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The Magic in the Tin

From the author of the critically acclaimed THE BOY ON THE SHED

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The Magic in the Tin

By: Paul Ferris
Narrated by: Ruairi Conaghan
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Bloomsbury presents The Magic in the Tin by Paul Ferris, read by Ruairi Conaghan.

Unmissable: please read this extraordinary book.' – Daily Mail

'A triumph ... A worthy follow-up to The Boy on the Shed.' – Jeff Stelling

'All men should read this book – important and brilliantly written.' – Alan Shearer

'Genius... A difficult, deeply personal story beautifully told.' – George Caulkin, The Athletic

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From the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, The Boy on the Shed, comes a powerful tale of grit and resilience, told with great humour, openness and profound bravery.

Former Newcastle United winger Paul Ferris was 51. He had successfully forged a post-football career as a physio, barrister and then a CEO, and his award-winning memoir, The Boy on the Shed, was just about to be published. But then he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This honest, sometimes brutal and frequently funny book tells the story of what happened next.

Prostate cancer. It’s a phrase that strikes fear into the heart of every man. It’s the most common male cancer, but treatable if it’s caught early enough. Paul doesn’t shy away from describing that treatment. And neither does he hold back on its life-changing consequences – from harrowing surgery, humiliating procedures and excruciating consultations – as he strives to become the man he once was again.

The mental challenges and psychological impact of living with this acute condition are explored in Paul’s revealing and riveting narrative that represents rare male honesty, but this is never a ‘poor me’ book or not in any way self-pitying. Courageous, inspirational and beautifully written, The Magic in the Tin is a rare thing: deeply moving yet rich in humour, written by a true sportsman in every sense of the word.

A brutal and poignant account of one man's journey through prostate cancer.(P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Football (American) Medical Professionals & Academics Sports Funny Comedy Magic Memoir
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Critic reviews

All men should read this book – important and brilliantly written. (Alan Shearer)
A triumph ... A worthy follow-up to The Boy on the Shed. (Jeff Stelling)
A difficult and important story beautifully told. (Mick Harford)
Genius... A difficult, deeply personal story beautifully told. Paul Ferris is a rare and important author who can write about the darkest of subjects with a warmth and life- affirming honesty few others can match. (George Caulkin)
Paul Ferris manages to be brutally honest and very funny about something dark and terrifying. He's also generous, warm and philosophical. (Kevin Day, writer and comedian)
A book as brave as it is honest.
... a fantastic read… educational and thought-provoking.
A powerful, courageous and brave book (Francis Benali, Southampton FC legend and award-winning charity fundraiser)
Courageous, life-affirming and beautifully written, it is a memoir that is both deeply moving and rich in humour... a magnificent book and I encourage you to read it. (Helen McGurk)
A deeply personal and brutally honest account ... handled with a light tough - and moments of real humour - as Ferris brings that roller coaster road to life.
Powerful
Unmissable: please read this extraordinary book... Every man, whatever their age, should read this brave and painfully honest book.
Ferris brings humour to the darkness. This profoundly moving memoir will perhaps be his most important legacy. It will hold the hands of men unfortunate enough to face the same fight and encourage others not to remain silent. Inspirational.
All stars
Most relevant
What an education into a life fighting Prostate cancer and heart disease with a dose of humour thrown into it.

Enlightening, humorous and tear jerking story

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A life’s journey and a message of hope that children are to be treasured and are our future .

Magic in those words

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Excellent listen with good content which will help any man make decisions on their health

How truthful the author seemed

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I have laughed and cried through this book.
My daughter had cancer at the same time as Paul and I found myself finishing off his sentences those of you that have been on the cancer journey will know.
This book is raw and honest and also uplifting and funny.
Prostrate cancer is horrendous for men thank you Paul for sharing your journey and giving hope to many people.

A must read

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“The Boy on the Shed,” is my favourite ever book. As a Newcastle Utd fan from Ireland it’s perhaps unsurprising.

Paul’s follow on is an equalling gripping tale. The only negative is that it is a true story. This evil disease has impacted too many men for generations, including my own family. Paul’s journey and his bravery in being so truthful is something that will hopefully serve to remind others to please get regularly checked.

An MOT from your GP is nothing compared to daunting trip to regular PSA checks with a consultant. Paul beautiful balances his torment with so many great moments, a reminder that life is for living no matter what we encounter.

Most important book a man may ever read

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