Customer Reviews (2)

Fair and unbiased account of this talented athlete
Unlike other purported "bios" of Tonya and Nancy, these writers obviously took the time to interview those close to the skaters rather than depending on news stories for their material. Their attention to detail and the interesting details of backstage life in the fast-paced world of international figure skating make this an interesting read.

Interesting but Quick Read about the Tonya/Nancy Debacle
This book was hastily churned out at the height of the Tonya/Nancy knee-whacking incident as a quick money maker for the author and publisher. The problem with this book is that it is not a well-rounded biography of Tonya; the emphasis is too much on the knee-whacking incident and shortly thereafter, stopping just before the '94 Winter Games. It is an interesting collectible for Tonya-philes, but does not give a full portrait of the talented, complex, troubled young woman. Hopefully a more comprehensive biography of Ms. Harding will be available in the future. ... Read more

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A biography of the young ice skater who won the gold medal in women's figure skating in the 1992 Olympics. ... Read more

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Traces the ice skating career of Dorothy Hamill who won a gold medal at the 12th Winter Olympic Games. ... Read more

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A biography of a champion ice skater and star of the Ice Capades. ... Read more

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A biography of the nineteen-year-old American who overcame her stage fright to win the world championship in figure skating in the 1976 Olympics. ... Read more

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A brief biography of the youngest skater ever to win United States and World Figure Skating Championships and go on to win a gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics. ... Read more

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"A poignant, revealing look at a life we might have imagined differently. . . . Her story will give inspiration to anyone striving toward a seemingly impossible dream."
--Booklist

"America's Sweetheart" Dorothy Hamill grew up on the ice, working toward the dream she was to accomplish by age nineteen: winning Olympic gold in figure skating. But life was not the picture of perfection it appeared to be. Dorothy faced a painful inner struggle with depression that followed her from the time she was a young girl into adulthood. Months away from home to train and compete took a toll, yet little reprieve could be found in the tumultuous and fragile relationship she had with her parents.

Dorothy went on to marry the man of her dreams, only to have the partnership end in heartache and a tragedy that almost pushed her to the breaking point. When a second failed marriage tried and tested Dorothy yet again, she found a remarkable strength in what she did have--her greatest love, daughter Alexandra.

In this deeply moving and honest memoir, Dorothy opens up for the first time about love, family, courage, and what it means to truly win--both on and off the ice.

Customer Reviews (2)

Skating Around the Description
The price of this book was phenominal, and it also arrived in a timely manner.However, the description of the condition of the book did not match what we received.The description said "some edge wear".There was no edgewear, but there were some other things that should have been included in the description.There was a big crease, writing inside, a grease stain, presumably from a food spill, and a black marker mark on the side of the book.Again, the price was awesome, but regardless, the condition of the book did not match what we received.

Great-amazing book!
Like Dorothy, I feel that figure skating has given me a place in life. I completely understand the joy and freedom that being on the ice gives, there is not anything comparable to it!Hearing of her life, struggles and joys, make me appreciate her even that much more as a skater and as a person!I could hardly put this book down!I highly recommend this book to anyone- a tender story of a very talented and beautiful person. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspiring and beautifully written
This is a very inspiring and beautifully written book. It discusses all of the obstacles that Nancy Kerrigan overcame before she gave the performances of her life at the 1994 Winter Olympics. This book and Nancy Kerrigan helped me to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. It taught me many important lessons about life. I know it may sound weird that I learned this from a sport such as figure skating, but there are many parallels between figure skating and life. In sports as well as in life, hard work and overcoming obstacles is more important than winning gold medals. As a result of winning a silver medal, Nancy taught me two important things among others: overcoming hardships is more important, significant, and much bigger than winning gold medals. By giving her the silver medal, the judges made her star shine much brighter than a gold medal. In fact, she would have made this a realization whether she had won a medal or not. What is more important is trying your best. And the second lesson is that life is sometimes unfair. She won that night in Lillehammer. To me, she is the Olympic champion(in spirit and in reality) no matter what the judges said. And she deserved the gold medal. She was robbed and so was the United States. But what really matters is what I have said above. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to have their life changed for the better. Not many books can do that.

very good true story
Very moving and inspiring. I couldn't put it down. It inspired me to dream and work really hard to reach it.Nancy has amazing parents that support her in everything she did. I really respect them. The way Nancy faced everyproblem is amazing. You have to read this book. ... Read more

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A biography of the young Ukrainian figure skater who won a gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Finally!A concise & comprehensive book about Oksana Baiul!
This small but compact book provided the perfect balance of information, insight, and history into the life of the skating world's most enigmatic Ladies Olympic Gold Medalist ever...........Miss Oksana Baiul!It delves into Oksana's early beginnings as a precocious child from a very poorcountry (Ukraine) whose phenomenal talent was evident at a very earlyage........and this talent was both nurtured and tested many timesthroughout the ups & downs of her life (re: loss of each one of herfamily members and the subsequent quitting of skating only to come backstronger than before).In the end, it is about the testament of the humanspirit and triumph over tragedy..........which the author captured somovingly.It's a definite keeper. ... Read more

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A biography of young skater who won a gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This is excellent for all Nancy Kerrigan fans
This is an excellent Nancy Kerrigan biography for the Nancy Kerrigan fan. It's worth reading.

Get Nancy's own book instead :-)
Basically, this book won't tell you anything the media hasn't beaten to death over the past 4 years. It may have been informative when it was first published, but most people- and especially skating fans- will learn nothing new from this book.

I'd definitely recommend Nancy's own book over "Edge of Glory," which ends prior to the 1994 Olympics.

Fast-to-Press, expanded magazine story before '94 Games.
Recall one of the first, FASTEST paperbacks to hit shelves?It was of the never expected 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey victory over the Soviet team at Lake Placid.That book was on shelves a few DAYS after the victory.Anyway, the same here with the Coffey/Bondy book: it's after the Harding attack in Detroit, but hits the book shelves before they even get to Lillehammer.Taken for it's worth, it's a good, fast paperback of an abridged bio. of Ms. Kerrigan.Her early training, family relationships, and, yup, even covers the baton attack.If your flight is over 1-1/2 hours, you'll finish before you land. ... Read more

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Highlights the life of a Chinese American figure skater, her performances in various competitions including the 1984 Winter Olympics, and her dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

On Top of the World
Michelle Kwan (Asian Americans of Achievement) by Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
© 2007 by InfoBase Publishing, $30
128 pages
Ages 9-15
On Top of the World

Michelle Kwan by Rachel Koestler is a remarkable book that teaches kids what it is like to be a hard worker, and what it takes to be successful.If you did not know already, Michelle Kwan is a famous figure skater.In 1998, Michelle Kwan entered the Olympics and proudly won a silver medal for the United States of America.In my opinion, this book was very informative.I learned that when Michelle Kwan started skating, it was very hard for her parents to financially support her.I really did like this book because of some of the stories that it contained.It told about her whole life, not just her skating life.
Michelle Kwan was only 5 years old when she first laced up her first pair of skates.Her older brother was the one who got her into it because he was a hockey player and whenever he would go down to the rink to practice Michelle would go too.After a while Michelle got interested in skating and after that figure skating.She was only 7 years old when she first stepped foot on the ice.Michelle Kwan was a very hard worker when she was young.For her, life was eat, sleep, and skate.Skating was all she thought about.Michelle also participated in ballet and gymnastics to help strengthen her body for the ice.Michelle actually started with gymnastics and was glad she did because her body wouldn't be nearly as ready for skating as it was after her gymnastics classes.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about skating, or to anyone who enjoys sports.Michelle Kwan has really always been a role model to me and I am very glad I read this book.The reading level of this book is very easy, there are not a lot of confusing words and it is very short and to the point.I think that Michelle Kwan is a very good role model.She teaches kids and adults to never give up on your dream and to keep on trying until you succeed.She is a great person for anyone, especially kids, to look up to.Usually when kids are little they try once and if they fail they never try again.Michelle Kwan teaches that that you have to try as hard as you can and if you work enough you will be great at what you do.


... Read more

Product Description
Come into Michelle Kwan's world in this personal photo album. In her own words, Michelle takes you behind the scenes--both on and off the ice-revealing the answers to the questions she is asked most. What is it like on the road all the time? Does she have time to date? What was it like meeting the President? From training to competing, family to free time, Michelle will take you through her favorite photos and memories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great souvenir for fans of a great champion!
Skating champs come and go, but Michelle will be remembered long after she hangs up her skates. Dignified in victory and gracious in "defeat" (since when are Olympic silver and bronze medals a loss????), she exemplifies the word "Champion" both on and off the ice.A must-have for Michelle's fans and for fans of the sport. ... Read more