Ric Flair & Charlotte Flair w. Brian Shields
St. Martin's Press, 2017
Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook
Ric Flair is widely considered to be the greatest performer in the history of professional wrestling. A veteran of the territorial era, a multiple time world champion with over four decades as in-ring performer, Flair's career is one of the most storied in the industry's history. Charlotte Flair is one of Ric Flair's four children. A successful high school and college athlete before entering the wrestling industry, Flair has become one of wrestling's premier talents and a key figure in the elevation of the WWE's women's division. Essentially a dual autobiography, Second Nature alternates between Ric Flair's life at the end of his full-time career and his adjustment away from the limelight as a main event player and Charlotte's life growing up as the daughter of a top star in the professional wrestling industry and her entry and into the same business. This is Ric Flair's second book after To Be The Man (2004). This is Charlotte Flair's first book.
Ric and Charlotte's love for the wrestling business is very apparent in this book. Ric writes as a man who is unable to leave the industry to which he has devoted so many years. Unlike his first book, which many readers felt was heavily ghost written, Second Nature reads as if the text is Flair's actual words and feelings. Whether this is due to Flair being more directly involved in the writing processs than he was for To Be The Man or a testament to co-writer Brian Shields' skill at capturing Ric's voice is - to a degree - a moot point. Charlotte's story is that of a talented, passionate and driven individual who is without a true direction, passion or outlet for her skills until she finds her calling in the wrestling industry. The book is two very informative and entertaining interconnected stories. Ric is a retired legend who is at a loss when he's away from the full time limelight. Charlotte was somewhat lost until she entered and excelled in her father's industry and, due to women's wrestling being at unprecedented levels of popularity, prominence and quality, she is poised to be as historically significant as her father is.
The real strength of the book is the heart with which both Flairs write about their son/brother Reid who died of a drug overdose in 2013 at the age of 25. Both write with a great deal of emotion with regard to other areas of their lives and careers, however, the true heart of this book is when both discuss the life and loss related to Reid. Charlotte, in particular, really shines when recalling her times with him. In many ways he is the dual story's McGuffin as he was such an integral person in both lives. His presence in the book further humanizes Ric and allows the reader to better learn about Charlotte. In some ways, Reid Flair is the book's third main character.
Ric's life and career are very much an open book. A top competitor for over 40 years with bona fide legendary status who wears his heart on his sleeve and is, reportedly, very similar to the character he portrayed, there is very little remaining for most fans to learn. That being said, Flair gives some great insight into his life and dwindling days of his career. His portions of the book are very good. It is important to hear his story in his own words and he does a good job telling it. Charlotte's, or Ashley's, story is far less known and documented. She presents herself in a very intelligent, likable and insightful manner. While some may be unable to relate to her relatively privileged upbringing, she does a very good job telling her story - which, other than being the daughter of Ric Flair, is pretty much devoid of wrestling until the latter chapters - in a manner that will be interesting and compelling to most wrestling fans.
The book's structure is disappointing. The book is subdivided into large sections written by either Ric or Charlotte. While there are footnotes where the other - or other people - comments on specific event, these are seldom connected to - in chronology or theme - to the other's writing. The book would have been strengthened by either shorter individual sections, or if the entire book was a collaborative effort. Neither suggestion would have been ideal, but may have strengthened the connections between the two stories and the two authors. Both Flairs are currently working with the WWE and, while it is important to judge the book on what is presented, there is absolutely a feeling that both authors chose to temper their feelings regarding certain personal or professional issues. For example, Charlotte - while she addresses the topic several times - does not delve very deeply into the personal and professional difficulties she experienced entering the wrestling business with very little prior interest in the industry and whose major positive quality - though she certainly had more athletic experience than most - was being Ric Flair's daughter.
All things considered, this book is a must read for fans of either or both of the Flairs. Most fans of the current product will likely enjoy it. Those who liked To Be The Man or have followed Flair's career should also give this book a read, though To Be The Man should be read first. Those interested in women's wrestling will also enjoy this. As Flair is such a prominent character in the wrestling industry, Second Nature is likely to be a popular read. Those looking for a more typical wrestling book, such as Have A Nice Day, A Lion's Tale or even To Be The Man, will be less likely to enjoy Second Nature.
Ric and Charlotte's love for the wrestling business is very apparent in this book. Ric writes as a man who is unable to leave the industry to which he has devoted so many years. Unlike his first book, which many readers felt was heavily ghost written, Second Nature reads as if the text is Flair's actual words and feelings. Whether this is due to Flair being more directly involved in the writing processs than he was for To Be The Man or a testament to co-writer Brian Shields' skill at capturing Ric's voice is - to a degree - a moot point. Charlotte's story is that of a talented, passionate and driven individual who is without a true direction, passion or outlet for her skills until she finds her calling in the wrestling industry. The book is two very informative and entertaining interconnected stories. Ric is a retired legend who is at a loss when he's away from the full time limelight. Charlotte was somewhat lost until she entered and excelled in her father's industry and, due to women's wrestling being at unprecedented levels of popularity, prominence and quality, she is poised to be as historically significant as her father is.
The real strength of the book is the heart with which both Flairs write about their son/brother Reid who died of a drug overdose in 2013 at the age of 25. Both write with a great deal of emotion with regard to other areas of their lives and careers, however, the true heart of this book is when both discuss the life and loss related to Reid. Charlotte, in particular, really shines when recalling her times with him. In many ways he is the dual story's McGuffin as he was such an integral person in both lives. His presence in the book further humanizes Ric and allows the reader to better learn about Charlotte. In some ways, Reid Flair is the book's third main character.
Ric's life and career are very much an open book. A top competitor for over 40 years with bona fide legendary status who wears his heart on his sleeve and is, reportedly, very similar to the character he portrayed, there is very little remaining for most fans to learn. That being said, Flair gives some great insight into his life and dwindling days of his career. His portions of the book are very good. It is important to hear his story in his own words and he does a good job telling it. Charlotte's, or Ashley's, story is far less known and documented. She presents herself in a very intelligent, likable and insightful manner. While some may be unable to relate to her relatively privileged upbringing, she does a very good job telling her story - which, other than being the daughter of Ric Flair, is pretty much devoid of wrestling until the latter chapters - in a manner that will be interesting and compelling to most wrestling fans.
The book's structure is disappointing. The book is subdivided into large sections written by either Ric or Charlotte. While there are footnotes where the other - or other people - comments on specific event, these are seldom connected to - in chronology or theme - to the other's writing. The book would have been strengthened by either shorter individual sections, or if the entire book was a collaborative effort. Neither suggestion would have been ideal, but may have strengthened the connections between the two stories and the two authors. Both Flairs are currently working with the WWE and, while it is important to judge the book on what is presented, there is absolutely a feeling that both authors chose to temper their feelings regarding certain personal or professional issues. For example, Charlotte - while she addresses the topic several times - does not delve very deeply into the personal and professional difficulties she experienced entering the wrestling business with very little prior interest in the industry and whose major positive quality - though she certainly had more athletic experience than most - was being Ric Flair's daughter.
All things considered, this book is a must read for fans of either or both of the Flairs. Most fans of the current product will likely enjoy it. Those who liked To Be The Man or have followed Flair's career should also give this book a read, though To Be The Man should be read first. Those interested in women's wrestling will also enjoy this. As Flair is such a prominent character in the wrestling industry, Second Nature is likely to be a popular read. Those looking for a more typical wrestling book, such as Have A Nice Day, A Lion's Tale or even To Be The Man, will be less likely to enjoy Second Nature.
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