Let Me Be Frank

by Frank Bruno

Let Me Be Frank is the new book from one of the world’s sporting greats. In this deeply personal story, Bruno shares his battle with mental illness, his time inside a mental facility, the impact his illness has had on his family and his career—and his long road back to stability. Now ready to talk about the condition that devastated his world—Frank’s story offers his own unique perspective on living with bipolar disorder. His fears, his triumphs and the great affection he feels for the legion of fans he has to this day. His aim is to give others hope and inspiration. "Depression comes from nowhere. From the shadows. How can you defend yourself from a punch you can’t see?" —Frank Bruno

Genres: Mental Health, Biography

324 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2018

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

One-time (WBC) World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and twice beaten by Mike Tyson, Frank Bruno in his own words (written by ghost writer Nick Owens) talks about his at times very public battle with his mental health. Yet again, I found myself fascinated with an absorbing memoir by a boxer, so much for the stereotypes! Bruno manages to insert his rags to riches boxing career into this heartbreakingly honest, dare I say frank, sharing of his personal battle with his mental health. Such a fascinating read on so many levels from the insightful look at how medical professionals treat mental health patients on a 1-2-1 level through to the idea that medication is not something that will necessarily work with everyone. This book, and his work raising mental health awareness just makes Frank even more endearing than ever! 8 out of 12 Four Star read!

2022 read

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Me Be Frank is the new book by Frank Bruno one of the England's sporting greats and certainly one of the most most loved personalities. A deeply personal story where Bruno talks about his battle with mental illness, his time inside a mental facility, the impact his illness has had on his family and his career - and his long road back to stability. Frank gives an insight into his life living with his bipolar disorder.
This is a book that should be an inspiration to any reader but especially anyone suffering mental illness. This lovable man tells his story through the good and bad times and you can feel his pain in every chapter.
I was lucky enough to meet this gentle giant a long time ago where I witnessed the love people feel for him and what a truly genuine person he is. This is a man who has battled through life and deserves every success and happiness. An inspirational person.

[James Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people are talking about bipolar disorder these days.

Bipolar disorder is a serious medical condition that can cause major problems in daily life. It affects approximately 2.6 million American adults, or about 1% of the adult population.

What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a serious mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and behaviour. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression and periods of excessive mood "highs" or mania. During depressive episodes, people can feel sad, hopeless and even suicidal. In manic episodes, people experience elevated or irritable moods, grandiose thoughts about themselves or the world around them, impulsive behaviour and more. Mania often includes hyperactivity, difficulty sleeping, pressure to keep talking and racing thoughts.

I know, because I suffer from it too. Thanks Frank for being so open and giving us all a ray of hope.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 'warts-and-all' memoir telling of Frank's struggle with his mental health after having to retire from boxing and then going through divorce and, later, the death of his ever-supportive mother, let alone his betrayal by a close friend who robbed him of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, Frank's struggles with life led to him being sectioned twice - and he is brutally and shockingly honest about his treatment and his reaction to it. Frank charts his illness's impact on his friends and family as well as himself in a moving and inspirational read that pulls no punches (no pun intended) but shows anyone suffering from mental illness that there is light at the end of the tunnel in the way he turned his life around and learned to live with his illness - 9/10.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was aware that over the years that Frank Bruno had suffered with mental issues, but not to the extent which he talks about in this book. The guy has really been through hell with his illness and a lot of it seemed to stem from retiring from the sport which was his life and being unable to let it go. I’m glad he seems to have gotten the better of his bipolar and has accepted that it will never be completely gone. The book is an honest account of what he’s been through, warts and all. 3.5*

[SALLY WHITE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for sending me this book. Frank talks about his journey battling mental illness over the last few years and in particular his struggles with life and maintaining relationships with those around him. Although the book is ghost written, the narrative comes across as you would expect Frank to tell it directly. The book clearly describes the pain and anguish Frank has been through in trying to combat his demons. There is quite a bit of repletion in the book, particularly of Franks boxing career, but this highlights how difficult it has been for him to come to terms with his past against his present life without all of the glories in the ring. Everything is told from Franks perspective and we don’t really get to the effect his behaviour had on those close to him, apart from when they decide to take direct action. A brave and harrowing story of one of Britain’s best known and well loved sportsmen, which hopefully will be an inspiration and comfort to those suffering in a similar manner to Frank. By producing this book, Frank seems to have can come to terms with his past glories, enjoys his life today and looks forward to an enjoyable future life. Recommended

[Mark Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book, I have never had a lump in my throat after finishing a book, this was a first. Frank Bruno is being so honest it sometimes hurts. Even if you are not a fan of boxing, which I am not, you can’t help feeling the pain and admire the courage of what he went through. Many of us will not understand what mental health problems feels like or so we think. I suffer from very mild symptoms of anxiety and have learned to cope with this with various techniques and a brilliant wife. But for people like Frank Bruno the condition can be a long life battle for which some sadly lose. He has set up an foundation to help people https://www.thefrankbrunofoundation.c... .

[Mary Geraghty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gentleman.

I could feel the pain in Franks writing. It is so sad that in 2017 we seem no nearer to understanding mental health. What a great end though. Beautifully written. Stay strong. Enjoy your life. You so deserve it. 💟

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A extremely personal account of how a mental illness has affected such a national icon and his determination to fight this illness but most importantly to highlight mental illness issues and the lack of understanding by non sufferers. Frank is an ambassador for the cause, challenging the government and organisation to change the way in which they view and deal with the whole issues of treatments and most importantly the facilities available in the community to help people suffering as well as their careers and family obtain early intervention before symptoms escalate.

I remember seeing Frank in his early days out jogging in the early hour in the Romford area. He was alway happy and jovial and would shout a hello in his deep voice to anyone he passed. I along with colleagues at that time believed that he would become a champion but never dreamt that it would be world champion. Later, I would see him on occasions as I we about my job in Havering and on a oneoccasion had the honour to be invited in for a cup of tea to his wonderful house that also had a swimming pool. He was a very devoted father and as he stated in this book and numerous times elsewhere, he was besotted and devoted to his kids.

Good luck Frank. Please keep the fight going and bang that drum for the cause.

[Lynda Matin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent read

Very deep, every page was heart wrenching. Frank you are a legend
Well done for been so honest, if this books help just one person it will be worth it, but I’m sure it will help loads

[jean sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting reading I hope anyone reading this book that has had a mental illness can get inspiration from it to flight on and not give up hope. There’s help out there but as Frank said in the book everyone is different and we all can fight in different ways.

[Karen Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real eye opener, I had no idea he had been sectioned so many times. I’m pleased he is on the road to recovery and managing his illness.

[Rachel Shepley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book quite emotional to read at times but very inspiring

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Frank, watching him box, his soft lovely personality, and the rapport he had with Harry Carpenter. I knew he had suffered but I didn’t know how bad it was and for how long. This book tells us what it was like for Frank dealing with his mental health issues and how things have got better for him. Well done Frank !

[Alan Proudfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring, honest account of Frank Bruno’s biggest “fight” with his own mental health. Tragic and scary in parts, but certainly ends on a high with a very positive outlook. Definitely worth a read.

[Jon Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, inspiring funny, informative and often moving. A brave and open account of living with a mental health condition.

[Grant S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank Bruno's story of his battle with bi-polar disorder and life after boxing.
I can't call it an 'enjoyable' book, the subject matter mental illness and Frank's attempt's to get better are quite harrowing, but it's a life story that gripped me.
Ultimately it's uplifting, and Frank comes over like his on screen persona as a nice guy that you can't help rooting for and wishing well.
A decent read that throws a light on a very dark subject.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Frank at an event and I found him to be such a gentleman. He spoke freely with the group I was, giving us the time to have a picture with him and to sign this book for me.

It’s been on the shelf since then (2019) and I’ve finally got around to reading it.

What a book, what a journey.

If you’re looking to read about Frank’s early life and boxing journey I suggest you read his earlier book, Fighting Back.
This book is tough going and doesn’t have many high points. It’s an in-depth memoir of Frank’s battle with his mental health, describing in great detail being sectioned several times and the effects this had on him and his family’s lives.

Frank is without doubt a national treasure. The work he has done with his foundation for mental health since his illness is remarkable.

A fantastic read that is honest, heartbreaking and inspirational.

[G.J. Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began reading this book I had no idea what to expect since I could recall mostly being disappointed at the negative publicity Frank Bruno received during the days when he fell from grace, and admittedly, feeling very little sympathy for this ‘National Treasure’ who seemed to have the world at his feet but apparently blew it. However, after reading just a few pages of his honest revelations and quite upsetting treatment, both during his bipolar bouts and when being sectioned, I very quickly had to agree with his deliberately ambiguous book title! What a great line – “Let Me Be Frank”. There are many points in the book when you can see which way things are going to go for Frank if he continues to take the attitude and course of action that he intended. I had to exclaim, “No!” a couple of times and had so much sympathy for his family and close friends who seemed to Frank to be ganging up against him. But his openness, when explaining where he was coming from at the time, was just so understandable, and it made me angry with the various authorities who lacked empathy and the correct procedures needed when dealing with individuals suffering from mental illness.

The strength of character, kindness, affection and genuine respect that Frank Bruno feels for all others on this planet are inspirational. He goes out of his way not to name people with whom he has a justifiable grievance, but instead consults many others, knowledgeable in the field of such illness, in order to support and create organisations that can help fellow sufferers. You feel as though you have accompanied this remarkable man from beginning to end on his remarkable journey. Surely, there can be no better person to front the current, necessary, changes in the treatment of mental health. This is a highly recommended, inspirational, read.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly emotional and powerful - from the highest highs to the lowest lows - this pulls no punches

[Cliff Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.
Except for Frank, who is so genuine, he only plays his sincere real self. Luckily though, that true person inside is one of uncommon decency. Much can be learned from Frank and it's a heartwarming journey.
Although Frank won the WBC Heavyweight Champions belt in 1995, this being his dream since he started boxing at 16, he is almost better know just as the decent bloke 'Frank Bruno' who is famous for saying 'Know what I mean Harry'. Now 60 years old, in this book Frank opens up about the challenges he has experienced, and most of what he has to say is about mental illness, in particular being diagnosed as 'bi-polar'.
Like many successful sports superstars, boxers even more so, facing the end of a career is terribly difficult. From 2003 onwards Frank found himself committed to hospital on three occasions. Despite the dangers, the pain and anguish of the practical situation, the thing that stood out most to wound him was when the newspaper 'The Sun' printed on their front page 'Bonkers Bruno'. This really broke him, perhaps it could have been the end of his life. We can blame the tabloid editors, or we can blame the readers who lapped up the their daily dose of schadenfreude, then quickly forgot. But Frank couldn't forget.

Sport is something we can watch and judge because we get thrill of 'feeling' we are there. But the reality of fighting is something very distant from the casual observer who feels the thrill but doesn't notice the pain. For the fighter the pain continues, and in many cases leaves permanent damage.

It is a testament to Frank that he looked despair firmly in the face a number of times but he carried on fighting, just like he had fought in the ring. Not only did he overcome and learn to tame his own issues, but he made a point to use his celebrity status to pull important influencers such as senior doctors and politicians to the cause of improving mental health facilities in Britain. He also worked continuously to raise money for many different types of charity.

The world certainly needs more people like Franklyn Roy Bruno, MBE.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to review this book by Nudge books.

My recollections of Frank was in dreadful game shows late 70s and early 80s and all I could remember was the laugh - was this really what this sports personality was all about - so I was pleased to read this book.

Mental health has been given permission by the Royals and other famous people and Frank is extremely Frank about his mental illness which affected his career and loved ones. This is a so personal account of someone who suffers from bipolar disorder.

Frank suffered from retirement of his sport and struggling with the present and the great times he had in the ring. I suppose it is the latter Frank I saw when I was younger in those dreadful shows and thinking what a waste all he seemed to be able to do was be on these shows or be in pantomime.

this is incredibly emotional and it gives a whole new perspective on this man, it is no holds barred and the good thing is despite many sectioning he appears to be on the road to recovery, managing the illness and I wish him well.

this is an insightful book warts and all and I am so glad I now have a very different perspective on Frank.

Thank you to Nudge and the publishers of Mirror books that I was allowed to review this book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although not a boxing fan, I've always thought Frank Bruno seems a likeable person and as someone who has experienced mental ill health, I thought this book would be of interest. I'd say the only slight drawback is it being ghost written because I could see where the writer was adding his own sensationalist slant (there are parts where someone wouldn't really talk about themselves like that in the first person, unless, perhaps, they were a bit of a narcissist). However, it was an interesting and honest account and his character shines through all the same; the things he's been through with his illness in terms of sectioning, not always receiving the right kind of treatment/being listened to and having to endure medication that didn't seem to be at all suitable for him were horrific; I was unaware of the extent of what he had been through. It's great to see that he's reached a place where he can manage his illness and admirable that he has been using his experience to help others and push for change. National Treasure!

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Frank and he was one of the people that got me into boxing as a kid.
What I didn’t realise was all his challenges outside the ring. This book leads us mainly through his battles with mental health and the way he managed to get a grip back on life and start making positive steps in his recovery.
The book is great because it is his words and you can feel the personality come through.
I don’t know anyone that saw him box that doesn’t love Frank and I’ve no doubt every one of them hopes he goes from strength to strength.

[ANGELA JONES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional

If you want the true facts of what happened to our frank then you need to read this book. It will make you laugh & especially make you cry..It's a very emotional journey from one of our national treasures who will never be forgotten

[Andrew Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My respect for Frank will never be doused after reading this book. Although my own mental health struggles may completely pale in comparison to his, to know he has struggled and come out on top gives me confidence that I can too.

[Fabrizio Ori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very honest confession with invaluable insights about bipolar disorder and the nightmare of being sectioned. It exceeded my expectations with Bruno able to recount his 'paranoia' as well as his understanding of it. 5* reviews were quite right.

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book mainly covers the mental struggles that Frank Bruno has had . This is inspiring & interesting. Less than half the book covers his boxing matches (these are covered in earlier books) . As the title suggests this is an honest account of his life

[Aidan Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Few interesting insights about Jimmy Savile and Bruno's sectioning. Will check out his first autobiog for the boxing references.

[Lorraine Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional hard to read but so resonated with all of the symptoms and impacts on those who live with mental illness, their family members and the lack of support all round.