But Seriously

But Seriously is tennis legend John McEnroe's second memoir, picking up where his first autobiography left off to chronicle his life after retiring from professional tennis. The book covers his broadcasting career, art dealing ventures, and ongoing involvement in the tennis world. McEnroe reflects on aging and family life while sharing stories from his interactions with celebrities, athletes, and notable figures across multiple decades. His experiences transitioning from player to commentator form a central narrative thread, along with his efforts to remain relevant in a changing sports landscape. He provides behind-the-scenes glimpses into major tennis tournaments and media events, along with his perspective on the evolution of the sport. The memoir includes McEnroe's takes on contemporary players and his views on how tennis has transformed since his competitive days. The book explores themes of identity, personal growth, and the challenge of finding purpose after leaving behind a successful athletic career. Through McEnroe's characteristically direct voice, it examines how a person's public persona both shapes and conflicts with their private self.

Readers found this memoir less engaging than McEnroe's first book "You Cannot Be Serious." Many noted it meanders through topics without a clear narrative focus. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes tennis commentary and analysis - Candid discussion of his art collecting - Insights into his current life and family relationships Common criticisms: - Repetitive stories from his previous book - Disorganized structure jumping between timeframes - Too much focus on defending past behavior - Lack of new revelations One reader noted: "He spends more time justifying his outbursts than sharing meaningful reflections." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (287 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (126 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.3/5 (12 ratings) Several reviewers suggested reading his first memoir instead, with one stating: "This feels like deleted scenes that didn't make the cut for 'You Cannot Be Serious.'"

Open by Andre Agassi This autobiography reveals the internal struggles and complex relationship with tennis through the career of another legendary player who dominated the same era as McEnroe.

You Cannot Be Serious by Jimmy Connors The memoirs of McEnroe's greatest rival provide insight into the competitive tennis scene of the 1970s and 1980s through matches, controversies, and personal demons.

A Champion's Mind by Pete Sampras The story tracks the evolution of professional tennis through the career experiences of a seven-time Wimbledon champion who inherited the mantle of American tennis from McEnroe.

Rod Laver: An Autobiography by Rod Laver The life story of the tennis icon chronicles the transition from amateur to professional tennis and establishes the foundation for the modern game McEnroe inherited.

The Master by Christopher Clarey This biography of Roger Federer connects the evolution of modern tennis from McEnroe's era through the present day through the career of another transformative player.

🎾 After retiring from professional tennis, John McEnroe became a highly successful art collector and dealer, which he discusses extensively in "But Seriously." 🎾 The book reveals McEnroe's lesser-known career as a musician - he played guitar in his own rock band called "The Johnny Smyth Band" during the 1990s. 🎾 While writing about his broadcasting career, McEnroe admits he initially turned down the role of tennis commentator multiple times before becoming one of the sport's most recognized voices. 🎾 Published in 2017, twenty-five years after his first memoir "You Cannot Be Serious," this book focuses on McEnroe's post-tennis life rather than his playing career. 🎾 McEnroe discusses his friendship with Keith Richards in the book, revealing how the Rolling Stones guitarist helped him navigate fame and its aftermath.