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dashadashahi's review against another edition
3.0
This book broke my heart in so many ways. Hearing about Tootoo's personal life, particularly his relationship with his brother and mother, was raw and heartbreaking. He also exposes so many systemic issues that continue to affect the north, even if he doesn't explicitly tie it to settler colonialism it is an easy connection to make. Unlike many hockey autobiographies I've read this one focuses much less on giving play-by-plays on the ice and more time talking about off-ice life and politics. My one issue is that of misogyny. He opens one chapter mentioning that he's called women broads and chicks and he's sorry if he's offended anyone but he continues the chapter using that language to describe all the "broads" in contrast to his future wife. I get that he's unapologetically himself and I appreciate the honesty but the lack of reflection on that part felt very icky, particularly because of how misogyny is interwoven so deeply within the hockey world.
sadieysmith's review against another edition
3.0
Let me start by saying I’m a Tootoo fan. I grew up watching him absolutely destroy people as a Nashville Predator and whistled with everyone else in Bridgestone whenever his skates touched the ice. However, this book is not necessarily well written, which isn’t surprising considering he’s an athlete not a writer. Jordin can be a little redundant and somewhat long winded at points but the book was entertaining. He’s very open and honest about his journey to and through the NHL, his family history, and the aspects of addiction that athletic organizations sometimes try to sweep under the rug. His story is told as if you’re having a conversation with him and I found that to be enjoyable.
diannel_04's review against another edition
3.0
A great story of overcoming adversity just not very well written.
missantarctica's review against another edition
5.0
I inhaled this in two days and that was with trying to pace myself. Jordin makes me proud to be Canadian. He's honest in his story and his storytelling - his voice came through authentically, like that of every hockey player I've ever thrown a vodka-club at! His struggle with that ol' demon booze hit close to home as I'm also a Canadian Gen Yer who grew up in a war zone caused by it and then skated around my own addiction before Lohanning it to sobriety. I might be sort of in love with him but thats beside the point...and probably has something to do with how he described my hometown arena with the word "Smarties".
kittyburritoland's review against another edition
4.0
Inspiring autobiography from Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the NHL. He holds nothing back, and offers honesty that you don't always see in a hockey bio.
rebekahjmc's review against another edition
3.0
A solid 3.5. I am glad that Jordin was able to use this book to further his processing of the pain of his childhood and loss of his brother. The last chapter is very strong.
mulletapologist's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Addiction, Physical abuse, and Racism
Minor: Misogyny
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