The First Half

by Gabby Logan

When I sat down to write this book, I was really not keen on the idea of writing a biography that charted my life in a regular, linear fashion. Largely because I thought that nobody would be interested in how well I did in my maths GCSE ( C ) or what my first dog was called (Sadie). But looking back over my life I realise we are all a product of the things that happen to us along the way, even the most fleeting of conversations with a stranger, and by gathering my turning points and life-changing moments together, I have found a way of telling the story of my life - a story of family, love, loss, determination, devastating lows and the highest of highs.Whether it's presenting the Olympics, dancing on Strictly or chatting to guests on her hugely popular podcast, Gabby Logan has been a much-loved broadcaster and a fixture in our lives for over 25 years.In this, her first ever book, Gabby takes us through the story of her life through the turning points and important events that have led her to where she is today. Just how did the little girl who lay in bed pondering the big questions like Why do I matter? Why was I born? end up as a woman who dropped her physics GCSE at the first chance and now talks on telly for a living?Gabby talks candidly about the highs, lows, loves and losses she's experienced. Whether it's the heart-breaking early death of her brother, her father's alcoholism, navigating sexism at work or the time she almost became the Rose of Tralee by accident, The First Half is an entertaining, absorbing, inspirational memoir which will make you laugh and cry.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography

368 pages, Spiral-bound

Published October 13, 2022

Reviews

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest, especially about family and career, with a strong narrative voice that doesn't appear ghosted (and I don't think it is). Has an ideal audience in mind and will impress them greatly.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read. Great insight into not only Gabby's broadcasting career but her early life. An interesting read and a well written book.

[Chris Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reposted from CB Book Reviews on Instagram:

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The First Half by Gabby Logan
354 Pages
Gabby Logan - The blonde lady who presents Sport on the BBC.
I’ll be honest, before reading this book that’s probably all I could tell you about Gabby Logan. I think I had heard a rumour that she had been a gymnast, but I couldn’t have told you what her specialism/apparatus was. As a result, I’m not really sure what compelled me to buy her book in the first place; but somehow when I heard she was writing an autobiography it caught my interest, and I’m glad it did.

Recently I’ve read a few autobiographies that I felt have been a little so-so, an insight into people’s lives but perhaps not everything that I hoped they would be, or I’ve not quite connected with in a way I had expected to.

I have flown through this book in less than a week (which is never a bad sign!), I feel it is well written, save a few chapters and snippets it is largely chronological, it’s entertaining with Gabby allowing her personality to come through, and in places it is emotional. All of this has made it an enjoyable read as a result of being easy to connect with, as well as insightful and informative; I have really enjoyed learning more about the backstory of “that lady from the telly”. With it I have also discovered her Podcast - The Midpoint, which I will be dipping into whenever she interviews someone of interest.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[Liz Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book and the first chapter was hard to read but it affected the rest of her life and the narrative of the book . Quite an exhausting read as Gabby takes life at 100 mph from rather an early age . By the age of 50 she has achieved more than most by sheer grit . I thought this book would appeal to men mostly with all the sport , but I it's a book for women and our potential for achievements. I certainly have sympathy for the chapters on pregnancy and when she gave birth to the twins . I know exactly how she felt but good on her for getting through it .

[Malcolm Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!
Gabby tells it as it is; she has had a successful & eventful life & career.

She tells of family life & coming to terms with the death of her brother aged 15; this as you can imagine affects the rest of her life and that of her family.

She also tells the highs & some lows, of being a woman sports presenter.

A very enjoyable read & I hope there will be a "second half".

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Half
Gabby Logan

One classy lady!
An honest heartfelt story about her life so far. I had a little tear at the end.
Listened on audible- it was well read, articulate and well presented as well as being an interesting story of her “First Half”
This is an absolute fabulous book. One of the best autobiographies I have read ( listened too) in a long time!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby Logan's The First Half is an absolute gem, particularly in audiobook format. Narrated by Gabby herself, this memoir feels like a warm and candid conversation with one of the most inspiring and accomplished figures in sports media. Her engaging narration breathes life into her journey, from her early days as a competitive gymnast to her meteoric rise in a male-dominated industry, where she has become a trailblazer for women in broadcasting.
Gabby’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. She has not only broken barriers in her field but also redefined what it means to be a resilient, ambitious, and authentic role model. What makes her story so special is the way she shares it - with humility, humour, and an openness that draws you in. She doesn’t shy away from the challenges she’s faced, offering honest reflections on family, ambition, and navigating setbacks, while always maintaining her trademark wit and positivity.
Her recollections of the heart-breaking loss of her brother, her father’s struggles with alcoholism, and the sexism she encountered in her career are deeply moving. Yet, these moments are balanced with joyful anecdotes, fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life, and inspiring insights that showcase her incredible strength and determination.
Listening to Gabby tell her own story makes it even more personal and powerful. Her passion for her work, her commitment to breaking boundaries, and her ability to connect with others shine through in every chapter. The First Half isn’t just a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and hard work. Gabby’s story is a celebration of what it means to embrace life’s challenges, learn from them, and come out stronger.
I was completely absorbed from start to finish and came away feeling inspired, uplifted, and full of admiration for everything Gabby has accomplished. This is a must-listen for fans of Gabby Logan, sports lovers, or anyone looking for a motivating, heartfelt story. Highly, highly recommended!

[Sophie Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could relate to lots in this book as Gabby is a couple of years older than me and spent many years in Leeds. Her accounts of dealing with grief after her brother’s death and the Bradford City fire were powerful. The stories of times in the Irish Club and the Rose of Tralee competition were funny. Then she makes her mark in a men’s world of sport. Interesting and inspiring.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great autobiography - well-written and thought that each chapter and ‘life event’ was meaningful and key to Gabby’s ‘first half.

Particularly great if you have anything in common with Gabby and can relate to and understand some of what she’s experienced!

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardcover is 351 pages

[Fiona Dewar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and entertaining autobiography.

[Janet farrow1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Enjoyed it .

[Karl Wardlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and interesting exploration of her life. She doesn't hold back at the same time.

[Gwenno Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!!

[Zoë Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved learning about Gabbys life and that every person has difficulties in life to navigate.

[Tash Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the second half.

[Vicki Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, I am bit obsessed with Gabby Logan. I absolutely adore her and hoovered up this memoir in a couple of days.

Compelling, heartfelt and at times, very amusing, 💯 would recommend!