5 astounding books fans of Jackie Chan must read
There is no doubt about the fact that Jackie Chan is one of the most popular action film stars of all time. The 68-year-old Hong Kong-born Chinese actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and stuntman is known for his slapstick acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, and innovative stunts. Today, Chan is one of the most recognizable and influential film personalities in the world, with a widespread global following in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres. As Chan turns a year older today, here are five astounding books his fans must-read.
'Never Grow Up' by Jackie Chan
In this, the global superstar reflects on his early life, including his childhood years at the China Drama Academy (in which he was enrolled at the age of six), his big breaks and setbacks in Hong Kong and Hollywood, his numerous brushes with death (both on and off film sets), and his life as a husband and father, which has been, admittedly and regrettably, imperfect.
Pic credit: Gallery Books
'The Rise (and Falls) of Jackie Chan' by Kristen Mai Giang
It is an action-packed picture book biography about Jackie Chan. It's a great read for Chan fans hoping to share their love of 'Rush Hour', 'Supercop', and Jackie's original brand of martial arts with everyone! It will help young readers discover how Jackie used his goofball acrobatics to make a name and a style all his own.
Pic credit: Penguin
'Breathe' by Peter Maguire and Rickson Gracie
This book is from the legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA master Rickson Gracie. It weaves together the story of Gracie’s stunning career with the larger history of the Gracie family dynasty and the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, showing how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring.
Pic credit: Dey Street Books
'Be Water, My Friend' by Shannon Lee
In this, Bruce Lee’s daughter illuminates her father’s most powerful life philosophies—demonstrating how martial arts are a perfect metaphor for personal growth, and how we can practice those teachings every day. It is an inspirational invitation to us all, a gentle call to action to consider our lives with new eyes.
Pic credit: Macmillan
'The Fighter's Mind' by Sam Sheridan
In this, Sheridan took readers with him as he stepped through the ropes into the dangerous world of professional fighting. From a muay Thai bout in Bangkok to Rio, where he trained with jiu-jitsu royalty, to Iowa, where he matched up against the toughest in MMA, Sheridan threw himself into a quest to understand how and why we fight.
Pic credit: Grove Press
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