99: Stories of the Game

De: Wayne Gretzky

Narrado por: Mike Chamberlain

In this sports memoir, Wayne Gretzky weaves memories of his legendary career with an inside look at professional hockey and the heroes and stories that inspired him. From minor-hockey phenomenon to Hall of Fame sensation, Wayne Gretzky rewrote the record books, his accomplishments becoming the stuff of legend. Dubbed “The Great One”, he is considered by many to be the greatest hockey player who ever lived. No one has seen more of the game than he has - but he has never discussed in depth just what it was he saw.

For the first time, Gretzky discusses candidly what the game looks like to him and introduces us to the people who inspired and motivated him: Mentors, teammates, rivals, the famous and the lesser known. Weaving together lives and moments from an extraordinary career, he reflects on the players who inflamed his imagination when he was a kid, the way he himself figured in the dreams of so many who came after; takes us onto the ice and into the dressing rooms to meet the friends who stood by him and the rivals who spurred him to greater heights; shows us some of the famous moments in hockey history through the eyes of someone who regularly made that history. Warm, direct, and revelatory, it is an audiobook that gives us number 99, the man and the player, like never before.

©2016 Wayne Gretzky (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The Great One delivers a personal history of the National Hockey League...Gretzky’s sense of his sport’s history rings clearly throughout these pages, as if he is the tour guide of a museum in which he also has created some of the best art.... This enjoyable book provides an overview that will educate longtime fans and relative newcomers alike.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Arguably the best player in the history of hockey, [Gretzky] has written a warm and enthusiastic collection of memories and stories. This book showcases some of hockey’s best moments through the keen eyes of an avid student, lover, and ambassador of the game. VERDICT: Essential for all hockey fans, old and new.” (Library Journal)

“Wayne Gretzky’s 99 glides across a lifetime of high sticks and higher stakes.” (Vanity Fair)

Great book

This is a really good book. Whether you are a casual hockey fan or a serious hockey fan or maybe even a brand new fan there is a little bit of everything in the book for everyone.

MUST READ FOR ALL HOCKEY FANS (AND FOR ALMOST ANYONE ELSE!)

I loved every about this book - at first I was weary to purchase this considering it’s a bit over 12 hours I believe. Now I couldn’t be happier I purchased it; I’m already going to start is from the beginning even though I just finished it. I promise this is a SPECTACULAR book - so buy it regardless of how much you love hockey or even for anyone clueless about the sport will love it. Great stories, even better life lessons.

Great hockey history

Gretzky has a great knowledge of the game and hockey history and shares many great stories of past and present. However, the book lacks much of Gretzky's own experiences and stories as many of the stories he tells are about other people. The reader is not Gretzky which was disappointing and his performance lacks energy and becomes a little monotone. Overall, if you're a hockey fan you'll enjoy the book.

Great hockey stories

Wayne Gretzky is a tremendous hockey guy, player,ambassador etc.. this book will be most enjoyed by hockey players and fans of all ages. If you're looking to hear dirt on other players or his family and friends remember this is Wayne Gretzky and he's the ultimate class act.

The great one!

One of the best hockey books ever. Best narrator. Hockey is my favorite sport and I loved listening to theses stories.

Not Really About the Great One's Career

I thought this was going to be the Wayne Gretzky story. Not. It's NHL stories.

impressed

I grew up watching the Bruins play. I I go to about 4 games a year and watched it on TV when I have a chance. But I would never call myself a serious hockey fan. I'm just someone who likes the game. Bit this book had me hanging on on every word the narrative was phenomenal. If your a history buff you'll be hooked. it was great to hear the inside perspective on all the teams who made hockey what it is today.

Off-putting that it isn't read by Gretzky

What made the experience of listening to 99: Stories of the Game the most enjoyable?

Wayne Gretzky's personal stories of conversations on the ice, friendships and rivalries, and the process of being an NHL great, were the best part of the book.

What didn’t you like about Mike Chamberlain’s performance?

He isn't Wayne Gretzky. The book is written in first person so when he says "I did this" or "I was friends with him" it doesn't work. He is a narrator, he is not Wayne Gretzky, so it either needed to be read by Wayne Gretzky or it needed to be written in the third person. I heard Wayne in an interview promoting the book, and he has such a distinctive and familiar voice, that hearing anyone else pretend to be him just doesn't work.

Any additional comments?

It is obvious which parts of this book were contributed by Mr. Gretzky and which were the research done by the co-author. Some bits of it are incredibly dry. The history of the creation of the NHL is in depth, and some of the stories of the original players were obviously historical anecdotes. There may be 99 stories but 45 of them are not Wayne's reflections or have anything to do with him at all and were written like a history lesson.

Great history of the game as told by The Great One

Would you listen to 99: Stories of the Game again? Why?

Yes. I'm a hockey guy and I would like to retain more of the details of each story. This book is stories from the early days until now.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr Hockey of course, Gordie Howe

Have you listened to any of Mike Chamberlain’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some of the stories are touching but there is no crying in hockey

Any additional comments?

Good sports book in general, great to hear stories from the insiders.

Awesome hockey book

I loved the book. I believe any hockey fan will love it too. Listening to the thoughts, feelings and experiences of one of the greatest players to play the game is truly compelling. The book lived up to its promise in every way. Gretz's respect for fans, players past present and future and the game itself is clear.