Stephen Brunt

My best friend knows nothing about hockey. She does know who Bobby Orr is though.

The author comes right out and say it, “Bobby Orr did not give his blessing on this book.” But he is of the opinion that Bobby might have if he hadn’t been writing his own book about his life. The author honored Bobby’s request to not talk to his family. The information in this book is taken from published accounts and people who know Bobby. Some of Bobby’s friends refused to talk, others talked on condition of anonymity, this is all detailed in the book. There is information about Bobby’s life growing up in Parry Sound, how he got into hockey, his style of play etc. There is almost no information about his personal life after he got married. Bobby kept that part of his life private.

One of the reasons I like reading sports bios is there is usually information about the sport. This book does not disappoint in this area. We learn the history of hockey from when there were only 6 teams. Mr. Brunt talks about how hard it was to get new teams. He talks about the difference in the game then and now. We learn about agents and junior league, too many things for me to mention here. But its all there. Told in a compelling narrative that grabs and doesn’t let go.

This book was so compelling I bought my own copy. I recommend this book.… (lisätietoja)

Stephen Brunt interviewed 15 men, most of whom knew they were most likely to lose of the two men in the ring. They did it for the money, and to show that if Ali hadn't been there, they would have been champions. And at the End, we have the interview with Larry Holmes, perhaps Ali's greatest fan, who had to go in there, and finish him. There's some comedy, Chuck Wepner's wife being a hoot, and a great deal of pathos. Mr. Brunt, has given these men their spaces and their dignity. One of the best boxing books.… (lisätietoja)