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A Clear Blue Sky
An emotionally rich, moving and nuanced memoir from the Yorkshire and England wicketkeeper.
As a young boy of eight, Jonny Bairstow was dealt a cruel blow. His father David ‘Bluey’ Bairstow, the combative and very popular wicketkeeper and captain of Yorkshire, took his own life at the age of forty-seven.
David left behind Jonny, Jonny’s sister Becky and half-brother Andy, and his wife Janet, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer at the time of his death. From these incredibly tough circumstances, Jonny and his family strived to find an even keel and come to terms with the loss of their father and husband.
Jonny found his way through his dedication to sport. He was a gifted and natural athlete, with potential careers ahead of him in rugby and football, but he eventually chose cricket and came to build a career that echoed his father’s, eventually reaching the pinnacle of the sport and breaking the record for most Test runs in a year by a wicketkeeper.
Written with multiple-award-winning writer Duncan Hamilton, this is an incredible story of triumph over adversity and a memoir with far-reaching lessons about determination and the will to overcome.
As a young boy of eight, Jonny Bairstow was dealt a cruel blow. His father David ‘Bluey’ Bairstow, the combative and very popular wicketkeeper and captain of Yorkshire, took his own life at the age of forty-seven.
David left behind Jonny, Jonny’s sister Becky and half-brother Andy, and his wife Janet, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer at the time of his death. From these incredibly tough circumstances, Jonny and his family strived to find an even keel and come to terms with the loss of their father and husband.
Jonny found his way through his dedication to sport. He was a gifted and natural athlete, with potential careers ahead of him in rugby and football, but he eventually chose cricket and came to build a career that echoed his father’s, eventually reaching the pinnacle of the sport and breaking the record for most Test runs in a year by a wicketkeeper.
Written with multiple-award-winning writer Duncan Hamilton, this is an incredible story of triumph over adversity and a memoir with far-reaching lessons about determination and the will to overcome.
312 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2017
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210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 6, 2018
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy for an open and honest review
A very heartfelt book about the career of jonny bairstow but also looking back at events of his father David the former wicketkeeper of England and Yorkshire who tragically died young when he committed suicide and how the family pulled together.
I like how the book was very humble but very straight and was an easy read.
A very heartfelt book about the career of jonny bairstow but also looking back at events of his father David the former wicketkeeper of England and Yorkshire who tragically died young when he committed suicide and how the family pulled together.
I like how the book was very humble but very straight and was an easy read.
November 14, 2017
I thought Out Of A Clear Blue Sky was very good in many ways, but I did have some reservations.
The book is as much about Jonny Bairstow's dad David as it is about him, which is not only understandable, it is right and proper. It is also a fine and important account of the effect of the suicide of a parent on a child and on the rest of the family which will give insight and comfort to a lot of people. It's a tough, genuinely tragic story, recounted with emotional honesty and without any hint of self-pity or over-sentimentality. It is worth reading for this alone, bit there is also some very good stuff about David's character and influence on his son as well as a pretty decent account of Jonny's own progression in cricket.
If you're looking for big revelations about England cricket players or managers, you'll be disappointed. Personally I wasn't; I thought Jonny's assessments of his fellow players was fair and although he is possibly generous at times I like that he refuses to give salacious or damaging accounts of people but concentrates largely on his own game and attitude to it. He is honest about many things – like the catastrophic 2013-14 Ashes tour, for example, but doesn't use it to dish dirt or settle scores which makes it a good, very engrossing read.
My only real problem with the book is the prose style, which can be pretty hard to take at times. The book is ghostwritten by Duncan Hamilton, who is obviously doing a decent job of recounting what Jonny has given him, but the voice is miles away from what I imagine Jonny's own words might be. For example, Ian Bell at one point is described thus: "He'd sometime hold the final position of a shot, as though posing for a sculptor who was about to start chipping away at some vast block of stone," and Andrew Flintoff's arm around Brett Lee's shoulders was apparently "an act of Corinthian compassion." And so on. Combined with some pretty stale clichés and contrived similes scattered throughout, it made for slightly tough going some of the time.
Nonetheless, what emerges is a good, honest book which has important things to say. Jonny Bairstow is a man I'd want in any cricket team; I'm glad to have him on my bookshelves, too. Recommended.
The book is as much about Jonny Bairstow's dad David as it is about him, which is not only understandable, it is right and proper. It is also a fine and important account of the effect of the suicide of a parent on a child and on the rest of the family which will give insight and comfort to a lot of people. It's a tough, genuinely tragic story, recounted with emotional honesty and without any hint of self-pity or over-sentimentality. It is worth reading for this alone, bit there is also some very good stuff about David's character and influence on his son as well as a pretty decent account of Jonny's own progression in cricket.
If you're looking for big revelations about England cricket players or managers, you'll be disappointed. Personally I wasn't; I thought Jonny's assessments of his fellow players was fair and although he is possibly generous at times I like that he refuses to give salacious or damaging accounts of people but concentrates largely on his own game and attitude to it. He is honest about many things – like the catastrophic 2013-14 Ashes tour, for example, but doesn't use it to dish dirt or settle scores which makes it a good, very engrossing read.
My only real problem with the book is the prose style, which can be pretty hard to take at times. The book is ghostwritten by Duncan Hamilton, who is obviously doing a decent job of recounting what Jonny has given him, but the voice is miles away from what I imagine Jonny's own words might be. For example, Ian Bell at one point is described thus: "He'd sometime hold the final position of a shot, as though posing for a sculptor who was about to start chipping away at some vast block of stone," and Andrew Flintoff's arm around Brett Lee's shoulders was apparently "an act of Corinthian compassion." And so on. Combined with some pretty stale clichés and contrived similes scattered throughout, it made for slightly tough going some of the time.
Nonetheless, what emerges is a good, honest book which has important things to say. Jonny Bairstow is a man I'd want in any cricket team; I'm glad to have him on my bookshelves, too. Recommended.
January 30, 2023
Very clear
Occasionally I am really moved by a book. This is one of those occasions.
I have always loved watching both Bairstows playing their beloved cricket. A picture of David leaping down stairs outside Bradford Grammar School, having finished a GCE exam at an early hour, before playing for Yorkshire, always springs to my mind. In recent years we have all thrilled at Jonny’s exploits, and recognise in both of them an intense respect for the game.
This book encapsulates a desire to do well in all things, a wish to support all those they love, and a desire to please those who have made their journey possible. It is quite a remarkable book, a little self-indulgent at times, but eminently readable. There is a great deal in here that reveals much about David Bairstow, and how much Jonny would have loved to have Dad witness the son’s successes. That should not detract from Jonny’s development and achievements, but helps to explain why Jonny is so driven.
Written in 2017, another five years has elapsed with some remarkable successes for Johnny. I hope to read the ensuing volume.
Occasionally I am really moved by a book. This is one of those occasions.
I have always loved watching both Bairstows playing their beloved cricket. A picture of David leaping down stairs outside Bradford Grammar School, having finished a GCE exam at an early hour, before playing for Yorkshire, always springs to my mind. In recent years we have all thrilled at Jonny’s exploits, and recognise in both of them an intense respect for the game.
This book encapsulates a desire to do well in all things, a wish to support all those they love, and a desire to please those who have made their journey possible. It is quite a remarkable book, a little self-indulgent at times, but eminently readable. There is a great deal in here that reveals much about David Bairstow, and how much Jonny would have loved to have Dad witness the son’s successes. That should not detract from Jonny’s development and achievements, but helps to explain why Jonny is so driven.
Written in 2017, another five years has elapsed with some remarkable successes for Johnny. I hope to read the ensuing volume.
September 25, 2023
3.5 stars. I didn’t know much about Bairstow before this, and the recommendation came from a cricket-mad acquaintance. He does an admirable job of telling his own cricketing story and intertwining it with the sad story of his father. In a way, it is his father’s biography too, Jonny proudly telling of his dad’s career and tales throughout. A good balance of on field and off, which I find perfect in cricket books. The length of time taken to read this book is not a judgement of it, rather a complete lack of reading time on my front.
December 7, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Although I enjoyed this it left me disappointed as this is more about his Father and his career than himself.
Not what I was expecting.
Although I enjoyed this it left me disappointed as this is more about his Father and his career than himself.
Not what I was expecting.
November 3, 2017
Normally when I read a biography or memoir, I dip in and out, couple chapters at a time whilst also reading something fictional. This one however I started and read straight through in pretty much just one sitting. It was that readable, that compelling, that emotional. Now, I am a big fan of cricket and read a lot of this and other sport's biographies but this book is just so much more than the usual "look at me, see how successful I am" kind of book, full of stats and anecdotes that just get a bit dry and samey as you go on. Believe me, I've read my fair share of that kind of bio! No, this one is more of a journey through good times and bad and how Bairstow has taken what was thrown at him and battled his way through. Obviously, what happened in his past has made him who he is today; the death of his father being somewhat of a key point in his timeline, sadly coming at the same time as his mum's serious illness. Parallels are drawn between father and son; both on and off the field. I found the way he compared and contrasted the way cricket was played and run during both his and his father's times; including some very interesting politics. The rest of the book is more a tribute to the people who got him where he is today, his mum and sister to name the main players here and he downplays his own part quite admirably at times although his courage and tenacity screams out from between the lines.
I have already mentioned how readable this book was for me. At times whilst reading, it almost read itself to me, so easy the "voice" was. I laughed with him, I cried with him as I hung on every word. I even felt proud for him at times. It's like he says in the book, people like him, his father and other sportsmen/women touch so many people's lives personally without ever meeting them and I guess I felt this way about him after finishing this book.
Anecdotes can be strange things to portray, especially in print; most of them coming across as more like "you really had to be there" to be funny but the ones in this book were delivered perfectly. If I ever get the chance to actually hear him speak in person, I'll be straight in there, front row.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I have already mentioned how readable this book was for me. At times whilst reading, it almost read itself to me, so easy the "voice" was. I laughed with him, I cried with him as I hung on every word. I even felt proud for him at times. It's like he says in the book, people like him, his father and other sportsmen/women touch so many people's lives personally without ever meeting them and I guess I felt this way about him after finishing this book.
Anecdotes can be strange things to portray, especially in print; most of them coming across as more like "you really had to be there" to be funny but the ones in this book were delivered perfectly. If I ever get the chance to actually hear him speak in person, I'll be straight in there, front row.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 4, 2017
'A Clear Blue Sky' will probably be one of my favourite non fiction books. Written about one of my biggest heroes and favourite cricketers, it tells the story of the hardships and hope woven into Jonny Bairstow's personal story. I'll warn you in advance, this beautiful book is a real tear jerker and I finished it wanting to wrap Jonny in the biggest bear hug and never let him go. He was always an inspiration to me on the pitch and now his is off it as well. His character shines through the pages of this book and I defy anyone to read this and be able not to find some strong sense of hope and honesty that pervades through every page.
I'm so glad I got to be able to read this, not only because I'm someone who myself suffers with mental illness and the strength of the Bairstow family has awed and inspired me, but also because it has made me so proud of my favourite cricketer. I can't wait to watch him and his career continue to shine, safe in the knowledge that he is 100% as hard working, genuine and lovely as he seems. Congratulations Jonny, I wish you all the luck and positivity in the world- you deserve it.
I'm so glad I got to be able to read this, not only because I'm someone who myself suffers with mental illness and the strength of the Bairstow family has awed and inspired me, but also because it has made me so proud of my favourite cricketer. I can't wait to watch him and his career continue to shine, safe in the knowledge that he is 100% as hard working, genuine and lovely as he seems. Congratulations Jonny, I wish you all the luck and positivity in the world- you deserve it.
January 8, 2020
I'm old enough to have fond memories of watching David Bairstow play and to have followed Jonny's career since he first broke into the Yorkshire team. I also recall how the terrible early death of Bluey the elder struck home at the time. It took me a long time to get around to reading this book, though I knew it would be superbly crafted because of Duncan Hamilton's guiding hand, but I'm glad I now have. It is an honest and uplifting story, so much more than the chronicle of one man's rise to becoming a top-class international cricketer because of how Jonny had to overcome the pain of losing his father at such a young age. It must be so tough to deal with the suicide of a parent anyway but to deal with that and to follow your father into the same high-profile profession and do so with such conspicuous success speaks volumes for the strength of this young man. Jonny tells his story not to draw sympathy but to encourage understanding and you are left with nothing but admiration for him and in no doubt of the love for his father which has driven him through his career. Truly inspirational.
June 12, 2018
On the face of it, this is yet another cricketer's autobiography - but to label this book so would be doing it a grave injustice.
Anyone who knows that WG Grace's brother wasn't the managing partner in a department store where people were asked if they were being served whilst Molly Sugden talked about her cat will know the tragic back story to current England cricketer Jonny Bairstow's life. And if you don't know the back story, then this book will still stand alone.
You don't need to know cricket to appreciate this book. In fact, cricket is only really a peripheral feature of it. In reality, this is a world class sportsman's attempt to make some sense of the completely tragic circumstances in which he grew up as a result of his father's suicide.
And despite the rather gloomy premise on which it's based, this is a life affirming story, full of positivity in the face of one of the most horrible things a human being can be faced with. It's a captivating read whether you're interested in sport a lot, or not even remotely.
Anyone who knows that WG Grace's brother wasn't the managing partner in a department store where people were asked if they were being served whilst Molly Sugden talked about her cat will know the tragic back story to current England cricketer Jonny Bairstow's life. And if you don't know the back story, then this book will still stand alone.
You don't need to know cricket to appreciate this book. In fact, cricket is only really a peripheral feature of it. In reality, this is a world class sportsman's attempt to make some sense of the completely tragic circumstances in which he grew up as a result of his father's suicide.
And despite the rather gloomy premise on which it's based, this is a life affirming story, full of positivity in the face of one of the most horrible things a human being can be faced with. It's a captivating read whether you're interested in sport a lot, or not even remotely.
March 23, 2018
I received a copy of this book generously from net galley.co.uk and Harper Collins
I am a big cricket fan and enjoyed this book, although anyone who is looking for a book detailing purely Johnny Bairstow's cricketing exploits may prefer to look somewhere else. This book is essentially two stories the story of Johnny's cricketing career but also the story of how his dad, also a cricketer committed suicide when Johnny was a young boy and the effect that had on the family.
In short this book is a great read but in some senses falls between two stools in that it won't fully satisfy those who want the inside track of dressing room politics, career highlights and funny stories that an autobiography can be. However it will not also fully satisfy those who want to know exactly the minutiae of how a young boy deals with the death of his father.
In saying that I would recommend reading it to any sports fan and even those who aren't but are looking for a good human interest story.
I am a big cricket fan and enjoyed this book, although anyone who is looking for a book detailing purely Johnny Bairstow's cricketing exploits may prefer to look somewhere else. This book is essentially two stories the story of Johnny's cricketing career but also the story of how his dad, also a cricketer committed suicide when Johnny was a young boy and the effect that had on the family.
In short this book is a great read but in some senses falls between two stools in that it won't fully satisfy those who want the inside track of dressing room politics, career highlights and funny stories that an autobiography can be. However it will not also fully satisfy those who want to know exactly the minutiae of how a young boy deals with the death of his father.
In saying that I would recommend reading it to any sports fan and even those who aren't but are looking for a good human interest story.
July 17, 2018
One of the most interesting aspects of reading an autobiography is that you find out which parts of the author's life and career they choose to delve into. Bairstow's book brings three strands together: his dad's life and career, his own career, and the history of Yorkshire cricket. For those interested in Bairstow, this book is absolutely worth reading to understand the impact how the loss of his father has had on him (as a person and a cricketer).
However, the narrative sometimes lurches between each of its three strands in a way which feels like a panorama picture that hasn't quite been stitched together properly. There are moments where the book is painting a picture of a moment in Jonny's career, and then draws a parallel to a similar instance in his dad's career, and then dives down the rabbit hole of the experiences of other Yorkshire greats.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it.
However, the narrative sometimes lurches between each of its three strands in a way which feels like a panorama picture that hasn't quite been stitched together properly. There are moments where the book is painting a picture of a moment in Jonny's career, and then draws a parallel to a similar instance in his dad's career, and then dives down the rabbit hole of the experiences of other Yorkshire greats.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it.
September 29, 2021
For me this book is a bit like how I view YJB, I wanted to like it, as in I really wanted to like it, but it nevertheless was frustrating in places. So I could have done with less reinforcement of the Yorkshire stereotype (rudeness isn't a virtue) and less exalting of YCCC (in-fighting isn't a virtue). On the plus side I've lived long enough to have seen both father and son play so the text spanning the two eras was always going to work for me.
I was as shocked and saddened as the next casual cricket watcher at the manner of David's passing. It is these parts of the book where the co-authors excessive over-writing grates the most, but you can see through this and grasp how harrowing this was for the family.
Definitely better than the average cricket auto-biography.
I was as shocked and saddened as the next casual cricket watcher at the manner of David's passing. It is these parts of the book where the co-authors excessive over-writing grates the most, but you can see through this and grasp how harrowing this was for the family.
Definitely better than the average cricket auto-biography.
August 15, 2023
I didn't know that
I suppose its inevitable that reading a life story you discover things you didn't know,after all that's the point really. The Johnny Barstow storey however is much more than that. Its a revealing insight to a background that you simply couldn't make up. Yes there are the cricket facts the memorable innings the unforgettable stumping the statistics that are the background of cricket. There is however another life story which in itself much more worthwhile. There is also the constant references made to Yorkshire. Its cricket its character its influence its people and places that also make this such a memorable book. But then I am a Yorkshire man also born and bred.
I suppose its inevitable that reading a life story you discover things you didn't know,after all that's the point really. The Johnny Barstow storey however is much more than that. Its a revealing insight to a background that you simply couldn't make up. Yes there are the cricket facts the memorable innings the unforgettable stumping the statistics that are the background of cricket. There is however another life story which in itself much more worthwhile. There is also the constant references made to Yorkshire. Its cricket its character its influence its people and places that also make this such a memorable book. But then I am a Yorkshire man also born and bred.
October 14, 2022
Deeply personal and deeply sensitive, not qualities often associated with the memoirs of a top international sportsman. Jonny Bairstow digs deep into his emotions and shares a heartwarming account of his life to date against the agonising backdrop of the untimely death of his father. That he can share so openly about his family and pay such a tribute to his dad is totally refreshing and emotionally uplifting. That he has risen to yet greater heights since this book was written gives further testimony to the power of emotional intelligence and of knowing and understanding how the past shapes you for the challenges of the future. This is right up there with the great sports bios.
December 8, 2017
While it is an entertaining read, I felt the book was heavily ghost-written by the esteemable Duncan Hamilton in regards to the history of Yorkshire CCC. Plus it is grating to see a cricketer like Bairstow with maybe 10 years of a professional career still to come write a book so early. The second volume might be better, plus before an Ashes tour
http://nexttotheaisle.blogspot.co.uk/...
http://nexttotheaisle.blogspot.co.uk/...
June 12, 2019
A clear Blue Sky is a brilliant, witty and enthralling read Although a personal friend of Jonny's it has given me a real insight into his life story over the years, as it was 'laid' out warts and all! This story is of ups and downs and real mental fortitude. It is a must for all cricket lovers and sports fans in general. This is a story of great determination and of how Jonny turned his career around in the face of heartache and pain to become a shining light in the world of cricket.
June 25, 2020
Touching and sensitive.
Considered, thoughtful and showing a sensitive understanding of the issues surrounding his father's death, this book surprised and touched me. In it Jonny says that he hopes that others going through the same grieving process are helped by it. I think that they will. There are plenty of cricket stories for fans but this is much more than a collection of sporting anecdotes.
Considered, thoughtful and showing a sensitive understanding of the issues surrounding his father's death, this book surprised and touched me. In it Jonny says that he hopes that others going through the same grieving process are helped by it. I think that they will. There are plenty of cricket stories for fans but this is much more than a collection of sporting anecdotes.
September 15, 2022
This was a breezy read about not-so-breezy circumstances that Jonny Bairstow grew up in. Cricket is just a backdrop. The book is more about mental health, coping with the loss of a loved one, the burden of expectation and how a closely knit family can help deal with all this.
The book also has interesting anecdotes from the ground. I loved the one with Jonny fielding at short leg against Sachin Tendulkar and remembering how this batsman also played with his father.
The book also has interesting anecdotes from the ground. I loved the one with Jonny fielding at short leg against Sachin Tendulkar and remembering how this batsman also played with his father.
November 12, 2017
Being an avid supporter of Yorkshire C.C.C. and a great fan of Jonny Bairstow I found this book very interesting, but also extremely sad. I fear that the tragedy of David Bairstow's death is still deeply affecting Jonny and that it always will. I sincerely hope that the rest of his life will be full of happiness and that he will continue to be successful in his cricketing career.
November 26, 2018
Didn't really enjoy this one, his life has been defined by the traumatic loss of his father and the book is based around this, in my opinion this should've been dealt with in the first few chapters then the rest of the book about the following years but we are somehow taken back to his father throughout the book and that became a bit tiresome for me.
November 9, 2019
I love cricket but not normally a fan of this type of book, but won it at a cricket presentation night raffle. Actually, is a moving tribute from Johnny to his father David. The ghost writing of Duncan Hamilton is at times over wraught and flowery but the message of what Jonnys dad means to him comes through. Not great literature but a fine read for cricket lovers.
February 6, 2020
I read this at one sitting and was both enlightened and harrowed by the depth of feeling shown around his father's death and life and the way it was portrayed with such, I guess, Yorkshire grit. If you are looking for insights in to England cricket this may not be for you unless you wish to get a feeling of how being immersed in cricket or any sport can lead to a loss once it is removed.
Read
February 21, 2020An incredibly moving story of a young boy who loses his father very young and goes on to fulfill his father's every dream (in the same profession). Even if you have no knowledge of cricket, you'll still be moved by the heartbreaking circumstances, the uplifting struggle, the inspiring redemption and the glorious prose all that is framed in.
June 28, 2022
Has to be one of the best autobiographies I’ve read. Like me he adored and misses his Dad. So many of my own feelings come back to me when reading this.
I didn’t have to go through the very same experience as Jonny Bairstow but the anguish is every bit as real.
His tribute to his Mum and Sister are from his heart.
Read it ! You won’t be disappointed.
I didn’t have to go through the very same experience as Jonny Bairstow but the anguish is every bit as real.
His tribute to his Mum and Sister are from his heart.
Read it ! You won’t be disappointed.
February 19, 2023
Jonny Bairstow is an inspiration for aspiring sportsmen and women. He is a gentleman on and off the field. Well respected by fans and players across the world. A Clear Blue Sky might be Jonny's memoir, but it's more of his dad's story. Yorkshire's story. An emotional tale of his life till 2017. I'm sure the next part will have more about the CWC2019, IPL, and BazBall.
September 1, 2023
I enjoyed Jonny's autobiography and tribute to his late dad David.
Often books written halfway through a career are just an attempt to cash in on the momentary fame of the moment. They're usually very weak and disappointing.
Not the case with this one. It feels like an exercise in catharsis. A moving and very honest read.
Often books written halfway through a career are just an attempt to cash in on the momentary fame of the moment. They're usually very weak and disappointing.
Not the case with this one. It feels like an exercise in catharsis. A moving and very honest read.
July 27, 2019
For a sporting autobiography of someone not yet in middle age this is quite impressive. Whether that is Bairstow or his ghost is difficult to say. Obviously, given the family background, this includes some poignant revelations.
January 10, 2020
As a fan of Jonny's I found this to be an interesting and emotional, but heartwarming read. Lovely to know more about him, his dad and the rest of his family, as well as his journey through cricket to where he is now.
November 22, 2021
Although this is a book about Jonny Bairstow it predominantly revolves around the life of his father, David.
But more than that it is the story of a mother's love and defiance, to keep moving forward for her children.
But more than that it is the story of a mother's love and defiance, to keep moving forward for her children.
October 11, 2023
Amazing story told of a brilliant cricketer. Dipping in and out between personal life and cricket life, and how each influenced the other made it a fun read. Perfect for cricket lovers and book worms equally
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews