Matthew Syed Books In Order

Publication Order of Children's Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Matthew Syed

An author, journalist, and former table-tennis player, British writer Matthew Syed has been commentating for quite some time now. Speaking out about a whole range of different issues, he’s made a name for himself discussing motivation and mindset, and how that can potentially improve an individuals life. Providing a set of ideas grounded within his own experiences, he offers advice for helping people succeed and make the most of their potential. Regularly writing within the British press as well, he’s become a familiar presence for many, offering views on numerous different topics.

Working in journalism, he’s published pieces for publications such as ‘The Times,’ who he’s remained with since 1999. He’s also worked as a sportscaster as well, hosting a podcast on BBC radio Five Live, becoming a key fixture for his insight and perspective. Prior to this he’s also competed in the Olympics, playing for Great Britain as part of the men’s singles champions in table-tennis. Competing twice in the Olympics, he has a wealth of experience to draw from, regularly putting this back into his sports commentary.

He’s also worked within politics as well, standing as a Wokingham Labour candidate back in 2001 during the UK General Election. In the past he’s also worked with charity, along with working as a pundit, making both him and his work well-known to many worldwide. Publishing books that provide readers with positive ways of thinking in the real-world, his writing has gone on to help countless readers far and wide. With a lot more expected to follow still, he’s a journalist and commentator who will carry on writing for quite some time yet.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1970 on the 2nd of November, Matthew Syed was born and raised in Reading, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. His father was Abbas Syed, a Pakistani immigrant to Britain who converted to Christianity from Shia Islam, while his mother was Welsh. Attending Maiden Erlegh School located in Earley near to Reading, he would later go on to graduate from Balliol College in Oxford, where he would gain a first class honours PPE in 1995.

Playing as a top-ranking table-tennis player for almost ten years, Syed would reach the top twenty-five players in the world by the end of 1998. A member of the English team, he would win the European title with them together in 1986, before becoming English champion four times during the nineties. Following this he’s worked as a commentator for Eurosport and the BBC, becoming a regular pundit on radio and television, and is married to Kathy Weeks, who he has a son and a daughter with.

Writing Career

The first book that Matthew Syed would write was titled ‘Bounce,’ which was a look at the ‘science of success’ when it came to influential figures throughout history. Prior to this he would write for a number of different publications, most notably for ‘The Times,’ who he’d provide a regular column for. In 2015 he’d publish the book ‘Black Box Thinking,’ which would be an argument for the power of positive thinking when it came to making mistakes.

He’d also publish non-fiction books for children, such as ‘You Are Awesome’ and ‘Dare to be You,’ which would seek to engender positive attitudes and resilience for younger readers. Other books he’d write were ‘The Greatest,’ which looked at sport and success, and ‘Rebel Ideas.’ examining diversity in thought. Winning numerous awards for his work, such as the ‘Best British Book Award’ and being a ‘LinkedIn Top Advisor,’ he’s gone on to become a prominent figure within his field, with more to follow.

Bounce

Originally published in 2010 on the 20th of April, this would first come out through the ‘HarperCollins’ publishing label. A stand-alone non-fiction title with the subheading of ‘Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham’ and the ‘Science of Success,’ it’s a straightforward book looking to help the reader. Providing motivation and insight, it manages to deliver its ideas clearly and succinctly, in what was the first book from Matthew Syed.

Revealing the secrets to success, Matthew Syed aims to take a look behind what drives influential figures to achieve their goals. From business, to sports, to school, Syed breaks-down what it is that motivates individuals to do so well in these particular areas. Taking iconic figures such as Mozart and Picasso, he examines what allowed them to become the icon that they are today. He then provides the reader with an actionable plan, giving them working advice to help them put into practice what’s been said.

Easy-to-follow and informative, the book has a lot to offer, with its accessible content open to a wide-range of readers. Straightforward and simple, it immediately sets up its premise, moving along at a brisk pace with plenty of clear examples. Drawing inspiration from authors like Malcolm Gladwell, the book is fun and engaging, with its entertaining style and tone.

You Are Awesome

With the subheading of ‘Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything,’ this book is aimed at younger readers. First brought out on the 19th of April in 2018, this would be a stand-alone non-fiction title with plenty of advice and help. Released through the ‘Hachette Book Group’ imprint, it would look at themes such as the growth mindset and what they mean.

When someone doesn’t believe they’ll be good at something, they are less likely to even give it a try in the first place. This attitude tends to hold them back, prevent them from achieving their dreams, and keeping them unmotivated in the process. Looking at famous people once again, it examines how success is earned and worked for, simply than given to straight away. Providing plenty of motivation, it gives readers the drive, helping to give them the push that they need to continue with their dreams.

The book itself would be well received, and it’s easy to see why, with its simple to follow advice that’s well laid out from the beginning. It’s all managed with due care, making it easy to pick up, imparting some clear and coherent ideas to take away for its young audience. Translated into a number of different languages too, it would see international success as well, with the book ‘Dare to Be You’ following it up in 2020.