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The Second Half


Synopsis


'A masterpiece ... thoughtful and self-mocking, insightful and funny' THE TIMES

'He's scarily extreme, dangerously provocative, oxy-acetylene forthright ... and hugely entertaining' SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY

'Searingly honest' THE SUN

'A thoroughly entertaining rampage' Matt Dickinson, THE TIMES BOOKS OF THE YEAR

No. 1 bestselling memoir of Roy Keane, former captain of Manchester United and Ireland - co-written with Man Booker Prize-winner Roddy Doyle.

In a stunning collaboration with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, Roy Keane gives a brutally honest account of his last days as a player, the highs and lows of his managerial career, and his life as an outspoken ITV pundit.

'Roy Keane's book is a masterpiece . . . It may well be the finest, most incisive deconstruction of football management that the game has ever produced' Mail on Sunday

'A genuine pleasure . . . His thoughts on his players are humane, interesting, candid and never less than believable' The Times

'The best things are the small things: regretting joining Ipswich when he discovered the training kit was blue; refusing to sign Robbie Savage because his answerphone message was rubbish; being appalled that his side had listened to an Abba song before playing football' Evening Standard

'The book is brilliantly constructed, rattling along at breakneck speed . . . full of self-deprecation . . . a ruthless self-examination' Daily Telegraph

Roy Keane, Roddy Doyle

Summary

Chapter 1: The Defining Decade

* Outlines the importance of the period between the ages of 20-30, arguing that it is a crucial time for shaping life's trajectory.
* Example: A young professional realizes the importance of building her skills and network during her early twenties, leading to a successful career in management.

Chapter 2: Life Planning

* Encourages individuals to articulate their life goals and create a plan to achieve them.
* Example: A newlywed couple sets financial goals, saves for retirement, and plans for a family, ensuring their financial security and future well-being.

Chapter 3: The Magic of 40 Fridays

* Emphasizes the importance of dedicating 40 Fridays to exploration and experimentation, which can lead to significant personal growth.
* Example: An engineer takes a pottery class on Fridays, discovering a newfound passion that eventually becomes a successful side business.

Chapter 4: Choose Your Adventure

* Guides individuals to make intentional choices that align with their goals and values.
* Example: A woman facing a career crossroads chooses a job that offers growth opportunities and personal fulfillment, rather than a higher-paying position at a prestigious firm.

Chapter 5: The Power of Relationships

* Highlights the transformative impact of building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
* Example: A group of friends form a support network, offering each other guidance, encouragement, and accountability during their personal and professional journeys.

Chapter 6: Be a Doer

* Encourages individuals to take action and experiment, emphasizing the importance of learning through doing.
* Example: An aspiring writer starts a blog and consistently publishes articles, honing his skills and building a loyal following.

Chapter 7: Never Stop Learning

* Stresses the ongoing need for personal and professional development throughout life.
* Example: A technology executive continuously attends industry conferences and takes online courses to stay abreast of emerging trends.

Chapter 8: Money and Impact

* Discusses the relationship between money and personal fulfillment, urging individuals to invest in experiences and causes that create meaning.
* Example: A successful entrepreneur donates a portion of his income to support underprivileged children, finding purpose beyond material wealth.

Chapter 9: The Second Half

* Explores the potential for continued growth and reinvention in later life.
* Example: A retired couple decides to travel the world, volunteer in their community, and pursue hobbies they always dreamed of doing.

Chapter 10: Finish Strong

* Emphasizes the importance of living a purposeful and fulfilling life at any age.
* Example: An elderly woman passes on her wisdom and experiences to younger generations, leaving a lasting legacy of love and inspiration.