How life imitates chess by Garry Kasparov

This book took me to my childhood when i spend most of my lunch time playing chess with my ever lasted rival in secondary school and, especially, high school. Beauty of this game, either you win or lose always fascinated me.

In his autobiography, Kasparov narrates the story behind his success in chess. He shed a light on many questions about his personal life and chess, such as how many moves ahead he can see, how he prepares for matches and how he took title of World Chess Champion from Anatoly Karpov in 1987 after 3 years struggle and 120 matches ? He relates his experience with politics, business and personal improvement. In some sections of the book, i felt that this combination, especially personal improvement, is a bit cheap shot! Nevertheless, it has lots of advice and real life experience for personal development. He quotes lots from many successful people (Churchill is his personal hero).

But interesting point about this book, for me, was Kasparov's political's ideas, democracy struggle in Russia. I do support his democratic against Putin's undemocratic regime. After he retired professional chess in 2005, he actively involves in politics in opposition parties against Kremlin for a democratic change in Russia. For such a change, he and like-minded people (liberals, communist, human right activist) set up a nationwide rainbow organization (United Civil Front, UCF). UCF organizes activist against 2008 elections since 2004 for a democratic change. He points out that, this mixing of opposition groups in UCF gave fruitful results such as that these opposition groups better understand each others. Leftist, who are still under impression of Soviet era, have recognized the importance of freedom and democracy from liberals and liberals acknowledged social aspect of democracy from leftist.

I think Kasparov deserves all credit for his active role in UCF and he asks support from western countries, powers, companies to pressure on Kremlin for democratic change. Add this point, i dont agree with Kremlin. I think, he should not let external factors and powers involve in Russia's internal affairs. I am doubtful that interests of external powers are always same as the interest of people of Russia. Middle East is a simple example of who benefits and suffers cos of external powers! Careful consideration must be done when seeking external support, i think.

I strongly advice this books to those who loves chess or wants to read the story of a success.