Looks like this blog is turning into a family affair. Son # 3 was responsible for the subject matter of yesterday’s post and today’s “Guest Blogger” is son # 2. Ted has written a review of Searching for Bobby Orr. Like mother, like son. (Ted’s name was revealed in a previous post — I blew it as to keeping his identity private.) I must also give credit to son # 1 whose patience and assistance in teaching me about computer usage has been fantastic and invaluable. (If only I had been as patient with him when he was a holy terror of a kid…)
So, here’s Ted’s review. (Mom is smiling proudly.)
Stephen Brunt’s Searching for Bobby Orr is an excellent book for any sports enthusiast. I have read many biographies of sports figures over the years and this has to be my favourite. The book not only provides insight into the life of perhaps one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game, but it is also very educational regarding the history of hockey (as well as sport) in Canada.
Mr. Brunt provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of Bobby Orr — his days in Parry Sound, Ontario, his life as the star of the Oshawa Generals at the age of 14, his years as a Boston Bruin and his contributions toward bringing down Alan Eagleson in the late 1990’s — not to mention all the awards and championships he won throughout his stellar career. After reading the book, I truly felt like I knew and understood Bobby Orr as an athlete as well as a man, and this is coming from someone born well after Orr’s playing career was prematurely ended.
Perhaps the most appealing part of the book for me was the educational aspect. I have studied the history of hockey (and for the most part, sport in general) but this book provided me with insights into the sporting and hockey industry and history that I did not know about. Throughout the book, Mr. Brunt made great use of footnotes to further educate his readers as to various people, events and items in the history of hockey and sport.
Overall, this book was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in sport. The book inspired me to learn more about the great Bobby Orr. I am only just beginning to appreciate what the man meant to the world of hockey and sports in general.
So, here’s Ted’s review. (Mom is smiling proudly.)
Stephen Brunt’s Searching for Bobby Orr is an excellent book for any sports enthusiast. I have read many biographies of sports figures over the years and this has to be my favourite. The book not only provides insight into the life of perhaps one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game, but it is also very educational regarding the history of hockey (as well as sport) in Canada.
Mr. Brunt provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of Bobby Orr — his days in Parry Sound, Ontario, his life as the star of the Oshawa Generals at the age of 14, his years as a Boston Bruin and his contributions toward bringing down Alan Eagleson in the late 1990’s — not to mention all the awards and championships he won throughout his stellar career. After reading the book, I truly felt like I knew and understood Bobby Orr as an athlete as well as a man, and this is coming from someone born well after Orr’s playing career was prematurely ended.
Perhaps the most appealing part of the book for me was the educational aspect. I have studied the history of hockey (and for the most part, sport in general) but this book provided me with insights into the sporting and hockey industry and history that I did not know about. Throughout the book, Mr. Brunt made great use of footnotes to further educate his readers as to various people, events and items in the history of hockey and sport.
Overall, this book was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in sport. The book inspired me to learn more about the great Bobby Orr. I am only just beginning to appreciate what the man meant to the world of hockey and sports in general.
12 comments:
Was Bobby Orr from Parry Sound? have I got the right guy...sounds like a good book.
Orernta - Bobby Orr was born and raised in Parry Sound, Ontario. He then moved to Oshawa when he was 14 years old to begin playing junior hockey, and from there to Boston to play for the Bruins.
Ted
How fabulous! The review makes me think this is a must read for every hockey enthusiast.
lynn - (Guess Ted's in class now or he'd reply to your commment!)
I confess, I'll probably read the book. Hockey, hocky, hockey...
Ted - Great review! God, you've come a long way from Berenstein Bears!!! Since you made reference to other sports, can I look forward to a review of Andre Agassi? Roger Federer? Pete Sampras? (I can dream, right?!)
Love ya,
Mimi
And how does this book compare with The Autobiography of Mario Lemieux? (Seriously.)
I am not really into sports - but he writes an excellent review. You should be proud!
baron - Thank you very much! I am proud.
Lynn - This book SHOULD be read by every hockey enthusiast, or in my opinion they aren't one lol.
Mimi - Thanks. I think that it was my first "real" book review other than little ones done in high school. I must confess, I only read biographies of baseball and hockey players, but Pete Sampras and Agassi do sound appealing.
Anonymous - (who i think might be my father) I think that it was much better than the Lemieux biography (Lemieux did not write the book). And I think that Orr had a much bigger contribution to the game.
Ted
Your guys are great writers!
attila - Thanks! (Ted might comment too. Sharing this blog is somewhat confusing.)
What a wonderfully written review! I can tell this book has truly inspired you.....and in my opinion that is a true sign of a great book.
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