Book review: Australian Book Industry Awards winner about an Aussie girl from Ipswich
I started My Dream Time: A memoir of tennis and teamwork by Ash Barty AO during the middle of an Aussie summer when the Australian Open was being played.
It certainly was a fitting time to read this story by the 2022 Australian Open champ, which charts her tennis story from age 5 when she picked up a racquet in Queensland.
Notably the HarperCollins life story nabbed the Australian Book Industry Awards 2023 Biography Book of the Year and has been a huge bestseller.
So keep reading to discover more about this First Nations’ Australian, her memorable story plus what it can teach us for our own creating…
What My Dream Time is about
My Dream Time starts with Barty growing up in suburban Ipswich with her parents and two older sisters.
Once she tries tennis she loves smashing balls and is soon training every day of the week at home against a wall or at the nearby tennis centre.
Next she is travelling the country and world as a youngster and teen playing for bigger and bigger stakes.
However, as the years role by Barty burns out and quits only to make an ‘accidental’ return as an adult with more confidence and focus.
“Obviously, it’s nice when you’re having success, but this isn’t going to last forever. There are going to be rough times as well, but you’ve just got to ride those.”
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What stands out about this sports memoir
My Dream Time has many interesting highlights for readers.
For example, how Barty’s comeback secret was building a strong, trusted team around her – especially engaging a mindset coach.
Also, learning about the intricacies of tennis: shots, balls, coaching, preparation and comps.
Finally, finding out about her Aboriginal heritage and connection to the Ngarigo people.
“My heritage is really important to me. I’ve always had that olive complexion and the squished nose, and I just think it’s important to do the best I can to be a good role model.”
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Tips from My Dream Time
Pick up My Dream Time for great life-story creating tips.
Firstly it is a great example of a young person writing a memoir.
Because, yes, you don’t have to wait until you feel like you are ‘allowed’ to write one.
Furthermore, the chapters alternate like a tennis rally between two storylines, younger Ash vs adult Ash, until they merge into one.
Thirdly, I loved the liberal use of Aussie slang that adds colour and humour to the pages.
“It’s never over until we’re shaking hands at the net. Then you’ve either won or you’ve lost, and – either way – you look them in the eye and say, ‘Well played, mate’.”
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Final say: My Dream Time
My Dream Time: A memoir of tennis and teamwork by Ash Barty is a fair-dinkum Aussie read.
In short, it is about tennis, family, teamwork and how Barty got to be the grand-slam champ she is today.
However, settle into this life story if you want to know more about tennis, the mindset of a winner and what it takes to get there.
But hold on tight because this bestseller is as riveting as Barty’s fast-paced action on court.
Happy writing and reading!
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What’s one sport you loved playing when you grew up? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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