The front and back covers of Jordin Tootoo's "All the Way: My Life on Ice" quote reviews with adjectives like "notable", "honesty", "compelling", and "sincerity". All of these words are accurate, based on my reading of the book. However, this is what I EXPECT when I pick up an autobiography / memoir; Mr. Tootoo (and Mr. Brunt, who've I've found to be a most excellent writer) do not disappoint.
What makes this book different than others of its ilk? To begin with, Jordin Tootoo is still an active player in the National Hockey League. Sometimes, a book written at that stage of a career includes a lot of filler witness Eric Lindros' autobiography which includes numerous (understatement) quotes from various players stating what a regular guy Eric happened to be. Mr. Tootoo's life has been so varied that he CAN write a book before he's retired without the need to insert peripherally-related materials throughout the text.
Mr. Tootoo's life has had many notable aspects and incidents he discusses all of them. Being the first player of Inuk descent to play in the NHL, he is also the first one able to describe a childhood growing up in the territory of Nunavut, as well as his departure to play Jr. hockey in the provinces. He can describe the negative affect that alcohol has played in his life, both directly and indirectly through his parents and through his older brother, Terence a man who could potentially have been the first Inuk player in the NHL had a night of drinking not been followed by his suicide. He can describe racism fortunately, without many first-hand examples. Most of all, he can describe hope and how hope can be fulfilled.
Yes, Jordin Tootoo delivered what I expect to find in a hockey biography. As such, I give him high marks for his work. I hope his life and career allow him enough material to pen an equally-interesting sequel at some point.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
What makes this book different than others of its ilk? To begin with, Jordin Tootoo is still an active player in the National Hockey League. Sometimes, a book written at that stage of a career includes a lot of filler witness Eric Lindros' autobiography which includes numerous (understatement) quotes from various players stating what a regular guy Eric happened to be. Mr. Tootoo's life has been so varied that he CAN write a book before he's retired without the need to insert peripherally-related materials throughout the text.
Mr. Tootoo's life has had many notable aspects and incidents he discusses all of them. Being the first player of Inuk descent to play in the NHL, he is also the first one able to describe a childhood growing up in the territory of Nunavut, as well as his departure to play Jr. hockey in the provinces. He can describe the negative affect that alcohol has played in his life, both directly and indirectly through his parents and through his older brother, Terence a man who could potentially have been the first Inuk player in the NHL had a night of drinking not been followed by his suicide. He can describe racism fortunately, without many first-hand examples. Most of all, he can describe hope and how hope can be fulfilled.
Yes, Jordin Tootoo delivered what I expect to find in a hockey biography. As such, I give him high marks for his work. I hope his life and career allow him enough material to pen an equally-interesting sequel at some point.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
