The story of a true champion. Agassi’s autobiography takes the reader right along with him from childhood through the ATP tour, his rise to #1, formation of his entourage and eventual marriage to Steffi Graf. He reveals his flaws and strengths, his caring and hate and passion. It’s all here, and not always a pretty sight, although beautifully related with a big assist from former L.A. Times correspondent and Pultizer Prize winner J.R. Moehringer.

The media will focus on the revelations of Agassi’s drug use and toupee, but the story of how he meets and woos Graf is much more interesting, and the influence of Nelson Mandela is far more important to his life. This was 2009’s must read for me, and I am very glad I did.