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kellylynnthomas's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
In many ways, this was a difficult book to read because of the subject matter. Because of that, though, it had me cheering for the author when he finally turns his life around. Brantt Myhres never pulls any punches while detailing his addictions and how they affected his relationships and his NHL career. He also reads the audiobook, which made listening to this book feel even more personal and intimate.
Myhres careens from one disaster to the next, but ultimately finds sobriety and is able to use his experiences to help others. I think what I appreciated most about this account was how clearly Myhres lays out the help he received, and how he would not have been able to achieve sobriety without that help. His takes responsibility for his actions while acknowledging that addiction is a disease that cannot be easily overcome.
Recommended for: Hockey fans and those with friends or family members struggling with addiction. Recommended for those struggling with addiction themselves with the caveat that the content might be triggering.
I received a free audiobook copy of this title via Libro.fm's program for booksellers. My star rating is based on a mix of how much I enjoyed the book and how well I feel this book achieves its purpose.
Myhres careens from one disaster to the next, but ultimately finds sobriety and is able to use his experiences to help others. I think what I appreciated most about this account was how clearly Myhres lays out the help he received, and how he would not have been able to achieve sobriety without that help. His takes responsibility for his actions while acknowledging that addiction is a disease that cannot be easily overcome.
Recommended for: Hockey fans and those with friends or family members struggling with addiction. Recommended for those struggling with addiction themselves with the caveat that the content might be triggering.
I received a free audiobook copy of this title via Libro.fm's program for booksellers. My star rating is based on a mix of how much I enjoyed the book and how well I feel this book achieves its purpose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Alcoholism
Moderate: Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
smorrison4's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
5.0
Wow, Brantt wrote a very open and honest book about his life, from childhood to now. I love that Brantt didn't sugar coat anything, he told his story with all of the consequences and all of the times he was allowed to skate. I am glad that the NHL and NHLPA didn't give up on helping him recover because it ultimately lead to him being able to change his life and the lives of others.
octavii42's review
dark
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Whilst i enjoyed reading this book, its not particularly well written and can be quite repetitive. I fully expect the road to recovery to have ups and downs but he did repeat a lot of the same sentiments. I found it fascinating to get a peek inside the life of an NHLer, especially an enforcer. Although the league came good in the end to help him I do feel they (and others) were partly responsible in creating the problem. Im very glad that the role is pretty much extinct now and people have wised up. Also nice to know that he got be a part of the solution at the end. That whole bit about Newcastle was hilarious! I'm not surprised he didn't last long given our reputation for drinking!
david66's review
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
2.5
Despite the lowish score I quite enjoyed this memoir. Written with openness and honesty it is rather a sad tale, with little to commend the author but gradually turns into a more uplifting and hopeful story; one where you begin to understand the root of Brantt's addictions and end up admiring his courage. I found the information on what life was like in the NHL and the mindset of the 'enforcer' fascinating. However I did find the book rather bitty and very repetitive (though that may have been deliberate). So in conclusion not an easy read and not particularly well written but for someone with a love of hockey truly fascinating and eye-opening.
jpfromns's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Stellar book !
sammantha's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Abandonment, Blood, Addiction, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Death, Death of parent, Suicide, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
windingdot's review
4.0
Not the typical athlete memoir. Much of it is pretty harrowing. Glad that he managed to survive and get to a point in healing where he can share his story and help others. Worth a read for hockey fans.
kendrabetweenthelines's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Addiction, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
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