Well written and well narrated

Having been on the end of a similar situation in the work place, being bullied and treated differently due to sexual orientation, not race, I know how Eni felt. When people in positions of authority lie it’s virtually impossible to get your own story believed. I wish this book had been available to me then, it would have been a great help. There’s nothing worse than feeling as though everyone is against you.
Well done for bringing it out in the open

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5 people found this helpful

Great book

Very insightful and open account of an amazing career and story. This book can be used as a source of inspiration for a lot of young people

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I got so much more than I expected

If the intention here is to write your story and share your journey in a way that unapologetically tells the truth, this is a real triumph. I am not a football fan. I bought this book because of a promotional interview where I felt the author was being questioned in quite a biased way about her experience with the Football Association and the author's responses piqued my interest. As soon as she started telling her story about her upbringing in Birmingham I knew I was going to enjoy the book. Although I'm not a fan of the game I thoroughly relished her telling of the football moments that conveyed her love of the game: highs and lows. I am left in no doubt there are insights that come from having enough humanity to understand the impact of micro-aggressions, alongside the subtleties and smiling face of inequality and bias. I found her honesty about her faith and life lessons, refreshing and inspiring. Her fortitude and achievements are astounding. I am wholeheartedly recommending this book. Truth is a tree that offers welcome shade to the glare of scrutiny. Those who don't benefit from the truth can be seen vainly attempting to cut it down. It does, and will always continue to, bear fruit, each, new, season. Thank you for being undeterred in your life and giving me your story. I will use it as a gift to inspire and empower myself and everyone I know.

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1 person found this helpful

Intelligent and thoughtful autobiography

I've been following women's football in preference to the Premiership since about 2010, and have watched the game go from strength to strength. Eni Aluko is one of the intermediate generation, who grew up loving the game but never expected to make a living at it.

From the Guardian: Now she has written a memoir. They Don’t Teach This is a fascinating examination of her multiple identities – British and Nigerian, a girl in a boy’s world, footballer and academic, a kid from an estate with upper-middle-class parents, a God-fearing rebel. But the book is at its best when she reveals exactly what happened after she accused the England management team of racism, and the Football Association of turning a blind eye to it. Aluko does not hold back – and few people from the football establishment emerge with their reputation intact.

Aluko's analysis and self-awareness make this a great listen, getting her story in her own words and voice. For me as a fan (and human being!), the most disappointing aspect is the lack of support Aluko received from her white team-mates in the England squad. I can't look at the captain and senior players in the same light now. Oh for a English Megan Rapinoe.

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A Story of Adversity, but ultimately success

A fantastic read, one of many lows, but also one of many highs.
Eni is very open and honest, which makes for a superb read and listen.
The fact that she reads it herself only adds to the powerful words.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to know what really went on during those headline grabbing moments, but also to get a more rounded and a accurate portrayal of her life and career so far.

I loved hearing about the little stories about her World Cup punditry duties, both good and not do good.

Overall a very good read/listen.

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3 people found this helpful

Inspiring and empowering!

This is a great book and read! i have the audio version and the hard copy! I enjoy books narrated by the author but nothing beats the feel of he pages of a good book too!

Im personally not into football but its written in a way one would have a clear understanding, tbh its not a book about football its about a womens life experience thus far and the woman happens to be a football player, its inspiring and empowering. I think its shame its getting such negative reviews that highlight the reviewers issues with her openly discussing race. It begs the question, do these people have an issue with her race and/or her success?

With such petty comments its clear the negative reviews are only in reference to defending a matter that they did not witness (assuming they are hardcore football fans). Granted there are 2 sides to every story, she discusses a small part of HER story people that want to know more or disagree can seek further knowledge not shame a person for their truth. Its not new information that people of ethnic minority have in one way or another experience racism in sports im not sporty and i know that, lets not be ignorant to the fact.

In my opinion, Its definately worth the buy and read im highly motivated by this book, you wont be disappointed.

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Eye opening

This is more than just an autobiography, but the story of how one woman stands up against a whole organisation to defend herself. I found it inspirational and eye opening. I particularly liked the message of “embracing the colon” (all the many aspects of your life).

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Inspiring

Really inspiring story from the beginning. It got more interesting with each chapter. It’s Difficult to hear what she went through for all those years at England but she came out the other end winning.

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Inspirational

A very inspiring book. Lessons learnt of believing in God to overcome challenges in other to achieve positive outcomes.

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What a legend!

Why are we not celebrating this woman more?? She's an absolute superstar! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learnt so much more than I expected. Such an interesting life. Well done Eniola and thank you! You're an amazing footballer, an inspirational woman of faith and so much more. Wish you even more success in all that you do.

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