First of all, let me start out by saying that this book isn’t just about me. I know that’s probably not what you’re expecting, and some of you might even be thinking that I’ve had one too many knocks on the head during my AFL career, but I truly mean it. This book is written for you and about you.
You might think of me as a confident, strong leader who can communicate well and someone who has lived his ultimate dream. But I have not always been the person you kow today. My evolution as a person, of which I am proud, has been the result of a culmination of life experiences, events, failures, connections, mistakes, lessons, love and heartbreak – it is an ongoing process.
Brett Kirk, former Sydney Swans player and captain has written this ‘Brave Heart’ with his wife, author Hayley S. Kirk. It is the story of his life, his club, his career. It is also a book about life, with support and strategy for taking charge of your own life and making it what you want it to be. ‘Brave Heart’ is divided into chapters. It begins with his country childhood and ends with looking forward to the future. In between there are chapters on self-discipline, perseverance, spirit and communication emotion, as well as many more. Each chapter delves a bit further into his life including on- and off-field challenges and then introduces strategies for achieving life goals. There are quotes from others and excerpts from Brett’s journal. There are photos throughout, both on- and off-field.
Brave Heart is a book to read from cover to cover. It’s also a book to dip into at times of need. Brett and Hayley Kirk have produced a very readable and informative book. Brett has modelled his life lessons on lessons he has encountered, making it both intensely personal and universal. Young football players will benefit from Brett’s experience, but anyone, sportsperson or not, can discover strategies for living a worthwhile life, and achieving personal goals. Young boys, particularly Swans fans will lap up the game and locker room stories and photos. Recommended for secondary readers, particularly Swans fans.
Brave Heart: Lessons Learnt from Life, Brett & Hayley S. Kirk Allen & Unwin 2012 ISBN: 9781742753256
review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author