Ben Cousins has one of the most extraordinary stories in modern Australian sport. He's perhaps the most gifted player of his generation – a former captain of the West Coast eagles, a Brownlow medallist, a premiership winner, voted the AFL's Most Valuable Player – but he's best known for what he's done off the footy field rather than on it. Ben is a self-confessed drug addict, whose drug binges would last for days and involve incredible amounts of cocaine, crack and ice. But what's really remarkable about Ben's story is that the two sides of his life – the captaincy, the premierships, the Brownlow, the accolades, and the frenzy and squalor of the drug scene were actually done at the same time, side by side.
Ben's book is an account of this double life, and what it's cost him, his family and his friends. It's also an account of his battles to beat his addiction, and his battle to keep playing football – which was his lifeline – against the entrenched opposition of a large number of people in the game. And as if the story is not extraordinary enough, what distinguishes it above all else is the approach Ben's taken to writing it. It is a work of searing emotional and factual honesty. Ben hides nothing, and the result is one of the most remarkable sporting memoirs ever published in Australia.
ben cousins autobiography
Terrific book. Also another reader who could not put this book down. After having a close friend being an ice addict, who recently passed away from a heroin overdose just before going into re-hab. He reminded me so much of my close friend and personality were extraordinarily similar and like Ben struggling with ADHD, my friend had Bi-polar.
Guest, 08/05/2011
Kasey
I thought ii was a great book, I couldn't put it down and would love to read another one on how he's is going. It was such an eye opener and a bloody fantastic book, well done Ben and all the best with your life ahead. I watched the documentary but I believe that the book was far better, it really showed Ben's true side. Our family went through something similar with one of our family members, not to that extreme, but I could relate on some levels. Well Done.
Guest, 15/03/2011
What a man... What a book
This book and this man are amazing. I read this book in two days...I just couldn't put it down. This book touched my heart. I know from personal experience how drugs can tear families apart - like it did mine. The way that Ben and his family fought this and have come out the other end is amazing. I admire Ben for having the courage to not only overcome his addiction, but to write this book. It cant be easy pouring out all this information to the whole country. I loved him before but I love him sooo much more after reading this. I hope one day I am lucky enough to meet him so I can tell him this in person.
Guest, 29/12/2010
Ben Cousins: My Life Story
Love him or hate him, this book is a must read for any AFL supporter. A raw and open look into the mind of a drug addict. Very easy to read, at times difficult to put down. Ben has given us an honest, inside look into his life. Very well written and I would recommend it to others.
Guest, 05/12/2010
Danielle
I read the book in 4 days. An excellent look into life as a addict! It's so truthful and confronting but I now understand what Ben was faced with. Loved every page of it.
Guest, 24/11/2010
