False start! Bolt's book no record-breaker, but not bad overall

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you plan to purchase a copy of Usain Bolt's auto biography My Story: Being the World's Fastest Man.

First, Bolt is of course an athlete, not a writer, so don't expect his autobiography to read like a Charles Dickens classic. It doesn't, and is, in certain sections, very dull and tiresome. United Kingdom sports writer Shaun Custis was brought in to help write the book, but it seems this didn't help much.

Also, because of the worldwide fascination with the sprinter and the extensive media attention he receives, much of the content of the book is already common knowledge, especially among Jamaicans. We know about his rise from a humble home in Sherwood Content, Jamaica. We know about his love of a good party, his fascination with sports cars and his close ties with family and friends he has had since childhood. There really is nothing new in the book. Nothing, that is, which hasn't already been widely publicised.

That aside, My Story boasts some fantastic pictures of the Jamaican sprint phenom at his home and during training. Bolt-nuts will be more than pleased with the shots of the sprinter who, as is well known, loves the camera.

Few contributions

There are a few essays from family, former teachers and friends, who talk about the Usain they know, and how they feel about his rise to stardom. Nothing particularly memorable there either, but it is a nice touch. Bolt is, after all, still very young, so it's not surprising that his autobiography would not need some padding, his near- mythical talent notwithstanding.

So even though the writing could have been much better, the thousands across the world who love and obsess over Bolt will still find some satisfaction in the pages of this book. His spot to shine though, remains on the track.