Sonny Bill Williams: You Can't Stop the Sun from Shining

by Sonny Bill Williams, Alan Duff

Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) is a once in a hundred-year athlete with immense sporting talent in Rugby League, Rugby Union and Boxing. Sonny Bill has built an incredible career and sporting reputation across the globe. His athleticism has taken him from inner-city Auckland, where he grew up, to the highest sporting moments in Twickenham, Eden Park and Sydney's Olympic Stadium. But there is so much more to Sonny Bill Williams' life and journey than his on-field and in-the-ring triumphs. Sonny Bill's love of family, his faith, his skill and performance throughout his unparalleled sporting career, his ability to unite a team under pressure, his grace in owning his mistakes, the challenges of leaving home as a young man and dealing with a negative culture and the temptations that followed, and his courage in speaking out for the vulnerable and calling out injustice are all aspects of an inspiring life story.Sonny Bill Williams was the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks. Driven by a fierce moral compass, Sonny Bill Williams thoughtfully and authentically uses his standing and platform as both a UNICEF Ambassador and an elite sportsperson to speak out on political issues that confront the world today and to benefit those struggling in life. He is a dedicated family man, devoted to his faith, committed to his teammates, respectful of his fans and aware that the path he has taken can inspire and empower others. Working with Alan Duff, award-winning author of Once Were Warriors, this will be the must-read autobiography of the year.

Genres: Autobiography, Biography, Sports, Nonfiction

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2021

Reviews

[Blind Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly as a person with a visual impairment I would love to thank the author the subject person and a publisher for allowing this book to be produced in an audio form so that it can be made accessible to people‘s with visual impairment.

I would have to say that this book is one of the best autobiography is that I have read ever. Some of this is because of who the subject matter is and that is sunny Phil Williams. That I will have to express my bias. But I am a huge fan of him. And everything that he has done and represents when it from when he was young to who years now. I am a true fan.

I will have to address the elephant in the room. And that is of the author that has helped Sonny create this masterpiece. And that is Alan Duff. In the past I have struggled to read some of his pieces of literature. Mainly because of some of his comments and thoughts in regards to Maori and the barriers that they face. But in regards to this piece of work. I must say that I think Sonny Bill Williams has made the right decision to connect with Allan on this project. In fact, the parts where Allan spoke about his own connection with Sonny how this came to be and what this book meant to him. Made me soften to one of New Zealand’s most renowned writers. So to you Allan, thank you for taking up this challenge and thank you for helping Sonny Bill express his true self through this writing.

Straight off the bat, I am going to say that this book should be in all high schools in New Zealand as a non-fiction Reader. And used as one of the books and NCA examinations. This book is a great insight into the trials and tribulations of a young by cultural sports star coming through a system that at first didn’t value his culture his way of being and his family. And I believe that this would speak to many young people going through similar situations.

Especially, as we all know and understand the amazing physical sporting abilities that exist within Maori and Pacific communities here in New Zealand. But not everyone gets the chance to express themselves to their full potential.

In addition, this book is a blueprint that people could potentially follow to assist them to realise that everyone doesn’t need to be the same and they’re all pathways don’t need to be the same to get success. In fact, I believe Sonny Bill has forged a pathway for other Maori and Pacific people to follow.

I cannot stress enough about all the lessons that Sonny Bill shares that he had to go through. The revelations that were revealed in this book and ultimately the amazing successes and the highs in which he has achieved and still is to achieve in the coming years.

One of the other fabulous things of this book is that it doesn’t just focus on sporting successes on the field. Without a doubt there is a big chunk of that. But this is where This book is head and shoulders above any of the other sporting autobiographies that I have read recently. Especially rugby ones. Where this book doesn’t do a chronological life story. It does jump backwards and forwards gives you insights along the way stops and it’s you know some other insights that Sunny has thought of. It has a little interludes of other people talking about experiences with Sonny as well. It was a great writing style and method.

Again I won’t go into too much detail of the book I truly think you should read this book and experience it for yourself. But for those of us who are huge Sonny Bill fans one of the most poignant moments was when he left rugby league in Australia to come and play rugby in France. All that is revealed in this book and I think you would be surprised to hear the strain and the hurt that he went through

And lastly I think the way in which he shares his journey into his Islamic faith is so caring and open and I also believe that this will help people understand why this particular faith spoke to his heart and has also added value to the man he is today. And we can all learn lessons from his openness in sharing that journey.

Once again thank you to Allan, sunny and the publishes for allowing the spa recorded as an audiobook.

[Nick Wasiliev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonny Bill is a fascinating figure, whether you love him or hate him. His story of his sporting career, as well as overcoming his personal troubles and his often turbulent relationship in the public eye has been well documented in the public eye, but under the guidance of Alan Duff the boxer, rugby league and rugby union player shows himself to have undergone much maturity and change.

This is a well written story, particularly if you are someone who is familiar with the Polynesian experience and the troubles Sonny talks about. Even if you aren't, SBW does a great job at putting you in his shoes, and showcases why so many players like him struggle with the sudden impact of fame that being a sports star brings.

SBW doesn't shy away from his early, controversial antics, but there is a real sense in this book of how hard it is to revisit these memories it is for him. These sections of the book can sometimes feel distant and vague, not because SBW is trying to hide details, more that he really struggles to reconnect with that time in his life. Fortunately, he goes into great detail about the things that helped him out of that period, including rugby mentors, boxing, his conversion to Islam, his wife and family, and more. It's very clear the bloke has changed a lot.

There are plenty of surprises in this book, such when SBW recounts his toughest boxing bouts against the Rhino as the hardest challenge of his incredible sporting career, but there is a lot more personal stuff that will certainly make you view the man in the public eye in a new light, and definitely view the many controversies around his past in new ways. A really strong biography.

*Book provided courtesy of Hachette Australia.

BUY (Booktopia): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/15PLjg
BUY (Angus & Robertson): https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/4eyZvM

[Rob Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me ‘SBW’ is the GOAT, not only from a multi-code sporting perspective, but most importantly because of his exceptionally selfless off-field exploits…and he’s still only a young man!!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
I am not a sports fanatic or even a fan so it was not surprising I had no idea who Sonny Bill Williams was.
Coming from an AFL dominant state my exposure to Rugby League is non existent. Nonetheless a handsome face and my enquiring mind that finds fascination in peoples lives had me drawn to this autobiography.
An esteemed and somewhat notorious player he has a career that shines more brightly than a whole street covered in Christmas lights.
I only had to get the gist to understand this and a lot of this detail refused to enter my retention space.
It is what makes a person, what shapes and influences them and the journey they embark that I do find ever so interesting.
In Sonny’s case core family values, parental influences and his conversion to Islam filled in the vital gaps for me.
I am pleased that his alignment to Allah makes him a better and more charitable person, ironing out errant ways of his past.
This he attributes to why he is a nice guy.
Latching on to these beliefs and wearing rose coloured glasses is ok but I know you can be a great human without any religious connotation.
Overall I enjoyed learning about Sonny and the power of books will spread his story to a bigger audience.

[Precilla M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonny Bill Williams is an amazing talented, hard working, disciplined, well rounded athlete and human being. He wasn't always like this, he endured many hardships to reach the pinnacle of his career. Guided by his faith and family, Sonny was able to navigate the pressures of professional sports, fame and fortune well.

With 2 rugby union world cups win under his belt, Union sevens tournaments, including 2016 summer Olympics in brazil and a 2013 rugby league international federation player of the year award and a WBA International heavy champion and NZPBA heavyweight champion title, Sonny Bill Williams is truly what is known as a super athlete.

His coaches and team mates recognize many times how Sonny had the X Factor, the ability to change the game. Sonny was relentless in his training and discipline, off screen both professionally and personally. After he encountered the Muslim faith, you can see the impact it had on sport and his life. I was pleasantly surprised to read and witness his journey, this has now impacted my worldview on Muslims.

One of Sonny's quotes I loved and thought was simple but profound was this' having a content and happy heart is one of the most precious things you can strive for. This is how my soul loves to feel' and he goes on to mention that he feels this way when he plays rugby, helps others and spends time with his wife and kids. We should do more of what makes us happy and content, this makes us better humans.

Sonny Bill Williams truly achieved a lot in his sporting career, but he always focused on helping others, acknowledging God as the orchestra of his life, and always using his platform to reach others, especially young Pacifica people, he made mentioned that representation was so important, weather on the field, or in the boards room and on every level in life.

Sonny goes to mention that 'If you look at how many Polynesians and Maori play in league and union teams in Australia and NZ and then increasingly in the UK and in France and then look at the lack of representation at an administrative and management level , you can see the problem. It would be good to see more brown coaches, board members and CEOs come through. It is important that our young Maori and Pacifica people are represented in all levels of society, because you can't aspire to be what you cannot see.'

Lastly I leave you with this quote from Sonny Bill Williams which I think sums up this life well:

"If my story shows anything, it is that hard work and focus can make a difference. I hope I can encourage others to back themselves and be brave enough to chase their dreams. What mattes most to me now is my faith, family, friends and helping point out injustice in the world. I have been given a gift and a profile , and I have to use them to make a difference. And I still love my sport! Rugby Union, Rugby League, Rugby sevens - Boxing Love them all. "

[Lara Pearce-Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

So relatable as an Islander!

[Evan Micheals · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up from the discount bin from K-Mart. I needed something easier and I have long been a fan of Alan Duff’s writing. Sonny Bill Williams is a footballer I have enjoyed watching over the years. I used to read a lot of sporting biographies, in fact they were the catalyst that began my growth towards becoming a book or two a week reader.

George Orwell is quoted “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.” This book is an exercise in further public relations for Sonny Bill Williams. There is nothing in this book that is surprising or uncomfortable, or that cannot be found in a Google search. Given Duff’s noted ability to write what others do not want printed, I found this disappointing that he failed to confront the darkness and give air to Sonny-Bill critics, and for Sonny Bill to answer those critics.

An underlying theme is identity politics with a ‘brown good, white bad’ message. I wonder if Duff was selected because he is a brown writer? This book sprucks Sonny Bill making him out to be better than he was. As an All Black he was not close to the class of a Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, or a Beuden Barrett. In Rugby League he was not a great of his era like a Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Stacey, Jones, or a Matt Scott. In boxing he was never considered a serious contender. He had the potential to be a great, but I suspect history will remember him as an interesting footnote.

It was also public relations for Khoder Nasser. I do recall rumours coming from the All Blacks about him lecturing the coaching staff about how his client should be used. Nasser obviously works for the best interest of his client, that is his role, but he rubs a lot of people the wrong way where ever he goes. Duff or Sonny Bill Williams never mentioned or answered the critics.

I found the an unconvincing book that probably did its purpose of public relations, but was not worth the discounted price nor the time spent reading it. The best sporting biographies are from the people such as John Elias or Dan Crowley that seem more honestly written and confront the dark aspects of the self. I suspect the problem with this sort of book is you are going to sell a lot of copies on name recognition alone, so why take any risks and sully the reputation of the subject. It makes for a dull and boring, ‘churr bro’ theme that is sycophantic to its subject.

[Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paints a picture of redemption.
The story of a lost boy with a gift, who like many young sporting heroes, proclaimed by fans and media, quick to find adulation and stardom, without the support of mentors, self destructs. But has the ability to see where he could end up, and presses the ‘eject’ button.
Its good to hear his story. I was never a fan because the media portrayed him as greedy and self obsessed arogant player. And yet, he is portrayed by Alan Duff as the opposite. And he is a role model to Pasifika and Maori and anyone who starts life without privilidge. At the end of the book, I loved the man for what he stands for. Is he on parr with my all time sporting idol - M Ali? Time will tell. He is undoubtedly a sporting savant - union, league, 7’s and boxing.
Everyone has chapters in their life and it seems as if he is the ultimate human being. The fact that he has made good, from poor and humble Samoan origins, givrs me hope. The fact he hasnt succumbed to gambling, drugs, alcohol but has a higher purpose is up lifting. He has a faith that is strong and guides him to give back to humans less fortunate is exemplory.
There are many who still have a gripe or harbour a grudge against him. Some of these sentiments may be true but i cant go past his love for his mother and family, his Muslim faith, and his work ethic that transcends his past actions. I have changed my opinion of him and wish others has the moral fibre of SBW. To have talent and an insane work ethic is rare but to have the humility to want to help those less fortunate, and be the right kind of role model is a rare diamond.

[Simon Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because of its very simple language and story. Sonny doesn't mince his words about where he went wrong and where he went right in his earlier years. I am not really a sports-minded person but I wanted to read how someone gets to his level. It wasn't really a book about sport but rather personal achievement and goal setting.

Alan Duff has done a great job putting this book together from conversations with Sonny to provide a good summary of everything that he has done in his life and where he has come from. I find it quite amazing that he became Muslim while playing in a sport which isn't really played by Muslims and especially not Antipodean Muslims. But the way the book reads, Sonny isn't concerned about religion per se, it is more about thinking of the world and thinking what you can do to help, not what you are owed.

He makes a great role model for all NZers and I really enjoyed the read. It is an easy read and could be read in a day over a few hours. It can be read at speed as the story jumps around.

[Brendan Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

4/10 - Sonny Bill is an incredible athlete with unprecedented success that's unlikely to be replicated. However this book is a bit bland. Sonny Bill is portrayed as mixture of Terminator (physically indestructible), Daniel O'Donnell (the perfect gent with time for everyone) and a Muslim with the zeal of a new Crossfit athlete. However the only time Sonny Bill's personality shines through in the book is when he talks about smashing lads with shoulder charges in his league days. Everything else is framed in terms of my Faith encourages me to do this, so I do it and I'm grateful for my faith. They say that there are no characters left in pro sports but I doubt you achieve what Sonny Bill has without having a huge personality. I just think this is a carefully curated view of Sonny Bill, which is his right.

So in a nutshell, you're going for tea with Sonny Bill rather than a 2-3 pints.

As an aside, would love to know more about Sonny Bill's manager Khoder Nasser who also introduced him to Islam. Strikes me as a very interesting character.

[Alina·˚ ༘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If someone told me a year ago that I would be reading a sports biography, I wouldn't of believed them. I will admit, the rugby parts did get a bit boring from times but that's just me. The book was overall good even though, at times it does get a bit repetitive. I honestly feel weird about writing a review for a biography. It's not just a fictional book, this is someone's life. I like the fact that this book talks about the struggles of being Pasifika and talks about the mindset of being one. I also enjoyed reading about how he became Muslim. As a born Muslim myself, I don't really know how it is for reverts and what their journey is like. I honestly cannot say if this is a good sports biography because this is the first one I've ever read. I will say that if you are looking to try something new, this is a perfect chance as the writing style is easy and simple, and the book is quite short too (quite a big font and quite short too - around 300 pages).

[Marty Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SBW for sharing your story. I appreciate SBW's honesty throughout each chapter. To take a look into SBW's life beyond professional sport was something I've always been curious about.

As a person of Polynesian heritage I can relate to a few of SBW's insecurities and challenges at a young age. I believe this book can help the young Pasifika and Maori community confront and overcome some of these daily challenges we face. I know as a youngster this book would have definitely helped or provided some guidance.

I give this book 5 stars because its more than just a book about SBW. He is being a leader, looking to provide a spark and uplift the Polynesian and Maori community to be better and break the old stereotypes. For someone of Samoan descent to commit to this path is massive step up and is truly amazing.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this autobiography.

I must admit I was slightly hesitant going into it. I had formed an opinion on what I felt SBW was like from how he has been represented within the media. I think I was wrong.

SBW comes across as someone who is constantly trying to improve himself - whether that be physically or mentally. His conversion to Islam was incredibly interesting to read about.

He is obviously an incredibly talented, once in a generation type of sporting talent. To represent your country in one sport is amazing. To represent in four is outright ridiculous.

A must read for an All Blacks or New Zealand sports fan. I am neither but love rugby, hence picking this up. I would recommend.

[Jayden Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good behind the scenes look into the pivotal moments of SBW's career. This book also serves as a good chance for him to speak up on the humanitarian issues which are important to him, notablely the refugee crisis and Maori/Pasifika development.

As an avid footy fan, I would have loved more detail of the techniques and science behind his training reigeme, however I appreciate that could be off-putting for casual readers.

I would hope to see this book in the homes of Maori and Pasifika kids, as SBW strongly emphasizes the importance of self belief and focus, which are traits that have been damaged through our colonial past.

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true superstar of sport rugby league, rugby union, rugby sevens, boxing. It would easy for him to be very smug in his achievements & lead the life of a superstar but his comes across very humble - beliefs & family are the most important things to him
Received much prejudice which is sadly all too common in ethnic minorities. Inspire of this to become a legend so many times over is even more amazing.
As a British essentially rugby union supporter there are many league players referenced that I had never heard of. Has inspired me to look them up on

[Jay Dwight · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Enjoyable read. A little different from the typical sports biography. Most are more a narrative of the achievements on the sporting field. This one is a lot more about the man - the struggles he had as a shy young man who just happened to be an exceptional sportsperson, and his subsequent growth into a more confident man.

[Lincoln Latter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without knowing much about Sonny Bill's life, the way the book is written, jumping around rather than in a linear format makes it hard to follow at times. Additionally, parts feel like they are not written in Sonny Bill's voice, potentially because this is not a genre Alan Duff is familiar with (as noted by himself at the books intro).

[Hazy Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t say I was ever a fan of Sonny Bill the player but after receiving this book as a gift I decided to give it a go. I really enjoyed the insight into this multi sport athlete. I respected the honesty he had about his mistakes and the discipline he had to recover from numerous injuries. Recommend to give it a read!

[Shaun Burrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sonny Bill has always been the icon of the ultimate athlete in my opinion. From watching him succeed in the League to the Union. No one has done what he has.
This book I feel doesn’t glorify his greatness enough. Although a good easy read, with a bit of structure this book could of had you on the edge of your seat.
Cheers to Sonny and his Greatness 🦾

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!! Truely shows that you can be one of the greatest sports people your country has seen but still be humble, kind and honourable. Well written with that typical Alan Duff style. Highly recommend to all.

[Andrew Petti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the way Sonny did not shy away from the issues and challenges of his past. The narrative is ready about Sonny's progression as a person and he dealt with more than I realized.

[Peter Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonny shares a beautiful and transformative personal journey through career, culture and faith. A deeply motivational story for anyone seeking change in their life - regardless of background or interest in sports. A must for anyone searching for clarity in a world of distraction.

[David Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonny Bill Williams what a beautiful man inside and out x

[Chris Knights · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a humble, honest and total legend that is SBW. This book takes you on a journey of passion, endurance, struggles, persistence, belief. It will make you reflect.

[Tauseef Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book from one of my all time favourite athlete's. It really uplifts you and makes you think in a positive way, told through the life of SBW. An inspirational read to all.

[Timo Brooky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! “Doing more than what is required” is what really sticks with me since reading this.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good man and his tory

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable - gives a brief look at behind the scenes of this talented man, but enjoy what he has said about what he is standing for now.

[Dan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiration. Thank you for all you do SBW

[Hesham Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any young aspiring athlete.