Racket Boy – An autobiography by Philip George

RACKET BOY

A Philip George Autobiography

Toughened by an Indian father and a Chinese coach in rugged Malaya, lifted by a messiah-like Englishman, a sports-mad, globe-trotting solicitor navigates parochial middle England to somehow reach the shore.

Author Biography

Philip George lives in a rugged mountain village close to the Apuane mountains, in Garfagnana, Tuscany. A sportsman who at 18 left his country of birth, Malaysia, to make something of himself in England for over four decades, before happily retiring to Italy, he indeed has stories aplenty.
Long before his successful career as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Philip tried his hand at many jobs in Lancaster and Morecambe, namely, a process worker in a linoleum factory, a psychiatric nurse in two mental hospitals, a banker, a stevedore at the Heysham Port, book-keeper in a betting shop and cashier in a gambling den.

‘Fit only for climbing coconut trees’
The indelible mockery invented by my father because I was badminton mad and useless (he said) at all else, stuck with me through school in Malaya. It travelled with me on an Aeroflot to England in 1970, aged 18 with 20 pounds in pocket functioning on adrenaline, dreaming of meeting John Lennon. It stuck through my navigation of parochial middle England – washing backsides in a mental hospital, law practice, sports, travels …

The game isn’t quite over. I’m now a spectator in the hills of Tuscany, more than just fit to be climbing coconut trees …

My Co-Writer

A third-generation Malaysian, Geetha K was born in the coastal town of Port Dickson and raised in KL’s fringes. An educator for two decades, she began as a language teacher in the private sector rising to the position of department head. She then moved her commitment to her other passion of writing, which led to her foray into the media business. To date, she writes and edits for independent media outlets, mainly on social and lifestyle issues.

She has successfully concluded a niche masterclass in memoir writing in London, conducted by a leading English daily and university. Her first novel, The Seat, by Fixi Novo, was published in 2020 in Malaysia. Her second book Racket Boy – Where’s My Country, an autobiography co-authored with Philip George, was published in the UK and is now available worldwide.
 
The author may be contacted at: geethakwrites@gmail.com, or Instagram @ geethakwrites and Linkedin @ Geetha K

Reviews

Amazon

Soumya S.
Soumya S.
2024-06-29
LOVED IT Racket Boy – Where Is My Country? by Philip George with Geetha K is a memoir which follows Philip's life's journey.Philip's journey from his strict father taunting him to finally having found peace in the hills of Tuscany is one marvelous tale of all things that make life worth living. The plot follows six decades of Philip's life. Every experience that has been narrated in the story gives you an insight on Philip's character and adds depth to the same.I love how the book doesn't try to show off the story, rather puts it just as simply as they can. The writing is just splendid and you'll absolutely love it if you read the book. At parts I felt that it could have picked up the pace a bit, but otherwise a very good read.
Vaishnavi
Vaishnavi
2024-06-28
A memoir to be read " Racket boy " by Geetha .k is a memoir about Philip George and his yatra of a clueless immigrant . A memoir is always my go to read book as stories were very inspiring yet page turner . This book was his first bio graphy with detailed and deep writing style made worthy reading .Story starts with his beginnings from first step in malaysia ti italian village . His story was inspiration to all readers . His success story taught me " if there is a will - there is a way " . He also attended many sports tournaments , 3 world-cups , Olympics and many more . Now he was working as a member of CAS headquarters in Switzerland .My favourite chapter was " OUT OF REACH " and " BUILT ON DREAMS " . A memoir to be read also unputdownable. I just loved reading it .
Ravi Recommendations
Ravi Recommendations
2024-06-24
Adventurous A Racket-Wielding Search for Belonging: A Review of "Racket Boy"Philip George's memoir, "Racket Boy: Where's My Country?" is a globe-trotting adventure that delves deeper than just travel. Nicknamed "Racket Boy" for his badminton obsession, George embarks on a life journey shaped by his multicultural upbringing in Malaysia.The book follows him from his early years to navigating unfamiliar territories - England, India, and beyond. Through badminton, he finds solace and competition, but the constant search for a place to call home defines his narrative.George's writing is honest and engaging, offering vivid descriptions of his encounters with diverse cultures and challenges. Readers are drawn into his struggles with identity, racism, and belonging. "Racket Boy" is a compelling coming-of-age story that transcends borders, reminding us that home can be more than just a place.
ANAND S.
ANAND S.
2024-06-22
Good read Basically memoir means a story of one’s personal life & experiences. This book has a unique way of making us feel the way George felt in his life. It’s a moving reminder that there’s always way forward, despite how overwhelming life’s obstacles may seem.This memoir includes life of Philip George , an enthusiastic sports person who got toughened by his Indian born father & how his life changed with all the twist & turns. It’s a journey from Malaysia to India to discover his identity.Why I like this book …This book loudly & clearly encourage readers to believe in themselves.This story surely encourages you to pursue your own goals despite of all the obstacles in life.This story written like a travelogue & I love to read travelogues so it’s a lovely experience to read this book.Authors writing style is very engaging & philosophical. It takes readers to a world of diverse experiences & challenges.
Mia
Mia
2024-06-22
Motivational Book This is a great book. Well organized and easy to get through .It's very motivating and helps to to identify what you want. It also tells you how to think about what you want and get it done eventhough you've no support from your parents and all. I found this helpful, positive & with some valuable life tips, alongside snippets of Philip's life, his career & his achievements. Overall a goodread, if you're feeling a bit down or need something to motivate yourself, you can pick this book for sure.He travelled and stayed in so many places, Very motivational book. One of those that is meant to be listened to whenever you need a good kick in the pants to move your life forward.Childhood stories and some personal beliefs add colour to this simplistic yet at times rather inspiring book. Not a book that you should rush to get off the shelves. The book is quite informative, long, moving at a pace that allows readers to think and never felt like reading it though, it's like watching a movie.
chinmayee sahu
chinmayee sahu
2024-06-22
Memoir This is one of the most inspiring memoir I came across this year.A life well lived taking up each challenge one at a time and coming out more stronger is what Philip 's life is. Being born in one country, living in a different country, making a career in another country, trying out different profession in different countries. Oh that's such a varied experience. Well you need to have strong adaptability genes to survive. Well that's what Philip is.In this book Philip not only unravels his rise and fall but has encapsulated the nature, the people and the places and everything is weaved beautifully to make it a story.Reading this book is totally a different experience as it will take you on a journey least expected, totally unpredictable. The writer is quite capable of immersing the reader in the story.Are you someone who is hopeless just because your present scenario is not in sync with your dreams or you are in adverse situation. This book will inspire you to navigate your life smoothly.Grab this book, it says everything is possible even if you think you are away from your dreams.
Manisha
Manisha
2024-06-21
A great story of perseverance and determination Racket boy by author Philip George is a memoir coauthored with Geetha K. The book tells about the inspirational story of Philip George and his struggles in life before becoming a successful badminton player and attaining a happy retirement. Story also tells about the childhood stories. George left his country Malysia when he was 18 to make something big for himself. He also stayed in England for over 4 decades. He is now a member of court of arbitration of sports (CAS) headquartered in Switzerland and is settled in tranquility of Tuscany. Philip played international-level badminton and county-level squash , ran twenty-five international marathons and cycled extensively in England and Vietnam . The thing I liked about the book is, it seems to me like travelling in time with Philip and understanding the determination and struggles he faced in the way of attaining fulfilment. The book is more likely to be loved by a person who loves sports as compared to a normal reader. This seems to be a great inspirational book for the readers.Talking about the book, the language is smooth and easy to understand. The book is lengthy but is gripping. At few points it becomes bit lazy but suddenly it will grip you into reading zone. Characters and the story telling is really amazing. Overall a worth read for anyone.
Rivannah
Rivannah
2024-06-21
Inspiring memoir This book is an inspirational and motivational encapsulation of a journey that showcases how inspite of grave problems true spirit and zeal can help us in achieving triumph. This book is a memoir by and of Philip George also co-authored by Geetha K showcasing his journey from his roots in Malaysia to becoming a member of Court of Arbitration of Sports along with many other achievements amidst all adversaries like being ordered by the British Government to leave England to being mugged in Barcelona.This story very much empowers the readers one that gives us the strength and motivation to fight no matter how difficult life turns out to be. This book is an eye-opener for me as it also made me feel how privileged I am and how inspite of that I lose hope and give up easily but this story channels a spirit of gratitude and hope that we can achieve what we want if we have the right motivation and determination.
Sunita kanwar
Sunita kanwar
2024-06-21
Good one Racket boy is an amazing book by author philip george.The storyline is amazing and the characters are well. the tittle of the book is perfect. The book is rich and diverse containing a mosaic of vivid varying experiences of Philip's life. the book stands out for its sheer specificity of details conciseness and excellent recounting of events chronologically. This further aids in the overall comprehension process, thereby making it easier for readers to put things in the right context. This book beautifully expresses the spirit of people and the joy of embracing life's twists and turns. The book balances between the highs of his career triumphs and the lows of his personal battles, keeping the reader invested in his journey. The book narrates the incidents of his life, capturing his emotions and how each encounter influenced his thought process and lifestyle. This book teaches the reader about the super power of human to overcome every hardship no matter how impossible it seems. It discusses the importance of hope and self trust in one's life.
mieraj
mieraj
2024-06-21
Interesting How would you like a book that talks about personal growth and resilience, that encourages a reader to pursue their dreams and anyone in general to seek inspiration in their own life's journey?Philip’s story, in 'Racket Boy' is an inspiring read as it walks a reader through how he turned his passion into a life filled with multiple diverse experiences, from practicing law in England to having adventures in various cities.The book also gives a deeper picture of his struggles, beginning from his humble beginnings in Malaysia to eventually settling down in an Italian Village, and highlights the importance of challenging stereotypes and having faith in one's dreams and beliefs.Interestingly, the name "Racket Boy" was given to him by his father, solely out of his love for badminton.

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