Thinking Out Loud: Love, Grief and Being Mum and Dad

I didn't see the documentary but heard so many good things about it that I ordered the book. I have just finished reading it, in three sittings and between each it has been constantly on my mind along with "can't wait to get back to it". The incredible part about this book is that a man with a highly tuned psychology for, and an extreme focus on winning, and an inability to lose in his profession as a top sports man has to somehow cope with the biggest losses imaginable - losing the lady he cherished most in all the world (his wife) - not once, but twice (his mum)! While at the same time nursing his children through their own pain. Incredibly sad but at the same time also inspiring. Lots of insight into the mind of a top performing athlete as well as the normality of coping with grief. A great read!

From the first sentence i was drawn in. An achingly honest narrative. Thank you for sharing Rio. I'm only on chapter 4 but I've felt every word. Get this book it truly is a deeply personal and honest account of what Rio and the family have been through. Weve all had a journey and this books made me face a few things of my childhood. The photos are hazy but i suspect the hardback will have great photos.

If you have ever lost a loved one and didn't know how to grieve, then read this book. A really open and honest account of someone who has everything and then a big part of it was gone leaving him with 3 children and no idea how to do anything for them. Showing that came and fortune are no good to you if. You can't cope. Rio tells of his mistakes and regrets and how he had to start over again learning to bring up his children on his own. At the same time dealing with his feelings that he has not been able to show before. Heartbreaking story but an excellent read.

Lost for words! Incredibly raw and honest story of the loss of a young wife and the subsequent grief and slow recovery from that loss . a personal path of recovery. An essential read for anyone struggling with a personal loss.

A fantastic read filled with every emotion possible Rio you are a inspection to any Man who is going or has gone through Bereavement. Your words of honesty is so impressive I have lots of respect for you. You are doing a fantastic job as a parent that will stay with your children forever. Wishing you all the best in your future Peter.

I am so glad that I have read this amazing and much needed book by Rio. As a Man Utd fan I have always admired Rio as a footballer, but now I truly admire him as a brave man and a loving Dad. His honesty and truthfulness have taken such strength, he and his precious children deserve peace, love and happiness again and I sincerely believe now they will achieve this together, watched over always by two guardian angels above, Rebecca and Rio's dear Mum.

Very true to life, compelling reading and sad. Well done Rio for writing this book. Couldn’t put it down. Compulsive reading even if you don’t like football!

Anyone who has suffered the terrible loss of a partner may find this book helpful in some ways, for personal thought, reflection and some comfort. Rio went up in my estimation when he publicly opened up and talked about his loss, regrets, mistakes, focussing on his children. His experience shows that no one gets to bypass this terrible personal grief, no matter how rich or successful, it’s a shared human condition which is still so misunderstood, shunned, ignored by many. It helps to hear other voices on the subject of grief and loss and the book contains some helpful tips and advice.