitely did fall short in their treatment of Mary’s contract, and more broadly, how they treat their women’s team. Issues surrounding the Arsenal transfer and the backlash Mary received from this were caused by United’s lack of communication, commitment, and organisation. I felt like these insights were the strongest part of the autobiography.
In the same vein, Sarina’s decision to bench Mary is, I think, valid: she is the manager. I understand, however, that this has further negative repercussions for players which extend beyond the pitch, with people generally feeling quite strongly about decisions like this and it turning into negative discourse online. I do not think, though, that the book needed to take such a direct approach to discussing Hannah Hampton. In recent interviews, Mary has said that it has been blown out of proportion - but honestly, the book does feel like an attack on Hannah and her character. If Sarina wants a different playing style, and Hannah suits it better, that is OK. The book doesn’t seen to agree.
I just think coming out of another fantastic Euros, with Hannah Hampton being a stand out player, the timing of this book’s release is not great. The book calls out Hannah’s previous behaviour and shows Mary’s frustrations with being dropped to No.2 when she believed she was performing better - I understand it is lived experience and it is Mary’s story, but I felt it became a thread that, once mentioned, was always spinning in the book, which made it feel purposeful? You can feel a lot of anger still, and that is why I think this book may have been better in a couple of years - but I do understand the sell appeal of publishing now.
All in all, some interesting insights, coupled with a lack of detail at times. I feel like we didn’t get to read that much about United, their playing styles, insides from the team - what about Phallon Tullis-Joyce, for example, that has done a wonderful job with Mary’s departure - I would have loved to hear about that relationship/journey. Ultimately, though, I disagree with the ways in which the book paints such a negative light of Hannah and Sarina - unfortunately, it results in a story that does not reflect well on Mary… but maybe the point is to show these different lived experienced and managing expectations?
November 12, 2025
Honestly absolutely great. And the Hannah stuff rly isn’t that deep like when she does talk about it nearer the end- just an honest account about how the England camps play out. Loved her story of getting to number 1… ❤️
November 10, 2025
me hanging out with mary earps: hey girl i’m bored let’s do an autism diagnosis test
November 9, 2025
This was a sad read/listen. I’ve been a big fan of Mary for a good few years. Loved what she stood for and her passion for the game. So when I heard rumours that she was writing a book, I was excited.
But this was a hard read/listen. After all the media frenzy from her international retirement and now the release of her book, it damped my expectations of the book. I knew the media only pulled a few lines out of the book but when you read/listen to it in context, some of it makes sense.
I listened to the audiobook and you could tell in her tone and way she read that she will still angry and upset by what has happened over the last year. The audiobook was pretty monotone and didn’t reflect Mary’s bubbly personality.
It was lovely to hear more about her childhood and how she got into goalkeeping but the chapters about leaving Manchester United and England were a tough listen. It didn’t sound like the Mary we thought we knew.
I totally understand many of her situations that she has been through where she has felt betrayed, let down or blindsided. In the moments right after and months following, the emotions are high. And this book was written in that emotional high. Once you come down from that and allow yourself to reflect logically and heal, you gain so much clarity on the situation.
I feel this book was written and released too soon. Of course, writing the book would be a kind of therapy to let your emotions out and process. But publishing wasn’t necessary. I think it’s only going to add fuel to the fire and I’m sure it’s not the exit from football Mary would want.
I think in a few years, Mary will regret releasing the book in this format and tone and potentially wish she had rewritten it a little later in life.
Mary has done amazing things for sport and young people. I hope she is remembered for those things rather than how her international career ended and the media frenzy of this book.
But this was a hard read/listen. After all the media frenzy from her international retirement and now the release of her book, it damped my expectations of the book. I knew the media only pulled a few lines out of the book but when you read/listen to it in context, some of it makes sense.
I listened to the audiobook and you could tell in her tone and way she read that she will still angry and upset by what has happened over the last year. The audiobook was pretty monotone and didn’t reflect Mary’s bubbly personality.
It was lovely to hear more about her childhood and how she got into goalkeeping but the chapters about leaving Manchester United and England were a tough listen. It didn’t sound like the Mary we thought we knew.
I totally understand many of her situations that she has been through where she has felt betrayed, let down or blindsided. In the moments right after and months following, the emotions are high. And this book was written in that emotional high. Once you come down from that and allow yourself to reflect logically and heal, you gain so much clarity on the situation.
I feel this book was written and released too soon. Of course, writing the book would be a kind of therapy to let your emotions out and process. But publishing wasn’t necessary. I think it’s only going to add fuel to the fire and I’m sure it’s not the exit from football Mary would want.
I think in a few years, Mary will regret releasing the book in this format and tone and potentially wish she had rewritten it a little later in life.
Mary has done amazing things for sport and young people. I hope she is remembered for those things rather than how her international career ended and the media frenzy of this book.
Read
November 8, 2025It was an interesting read but it was also a really frustrating read. Yes I felt bad for some of the things that she dealt with but then she contradicted herself and it took away feeling bad for her. I feel like 90% of the book is just Mary saying one thing and then going against that thing when it benefits her. I also really didn't like how she spoke about Hannah, numerous times she had to make comments about Hannahs behaviour and insinuating that other people also had an issue. I don't think a book is the place to be airing things like this. Many of the facts were also incorrect, which makes it confusing as to who actually wrote this book. Marys attitude came across as very bitter the more she didn't get her own way. Unfortunately I feel like this book has just made me dislike Mary and realise how large her ego is. I could rant about this book all day but I had to read it just to see what everyone else was talking about. I really dont think this book was a good idea, but that's just my opinion.
November 27, 2025
Is this book melodramatic in places? Yes. Do I think the timing of its release was good? No, not at all. But is this book, on the whole, insightful, engaging, and interesting? Definitely, yes.
Sidebar: the marketing of this book as some kind of self-help guide (to become "unapologetically yourself", as Mary often says) is very cringe and masks what is actually just a (good) autobiography.
If you're interested in the story of a female footballer who is one of the stars of the generation who grew through the game as it moved from amateur to professional, this is a great read. Mary delves into her upbringing and early football experiences in an entertaining way.
The elephant in the room: whilst 3/4 of this book comes across as well-considered and reflective, it feels to me that the final part discussing her international retirement is still too raw for Mary. I personally feel she has been ill-advised in publishing this book now, whilst she and HH are still actively playing. I don't believe she comes across as bitter, but this section of the book definitely has a different, less reflective, tone than the rest.
The behaviour of HH is described very ambiguously, and it is therefore difficult to understand Mary's point of view, even if you want to. However, there is certainly more to the story than the snippets and narrative that were published in the press.
Additionally, there are a few typos in the book, and at least one factual inaccuracy. It's very disappointing that the publisher did not give this book the due diligence it deserved.
Overall, this is a very interesting read for fans of Mary and women's football in general. If you feel like you already know her story, keep an open mind. This book may not change your opinion, but it's certainly worth giving it a go.
Sidebar: the marketing of this book as some kind of self-help guide (to become "unapologetically yourself", as Mary often says) is very cringe and masks what is actually just a (good) autobiography.
If you're interested in the story of a female footballer who is one of the stars of the generation who grew through the game as it moved from amateur to professional, this is a great read. Mary delves into her upbringing and early football experiences in an entertaining way.
The elephant in the room: whilst 3/4 of this book comes across as well-considered and reflective, it feels to me that the final part discussing her international retirement is still too raw for Mary. I personally feel she has been ill-advised in publishing this book now, whilst she and HH are still actively playing. I don't believe she comes across as bitter, but this section of the book definitely has a different, less reflective, tone than the rest.
The behaviour of HH is described very ambiguously, and it is therefore difficult to understand Mary's point of view, even if you want to. However, there is certainly more to the story than the snippets and narrative that were published in the press.
Additionally, there are a few typos in the book, and at least one factual inaccuracy. It's very disappointing that the publisher did not give this book the due diligence it deserved.
Overall, this is a very interesting read for fans of Mary and women's football in general. If you feel like you already know her story, keep an open mind. This book may not change your opinion, but it's certainly worth giving it a go.
November 17, 2025
I'm a big Mary Earps fan, but I can't say I was much of a fan of this book. I know autobiographies can tend to come across as self-important due to the subject matter literally being about the author themselves, but this one came a little bit too close to that line for me.
November 9, 2025
I am a big, big Mary Earps fan. Some might say she is my dream woman. Listening to her tell her story of how she made it to be the world’s number one, and how that came to an end was a great way to spend 7 hours of my life. A reminder that you never truly know what’s going on behind closed doors or how someone may be struggling.
November 9, 2025
Football biographies are all rubbish, aren’t they? This one has the usual failings. Mary talks endlessly about female empowerment and sisterhood when it suits her, but she’s just as quick to throw other women under the bus if it gets her what she wants - mainly more money and personal accolades.
The World Cup semi-final gets a single paragraph. Her FIFA award gets an entire chapter. Even her waxwork gets half a chapter.
It’s riddled with factual and proofing errors.
At one point she writes: “I knew if we hung in and reached penalties we could win. I’d inflicted myself on a shoot-out in the Finalissima and I was confident I could do it again.” Inflicted? What does that even mean?
She also loves clunky aphorisms like: “You have to remember what you bring to the table and be unafraid to eat alone” and “I could let myself fall if I had to fall because the person I had become would catch me.” 🤮
It’s entirely humourless. Mary is known for being deadly serious about her work but fun and irreverent off the pitch. There’s none of that here, and no trace of self-reflection either.
It’s a thin, pointless cash-in that has damaged her reputation.
The World Cup semi-final gets a single paragraph. Her FIFA award gets an entire chapter. Even her waxwork gets half a chapter.
It’s riddled with factual and proofing errors.
At one point she writes: “I knew if we hung in and reached penalties we could win. I’d inflicted myself on a shoot-out in the Finalissima and I was confident I could do it again.” Inflicted? What does that even mean?
She also loves clunky aphorisms like: “You have to remember what you bring to the table and be unafraid to eat alone” and “I could let myself fall if I had to fall because the person I had become would catch me.” 🤮
It’s entirely humourless. Mary is known for being deadly serious about her work but fun and irreverent off the pitch. There’s none of that here, and no trace of self-reflection either.
It’s a thin, pointless cash-in that has damaged her reputation.
November 24, 2025
The concept of an autobiography is very self indulgent so tbf I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’m far too Irish to enjoy it.
She reiterates throughout the book the notion of leaving the game in a better place than she found it and wanting to inspire young girls but then gets annoyed when younger players are given these opportunities. It reads as if she can’t handle not being the best anymore but unfortunately other people are allowed to be better than you.
She reiterates throughout the book the notion of leaving the game in a better place than she found it and wanting to inspire young girls but then gets annoyed when younger players are given these opportunities. It reads as if she can’t handle not being the best anymore but unfortunately other people are allowed to be better than you.
November 9, 2025
Mary Earps’ book is a punch to the gut and a reminder of why she meant so much in an England shirt.
You feel the big nights and the lighter ones all over again: the huge tournament saves, the shouting and laughing with defenders, the daft celebrations, the way she made goalkeeping both elite and fun. Off the pitch, she was the one who publicly fought Nike so kids could actually buy a keeper’s shirt, obsessed over doing things properly and tried to be the perfect role model. I was at the Emirates recently for Arsenal vs Chelsea and in the middle of a packed crowd you could see loads of young girls in goalkeeper tops. That is Mary’s impact in real time. She made the No.1 shirt desirable again, made that position “sexy” in a way it hadn’t been for years.
That is what makes the Hannah Hampton part of the story so painful. The same person who fought for standards and visibility ends up dropped for someone she felt had caused problems, and you can see how deeply that cut her. She is only 32. Did she cut her England career short? Yes. And the book makes it very clear that she walked away carrying a lot of hurt. It is not a neat, balanced memoir, but it is honest and raw. I finished it sad that we will not see Mary in an England shirt again, and convinced she belongs alongside Jill Scott and Fara Williams as a true England legend whose legacy deserves to be remembered every time a kid pulls on a goalkeeper top.
Speak your truth & stand up for your own truth
You feel the big nights and the lighter ones all over again: the huge tournament saves, the shouting and laughing with defenders, the daft celebrations, the way she made goalkeeping both elite and fun. Off the pitch, she was the one who publicly fought Nike so kids could actually buy a keeper’s shirt, obsessed over doing things properly and tried to be the perfect role model. I was at the Emirates recently for Arsenal vs Chelsea and in the middle of a packed crowd you could see loads of young girls in goalkeeper tops. That is Mary’s impact in real time. She made the No.1 shirt desirable again, made that position “sexy” in a way it hadn’t been for years.
That is what makes the Hannah Hampton part of the story so painful. The same person who fought for standards and visibility ends up dropped for someone she felt had caused problems, and you can see how deeply that cut her. She is only 32. Did she cut her England career short? Yes. And the book makes it very clear that she walked away carrying a lot of hurt. It is not a neat, balanced memoir, but it is honest and raw. I finished it sad that we will not see Mary in an England shirt again, and convinced she belongs alongside Jill Scott and Fara Williams as a true England legend whose legacy deserves to be remembered every time a kid pulls on a goalkeeper top.
Speak your truth & stand up for your own truth
November 24, 2025
Very interesting
Read for the gossip left feeling sorry for her, what did Hannah dooooo?
Are the lionesses team Hannah or team Mary??
We will never know (unless Hampton writes a book)
Read for the gossip left feeling sorry for her, what did Hannah dooooo?
Are the lionesses team Hannah or team Mary??
We will never know (unless Hampton writes a book)
November 21, 2025
People once again confusing passion and confidence for narcissism THEN being angry when she tells the truth in her own autobiography?
10/10, so much love for Mary and I'm glad she was able to tell her journey
10/10, so much love for Mary and I'm glad she was able to tell her journey
December 22, 2025
As a fan of women’s football when I saw Mary Earps had released a book I knew I was keen to get it! Especially when I saw there was an audible version which Earps narrates herself. I thought it would be exciting to listen to her talk about her POV of the World Cup, to learn more about her, and to just hear what sort of things she’d want to tell people about.
After listening to the book I feel I know a bit more about her and it was nice to find out things such as how she has a brother called Joel (just like me), how she has always been unapologetically herself, and how she’s alway been determined when it came to football, even to the extent that she never went on nights out at uni as she didn’t want to affect her game. She spoke a lot about how she got into football from a young age and there was a great level of detail and information on her journey from a beginner to being part of the England squad which was really interesting to read about. While I wish I knew more about her personally (as I still don’t feel like I do), it was nice reading about her football and passion.
I also really enjoyed hearing her about her relationship with her girlfriend, Kitty. It was another example of Earps being herself and making choices that she wanted. I don’t completely understand why the relationship was private for so long, and it was hard reading about her family’s negative views on her relationship with a woman, but I’m glad it was all touched on.
That being said, the book wasn’t quite what I’d expected. The main reasons I haven’t marked this higher is because of the tone of the audiobook and the surprising lack of focus on the FIFA World Cup (it was barely a chapter). For example, Earps herself talks about her TikTok presence and how people love her bubbly, energetic personality, and yet throughout the book that didn’t show at all. She is very serious throughout which was a bit disappointing.
It was also odd reading about her disapproval of Hannah Hampton and how she didn’t want Hampton back on the team due to her ‘bad behaviour’. Some parts of it read as almost bitter, especially when she admits she left the club due to no longer being Sarina’s number one.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to the book as it was great finding out more about her life, but I just wish her more energetic personality shone through the book and that the ending didn’t feel so negative and bitter.
After listening to the book I feel I know a bit more about her and it was nice to find out things such as how she has a brother called Joel (just like me), how she has always been unapologetically herself, and how she’s alway been determined when it came to football, even to the extent that she never went on nights out at uni as she didn’t want to affect her game. She spoke a lot about how she got into football from a young age and there was a great level of detail and information on her journey from a beginner to being part of the England squad which was really interesting to read about. While I wish I knew more about her personally (as I still don’t feel like I do), it was nice reading about her football and passion.
I also really enjoyed hearing her about her relationship with her girlfriend, Kitty. It was another example of Earps being herself and making choices that she wanted. I don’t completely understand why the relationship was private for so long, and it was hard reading about her family’s negative views on her relationship with a woman, but I’m glad it was all touched on.
That being said, the book wasn’t quite what I’d expected. The main reasons I haven’t marked this higher is because of the tone of the audiobook and the surprising lack of focus on the FIFA World Cup (it was barely a chapter). For example, Earps herself talks about her TikTok presence and how people love her bubbly, energetic personality, and yet throughout the book that didn’t show at all. She is very serious throughout which was a bit disappointing.
It was also odd reading about her disapproval of Hannah Hampton and how she didn’t want Hampton back on the team due to her ‘bad behaviour’. Some parts of it read as almost bitter, especially when she admits she left the club due to no longer being Sarina’s number one.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to the book as it was great finding out more about her life, but I just wish her more energetic personality shone through the book and that the ending didn’t feel so negative and bitter.
Read
November 13, 2025i read this because my uncle bought it for me. i am uncomfortable with the wider narrative that it is part of in women’s football. i can feel a lot of sympathy for mary in various moments but i also think that the parts of the book mentioning hannah hampton are unkind and unnecessary. if the book spent more time focussing on the difficulties of the beginning of her career and how hard it was for female footballers, such as her having to work several jobs etc, then i think it would have been a really valuable book. its unfortunate that it ended the way it did
November 10, 2025
Mary Earps being her true authentic self and I’m here for it a great read telling her side of her story, her life. There is always two sides to a story and I really respect her for sharing it with us as it must of been hard to be that raw.
November 14, 2025
I don’t know what to think about this book! I pre-ordered the book way before the Hannah Hampton controversy and was waiting until I’d read it to ‘pick a side’ as it were.
The book itself was okay - I enjoyed reading about her childhood and how football fit into this and how it was for younger female players. The Man Utd chapters have a great insight into what was clearly a rocky time and thought these were the most well written in the entire book, making me really feel for Mary.
What I didn’t enjoy was getting through the whole book and not understanding at all why her girlfriend and relationship was kept a secret for such a long time. It was borderline sad to read about her girlfriend being with her family at awards and at big matches but this not being acknowledged. The world of women’s football, teammates and fans alike, is literally full of gay people and is so accepting of this, and to hide this part of her life, almost shamefully, was a very sad read. Don’t get me started on her dad, who I got the vibe was homophobic but this was never made clear or fully acknowledged?
On Hannah Hampton - simply get over it. I understand writing about it in context to the whole ‘who will be number 1’ and Hannah not being part of the team due to ‘bad behaviour’, which by the way, has not been made clear at all? What was this behaviour that was so bad?? What I don’t understand was the really sly digs in the second part of the book - always saying ‘she’ instead of Hannah’s name, and saying Khiara will be a great number 1 goalie but bypassing Hannah completely.
Editors did Mary dirty here - the overall tone is quite negative and the cringy but supposedly inspirational lines such as ‘Without rain, there are no rainbows’ were gag worthy.
The book itself was okay - I enjoyed reading about her childhood and how football fit into this and how it was for younger female players. The Man Utd chapters have a great insight into what was clearly a rocky time and thought these were the most well written in the entire book, making me really feel for Mary.
What I didn’t enjoy was getting through the whole book and not understanding at all why her girlfriend and relationship was kept a secret for such a long time. It was borderline sad to read about her girlfriend being with her family at awards and at big matches but this not being acknowledged. The world of women’s football, teammates and fans alike, is literally full of gay people and is so accepting of this, and to hide this part of her life, almost shamefully, was a very sad read. Don’t get me started on her dad, who I got the vibe was homophobic but this was never made clear or fully acknowledged?
On Hannah Hampton - simply get over it. I understand writing about it in context to the whole ‘who will be number 1’ and Hannah not being part of the team due to ‘bad behaviour’, which by the way, has not been made clear at all? What was this behaviour that was so bad?? What I don’t understand was the really sly digs in the second part of the book - always saying ‘she’ instead of Hannah’s name, and saying Khiara will be a great number 1 goalie but bypassing Hannah completely.
Editors did Mary dirty here - the overall tone is quite negative and the cringy but supposedly inspirational lines such as ‘Without rain, there are no rainbows’ were gag worthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
As someone looking in from the outside - from the Netherlands (thus loving Wiegman obviously) - there are two reasons why I give this book 5 stars:
-I think the UK has a problem with people breaking toxic codes of silence. In most parts of the world memoirs and tell alls are seen as brave accounts of people breaking toxic systems with codes of silence (in Dutch: “zwijgcultuur”). In the UK however it is still deemed “airing your dirty laundry” which enables toxic systems. It is the reason why people like Prince Andrew could do what they did for so long. We also saw this with the “Spare” memoir. I think all books breaking this code in the UK are trailblazers.
-Second, because it is written in a very respectful, personal way. Leave it to the UK press to turn it into women pitted against each other, with titles such as “the gloves are off”.
When is the UK going to start with some honest self reflection? I think books like this might be a starting point.
-I think the UK has a problem with people breaking toxic codes of silence. In most parts of the world memoirs and tell alls are seen as brave accounts of people breaking toxic systems with codes of silence (in Dutch: “zwijgcultuur”). In the UK however it is still deemed “airing your dirty laundry” which enables toxic systems. It is the reason why people like Prince Andrew could do what they did for so long. We also saw this with the “Spare” memoir. I think all books breaking this code in the UK are trailblazers.
-Second, because it is written in a very respectful, personal way. Leave it to the UK press to turn it into women pitted against each other, with titles such as “the gloves are off”.
When is the UK going to start with some honest self reflection? I think books like this might be a starting point.
November 11, 2025
I felt I had to read this before making a judgement on the discourse which preceded this publication.
I wanted to her Earps’ story and personal thoughts on key moments in her career, but I wasn’t interested in being inspired or motivated by a ‘girl boss’, exemplified through the chapter titles. It felt light on the detail in crucial areas and points of tension seemed to arise suddenly in places without much context. It also lacked space for self-reflection and humility; by the back half of the book I felt really frustrated by this and I never want to hear the word ‘misalignment’ again.
As an audiobook specifically, Earps’ narration felt disconnected and impersonal.
This autobiography felt rushed; both in the sense of Earps processing recent events and factual errors that undermine credibility (as an Ireland fan, I wouldn’t mind halving the number of goals we conceded to England last year). This entire book could have easily just been a podcast interview on Diary of a CEO.
I wanted to her Earps’ story and personal thoughts on key moments in her career, but I wasn’t interested in being inspired or motivated by a ‘girl boss’, exemplified through the chapter titles. It felt light on the detail in crucial areas and points of tension seemed to arise suddenly in places without much context. It also lacked space for self-reflection and humility; by the back half of the book I felt really frustrated by this and I never want to hear the word ‘misalignment’ again.
As an audiobook specifically, Earps’ narration felt disconnected and impersonal.
This autobiography felt rushed; both in the sense of Earps processing recent events and factual errors that undermine credibility (as an Ireland fan, I wouldn’t mind halving the number of goals we conceded to England last year). This entire book could have easily just been a podcast interview on Diary of a CEO.
November 19, 2025
Honestly I don't know where I stand on the whole Earps/Hampton feud but those people who are reducing this book down to that alone have missed out on the whole point of an autobiography.
This is a visceral and honest look into Earps and her rise to England's number 1. Yes, it is subjective but again that is the whole point of an autobiography for the people who have an issue with that.
I enjoyed the openness with which Earps described her struggles and how she overcame them. Earps has learnt some real life lessons which she shares with her reader.
This book can't have been easy to write.
Earps describes the mediastorm that hit when she retired internationally and how it effected her. I, for one, feel a bit sorry for the haranguing she's been given over sharing her story and her truth.
This is a visceral and honest look into Earps and her rise to England's number 1. Yes, it is subjective but again that is the whole point of an autobiography for the people who have an issue with that.
I enjoyed the openness with which Earps described her struggles and how she overcame them. Earps has learnt some real life lessons which she shares with her reader.
This book can't have been easy to write.
Earps describes the mediastorm that hit when she retired internationally and how it effected her. I, for one, feel a bit sorry for the haranguing she's been given over sharing her story and her truth.
December 14, 2025
This is hard for me to write. Everyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Mary. I bought the signed edition because I'm dying for her to sign a shirt but this is the closest thing to that I can get...I just think this book was 'ok'.
First and foremost. The Hannah stuff? Not that deep. The news and magazines have made it into a big thing when really, it is that Hannah was disruptive (doesn't say how) but then gets the nod for number 1 which is against Mary's values. That's it, in a nutshell. No big deal. Every workplace has people who take the mick, football is no different, Mary has just chosen to voice her opinion.
There are no pictures in this autobiography? I find that really strange. I like seeing pictures that go with the story. Pictures of Mary's childhood playing football with the boys or her siblings etc. Pictures of her and Kitty. Yes we can Google to find her but we want to see their personal pictures of holidays etc.
I feel like a lot of the bulk of this book is about working hard, motivating herself and others etc which is great. But I'd rather know about what Mary does in her free time too. More about who she is away from football. Like her business she has drawn up MAE27 clothing brand - it hardly gets a mention.
Maybe she was too young to have done an autobiography? I don't know. But maybe there will be a 2nd one like Peter Schmeichel did to carry on from?
I did enjoy it just wish there was a bit more personal stuff in rather than the repetition of working hard etc.
First and foremost. The Hannah stuff? Not that deep. The news and magazines have made it into a big thing when really, it is that Hannah was disruptive (doesn't say how) but then gets the nod for number 1 which is against Mary's values. That's it, in a nutshell. No big deal. Every workplace has people who take the mick, football is no different, Mary has just chosen to voice her opinion.
There are no pictures in this autobiography? I find that really strange. I like seeing pictures that go with the story. Pictures of Mary's childhood playing football with the boys or her siblings etc. Pictures of her and Kitty. Yes we can Google to find her but we want to see their personal pictures of holidays etc.
I feel like a lot of the bulk of this book is about working hard, motivating herself and others etc which is great. But I'd rather know about what Mary does in her free time too. More about who she is away from football. Like her business she has drawn up MAE27 clothing brand - it hardly gets a mention.
Maybe she was too young to have done an autobiography? I don't know. But maybe there will be a 2nd one like Peter Schmeichel did to carry on from?
I did enjoy it just wish there was a bit more personal stuff in rather than the repetition of working hard etc.
November 9, 2025
3.5. I’m so conflicted. I enjoyed reading and learning about Mary’s journey in football, however, I can’t decide how ‘well’ she comes across in this book. It feels almost as if she’s all for the growth of goalkeepers, women’s football, and leaving the game in a better place, but ‘training the next generation isn’t her job’? I don’t know. Kinda rubbed me the wrong way.
November 14, 2025
For everything that’s been in the media about her recently, I was sceptical about the book. I feel like I know a different side to Mary now. And while I don’t agree with how everything has come about, I do think the writing was incredible, hearing how she overcame everything to get to where she is.
November 9, 2025
interesting story. poorly written
November 9, 2025
My fave genre
November 8, 2025
I was hooked. This was incredible. Very interesting
November 10, 2025
It was brutally honest and perhaps should have been released in a year or so. The overall though, it’s a great read and does have sparks of inspiration
November 20, 2025
dette føltes som sjølvbiografien til nokon som har lest litt vel mange sjølvhjelpsbøker
November 28, 2025
So inspiring. Please please read this - all the negative press has completely got this book wrong! You will be reading this with tears of joy and sadness.
November 26, 2025
Anyone who hated this book or the way Mary spoke truly and honestly about her experiences didn't get the message. Read it again and appreciate the message of "You don't always know what is going on behind the scenes".
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