Behind the White Ball - Jimmy White

Jimmy White has achieved something wonderful in his life; he has managed to be perceived as both an expert at a rather boring sport, and a wild, gangster-like character. Now don't get me wrong - I love snooker, but it's a game of waistcoats and dickie bows, and yet here's a pic of a guy sparking up a rollie on the front cover. Known for his crazy antics, 'behind the white' tells the tale of his drinking, gambling, violence and run ins with the law, along with his snooker story. I read this book when I was going through a real spate of reading snooker autobiographies. I'd just read Ronnie O Sullivan's (great) and Alex Higgins' (terrible) and then ...  Read the complete review

With a name like little Jimmy White in deepest South London, mum is going to expect trouble and woe. And that is exactly what happened. And once the snooker club was in hand, it was the weapon for the genius to make money and chaos. The book starts with a tale of woe from Ireland involving his best mate partner in crime Alex Higgins and most of thew Irish Garda.Its also written in short and concise chapters that keep you flowing through a very enjoyable read. Growing up in London’s snooker halls, he would hide under the tables to escape the law and teachers as he dodged class and worse. Under the baize he became hypnotized by the sounds and sights of ...  Read the complete review