Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Fatty Batter summary
Michael Simkins
Brief summary
Fatty Batter by Michael Simkins is a humorous memoir that chronicles the author's journey from a cricket-averse schoolboy to a passionate fan. It offers a delightful and nostalgic look at the sport and its enduring appeal.
Topics
Table of Contents
Fatty Batter
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the World of Cricket
In Fatty Batter by Michael Simkins, we are introduced to a humorous and heartfelt account of one man's lifelong love affair with cricket. The narrative begins with Simkins' childhood, where he was a plump, awkward, and cricket-obsessed boy growing up in Brighton. He shares his early experiences of playing the sport, often being the last one picked for teams due to his weight and lack of skill.
Simkins then takes us on a journey through his adolescence, marked by the usual teenage insecurities, awkwardness, and his growing passion for cricket. We see him evolve from a chubby, self-conscious kid to a slightly leaner, but equally cricket-obsessed young man, still struggling to make an impact on the field.
Cricket as a Shelter
As Simkins moves into adulthood, he finds himself navigating the complexities of life, work, and relationships, all the while using cricket as his constant refuge. He shares how the sport becomes a sanctuary, a place where he can momentarily escape from his mundane existence and lose himself in the game he loves so dearly.
Despite his increasing age and decreasing agility, Simkins continues to play cricket, finding joy in the camaraderie and traditions of the sport. He describes the peculiar mix of absurdity and solemnity that characterizes cricket, from the bizarre rituals and etiquette to the moments of intense concentration and skill on the field.
Leading a Team of Misfits
In the middle of his life, Simkins finds himself leading a cricket team, a group of oddball, amateur enthusiasts who share his passion for the game. He humorously recounts the challenges of managing this motley crew, from dealing with their idiosyncrasies to navigating the politics of local cricket leagues.
Despite the team's lack of success on the pitch, Simkins cherishes the camaraderie and friendship that binds them together. He highlights the universal appeal of cricket, bringing together people from all walks of life, united by their shared love for this quintessentially English sport.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
As the narrative progresses, Simkins' relationship with cricket evolves into a deeper, more introspective one. He begins to see the sport as a metaphor for life, with its ebbs and flows, victories and defeats. Cricket becomes a way for him to confront his own limitations, accept his imperfections, and find contentment in the present moment.
In the end, Fatty Batter is not just a book about cricket, but a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the enduring power of passion. Through his witty and self-deprecating narrative, Simkins invites us to embrace our own 'inner misfit' and find joy in the small, imperfect, and utterly human aspects of life.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Fatty Batter about?
Fatty Batter is a humorous memoir by Michael Simkins that delves into his love-hate relationship with cricket. From his childhood days as an overweight, cricket-obsessed boy to his attempts to reclaim his passion for the sport as an adult, Simkins takes readers on a journey filled with self-deprecating humor and heartfelt nostalgia. Through witty anecdotes and insightful reflections, the book offers a unique perspective on the game of cricket and the role it plays in the author's life.
Fatty Batter Review
Fatty Batter (2011) by Michael Simkins offers a hilarious account of one man's quest to become part of a London cricket team despite his lack of skills. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- Provides laugh-out-loud moments through amusing mishaps, making it a delightful and entertaining read.
- Offers a humorous glimpse into the world of cricket and the absurdities of amateur sports, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
- Its quirky characters and witty anecdotes ensure that the storyline is anything but dull, providing a refreshing and enjoyable reading experience.
Who should read Fatty Batter?
Cricket enthusiasts looking for a humorous and relatable read
Fans of memoirs and personal stories with a comedic twist
Readers who enjoy exploring the quirks and idiosyncrasies of British culture
Categories with Fatty Batter
Book summaries like Fatty Batter
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Fatty Batter FAQs
What is the main message of Fatty Batter?
The main message of Fatty Batter is embracing the challenges of amateur cricket with humor and camaraderie.
How long does it take to read Fatty Batter?
Reading Fatty Batter takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Fatty Batter a good book? Is it worth reading?
Fatty Batter is worth reading for its witty storytelling and insights into the quirks of amateur cricket.
Who is the author of Fatty Batter?
The author of Fatty Batter is Michael Simkins.
What to read after Fatty Batter?
If you're wondering what to read next after Fatty Batter, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz