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Six Machine: I Don't Like Cricket... I Love It
Chris Gayle is the only man to have ever hit a six off the first ball of a Test Match. In fact, the West Indies cricket legend has broken every batting record in the most runs and sixes in a career, most hundreds, most man-of-the-match awards . . . He is untouchable. Off the pitch he's no less notorious —known for his excessive partying, he will regularly pull an all-nighter, eat his trademark pancake breakfast, and then play another record innings. Now the man known and loved for his supersize bats, huge frame, and even bigger smile opens up his world. Funny, riveting, outrageous . . . welcome to the Six Machine , the big-hitting cricket legend's funny, outrageous memoir.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 29, 2016
Confidence comes from character and character is made by experience. Chris Gayle is a man of experience, very aware of his tough upbringing and his fortunate break due to his tremendous talent as a cricketer. The book makes excellent reading as Chris's world boss character really shines through. Chris's story is very motivational and inspirational. It's a story of a cricketer who plays in the day and party's in the night. This play hard and party long lifestyle takes him around the world of cricket, to every cricket loving nation of the world. This West Indian ambassador does proud to his tiny nation by hitting sixes and breaking records.
Ya maan, you keep licking them bowlers Gayle.
Ya maan, you keep licking them bowlers Gayle.
January 5, 2017
Awesome read ..his love for cricket is so amazing ..
Gayle smashed tis one out of the park
An excellent Autobiography..Great read,very inspiring.Hats off to the universe boss
Gayle smashed tis one out of the park
An excellent Autobiography..Great read,very inspiring.Hats off to the universe boss
October 7, 2017
If I have a pick out the most recurring words, here they are,
World Boss, Universal Boss, Six Machine, Parties, Girls, etc.
He likes to address himself as World Boss/Bass and also reiterate how he comes from a humble background. The chapters in the books are his explanations to why he does/did what he does/did.
The pace of the book though quick the writing lets it down and let's it down big time.
This book turned out to be more about his personal life, decisions & explanations(too much of it) than about cricket, again it's his biography so he's got all the freedom. But I was expecting more of his cricket anecdotes that he must have accumulated over the years.
It's not a fun book to read. it's just average.
World Boss, Universal Boss, Six Machine, Parties, Girls, etc.
He likes to address himself as World Boss/Bass and also reiterate how he comes from a humble background. The chapters in the books are his explanations to why he does/did what he does/did.
The pace of the book though quick the writing lets it down and let's it down big time.
This book turned out to be more about his personal life, decisions & explanations(too much of it) than about cricket, again it's his biography so he's got all the freedom. But I was expecting more of his cricket anecdotes that he must have accumulated over the years.
It's not a fun book to read. it's just average.
December 29, 2020
Maximum Man....
Chris Gayle is perhaps the most hyped and yet underrated cricketer in the world. The hype – Universe Boss, Six Machine – refers mainly to his exploits in T20 and limited overs cricket in general (highest number of sixes in IPL, fastest ODI double century, etc.), and is also amplified by his extrovert personality and larger than life off-field persona.
What however is often overlooked and not given as much credit is his success in long form Test cricket – not only has been by far the best West Indian opener of the past 25 years, he is one of only 4 batsmen ever to have scored 2 triple centuries, for a total of 15 centuries in 103 Tests (one of which he opened with a six of the very first ball of the Test - the only opener to have ever done anything so audacious).
This duality is also evident in Gayle’s autobiography. Its direct. The hype is very much there (titled Six Machine, for starters, and sub-titled I don’t just like cricket, I love it!), with no attempt to tone down the larger than life impression (quite the opposite in fact). There is a lot of talk about parties, glamour, dressing up, and of course hitting sixes. But amidst this is also a lot that reveals a very keen brain, both in cricket and outside.
One almost gets the impression that a lot of the aura is almost intentional image building, probably just for kicks. After all, this is the poor boy from Jamaica who built a mansion and then put a strip club in the basement for use by friends. And writes about it!! As he does about his many run ins with the Caribbean cricket hierarchy, the criticism for embracing T20 cricket, the infamous scandals with the lady BBL interviewer and other women; for sure this autobiography is not an anodyne one. Things are laid out in black and white – he rates Hooper the best Captain he played under, although he played more under Lara. In fact, he describes Lara, the world record holder for the highest innings score, as positively worried and uncommunicative during Gayle’s first triple hundred.
He also thinks Aussie cricketers are cocky and talk too much, West Indian administrators are pathetic, and ex-cricketers often take a holier than thou attitude when speaking about the current game. But most people would find it hard to disagree with any of those conclusions, and therefore its refreshing to see someone not being polite and saying only obvious or nice things. On the other hand there is also a lot of praise for a lot of people. I also enjoyed the insights into the thinking and analysis in T20, and the description of his thought processes through some of his best innings (the 165 at Adelaide, the triple hundreds, that first ball six in Dhaka, and few of the limited overs/T20 innings).
All in all, a very rewarding read once you go past the hype and bluster.
Chris Gayle is perhaps the most hyped and yet underrated cricketer in the world. The hype – Universe Boss, Six Machine – refers mainly to his exploits in T20 and limited overs cricket in general (highest number of sixes in IPL, fastest ODI double century, etc.), and is also amplified by his extrovert personality and larger than life off-field persona.
What however is often overlooked and not given as much credit is his success in long form Test cricket – not only has been by far the best West Indian opener of the past 25 years, he is one of only 4 batsmen ever to have scored 2 triple centuries, for a total of 15 centuries in 103 Tests (one of which he opened with a six of the very first ball of the Test - the only opener to have ever done anything so audacious).
This duality is also evident in Gayle’s autobiography. Its direct. The hype is very much there (titled Six Machine, for starters, and sub-titled I don’t just like cricket, I love it!), with no attempt to tone down the larger than life impression (quite the opposite in fact). There is a lot of talk about parties, glamour, dressing up, and of course hitting sixes. But amidst this is also a lot that reveals a very keen brain, both in cricket and outside.
One almost gets the impression that a lot of the aura is almost intentional image building, probably just for kicks. After all, this is the poor boy from Jamaica who built a mansion and then put a strip club in the basement for use by friends. And writes about it!! As he does about his many run ins with the Caribbean cricket hierarchy, the criticism for embracing T20 cricket, the infamous scandals with the lady BBL interviewer and other women; for sure this autobiography is not an anodyne one. Things are laid out in black and white – he rates Hooper the best Captain he played under, although he played more under Lara. In fact, he describes Lara, the world record holder for the highest innings score, as positively worried and uncommunicative during Gayle’s first triple hundred.
He also thinks Aussie cricketers are cocky and talk too much, West Indian administrators are pathetic, and ex-cricketers often take a holier than thou attitude when speaking about the current game. But most people would find it hard to disagree with any of those conclusions, and therefore its refreshing to see someone not being polite and saying only obvious or nice things. On the other hand there is also a lot of praise for a lot of people. I also enjoyed the insights into the thinking and analysis in T20, and the description of his thought processes through some of his best innings (the 165 at Adelaide, the triple hundreds, that first ball six in Dhaka, and few of the limited overs/T20 innings).
All in all, a very rewarding read once you go past the hype and bluster.
September 4, 2017
Finding myself in Jamaica and the right time to start a new book, this one seemed like the obvious choice. Was waiting in my Kindle for a while, and off we went.
Chris Gayle is brash, arrogant, full of himself and quite insufferable mostly, no two ways around that. However, to give credit where its due, no questioning his humble beginnings, the incredible achievements on the field, and the joy he brings to many. Just that I can't appreciate people (not their craft) with this particular personality.
Anyway, leaving that disclaimer aside, it's a book that is mostly honest, very biased (no, I am not contradicting myself there, read for yourself), and one that even when attempting to be humble trips over immodesty just due to the personality of its author.
The one interesting observation through the book was while Gayle mentioned many heroics on the field (much more than I realized he was responsible for) for most of them it ended in a Windies defeat. Not taking anything away from Chris, he has been the backbone of a once great team during a free fall.
I missed a lot of West Indian cricket through his career and this was a nice read to catch up on the past decade and a half. Cringe every now and then at the unabashed slathering of self praise, and come to the conclusion that we at least share one thing in common - our love for food:)
Chris Gayle is brash, arrogant, full of himself and quite insufferable mostly, no two ways around that. However, to give credit where its due, no questioning his humble beginnings, the incredible achievements on the field, and the joy he brings to many. Just that I can't appreciate people (not their craft) with this particular personality.
Anyway, leaving that disclaimer aside, it's a book that is mostly honest, very biased (no, I am not contradicting myself there, read for yourself), and one that even when attempting to be humble trips over immodesty just due to the personality of its author.
The one interesting observation through the book was while Gayle mentioned many heroics on the field (much more than I realized he was responsible for) for most of them it ended in a Windies defeat. Not taking anything away from Chris, he has been the backbone of a once great team during a free fall.
I missed a lot of West Indian cricket through his career and this was a nice read to catch up on the past decade and a half. Cringe every now and then at the unabashed slathering of self praise, and come to the conclusion that we at least share one thing in common - our love for food:)
April 17, 2025
As a RCB fan,l can say I am that 0.0001% where Chris Gayle introduced me Virat Kohli. When the Indians were watching cricket and relying on Sachin Tendulkar, l was not much concentrated and didn't get the logic of the match but when I read an article of a cricketer who has cardiac issue and plays like a monster, Journey of 45 to 333. He made me to watch cricket, can say loudly I supported WI,felt bad when he was unsold after playing for a franchise in domestic T20 when he was called as king of T20l and still hurt because he was not respected and yet no official retirement news for his domestic T20 but came last year to support RCB in home ground when he was not retained and that only made to move him to third franchise. Yeah, Because of him I watched cricket,watched IPL and started to notice Virat and ABD now I watch overseas match where I support India for few respectful cricketers especially Virat and still I wonder how much mental strength he had to wear that Indian jersey on the day of his father's last rites but still did his job both professionally and personally equal. Always Chris Henry Gayle fan and then Virat!!! No comparison but the way they impacted and turned as inspiration is meant to drive this comment. The real raw version of Chris Gayle🤍. Don’t want to spoil by spilling some quotes which are worth to buy the book!.
October 14, 2019
the six machine by chris gail, is an autobiography of a legend of the west indian cricketing great Chris Gail. this is a story of a man comming from a very humble background, and becomes a modern great of the game. both his strengths and weaknesses are honestly written in this book. as its said, "we are all a mass of contradictions.", the same applies to Gail. most people think of him as a t-twenty smasher, a party-man, but very few people can see the hard work, the strong willpower, and the stern test of character, that goes into becoming a great cricketer. in any format of the game. Gail vividly expresses his thoughts on various aspects of life in general, and the life of a cricketer in particular. in this book, gail proves wrong various perceptions about himself and about his stile of playing. its a thrilling ride from rags to riches, which has both happy and sad moments. what i like about the book is that, it has no pritendssions. i recommend the book to all the cricket fans to really understand, what goes behind the seens, in the life of a cricketer.
September 22, 2017
This was written as if Chris Gayle himself was speaking to you, and it lent to the realness of the story. A lifelong fan of cricket, I loved that the chapters were numbered with his record achievements, and that the actual achievement was couched with touching and personal anecdotes. I also appreciated the stories on his heart health issue, Allen Stanford and Runako Morton, along with his views of Lara (which confirmed my suspicions on his abilities as a Captain). A funny story in many places, yet introspective. The book is meant to make Chris Gayle's fans love him more! The only down side is that he shied away from calling out dave cameron (I refuse to capitalise) on his impotence where leadership is concerned. But then again, I'm guessing he won't bite the hand that feeds.
October 4, 2024
Chris Gayle, the former captain of the West Indies Cricket team and one of the four men (Sir Don Bradman, Brian Lara, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle) who scored two triple centuries in the test matches, is a legend in itself. The man from Jamaica built his legacy through grit and determination and went on to achieve some of the greatest records in cricket.
Through his book, Chris told his story with utmost honesty, and he didn't shy away from calling 'a spade a spade'. A book for aspiring cricketers and cricket fans!
Through his book, Chris told his story with utmost honesty, and he didn't shy away from calling 'a spade a spade'. A book for aspiring cricketers and cricket fans!
October 4, 2018
The book reflects the personality of Gayle. It was a fun read. While a lot of the local parts were alien to an Indian like me, I liked the parts where he has spoken about where and how he grew up. The struggles and how he blasted through them are very inspiring.
The cricketing battles have been described in a typical West Indian manner. I wish he had spoke a little more about the awesome players he has played with.
But all in all a good read for a cricket buff.
The cricketing battles have been described in a typical West Indian manner. I wish he had spoke a little more about the awesome players he has played with.
But all in all a good read for a cricket buff.
October 30, 2019
Interesting stories. I liked the way how every chapter is based on particular innings. Gayle goes on to describe them. Many stories from West Indian domestic cricket are shared which is refreshing to read. The only annoying part is the writer inserting Gayle's attitude and his accent in the book. At one point, the ego is too much to digest and made me stop reading the book.
April 14, 2020
A great, easy and informative read of Gayle’s upbringing and the hardships he had to endure throughout his journey to becoming “Universe Boss”. His true masterclass of cricket at the top level of the game is outstanding and this autobiography brings that sense of reality and excellency within you. A MUST read for any cricket fans out there!
February 1, 2022
Agreed Gayle is an excellent cricketer, but this book is an endless insufferable blowing of his own trumpet and him defending himself in all the scandals he was part of.
Surprisingly there were a few leadership lessons to be learnt from his captaincy days, but everything else is a cringe fest. That's 4 hours of my life plus this two minutes of writing review that I will never get back.
Surprisingly there were a few leadership lessons to be learnt from his captaincy days, but everything else is a cringe fest. That's 4 hours of my life plus this two minutes of writing review that I will never get back.
August 13, 2018
I usually don’t write reviews. But here I have to. A typical aggressive Caribbean with lot of arrogance and openness. A lot of things were repeated multiple times. The book missed out a flow of events. It was like here and there and no specific timeline as usually see in other biographies.
October 22, 2018
I loved Chris Gayle since childhood. His charm, his hard-hitting ability but never knew the hardships he went through. This books opens up his childhood journey, his love for cricket since childhood and many. Give it a go if you love cricket. You will enjoy it.
May 31, 2017
Wow what a book!
July 31, 2017
although I love his cricket I found this a very hard read as Gayle keeps on talking about himself and how good he is. Found this very difficult to read and got boring after a while
October 29, 2019
World Boss nothing more can be said
October 8, 2016
In India, you cannot shut out cricket from your life whether you wish to watch it or not. I believe something similar would be true in Jamaica. From where comes the fierce hitting batsman, Chris Gayle. If you would have watched even a little bit of cricket in the past decade, then Gayle's name would not have skipped your attention. A big personality, a bigger hitter of the ball, and a match-winner. And flamboyant too.
Gayle's autobiography Six Machine takes us through his early life in Jamaica where he lived more on the ground close to his home than his home itself; his days in the local teams; his debut for West Indies; his journey in ODIs and Test Cricket; his dominance in the T20 format; his critics; his partying lifestyle and more. Gayle speaks with a Jamaican flamboyance that carries its own charm. He speaks openly and honestly, as his love for the game comes out quite evidently. More than enough number of times though Gayle talks about his life's 'mantras' which he puts into his cricket, and it starts to become repetitive, starts to sound like a "self help" book. Gayle's boasts about himself also get annoying later in the book, though that is the way he approaches life, the way he lives life. Maybe if someone had written his life's story as a biography, there could have been more cricketing incidents shared, and the flow of the book could have been improved upon. But it would have missed the big heart of Gayle, which gives the book its special flavour...
Gayle's autobiography Six Machine takes us through his early life in Jamaica where he lived more on the ground close to his home than his home itself; his days in the local teams; his debut for West Indies; his journey in ODIs and Test Cricket; his dominance in the T20 format; his critics; his partying lifestyle and more. Gayle speaks with a Jamaican flamboyance that carries its own charm. He speaks openly and honestly, as his love for the game comes out quite evidently. More than enough number of times though Gayle talks about his life's 'mantras' which he puts into his cricket, and it starts to become repetitive, starts to sound like a "self help" book. Gayle's boasts about himself also get annoying later in the book, though that is the way he approaches life, the way he lives life. Maybe if someone had written his life's story as a biography, there could have been more cricketing incidents shared, and the flow of the book could have been improved upon. But it would have missed the big heart of Gayle, which gives the book its special flavour...
August 7, 2016
This autobiography that was co-written by a sports journalist is an explanation to the world why the author is, the way he is.
I found it to have several great quotes on the authors views on leadership, teamwork and friendship.
It describes, in graphic detail, the joys and trials of living in Rollington Town, Kingston 2.
It describes the triumphs of playing the game of cricket through the ranks, learning at the hands of teachers, teammates and foes.
I found it to have several great quotes on the authors views on leadership, teamwork and friendship.
It describes, in graphic detail, the joys and trials of living in Rollington Town, Kingston 2.
It describes the triumphs of playing the game of cricket through the ranks, learning at the hands of teachers, teammates and foes.
July 16, 2016
Loved it! Christopher Henry Gayle is the height of idiosyncrasy. The man loves to party hard while being very good at his game. The man hates to run but has played some long and memorable innings in Tests. He is the World Boss. Moreover, the book is not narrated in a chronological order of the events in Gayle's life which brings a new wave of freshness. Some of the stories are really hilarious especially The "Gunther" story of Andre Nel.
July 12, 2016
The best parts are when he talks about cricket and his growing up years; his performances alone cement him as one of the great modern entertainers. You can safely skip the parts where he muses about leadership, life and matters philosophical. Especially annoying are the quotes, apparently spelt in the Caribbean manner of speaking.
June 27, 2016
Allows you to get inside the minds of one of the most entertaining cricketers of this generation. Unconventionally written..But that's what Chris Gayle is.. Unconventional yet effective!
August 19, 2016
Nice reading though at times patchy. sometimes from here at times from there. The tough life of Chris inspires a lot.
July 18, 2016
Shares details of Gayle's career but is very focused on the influence of the area he grew up in. Also - expected a more denser read but this hinged on being repetitive in parts.
July 31, 2016
Get anything or not, you will realize Gayle is obsessed with himself.
August 4, 2016
An awesome read. Unlike any of the autobiographies that I have ever read. Straight from the gut. Need to have the nerves to say it all and be proud of it!!
August 14, 2016
Brilliant read
Was a brilliant read and was feeling that we know him now, looking forward to his next one, so happy for you sir Chris
Was a brilliant read and was feeling that we know him now, looking forward to his next one, so happy for you sir Chris
November 6, 2025
Chris Gayle is a confident character who's hunger and determination was of the highest level.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews