Get Caught Reading: 2009 Reading List

Get caught reading these great hockey books in May for Get Caught Reading Month.

FICTION

Hockey Player For Life (Howard Shapiro)
Hockey Player For Life tells the story of the rise and fall, and the mistakes of thirteen-year-old puck-rushing defenseman Tom Leonard. Tom is the Magic Rats’ best player, who gets invited to be on an AAA team in Toronto, but after playing in two tournaments, he is abruptly cut. Thinking that his dreams to play in the NHL are shattered, Tom returns to his old team in East Slade, PA, and must earn his teammates and Coach Brantford’s respect back. It takes a friendship with the team’s worst player, Terry Adamson, for Tom to realize what it means to be a hockey player for life. Hockey Player For Life is an excellent read for ages 10 and older (including adults). In July 2008, author Howard Shapiro answered a few questions for Love the Game readers.

Home Ice (Jack Falla)
The late Sports Illustrated sportswriter Jack Falla warms the heart with a collection of lyrical essays on backyard skating rinks and frozen ponds, including his own full-scale backyard rink, the Bacon Street Omni. The essays reflect on the values and lessons on relationships between families and friends. Falla visits other backyard rink builders including Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s father. A bonus chapter in Home Ice explains how to build your own backyard rink.

Saved (Jack Falla)
Another great read by Falla. Falla wrote Saved through the eyes of fictional Boston Bruins goaltender Jean Pierre “JP” Savard. Falla takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride as Savard copes with major drama , i.e. cancer, age, injuries, family problems, romance, NHL trade deadlines while vying for the Stanley Cup. Saved is undoubtedly movie or TV series material.

NON-FICTION

Best Hockey Season Ever (Kim McCullough)
Want to dominate every game and peak for the playoffs? Kim McCullough, player development expert certified youth conditioning specialist, reveals the secrets to in-season success in Best Hockey Season Ever.


Hockey: A People's History (Michael McKinley)
Hockey: A People’s History is a lavishly illustrated non-fictional digest (and a television documentary series) that traces the evolution of the sport from hockey’s humble beginnings to its most memorable events. Hockey: A People’s History reveals a tale of hockey’s pioneers, and how hockey is infused in the heart and soul of Canada and Canadians. Though the book contends that American money threatens hockey’s Canadian identity, this book is a worthwhile read.

What books have you read and recommend?