{"title":"John Carlin","description":"\u003cp\u003eJohn Carlin’s works invite readers into compelling narratives that blend \u003cem\u003ebiography, sports,\u003c\/em\u003e and history. His storytelling often explores iconic figures and transformative moments, providing rich insights into their lives and the broader cultural impact they embody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the stirring portrayal of Nelson Mandela’s legacy to intimate sports memoirs, Carlin’s books capture the human spirit with empathy and depth. Expect narratives that balance factual depth with engaging, accessible prose, perfect for readers drawn to real-life drama and inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rafa-my-story","title":"Rafa: My Story","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRafa: My Story\u003c\/i\u003e is a compelling autobiography of Rafael Nadal, penned with the expertise of award-winning journalist John Carlin. This riveting account provides an in-depth and intimate look into the life of one of the greatest tennis players of all time. From his early beginnings on the sun-drenched courts of Mallorca to his rise to global stardom, Nadal's journey is portrayed with remarkable transparency and heartfelt emotion. This memoir goes beyond his on-court triumphs and offers a rare glimpse into the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped him both as an athlete and as a person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith unparalleled access, readers are whisked to the heart of Nadal's career, including his unforgettable victory in the Wimbledon 2008 final, hailed by John McEnroe as \"the greatest game of tennis ever played.\" The book captures the intensity of this historic match and delves into the strategies, mental fortitude, and sheer willpower that propelled Nadal to victory. It also chronicles his incredible achievement of completing a career Grand Slam in 2010, when he conquered the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, solidifying his place among the legends of the sport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, \u003ci\u003eRafa: My Story\u003c\/i\u003e is not just a recount of matches and trophies; it deeply explores the essence of Nadal as a person. Despite his public success, Nadal is known for his humility and privacy. This book reveals the intricacies of his personal life, including his relationships with family, friends, and mentors who have been instrumental in his journey. Readers will gain insight into the values and principles that Nadal holds dear, and how they have guided him through adversities both on and off the court.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNadal's story is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and passion. His ability to remain grounded and true to himself despite his soaring fame sets him apart as a true sportsman. \u003ci\u003eRafa: My Story\u003c\/i\u003e offers an inspirational narrative that resonates with not only tennis enthusiasts but anyone who admires the spirit of perseverance and excellence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor millions of fans worldwide, \u003ci\u003eRafa: My Story\u003c\/i\u003e delivers what they have long awaited: an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of the man behind the racquet, unveiling the experiences and emotions that have shaped the champion we see today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45712773841132,"sku":"9780751547733","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780751547733.jpg?v=1725991002"},{"product_id":"playing-the-enemy-by-john-carlin-9781848876590","title":"Playing the Enemy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning in a jail cell and ending in a rugby tournament, the true story of how the most inspiring charm offensive in history brought South Africa together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter being released from prison and winning South Africa's first free election, Nelson Mandela presided over a country still deeply divided by fifty years of apartheid. His plan was ambitious if not far-fetched: use the national rugby team, the Springboks—long an embodiment of white-supremacist rule—to embody and engage a new South Africa as they prepared to host the 1995 World Cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe string of wins that followed not only defied the odds, but capped Mandela's miraculous effort to bring South Africans together again in a hard-won, enduring bond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46521602867436,"sku":"9781848876590","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7407563482846.jpg?v=1749017771"},{"product_id":"mandela-and-the-general-by-john-carlin-9780874868203","title":"Mandela and the General","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the freedom struggle end in a bloodbath? Only two men can avert it.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMandela and the General\u003c\/em\u003e brings to life the tense period leading up to the first post-apartheid elections in 1994, when Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid hero and first leader of the new South Africa, stood as an international symbol of the power of a popular movement to fight structural racism. However, this nonviolent struggle for equality and justice almost spiralled into an all-out race war that would have resulted only in 'the peace of graveyards.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the elections approached, South African blacks were poised to take power, prompting fear of reprisal among the nation's whites. White nationalist militias, boasting 50,000 well-armed former soldiers, prepared to fight to the death to defend their cause. They needed a leader to unite them: General Constand Viljoen, former chief of apartheid South Africa's military.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMandela realised he could not avert a bloodbath alone and would have to rely on his archenemy. During these historic months, Mandela and Viljoen met in secret. Trust, for them, was fragile. They faced the task of keeping their followers and radical fringe elements from resorting to violence. The future of the nation rested on the mettle of these two men.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eMandela and the General\u003c\/em\u003e, the drama of this contest and the pivotal history surrounding it are brought vividly to life in visual form. Veteran British journalist John Carlin collaborates with Catalan artist Oriol Malet to create a historically and artistically rich graphic novel, one that speaks volumes about today’s polarised politics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47463530365164,"sku":"9780874868203","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780874868203-mandela-and-the-general.jpg?v=1775034357"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/john-carlin.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}