This takes you on a journey through my depression and how it has affected me on the chessboard. For chess players and non players alike.
The best way to describe the book is to quote straight from the preface.
The idea for this book was conceived while I was in a funk and frustrated. After losing my eighth consecutive game, I began to have doubts in my abilities. Self-doubt fuels depression and depression is my enemy. Writing helps me gather my thoughts and organize my ideas. It is much like talking to a therapist without having to pay the hourly fee. The only drawback about writing is that I can’t type while lying on a couch, but I am willing to accept that. Thus I am writing this book mainly for selfish reasons. It is not to make money. I have no delusions about this book being a top seller nor do I have any delusions that it will win a Pulitzer Prize. I am writing it for my own therapy. While I did this mainly for me, I feel that I would be remiss if I did not offer to share my story with those who may find themselves in the same or similar position as me. You may not agree with my opinions or the 22 rules that I present in the book. I respect your right to your opinions. Thank you for having the interest and taking the time to read through this. That is a compliment to me. If by reading this, you see things in your life that you can take action on, the purpose of the book is fulfilled. Helping make your life more positive is worth more than a royalty fee.
Excerpt
I expect only the best from myself. Most of the time, I expect perfection and get easily upset over “stupid” mistakes. Being overly critical of yourself does not bode well for your psyche - remember that, if nothing else. I am not a mental health professional. You can expect that everything I am telling you is based on my own personal experience and reflection. You can expect that I will not sugar coat anything. I am known for being direct and to the point. Sometimes I am too direct. Whether that is a character flaw is up to you to decide. You can expect that I will treat you with dignity and respect. Everyone deserves that. I will not “talk down” to you or treat you like an idiot. Try to read this book as though you and I were having a conversation, albeit a somewhat one-sided conversation because you cannot give immediate feedback. Throughout the book I present different “rules”. These are not additions to the rules of chess, but rather axioms that, if followed, will hopefully help you survive and enjoy the game of chess, no matter what your rating or skill level. In fact, these rules can be applied away from the chessboard. It is up to you as to whether or not you agree with them and whether or not you follow them. Again, this is all based on MY personal experience.
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Reviews for "A Patzer's Story"
Reviewed by Teresa Moss
1/27/2011
When I first looked at the book, I thought a book about chess. It is a game that I never understood, but as I started to read the pages, I started to realize that it was about much more. "A Pratzer's Story," took the complexity of the game of chess and compared it to the perils that we sometimes face in life and showed the emotions and humanity of a man that has overcome those perils.
It is a well written book that lets you see the most intimate thought of the author. The book's comparison between chess and life journey and battles was accomplished with the utmost clarity.
"A Patzer's Story" is a book that I enjoyed very much and would recommend that evryone read!
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