Skip to main content

The Love Of A Good Hockey Book

Risto Pakarinen had just a wonderful post on his website about his first and still favorite hockey book in his collection - Valeri Kharlamov's 1979 autobiography, written in Finnish.

First, he made it clear how much he truly loved this book:

It’s dog-eared, it’s underlined, it’s been photocopied and plagiarized (in my school essays), it’s been with me from breakfast to bedtime and back in a day, it’s got food stains and other smudge, I’ve read it as a pre-teen, a teen, a young adult, and as a grown man – and I’ll be reading it again and again in the future. I’ve had it with me on the bus and to the gym, I’ve studied it, memorized it, and lived it.

Then, he answered his friend's question as to whether he would sell it to him, for any price.

"Not for 20, 30, or 100 euro. A hundred euro is not enough because 500 is not enough. Sure, 500 euro might get me a trip to New York City, or buy me that Lego Star Wars Death Star I’ve been saving for, but I can’t ask a guy to pay 500 euro for an old book. That would be just ridiculous. And if he wouldn’t pay 500 euro, then he wouldn’t pay 5000 which wouldn’t be enough, anyway.

"Some things just aren’t for sale" 

Give the whole post a read. Risto is one of the best writers out there. Also check out his own book he wrote - Off The Post -  a whimsical and fun read hockey fans on both sides of the Atlantic can surely enjoy.

Also, join me on Twitter @HockeyLegends and tell me your favorite hockey book you woul never part with.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Free Patrick Roy Books

Wiley is giving away two copies of Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Else . This offer is exclusive to readers of HockeyBookReviews.com ! All you have to do is email me the names of three other 2008 Wiley hockey book releases. Here's a helping hint - there are currently 5 2008 Wiley titles reviewed at HockeyBookReviews.com . It's just that easy! Then email your answers to hockeybookcontest@hotmail.com . As always, those with the correct answers are put into a draw, with two lucky winners being selected randomly. One entry per person. Contest is open to North American mailing addresses only. Winners will be announced on October 15th .

Slap Shot Original by Dave Hanson with Ross Bernstein

Many think the 1970s cult classic movie Slap Shot is as synonymous with hockey as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and hockey fights. It is mandatory viewing for any hockey fan. And many fans have, since, believe it or not, Slap Shot is the second most rented movie ever. Slap Shot looked at the rough and tumble world of minor league hockey in unforgettable fashion, often using an explosive cocktail of glorified violence and crazy humour. The adventures and hijinks of the Charlestown Chiefs has spun off two sequels, Breaking the Ice in 2002, and Slap Shot 3: The Junior League , just released directly to DVD. The original Slap Shot starred none other than the late Paul Newman as the foul-mouthed coach, but the stars of the show became The Hanson Brothers. The lovable, entertaining, violent, and bespectacled Hansons were loosely based on three actual hockey playing brothers - Steve, Jeff and Jack Carlson. Jeff and Steve actually play Jeff and Steve Hanson in the movie. Jack Carlson could n...

Net Worth: Exploding The Myths of Pro Hockey

Net Worth delves deep into the intricate web of professional hockey, dissecting its myths, realities, and the complex interplay of economics, politics, and culture that shape the sport. Written by Allison Cruise and David Griffith, the book offers a comprehensive exploration that is as enlightening as it is engaging. From the outset, Cruise and Griffith shatter the romanticized notions surrounding professional hockey, peeling back the layers to reveal the stark realities beneath the glitz and glamour of the sport. Drawing on extensive research and insider insights, the authors confront prevalent myths head-on, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of what truly defines success and worth in the hockey world. One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous examination of the economic forces driving professional hockey. Cruise and Griffith provide a nuanced analysis of the financial dynamics at play, exploring the intricate balance between player salaries,...