Valerie: The Autobiography by Valerie Adams

Gifford and New Zealand’s golden girl, Valerie Adams thought they had the perfect ending to this autobiography but a drugs cheat almost ruined it.

As it is, the saga around Valerie finally winning gold is just another remarkable story in a young life filled with many of them.

Val pulls no punches when she talks of her relationships with her family, her coaches and her husband and she doesn’t hold back either when it comes to her disdain for the management of the Olympic team.

It’s not a moan or a grizzle - she’s just calling it like she sees it and you’d expect nothing less from this remarkable New Zealander.

In a market that is saturated with bland airbrushed biographies of famous Kiwis, this one stands out for its honesty. Recommended.

RRP $44.99

Hachette