Favorite Figure Skating book

[Skatingsarah]

What is your favorite skating biography/autobiography/short story that you have read?

My list
1-My Sergei *Sergei and Katia*(no competition)
2-Landing it *Scotty Hamilton*
3-All that Glitters *Josee Chouinard*
4-Talking Figure Skating *Beverly Smith*(on a variety of skaters)
5-Skating for the Gold *Tara Lipinski and Michelle Kwan story
6-Born to Skate *Michelle Kwan*
7-Champions of Ice *The Tom Collins Tour*
8-Skating to the Stars *Sarah Hughes*
9-Gold on Ice*Sale and Pelletier*

I never realized how many books I have read about skating until I started listing them! I put Gold on Ice on the bottom, because I'm patiently wait for them to decide to do a really biography or autobiography on themself's! How awesome would that be... Imean once they arent soo busy :D
-Sarah

[md2be]

scott's was written poorly and i couldnt get over that.
toller's ice cream was horrible.
loved both brasseur and eisler, but probably because i know them and could read between the lines.
katia's is classic love story.
On Thin Ice by the Jelnicks is FANTASTIC!

[Susan]

I agree about On Thin Ice being a fantastic book, I read it as a child and would sure like to have a copy in my collection

[Mel On Ice]

Brian Biotano's book. I bought it at one of those book warehouse places, just for the heck of it, but I keep going back to it for inspiration and advice in my own skating. It's part Brian's biography, part scrapbook, part history of the sport, part how-to manual. It is the ultimate "what would Brian Biotano Do?" handbook - read it and you will know!

USFSA Figure Skating book. Packed with history and beautiful photos.

Rudy Galindo's autobiography. He was honest in his depiction of himself, he sounded like an a real person.

The worst was Maribel V. Owen's Figure Skating book. Published in 1937, the content is dated and she reads like an elitist snob. I thought it would be interesting to read about old-school skating, but I was wrong.

[meli]

Susan--I've never read the Jeleniks' book, but from what I remember of their history, they have a better story to tell than most skaters. Katia comes close, but her book is really about her relationship with Sergei and his death in relation to growing up in the Soviet Union.

If it ever comes out in the US, I'd love to read Katarina Witt's story about her life in East Germany and being spied on by the Stasi.

[Trillian]

My Sergei is definitely one of the best, but as meli said, it's not so much about skating as about their relationship and background as Soviet athletes. Still, definitely an interesting read.

Otherwise I haven't found most autobiographies particularly compelling. I did like Boitano's book very much, and I recall finding Sandra Bezic's a pretty enjoyable read as well. Galindo's read a little too much like an episode of the "E! True Hollywood Story." I don't remember Hamilton's being particularly badly written, but I'm sure there's some reason I never got around to finishing it. I read one of Toller Cranston's books and was pretty entertained, although I couldn't get through it from beginning to end--I wound up skipping around a lot, looking for the amusing anecdotes and that sort of thing.

Has there ever been a Dick Button autobiography? Now that's one that could be a classic.

I don't bother with "unauthorized" biographies and I haven't come across any other skating book I've thought was all that great. Skating for Dummies was pretty good as a general guide to the sport, and an easy read, but otherwise nothing comes to mind. Most others have been too gossipy, too superficial, or too full of obvious mistakes.

[lBrokenAnkle]

It's kind of hard to rank the books since they all have different purposes. I do think Steve Milton's SkateTalk is the best of any type, he had the skaters do the talking, and it turned out fascinating. I would love to see him do another one with the SLC generation.

Talking Figure Skating by Beverly Smith is quite good too, as she covers some unusual aspect of the skating world like the bootmakers and so forth.

Of the skater biographies, I had heard so much about My Sergei and maybe it was too hyped because I found it a singularly dull read. I was suprised because EM Swift is a well known writer and it is such a tragic story so the ingredients were there, but for me it just didn't gell. I thought Scott's was excellent, didn't notice any poor writing in particular, and I felt he was able to capture a real sense of what being on the ice was like. The worst bio was Peggy Fleming's now THERE's some bad writing for you. Second worst are Toller Cranston's books. I know some find them "refeshingly honest" but to me they are more notable for rambling with no point. I liked Toller a lot more before I started reading his books.

Of the coffee table books, the important thing are the photographs, and I think the new COI book, the Sandra Bezic, the Brian Boitano and the Elvis Stojko ones are excellent.The worst is the SOI one, I forget the title, but it is incredibly dark and gloomy looking.

I only have two books I got for reference (to answer the questions like, just what are the elements of presentation again?) and IMHO they are both terrible. The Official USFSA Book of Skating is a jumble, poorly organized and doesn't seem to know if it is a coffee table book, an instruction manual or a resource list. Lots of mistakes, too few pictures. Even with these flaws, I do find I consult it more than Kristy Y's book, Figure Skating for Dummies. This one really suffers from not knowing who the audience is. Is it for for beginng skaters, parents, or spectators? The photographs are in a word, terrible. They are included to teach something about the sport, but are so dark and blurred they are useless. And the tone of this book which is a how to of some sort, is amazing preachy and smug.

So I suppose of the books out there, My top seven are:

SkateTalk
Heart and Soul (Hey I'm an Elvis fan)
Champions on Ice
Boitano's Edge
Talking Figure Skating
Passion to Skate
Landing It

Laura

[md2be]

I got my copy of On Thin Ice at the little book store on main street in Lake Placid in 1989. The store is right next to the liquor store that (my boyfriend :lol: ) Jimmy Shea's dad owns. I used to train there, and my mom picked it up. I read it at the time and hated it.

I read it again last year and it is fabulous, not only for the skating and the jelnicks relationship, but also for the history of Prague, war and their escape.

I HIGHLY rec. this one to any skating fan.

(Id loan my copy but it is signed by my former coach who coached the Jelnicks and is mentioned in the book).

[in2sk8n]

I got a little book from ICESPORTS called Symphony on Ice:The Protopopovs and really liked it. The writing is very emotional and descriptive. Another little book that I got from them called Choreography and style for ice skaters by Ricky Harris was also really interesting to read.

Has anyone here read Kurt Browning's biography? I think it's been out of print in America for quite awhile but I've heard people say it was good.

[irene2020]

For me, it's My Sergei, definitely.

I hope Kurt will publish another book. I think his biggest success is not his 4 world titles, but how he handled the olympic torture gracefull and became a even BETTER and transformed skater after the olympic disappointments. I wasn't his fan until about 96. Now, I think he is the very best. :D

I am reading Peggy Fleming's biography. It's quite interesting. But may be because she is before my time, I couldn't quite relate.

[SShaste]

I haven't read many skating books but I really want to read My Sergei and Toller Cranston's Ice Cream.

Best coffee table book for me is Elvis Stojko's Heart and Soul - great pictures!!

The next coffee table book I want to get is the Champions on Ice one.

As far as figure skating books that aren't biographical or autobiographical I really liked Debbie Wilkes' book (the title escapes me right now). She really kind of told it like it is and gave a lot of backstage info so to speak as well as a lot of history.

[Aussie Willy]

I would have My Sergei as my favourite. It is just so honest and simple but the message comes through beautifully.

My second fav is Torvill & Dean's Facing the Music - I got this on a remainder table once and really enjoy reading and re-reading it.

I really like the Christine Brennan books too Inside Edge and Edge of Glory.

I loved Rudy Galindo's autobiography. It was better than what I thought it was going to be. Again he was very honest but I ended up developing a great deal of respect for him as a person.

Other autobiogs that I have read but don't have were Kurt Brownings and Brian Orsers. Again I really enjoyed these.

I also have Peggy Flemings autbiog (got for $2 at my local supermarket surprise surprise). I enjoyed it but found it lacking a bit of detail. It kind of seemed she was fitting many years into not much space so it seemed to have gaps.

[GrapeSoda]

Has there ever been a Dick Button autobiography? Now that's one that could be a classic.

Actually, wasn't Dick working on a book not that long ago? I thought I heard that he was. And yes, I'd love to read it.

I really enjoy "Talking Figure Skating" for some of the same reasons mentioned above -- I liked the profiles of skaters' parents, bootmakers, and the people who select music for skaters' programs. And I loved the chapter on Gary Beacom at the end.

Toller's "Zero Tollerance" just puts me on the floor. I'd love to sit down for lunch with the guy some day and pump him for whatever stories he's got. :twisted:

[leap of faith]

I loved Kurt's Bio. We have the 1991 copy here without the extra chapters but I found the book to very much like Kurt would talk.

skate talk was wonderful. To read the skaters thoughts on all sorts of topics such as family, the olys, the tragedies.

Sandra Bezic's has some wonderful pictures.

I didn't really like Scott's book. I'm not sure why. There's parts where he seems so confident about being the best overall skater. Reading his description of 1984 and then reading Brian O's right after was quite interesting.

[purplecat]

I think my favorite is Figure Skating: A Celebration by Beverly Smith. Good history and pictures in it!

I also like: the Stars on Ice book (LOL, I have it in both hardback...which I bought, and paperback...which I got as a gift), a Passion to Skate by Sandra Bezic, Boitano's Edge, Figure Skating For Dummies, and My Sergei. Plus, as a Kristi fan I love her Always Dream book and her little mini book Triumph on Ice...lots of pics for a tiny book!

I also enjoyed reading Scott's book and Rudy's book...I bawled reading Rudy's book! :cry: Those plus some others, I checked out of the library, where as the others I mentioned, I own...and there's more that I didn't mention that I own. I have WAY too many skating books and I want more! LOL!

[Corey]

My favorite was My sergi. The first skating book I ever read. A clasic love story. I also liked the Champions on ice book. Wonderful pictures. Better than the stars on Ice book. I enjoyed both the Peggy Fleming and the Scott Hamelton book. I have read several others but can't remember them. I have never read Kurt Brownings book or Rudy Galendos book but would love too at some point. I just got Frozen assects in the mail a couple of weeks ago too. i read that soon.

[Blade1]

I didn't relize either how many skating books I do own myself. All of them I do enjoy but of course I have my favorites !!

1st biography I ever bought was Kurt Brownings and I've got to say I really enjoyed it !!!

My #1 favorite definitly is "My Sergei - The Love Story" I got it for Christmas one year, and I think I started to read the book, and couldn't put the book down. Ended up finishing the book within 2 days. It was beautifully written, and really did touch me in many ways. Would be interesting if Katia would write another book - curious to know what life has been like after Sergie's passing, and would be curious to read about the love between her and Ilia.

Rudy Galindo's book I have to say too, I couldn't put the book down. He had a very interesting life with many ups and downs and struggles. I thought the book was rather interesting to read, and quite enjoyed it.

I also too enjoy both of B&E books! Very informative, and I extreamly enjoy reading Lloyd's point of view within the life of being a skater.

I also enjoy those books that are filled with colour photos from beginning to end. Such as Sandra Bezic's book. Not to mention Elvis Stojko's "Heart Of A Champion" Also too another favorite of mine is " A Celebration" by Beverly Smith.

Skaters I'd like to see come out with biographies in the future:

Sale & Pelletier (the current book "Gold On Ice" that is out is right now is nice, really lovely pictures , however I felt the book was put together in a hurry, and it just gives you a little "overview" about their skating history etc... I'd like to read in THEIR own words, about the life and times of their skating etc...)

Bourne & Kraatz - WOULD LOVE to read their thoughts & views throughout their skating career. Ya think that would ever happen?

Sarah Hughes - maybe someday !!!!

[kayskate]

Originally posted by SShaste
I really liked Debbie Wilkes' book (the title escapes me right now).

I enjoyed this one too. I think it is called "Thin Ice". I'm not sure though. The Jelinek book is riveting. I bought it through ebay. I still adore the corny 70s skating story, "Ice Castles".

Kay

[Francis71]

Debbie Wilkes book is called Ice Time (co-written with Greg Cable).

I did not like My Sergei - did not think it was well written and it felt more like a Harlequin Romance Book.

I enjoyed Scotts book though especially because he spoke of an era where I really hadn't been involved in the sport and I felt I learned quite a bit about whose who.

I also enjoyed Brasseur and Eisler/ Christine Brennans books and Kurts biography. I got Brian Orsers autobiography at a hurt book sale - good thing I didn't pay a lot for it - pretty vacant.

[memememe76]

I liked Elizabeth Manley's second book. Quite juicy with a good look at the pro scene.

[Sing_Alto]

My top three are:

Boitano's Edge
Champions On Ice
The Passion To Skate

[love2sk8]

My all-time fav is My Sergei. It was written so well, and nothing was left out...you really went thru all the emotions while reading that one. I cant say anything else except that it was perfect...

I've also read Kurt Brownings book. That one is good too, and so is Brian Orser's. Give me any skating book and I'll love it:P

[Jack]

My all time favorite skating book is "I Skate" about a girl training for Regionals at the Skating Club of Boston. (I know, I know, it's a kids book, but it brings back good memories of childhood) It was very well written, not full of dirt or anything, but a very real representation of what it was like to train in skating. I used to sprawl on the library floor and read this book over and over. I'm blanking on the girls name for some reason though... her sister's name was Wendy.

The other book I read over and over as a kid (and yea, ok, I still pick it up occasionally today) was "A Very Young Skater" about Katherine Healy. I still want to be Katherine to this very day. I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world. She got to skate with Toller Cranston in a big show AND dance the part of Marie in The Nutcracker. Katherine is done dancing I believe, and is now coaching somewhere in NY. I know she coaches at Chelsea Piers sometimes.

[Blade1]

Originally posted by love2sk8
My all-time fav is My Sergei. It was written so well, and nothing was left out...you really went thru all the emotions while reading that one. I cant say anything else except that it was perfect...


I have to agree with love2sk8 on this one. My Sergei was sooooooo beatutifully written, that you really go threw all the emotions throughout the book. Someone had said it seemed like just another "romance noval's" you'd find, however that may be true, but at least THIS was TRUE ROMANCE and TRUE LOVE that both Sergei and Katia shared!!!

[Aussie Willy]

Originally posted by Jack
The other book I read over and over as a kid (and yea, ok, I still pick it up occasionally today) was "A Very Young Skater" about Katherine Healy. I still want to be Katherine to this very day. I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world. She got to skate with Toller Cranston in a big show AND dance the part of Marie in The Nutcracker. Katherine is done dancing I believe, and is now coaching somewhere in NY. I know she coaches at Chelsea Piers sometimes.

I have that book - got a second hand copy from the library I used to work at from the book sale. I thought it was very good, but I loved the fact that when I was reading another skating book that Katherine Healy was mentioned and it said that she was a ballet dancer and figure skater and that she never went through the competition stream. I thought that was pretty cool. But that original book showed she was pretty special if she had been selected for shows with skaters of the calibre she skated with, particularly John Curry.

[Screenie]

I'm surprised noone mentioned

_Women on Ice: Feminist Essays on the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan Spectacle_ (ed: Cynthia Baughman)

.. .. that's definitely one of my favorite skating books

[what?meworry?]

Originally posted by Aussie Willy
My second fav is Torvill & Dean's Facing the Music - I got this on a remainder table once and really enjoy reading and re-reading it.

there is a lot about the details of performance in this book that makes it my favorite. attention to music and emotion and respect for the history that precedes each new generation of competitors that make this my favorite.

toller's "zero tollerance" is so outrageous as to make it fun. my close next choice.

[Blade1]

Originally posted by Screenie
I'm surprised noone mentioned

_Women on Ice: Feminist Essays on the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan Spectacle_ (ed: Cynthia Baughman)

.. .. that's definitely one of my favorite skating books

Personally I don't think I'd waist the money on a book like that. Just because it wouldn't interest me all that much, since that's all that was talked about back in 1994 when it all happened. I'm sure its "good" reading for some, but for me its just its not !! JMO

[kayskate]

Originally posted by Screenie


_Women on Ice: Feminist Essays on the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan Spectacle_ (ed: Cynthia Baughman)


I have this book. One of the essays (the Cinderella one) was particularly good. I studied a bit of social-psych (a very little bit) and found some of these writings interesting.

Kay