Gypsy Joe is not only a story of redemption, but an uplifting account of a young gypsy determined to realize his dream. Joe Smith tells of his formative years travelling the country in a caravan and how he encountered crushing prejudice when his extraordinary talents as a golf boy prodigy became apparent.Disillusioned, he recounts a downward spiral and a life of criminality before pulling back from the brink and making the most of his life.The Observer selected the book as their Sports Book of the Year 2009 saying: "e;One of the best golf books written this year; although the cheque books come out for the scandal, this true story of thwarted ambition, criminality, violence and redemption has substance. A courageous story shot through with intelligence and humanity."e;"e;What comes across in this book is family loyalty, raw courage and violence but there is also intelligence and humanity."e;Chris Blackhurst -- Evening Standard, 23 June 2009