Honesty levels in autobiographies

I have a plethora of sport autobiographies at home.

Every Christmas, for years, someone would buy me the latest athlete’s memoirs.

I read so many I noticed a pattern.

Each year I would start the book with eager anticipation and end it disappointed.

The main reason being – I wanted to hear the insider details, the stuff that happens behind closed doors, the risque banter between players or the mischief that went on during a tour away.

Instead I read a load of repetitive statements that didn’t add much to my experience of the past.

“We won that game but I was annoyed at getting subbed off”

Yeah I know Johnny I saw that game, that much was obvious.

I understand why these books aren’t more honest.

These players have a reputation to uphold and they don’t want to throw anyone else under the bus.

But I think my disappointment stems from a very human craving for honesty.

I reckon nobody wants to listen to a bunch of Yes Men all agreeing with the boss in unison.

I think everyone would prefer to hear the unfiltered unhindered honest opinions expressed in an exit interview.