Break Point by Ollie Ollerton

by Ollie Ollerton

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Break Point by Ollie


THE No. 1 BESTSELLER OLLIE OLLERTON CO-HOSTS WHO DARES WINS ALONGSIDE ANT MIDDLETON, JASON FOX and MARK BILLINGHAM. THIS IS HIS INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY Where is your break point? Is it here? Facing the gruelling SAS selection process on one leg, with a busted ankle and the finish line nowhere in sight? Or here? Under heavy fire from armed kidnappers while protecting journalists en route to Baghdad. Or is it here? At the bottom of a bottle, with a family in pieces, unable to adapt to a civilian lifestyle, yearning for a warzone? Ex-Special Forces soldier and star of TV's Who Dares Wins, Ollie Ollerton has faced many break points in his life and now he tells us the vital lessons he has learnt. His incredible story features hardened criminals, high-speed car chases, counter-terrorism and humanitarian heroics - freeing children from a trafficking ring in Thailand. Ollie has faced break points in his personal life too, surviving a freak childhood attack, run-ins with the law as a teenager rebelling against a broken home, his self-destructive battles with alcohol and drug addiction, and his struggles with anxiety and depression. His final redemption as an entrepreneur and mental health charity ambassador has seen him overcome adversity to build a new and better life. 'Everyone has the capacity for incredible achievement, because it's only when it's crunch time, when you're down to your last bullet - when you're at break point - that you find out who you really are.'

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, War, Audiobook, Autobiography, Military Fiction, Memoir

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Alex Devero · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book shares some good stories from life and service of Ollie Ollerton. There are some useful lessons one can learn from. Unfortunately, there is very little information about the actual SAS training. Or, in the case of Ollie, rather SBS training. This might be a good read for people interesting in SAS: Who Dares Wins TV show. I would not recommend it for readers interested in SAS special forces, their training, etc. This book will not tell you much about these topics.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ollie was not the child you wanted as a next door neighbour. Tough and strong after being introduced to physical labour by his tough father, he started to rebel against authority at school, where he was failing because it didn't interest him. A desire to join the military didn't stop him getting involved in theft, housebreaking, arson and other criminal behaviour which eventually landed him in a remand home for a spell. He had no thought for the trauma he was causing to other people or his family, but kept pushing boundaries as far as he could until he was finally stopped.

He is brutally honest about who he was and what he did, and tells a shocking tale of how his life spiralled out of control after being attacked by an enraged adult chimp at the circus, an event that shaped his life, and how his father walking out finally removed the last obstacle of discipline that was holding his life together. Even joining the military was not the fix that he wanted. He was in awe of the Falklands veterans and wanted the excitement of going to war like them, finding that peace time in the Royal Marines was not what he was looking for. Even the chance to join the elite SBS did not satisfy him because of the amount of down time spent waiting to be called into action. After six years in SBS he decided to leave the military and seek his fortune elsewhere.

I can relate to Ollie never really finding that job that satisfied him. I was never exactly sure what I wanted to do so I drifted in and out of various jobs that never really excited me. Ollie finds the same after the military, being dragged into the typical security and protection jobs that provide the temporary highs of a military type campaign and danger, but also has the same lows. Add in the destructive personal relations he has and the ongoing battle with alcohol problems and he was in a pretty bad place for a while. The call about the TV show changes things forever and finally he finds focus and something he enjoys. The publicity for the show allows him to set up his dream job of running camps where people learn military skills to help them in their working and personal lives.

I love the TV show SAS Who Dares Wins, where ordinary people get the chance to test their skills on a shortened version of SAS selection to see if they have what it takes. I love watching them do the physical challenges and then struggle with the mental side of the challenges and the environment they are in. I particularly enjoy the jungle one! I also liked getting an insight to the instructors including Ollie, hearing a bit about their stories. That is why I have been so interested in reading their memoirs. Naturally they cannot talk as much about missions for reasons of national security but I do like reading about the training and what they endure on the various selections for different branches of the military.

Ollie's story was fascinating. I could relate to the job issues and had sympathy for his issues but I very much admired the positive attitude that he managed to keep through all of his problems and come out the other side, gaining a new partner who shared his vision for the Break Point company, which sounds really interesting. This book had a good mix of military action, personal problems, mental health issues and I very much enjoyed reading it.

[Alistair]

I have been struggling to read of late, but I wanted to at least do a review of this book because I admire the guy, or at least the special forces. The main thing about this book is how easy it is to read. It is a 'page turner' and very conversational in tone. I really like his general attitude throughout the book, and he reminded me of several people in my own life. It's also a reminder that physical toughness isn't everything.

Contents
Prologue
1) Maverick Marine - page 9
2) Wild Child - page 23
various pictures throughout his career/life
3) Losing Battle - page 39
4) Shotgun Willy - page 51
5) So Near, So Far - page 63
6) Mummy's Boy - page 77
7) The Widest Smile - 87
8) Special, At Last - page 99
9) Rather Beautiful - page 109
10) Square Peg, Round Hole - page 121
11) Over and Out - page 135
12) Peace in War - page 147
13) The Road to Baghdad - page 159
14) Tempting Death - page 171
15) One Last Job - page 185
16) False Dawn - page 197
17) Happy Now? - page 211
18) Who Dares Wins - page 225
19) Just Like You - page 237
20) Iron Ladies - page 249
21) The Business - page 261
22) In Control - page 277
Epilogue - page 287
Acknowledgements - page 293

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I had quite prepared myself to read Ollie’s book and what I would get out of it by the end. I grabbed it for pretty cheap and wasn't expecting it to move me as much as it did. I honestly loved this book and the story it tells. Though it was written by a ghost writer it captures the gritty real truth of life as an SF solider and there is some great information about dealing with depression/PTSD.

I feel like I got to witness some of the stories told in the book and found it very grounding and I am glad that everything has turned out well for Ollie when the cards were constantly stacked against him.

[Laura Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually cannot believe how much crazy stuff happened to one person, some of the stories are 🤯

[Marta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honest, but not fully revealing particularly on the emotional side. The book follows the pattern of key life events according to the author in semi-chronological order, followed by his thoughts on those and his behaviour from the perspective of him then and now. The beginning is a bit disjointed and tedious as it follows a misguided youth and criticises all that is “normal” - people with normal jobs, normal lives in full time employment and in families is regarded as beneath Ollie’s abilities or interests. Comes across as precocious at best, self-centred and absorbed at worst. The self-criticism is present on the drinking side, but he doesn’t delve into a lot of detail about his decision to abandon his son and not see him for 6-7yrs. The introspection is at times limited and it what is lacking in this book. It is too dry at times. His thoughts on women in special forces are quite annoying - as he doesn’t think it is viable, unless all-female teams are formed. Some of the reasons he gives are quite arcane, such as - women serving alongside men pose a risk in changing and upsetting marital dynamics for male servicemen as their wives will be anxious about their husbands having affairs with their female team members (!). He hides behind chivalry being the reason why male servicemen’s ability to rationally act and think in battle may be impacted by greater concern for female team members rather than male. And similar notions. He is an avid supporter of veterans however, and is an activist raising awareness of PTSD and mental health issues for veterans, which are vital and important issues that must be raised and addressed by our society. I like his honesty in expressing his views, even if he comes across as an arrogant, self-absorbed twit at times. The book would probably get 3 stars but the audiobook made the text infinitely more enjoyable.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break Point By Ollie Overton

THIS IS HIS INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY Where is your break point? Is it here? Facing the gruelling SAS selection process on one leg, with a busted ankle and the finish line nowhere in sight? Or here? Under heavy fire from armed kidnappers while protecting journalists en route to Baghdad. Or is it here? At the bottom of a bottle, with a family in pieces, unable to adapt to a civilian lifestyle, yearning for a warzone?

Ex-Special Forces soldier and star of TV's SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ollie Ollerton has faced many break points in his life and now he tells us the vital lessons he has learnt. His incredible story features hardened criminals, high-speed car chases, counter-terrorism and humanitarian heroics - freeing children from a trafficking ring in Thailand.

Ollie has faced break points in his personal life too, surviving a freak childhood attack, run-ins with the law as a teenager rebelling against a broken home, his self-destructive battles with alcohol and drug addiction, and his struggles with anxiety and depression. His final redemption as an entrepreneur and mental health charity ambassador has seen him overcome adversity to build a new and better life.
'Everyone has the capacity for incredible achievement, because it's only when it's crunch time, when you're down to your last bullet - when you're at break point - that you find out who you really are.'

This book was a real eye opener for me, Matt Ollie Overton is one of those people that inspires people to do better, he leads by example and is a great role model, not just for people within the military but also the everyday man. 4 stars.

[Jodie Sheerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing Ollie on SAS: Who Dares Wins, I knew that I wanted to read his book. I was quite surprised about how emotional this book made me, as it was hard to read about Ollie’s struggles - however it really shows what a strong person he is, as his past has helped to shape him into the man he is today. It was obvious that from a young age Ollie struggled to find his place in the world and struggled to settle. From being a marine, to joining the special forces, to becoming a bodyguard - you really get to learn a lot about Ollie in this book and I think there’s a lot that can be learnt from him. Whether it’s his life in the military, or his personal life, there’s a lot that you could learn from him. I found it very interesting reading about what Break Point really is - it’s something that a lot of people face in their lives but are scared to pay attention to. Your Break Point doesn’t have to have a negative outcome - you just need to know how to respond to it. If you feel like you need some inspiration then I highly recommend this book. Ollie’s story is very inspirational but hard to read at times - as there’s a lot of scary truths in his writing, and a side to military life that you don’t often get to see. I thoroughly enjoyed Ollie’s book, I felt a lot of emotions whilst reading it and I’m definitely looking forward to reading and learning more from him.

[Cole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting but ultimately quite shallow book.

Good to learn about Ollie's life but there wasn't much about training, mindset or the military in here in any depth.

His idea of the Break Point is good though and it will be worth trying to notice these events in my life.

His writing on intention and visualisation is good too, something I haven't really paid much attention to but I will from now on.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read autobiographical accounts, but this really appealed to me. I think that was because I had watched Celebrity: SAS who dares wins.
That said, it’s s great narrative. It’s an extremely well written account about, and I am glad that I have read it as it’s made me think about things in different ways. It challenges stereotypes which is very good.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite like the way this book makes you think, particularly the way it humanises special forces soldiers. There's not much action or catastrophe in this book like there is in many of the others; there is certainly no sob story. What there is is an honest and open admission that sometimes we get things wrong and need to do something about it.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read that is written by one of the SAS Who Dares Wins DS.

Whilst it was well written and gives a good behind the scenes look at what made Olly tick, felt one or two chapters were a little over written.

[Megan Jermy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not really one for autobiography’s but i just couldn’t put this book down! He totally grips you from page one, i can’t wait to read his next book already

[Dawn Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truthful account of the difficulties one can face trying to be satisfied in life.

[Redfox5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of military accounts but I have enjoyed a few of them. I also really like autobiographies written by people I don't really know. But unfortunately wasn't wowed by this. I didn't warm to Ollie until the final couple of chapters so I was only reading it in very short bursts. This wasn't for me but don't let that put you off reading it.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this and found it quite humble .

[Ryan Cawsey-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ollie Ollerton paints a raw picture of his life so far and the importance of finding your niche.

[Harry Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. A captivating read with great lessons for life. However felt at times the timelines were skewed and it went off on a tangent. Overall a really good read.

[Zoe Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read that feels very candid. I enjoy reading about people's lives and experiences which shape who they are or who they become. This book is no different. I'd highly recommend it.

[Matt Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest look at the authors chaotic life growing up, throughout his military career and after leaving the SBS all whilst conducting a relentless search for his purpose in life. A really easy and enjoyable read throughout!

[Ben G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up from a bookshop in Whitby and am more intrigued to read an autobiography of someone who is closer to my own age from the recent cohort of 'Special Forces Celebrities'.

Suprisingly, Ollerton points out that he had a reasonably priviledged upbringing (if you count attending public school as a priviledge), that lacked paternal affection, that maybe resulted in him being a 'wild child'.

This is very much an autobiography of a man's journey to becoming and knowing who he was (and is) meant to be. It certainly isn't incidental that he joined the RM and then SBS, but this is only one component of Ollie. There are hair raising incidents in Iraq and Northern Ireland, but equally tough times in civilian life. Admittedly his civilian escapades are not life jeopardising (well at least not from others), but tough none the less.

His creativity and empathetic nature are being realised now in his business ventures.

[Gareth Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is basically the life story of Mathew Ollie ollerton
Star of the sas who dares wins tv show.
From a troubled childhood and a life changing encounter with a chimpanzee to sbs special forces soldier and much more. It is also a very personal struggle of how he found his true calling.
There are many books of this sort that seek to glorify war and while Ollie has gained valuable skills during his military experience he also does not shy away from the negative aspect off military life and how ultimately it failed to give him the satisfaction he had been searching for.
I really enjoyed this book told with great honesty.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished reading another of the SAS DS books and I thought this might be a bit samey, however it was nothing like it.

A lot of the bits about non conforming, always asking questions, taking risks and following your own path really resonated with me and it’s made me think about applying some of this into my work and personal life.

Another great account of life in the military, I’ll enjoy watching the next series of the show even more now I have some knowledge behind it.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. I have enjoyed a lot of Ant Middleton’s so went into this hopeful for the same.

There are some great points to take from this. All of the things we feel can be negative in life can change the way we do things for the positive.

There was a slight feeling towards the end, especially chapter 21 that it was becoming a little bit of a sales push for his company. In reality though if you can’t publicise your own company, in your own book then where can you do it!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly authentic account of Matthew ‘Ollie’ Ollerton’s life as a child, in the marines, then in the special forces and beyond. Very authentic and honest and funny in parts too. He has a great writing voice, almost as if he’s in the room talking to you. Would definitely recommend. It wasn’t quite as powerful emotionally as Foxy’s book, but then their stories are completely different.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this biography. Open, honest, funny, brutal - very eye opening.

If you ever wanted to know what life is like in the military then i'd recommend reading this.

Some useful advice on everyday life as well. Readers can take a lot from this book.

[Jacqueline Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which includes stories from some of my favourite places, Newquay, Dubai & Thailand.
But my brain is asking, how can someone who lead such a crazy life, had so many jobs and done many things wrong... actually be so strong and make so much sense. Inspiring.

[Christopher Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid story (biography) about a man turned SBS soldier. I enjoyed reading it, so why not?

[Alan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t even finish it. I thought it was dreadful.

[Cliff Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trauma and neglect of a child will have long term effects which will last a lifetime for the adult. The author describes being attacked by a chimpanzee as a child and nearly losing his arm to gangrene after his father cared more about meeting female celebrates than he did about getting proper medical care for his son. How the same father also saw his young son as a labour commodity that could be used to drive his business. Then the same father left and abandoned the family in poverty.
Little doubt Ollie Ollerton grew up affected by all this and turned into a teenage criminal. Then later he searched for some stability by joining the Royal Marines and dreaming about being a war hero from his vision of the Falklands War.
Little did he know that on his first night as a Royal Marine recruit one of the older Marines would jump on his bed while he was asleep and head butt him until his nose broke, just for 'a laugh'. Little did he know he would soon be drinking piss and shit from a Marine's shared pub container or stripping naked in a pub group on the call of 'get naked', again, just for a laugh.
But although a dream was smashed with disillusionment, he was driven to try even harder. He had something inside which was 'unbreakable' he thought, and he managed to become a member of the SBS.
He got a great thrill from being daring, able to go into situations where he was likely to be killed, but overcoming the fear with adrenaline.
But part of the pay-off was a reliance on alcohol. Partly due to group pressure and partly due to the psychological disruption of being in a war zone situation many times and the knowledge that he had taken human lives.
His story up to this point is shocking although extremely interesting. But where does the book have value? The book has merit because it shows what a determined mind can achieve and how having been finally broken, in effect in a practical way caused entirely by his own actions, he switched his focus to develop himself in a new way that could heal him. In doing so he became a much happier person and also somebody that was able to switch his focus away from himself and to turn his heart to help others.
There are some very good lessons in the journey here about human nature. Looking closely at people who pretend to be friends but never ask the simple question 'how are you?', or how fear and jealously drives others to naturally try to put you down when you are seen to be doing well, or even trying hard to be successful. It's not you who is their focal point, it is themselves. Simple, but so very true.
On finding a purpose before life finds a purpose for you that you will likely not be comfortable with.
A good section on Ego and how it can be demonstrated as the gap between who we think we are and who we actually are. A section on the modern ills of social media and how popularity here can sometimes be compared to being wealthy in Monopoly money.
But that fundamentally many of our outcomes will be mostly driven by the equation of the ability to suffer short term discomfort to achieve longer term goals. This is a key Stoic lesson which repeats over and over in the narrative and can be applied almost to any situation. That and the fact that focussing on and giving selflessly to others ends up giving back to us much more powerfully than we could have any chance of creating in any other way.
Great book, exciting read, fundamental lessons through captivating real world examples. Give it a go!