September 25, 2017
Love and respect fill the pages of this eloquent tribute to “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe, written by Murray Howe, the youngest of his three sons and the only one who did not follow his father into professional hockey. It’s a moving, insightful look into the entire family (which also includes one daughter), a family that Murray says was remarkable for the “unhesitating positivity” of his parents. “I am still in awe at the thought that Gordie Howe was my father,” he writes. Murray shares anecdotes illustrating how Gordie was both feared on the ice and adored by fans, including stories of him nearly taking an opponent’s ear off with his stick, and yet patiently staying late after every game to sign an autograph for every fan who asked. As a doctor, Murray’s perspective on the controversial stem-cell treatment that Gordie received to extend his life prior to his death in 2016 is fascinating. Murray shares a an account of how a stem-cell treatment made almost miraculous improvements in his dad’s condition following a stroke, allowing him to walk again after being mostly confined to a wheelchair. Though Murray writes that “this book is not about me,” the best bits are a son’s special memories of his father, whether it’s learning to play hockey as a kid or holding his octogenarian parent to keep him from going overboard on a rough fishing trip. Such stories of “how precious every moment is” give the book broad appeal for a readership beyond Gordie Howe’s fans.
September 15, 2017
Gordie Howe, who passed away in 2016 at 88, is generally regarded as the greatest hockey player who ever lived. He made his National Hockey League debut in 1946 with the Detroit Red Wings and retired in 1980 when he was 51 and still effective on the ice. Two of his sons also played in the NFL, but author Murray Howe, Gordie's youngest son, became a physician instead and emulated his father in other ways. Gordie Howe lived honorably, generously, and selflessly. After Howe passed, mourners filed through the Red Wings' home stadium for 12 straight hours. Athletic achievements alone don't generate that kind of reverence. So this hockey book isn't really about hockey; it's about being a fine human being. Murray cared for his dad the last year of his Gordie's life, and anyone who's cared for a parent will relate to his account of a time characterized by memories and melancholy, laughter and profound connection. Even the roughest hockey fan who reads this memoir will spend a couple of hours halfway between a tear and a smile. A very moving tribute to a fine man.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)
Starred review from October 1, 2017
On June 10, 2016, the sports world lost a true legend when Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," passed away. But for the Howe family, along with friends and those who knew Gordie on a personal level, he was much more than a hockey legend. It is this side of the legend that Murray Howe, Gordie's third son, shares with readers in this touching tribute to his father. The nine lessons presented here came out of the time the author spent organizing his thoughts as he prepared his father's eulogy; sharing stories with family; and hearing from friends, fans, and strangers about Gordie's impact on their lives. While Gordie was perhaps the greatest hockey player of all time, it was not his prowess on the ice that made him great. His patience, humility, and courage are what stand out in account; traits that anyone can exhibit, not just sports stars. VERDICT A must-read for hockey fans, but all readers would appreciate the lessons from a life well lived and intimately shared.--Michael C. Miller, Austin P.L. & Austin History Ctr., TX
Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.