But Seriously

by John McEnroe
But Seriously cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 9856
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780316324878
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2017-06-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In But Seriously, John McEnroe offers a richly personal account of his life after tennis, blending anecdotes and reflections with his signature razor-sharp opinions. From playing guitar with the Rolling Stones to confronting former rivals and navigating the complexities of family life, McEnroe's story is a wild ride filled with humor, insight, and unexpected emotional depth. /n/n McEnroe doesn't hold back, discussing his struggles to reinvent himself and his candid views on the modern game, its top players, and the world of 21st-century sport and celebrity. This memoir is not just a sports book; it's a deeply human story that captures the essence of one of the most iconic figures in tennis history.

Reviews
World of Books · 2018-06-14
excellent 4.50

The book is described as brilliantly funny and surprisingly touching, capturing McEnroe's unique personality. It is praised as the sports book of the year.

World of Books offers a glowing review of John McEnroe's memoir, describing it as brilliantly funny and surprisingly touching. The reviewer appreciates how the book captures McEnroe's unique personality and offers a rich blend of anecdotes and reflections. The book is praised for its honesty and humor, making it a standout in the sports biography genre. The reviewer concludes that it is the sports book of the year, highlighting its engaging and entertaining qualities.

Quick quotes

    This is the sports book of the year: brilliantly funny, surprisingly touching, and 100% McEnroe.

The Guardian · 2017-07-04
mixed 3.00

The memoir is marked by rehashed glories and celebrity anecdotes, offering a mix of engaging and repetitive content. The book's strength lies in its candid reflections on McEnroe's personal life and career.

The Guardian's review highlights that John McEnroe's second memoir is a blend of rehashed glories and celebrity anecdotes. While some parts may feel repetitive, the book shines when McEnroe delves into his personal life and career. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and vulnerability in his reflections, particularly about his late father and his son Kevin. However, the book's pacing and focus on tennis matches can make it feel dull at times. Overall, it's a mixed bag but worth reading for McEnroe's candid insights.

Quick quotes

    John McEnroe's 'difficult' second memoir is marked by rehashed glories and celebrity anecdotes.

    The most tender and vulnerable moments in the book arrive when McEnroe writes about not being appreciative enough of his late father.

    Even the title of this, his second and thoroughly engaging memoir, has to nod to his outrages in the face of dodgy line calls and po-faced umpires.

Goodreads · 2016-09-01
positive 4.00

The book is enjoyable for tennis fans and McEnroe enthusiasts, offering honest and engaging insights. The reviewer found it very enjoyable and appreciated McEnroe's candor.

A Goodreads reviewer shares their enthusiasm for John McEnroe's memoir, particularly as a tennis fan and McEnroe enthusiast. They found the book very enjoyable and appreciated McEnroe's honesty and willingness to share personal experiences. The reviewer highlights that the book is a rich source of insights into McEnroe's life and career, making it a compelling read for those interested in sports biographies. The positive sentiment is clear, with the reviewer enjoying the book thoroughly.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoy this book. I am a Tennis fan, and a John McEnroe fan.

    I think he was honest, he shared a great deal, it was very enjoyable.

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