Gabby Logan might be a former international gymnast, broadcaster, and host of both The Mid•Point and The Sport Agent podcasts, but she is also an avid reader – mainly of sport, health and history books. An author herself, her memoir The First Half was published in 2023, while The Midpoint Plan, a candid and practical guide to navigating midlife, has just come out in paperback.
But what exactly does she read when she’s not writing or presenting? Here, Logan shares her five favourite non-fiction books of all time…
The Racket by Conor Niland
“The Racket tells the story of Conor Niland, Ireland’s highest-ranked tennis player, who hovered just outside the top 100. I read it last year when I judged the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award, which it very deservedly won. It is quite an untold story: while we often hear about the Federers and Nadals, we rarely about the players grinding through qualifying rounds – staying in Airbnbs and flying economy while the top players are in glitzy hotels and private jets, and competing without the masseurs, nutritionists or team of 20 behind them.
“Having come heartbreakingly close to a huge Wimbledon moment, Niland captures what it’s like to give everything for a sport with little glamour or reward. As someone who grew up loving tennis and now has a niece pursuing it seriously, this really resonated with me. There is also a whole family storyline in the book which gets really quite moving: I read the end on a plane and found myself welling up. It’s honest, compelling and brilliantly told.”
Penguin, £10.99
Age Proof by Professor Rose Anne Kenny
“This is one of the most credible, science-based books on ageing I’ve come across. She draws on decades of research – including some fascinating longitudinal studies – and makes the science completely accessible. What really struck me is her discussion of epigenetics: the idea that your genes aren’t your destiny, and that healthy lifestyle choices can switch certain genes on or off. But it’s not preachy or faddy.
“She’s a realist – this isn’t a book full of expensive supplements or strange regimes. Instead, it’s about things like purpose, community, and daily movement – things that don’t cost a thing but make a huge difference. There’s also warmth and humanity in the storytelling, with lovely anecdotes about the people she’s met during her research.”
Lagom, £10.99
Beryl by Jeremy Wilson
“I became a bit obsessed with Beryl Burton, a cyclist born in 1930s Leeds, after reading this book. It charts her life from the 50s when she first started competing – in what was a very sexist environment in which it was incredibly tough for a woman to be taken seriously.
“The writing is incredible, capturing both her remarkable athletic achievements and the deeply human side of her life, including her family and her personal struggles. It left me amazed that I’d never heard of her before. If Beryl had been a man, she’d be a household name by now. Her story is powerful, political, and quietly revolutionary, and I honestly can’t believe it hasn’t been turned into a film yet. There’s so much emotion in it, and it’s not just a book about cycling – it’s about grit, determination, and overcoming a system that was never built for you.”
Pursuit Books, £10.99
A Brief History of the End of the F*cking World by Tom Phillips
“I read this recently during one of those weeks when the news was just relentlessly grim, and it was the perfect antidote. It’s a fascinating look at humanity’s long-standing obsession with the end of the world – from apocalyptic prophecies in the 15th century to modern-day conspiracy theories. What struck me most was the reminder that apocalyptic thinking isn’t new.
“The book is smart, witty, and well-researched, and it manages to make heavy history feel light and digestible. It also reminds us that we humans are repeat offenders when it comes to doom – always convinced this time it’s different. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the state of the world, this book puts things into a wider, almost comforting perspective.”
Wildfire, £10.99
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr Julie Smith
“This is one of the most practical and accessible mental health books I’ve ever read. Dr Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist, gives really clear, actionable advice on everything from anxiety to low motivation. I love books that offer takeaways you can start using straight away, and this one is full of them.
“You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from it; it’s about recognising when you just need to reset. It’s not meant to replace professional help, but it’s an amazing resource for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Julie writes in a really calm, clear voice, and she’s brilliant at explaining complex things simply. I recommend it all the time.”
Michael Joseph, £20
The Midpoint Plan is published by Piatkus, £10.99
