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On the Line

by Serena Williams, Daniel Paisner (Contributor)

3.64 · rating details · 84 ratings · 32 reviews

One of the biggest stars in tennis, Serena Williams has captured every major title. Her 2009 Australia Open championship earned her the #1 world ranking for the third time in her illustrious career - and marked only the latest exclamation point on a life well and purposefully lived. As a young girl, Serena began training with an adult-sized racquet that was almost as big...more

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published September 1st 2009 by Grand Central Publishing

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May 03, 2011

Mackenzie rated it

I loved this book, mostly because I love tennis. On the Line is Serena Williams autobiography. In her book she talks about what her life was like growing up and how tough it is to go pro. She also talks about the pressure and stress of being a professional tennis player. Serena Williams turned pro when she was 14 years old. She came from a broken neighborhood where she would here gun shots almost every night. But her parents were detetmined to make a better life for their children. Serena and he...more

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Aug 11, 2010

Michael Scott rated it

Shelves: non-fiction, memoir, sports

Serena Williams's autobiography On the Line is one of the best sports biographies I've read. The story not only reveals a great deal of information on how the world of tennis is structured, but also gives a surprisingly sincerely-sounding account of her own trials and tribulations. In comparison with Peter Sampras's autobiography, Serena's talks much more about the youth of a tennis player, both as a radiography of the system and as an account of the feelings of an ambitious kid. Serena is not s...more

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Sep 28, 2009

Bobette rated it

A taste of what day-to-day life is like for an athletic championin in a unique postion to play (professionaly) with and sometimes against her equally talented sister! I think the co-author (Paisner) let Ms. Williams do her own thing in this autiobiography without a lot of screening, which was refreshing. I did catch that Serena says in the book that the quote that "her hometown courts were in such bad areas/condition that there was sometimes drug paraphenalia on them" was a stretch and...more

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Nov 05, 2009

Ed rated it

Shelves: 3-stars, 2009, non-fiction, memoir, read-on-kindle, new-author-to-me, tennis

As a huge tennis fan, I figured I would read Serena Williams' "On The Line" at some point, but after her meltdown at this year's US Open, the book quickly went up my to-be-read list. I always find it a bit odd when tennis players release memoirs mid-career, but the Serena certainly had enough material, even if she is still a few more years to go until retirement.

In general, the Williams Sisters have not been terribly forthcoming about their personal lives, generally letti...moreAs a huge tennis fan, I figured I would read Serena Williams' "On The Line" at some point, but after her meltdown at this year's US Open, the book quickly went up my to-be-read list. I always find it a bit odd when tennis players release memoirs mid-career, but the Serena certainly had enough material, even if she is still a few more years to go until retirement.

In general, the Williams Sisters have not been terribly forthcoming about their personal lives, generally letting their tennis do all the talking, so it was interesting to read Serena's perspective on things from her humble past, to her controversial father (who she quite lovingly refers to as "Daddy" throughout the book), being a Jehovah's Witness, to some of her most (in)famous on-court moments. Granted the book was released just before the mother of all her on-court moments (this year's (2009) US Open outburst), so some of the recollections are unintentionally funny and/or ironic in that she talks about maintaining good on-court behavior or, if not, learning lessons and hoping not to behave so badly again... ha!

Serena comes across as a spoiled brat, though "diva" would be a word she would more happily embrace. She typically gets what she wants even if it takes some guile or foot-stomping to. This will come as no surprise to tennis fans, but the reason behind it might be a bit more surprising as I found she seems to suffer from a healthy does of insecurity and self-esteem issues, not something one would expect from such a bold personality and/or someone who has risen to the very top spot in her sport. Throughout the book, she asks the reader if some action or emotion is valid with a... "don't you think?" tacked on to the end of the statement. This need for validation was again a bit surprising. Then again, she is human so perhaps just something that one tends to forget when it comes to athletes or celebrities.

That said, Serena is still very selective with what she is willing to share, granted that is her prerogative, but found it a bit frustrating when she put on the brakes. I was stunned that her most successful run in her career was fueled by a romantic break-up. Obviously, Serena viewed it as a very serious and important relationship to her, but for me she didn't explain the reasons why. For me she ends up sounding a tad wacko, even if it was the impetus to one of the great runs in tennis history.

Additionally, the book is a tad tossed together. While I recall most of these events, the non-sequential unfolding of the story might throw some tennis fans (i.e. a chapter about her ultimate boycott of the Indian Wells tournament, followed by later stories of her competing there, though earlier in her career). Also, I thought there were some glaring omissions. All of sudden she seems to have Grand Slam titles or Olympic medals under her belt or I her speaking of how she repeatedly wrote her murdered sister's name in a notebook as inspiration during her comeback Grand Slam win, so odd since she does speak fairly openly of this family tragedy, but does not write this particular notebook story, which at the time (watching it on TV) I found to be very emotional. Finally, I have yet to see a tennis memoir effectively recall the details of a match. The book opens with a mind-numbing, seemingly point-by-point, recount of her 2008 US Open quarterfinal vs. Venus that had me initially worried about the rest of the book.

Overall, an interesting and pretty harmless book that will give you a bit insight into the mind and heart of a champion.

(less)

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Sep 21, 2009

OOSA rated it

Think. Do. Be.

Looking for a light yet positive and informative read? Consider a copy of Serena Williams' memoir. "On the Line" peels back a few layers of the life of this tennis phenom. In just twenty seven short years she has experienced what some may never experience in a lifetime. Serena discusses her highs and lows, wins and losses, triumphs and tragedies and what keeps her grounded: family and her faith. From the unforgiving streets of Compton to the U.S. Open, Serena...more

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Sep 29, 2009

Veronica rated it

Shelves: reviewed

I love everything about the U.S. Open except the line calls. ~ Serena Williams

I experienced this past U.S. Open upset of Serena Williams with a different perspective than if I hadn't read her memoir "On the Line." The book is written in Serena's voice. It's personal, it's conversational, and that's why I like it. I enjoyed her reflection on her life thus far.

I have to say that Serena is a spoiled brat, but that observation comes from her directly. She tells stories ...moreI love everything about the U.S. Open except the line calls. ~ Serena Williams

I experienced this past U.S. Open upset of Serena Williams with a different perspective than if I hadn't read her memoir "On the Line." The book is written in Serena's voice. It's personal, it's conversational, and that's why I like it. I enjoyed her reflection on her life thus far.

I have to say that Serena is a spoiled brat, but that observation comes from her directly. She tells stories that curled this big sister's toes of scheming to get her way, cheating, and destroying her sisters' property. In looking back at all that peeking thru her fingers, I respect Serena for her honesty and self-criticism, and I agree with her judgment that she was a horrible little sister!

Serena spends a lot of time defending her father from the criticism he still receives about his coaching style. While her mom was pregnant with Venus, Serena admits her father decided that they would raise two tennis champions, and well, they did. He and Serena's mom taught themselves the game by playing and watching videos then he taught his daughters while they were living in Compton by playing on public courts. Even if the man is a controlling jerk, as some said early in the Williams Sisters career, you have to admit there's no country club pedigree here!

Serena digs deep to tackle the class and racial privilege they smacked into when Venus hit the tennis scene in a chapter on the 2001 Indian Wells tournament. Clearly, the girls were raised with a keen sense of history, especially civil rights history, and I've always admired Venus and Serena both for the way they play and for their tip of the hat to those who came before them.

Serena has a clear sense of racial and gender justice. Not only does Serena spend time discussing race and class, but she addresses all the fat comments she has received over the years. Positive body image is big with her. She understands that, as an internationally known tennis player and someone with more money than most of us will ever know, she has a responsibility to others on many fronts. I didn't follow all the Oprah criticism when the star built a school in Africa, but Serena gives the best response to that criticism I've ever seen by wrapping her justification around a touching story of visiting difference countries in Africa and wanting to do something.

She also lets us in on how much fashion has always played a key part of her and Venus' game. They weren't strong women athletes who "discovered" fashion as a way to sell themselves to the media or fans. They are savvy business women who aren't afraid of taking chances. Along with her sister, Serena will continue to blaze a path for herself and for others.

Even if you aren't a tennis fan or even someone who follows the players closely, we all know that there are some players who make a splash and then disappear or even worse, publicly self-destruct. Pressure and age are often pointed to as the factors as well as pushy parents. It's clear from this memoir that Serena and Venus couldn't have been "The Williams Sisters" without each other. Serena Williams has it all and survives. She did it despite a battle with depression, which she outlines with grace.

Serena haters won't like this book at all, but if you are truly interested in finding out what makes this powerful woman tick, pick up this memoir. It reminds me that Serena's been counted out far too many times and has always come back. She dug herself a hole, but I have faith that she'll redeem herself and silence the critics... again.(less)

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Sep 21, 2009

Bill rated it

Shelves: first-reads

I am a life-long tennis player and fan. I have admired both Venus and Serena since they came on the tennis scene. Unfortunately the book arrived the Monday following Serena's embarrassing verbal--and almost physical--attack on a lineswoman at the U.S. Open semifinal match. As I read the book I wondered which was the real Serena--the one who seemed to have successfully escaped a very difficult life to become a superstar admired by people around the world or the selfish, vindictive, foul-mouthed t...more

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Sep 20, 2009

Melissa rated it

Shelves: first-reads, 2009

In "On the Line", Serena Williams shares a lot of funny anecdotes from her childhood in a conversational tone that will appeal to the younger reader. This is an inspirational look at the sacrifices the entire Williams family made to help get Serena and Venus to the top of the tennis world. Although Serena is the baby of the family and admits to being very spoiled, she does recognize the effect her training schedules had on her older sisters, and is grateful for their support.

...more

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Jul 31, 2009

Samantha rated it

Serena Williams fully admits that she's not old enough to completely write an autobiography and that she has a lot more tennis and living to go through. However, this is a good book to get started on. I didn't really know much about Serena. I think if you are a longstanding fan of hers then you will be disappointed with this book. It's very basic and she's very positive about everything in her life. She appeared to me to be making a lot of excuses about her family. She barely mentions her parent...more

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Jul 23, 2010

Francoist rated it

What a pleasure it was to sit down and read a book written by female tennis' world no1.
I really felt like Serena Williams was sitting down right next to me taking me through her life. Some of which I was aware of, others to which I was completely ignorant and others to which I remember but finally found out what was going on in 'her' head at the time.
I have always respected Serena Williams profound talent on the tennis circuit, however reading her book has truly opened my eyes to the s...more

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Nov 30, 2009

Tensy rated it

I have been an admirer of the Williams sisters since they first sprang onto the women's tennis circuit in the late 1990s. This autobiography by Serena Williams describes her upbringing and family dynamics, although she avoids going into much detail about the difficult moments, like her parents divorce and sister's murder. I would almost classify this as a young adult book, primarily because she spends a great part of the book refelecting on her motivation on the tennis court and her championshi...moreI have been an admirer of the Williams sisters since they first sprang onto the women's tennis circuit in the late 1990s. This autobiography by Serena Williams describes her upbringing and family dynamics, although she avoids going into much detail about the difficult moments, like her parents divorce and sister's murder. I would almost classify this as a young adult book, primarily because she spends a great part of the book refelecting on her motivation on the tennis court and her championship spirit. I have a daughter who has played on the junior tennis circuit and I am amazed at how she was able to succeed with only her father as her initial coach.

His unorthodox training style (garnered from watching professional matches on television) included throwing footballs to help with their serves, daily practices on public courts in very rough neighborhoods in Lynwood, CA and choosing to avoid participating in the junior circuit. He also encouraged them to keep daily journals with motivational quotes, match analysis and notes on their opponents. Interestingly, my daughter's coach also required his kids to do the same. Excerpts from these journals begin each chapter of the book and give us insight into her competitive mindset. One of the pictures in the book shows post-it-notes on her tennis bag.

Here are a few of the things I enjoyed reading about Serena:

--She is the youngest of five sisters and until her late teens was quite small.
--A glimpse into what makes a champion, "You need a wild streak if you hope to be a serious competitor. You need a kind of irrational killer instinct. You need to put it out there that you're reckless and unpredictable." Unfortunately, this mind set has led her to some major blowups on the court, as witnessed at the recent 2009 US Open. The book ends with the 2008 US Open.
--She is a Jehovah's Witness and her faith has pulled her through some very emotional moments in her life, including the death of her older sister, Tunde.
--She chose not to put a tennis court in her home because she and Venus decided that they needed to build some distance in their lives between home and tennis.
--Serena likes to make a fashion statement on the courts. Her philosophy is "if you carry a positive picture of yourself you'll present a positive picture to everyone else...I always felt that when there was an edge to how I looked, there was an edge to my game." Who could forget the infamous catsuit or biker outfit?

And most importantly, that bond she has with her sister, Venus, is absolutely genuine. At the end of the book Serena tells us that she is still a work in progress. I look forward to seeing the next chapters in her life.

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Sep 25, 2009

Jenni rated it

Shelves: first-reads, 2009

The best parts of this book were the stories about Serena and her family. I enjoyed learning about all of her family, not just the members in the public eye (i.e., Venus and her father). Also, it was interesting to learn just how misunderstood Serena's father is and how he "pressured" the girls to do their best ... isn't this what all fathers do? A great insight into Serena's family.

The downsides? Well, let's just say Ms. Williams should keep her day job of playing tenn...more

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Feb 02, 2010

Cecily rated it

I really enjoyed getting to know Serena on a more personal level. The book is a great motivator. I believe that the same tactics that she uses to keep her going and focused on the courts can be used by not only any athlete but by anyone with any type of goal they have set forth for themself. Her dedication & energy is incredible and I admire her even more. Realize her career is strenuous not only physically but mentally and must endure criticisms, biases as well as fierce opponents.

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Sep 28, 2009

Andrea rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 15, 2010

Michael Mungin rated it

It's alright but not engagingly written and disappointingly lacking in insight. And she fails to mention some pretty major moments in her career. It's kind of odd and disjointed. Still, her personality comes through well and fans of hers will find something worthwhile here. In general, though, sports biography fans should reach for Agassi's book.

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Oct 10, 2009

David Hankerson rated it

This book would definitely be appreciated by the true tennis fan and sports junkies. It is a great insight into how a champion's mind works--the killer instinct, the mental focus and single-minded devotion to the sport and winning at the cost of everything else.
This is also a great insight into Venus and Richard Williams. I have a new respect for both. And of course it is great insider's view of what happened at the infamous Indian Wells tournament that led to the Williams sisters boyc...more

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Nov 03, 2009

Donald rated it

For those who have kept up with the Williams sisters' careers, this book doesn't add much. It's interesting to read about Serena's thoughts on some of her more famous matches, but it's a little early (she's not yet 30) for her to have enough distance from these experiences to be able to put them in perspective.

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Mar 10, 2010

Jonathan marked it as to-read

I almost can't believe even I am touching this, but sure I will sometime. Hardly expecting it to be brainy. She's so compelling, though, as well as polarizing.

(And, in light of her 2009 US Open meltdown, the title is amusing and ironic.)

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Oct 05, 2009

Kacey rated it

I say she should stick with tennis. It was interesting to learn a few things about her but I didn't get much out of the book. She was pretty repetitive, if I heard how she wanted what Venus has one more time, I was going to scream!

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Sep 18, 2009

Daisy rated it

Shelves: tennis, absolutely-or-almost-unreadable

This has just come out, only a week before her outburst at the US Open in the semi-finals. My copy arrived from the library just days after that. Good timing.
I really wonder if this book will be at all revealing.

Superficial. Tedious. I'm sorry.

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Aug 10, 2010

Melissa rated it

I found this book to be very insightful. Alot of questions were answered about events and actions of Serena although she didn't dwell on the story about her sister's death.

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Nov 26, 2009

Freda mans rated it

http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2009/11/...

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Nov 02, 2009

Sandra rated it

Nice read. Love the journal entries. Great perspective of little sister
syndrome.

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Sep 26, 2009

Rebecca rated it

Shelves: read-2009

I don't know much about tennis but I love reading people's biographies. I love to see where they came from and what it took to get there.

I wasn't aware of Serena's background and how her parents taught all 5 girls to play tennis. Her family is her greatest support.

She is still young so she will have a lot more experiences to write about but I found it very interesting.

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May 18, 2010

Julie rated it

I would give it a 3.5 if that was an option. In a different league than the Agassi book, but worth a read if you enjoy tennis.

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Nov 07, 2009

Pamela rated it

A glimpse of what she's all about

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Jun 10, 2010

Endora harris rated it

Good read! Funny! Inspiring!

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Mar 17, 2010

Laura rated it

just terrible

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Oct 15, 2009

Sylvie rated it

Well to tell you the truth I was curious when I entered the contest to get this book and I ended up surprised when I read it.

She is not at all what I expected and this book was a really good way to discover someone... not through the lens of a cameras from being in the public eye.

Great read!

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Jul 15, 2010

MaryKay rated it

Shelves: first-reads, 2009, memoir

I was awarded an advanced copy of this book through First-Read and really enjoyed it. I don't follow tennis and wasn't sure what to expect. Serena was very positive and shared where her inspiration has come from at different stages in her life. I enjoyed her memories of her family and her description of the strength she draws from them.

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