Product Description
"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

Product Description
Scott Hamilton is one of the most beloved figure skaters in the world-not just among his colleagues, but to the sport's countless fans as well. So when the Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion launched his "Stars on Ice" tour back in 1986, everyone wished him the best. In fact, the best is exactly what he got. Hamilton's "Stars on Ice" has become the most successful ice skating tour on the planet.In this lively look at figure skating's most remarkable success story, Stars on Ice features full-color illustrations of the graceful skaters who have entertained fans throughout the show's reign. From Dorothy Hamill to Brian Orser, from Katarina Witt to Kristi Yamaguchi, Stars on Ice beautifully displays the talents of Olympic and World Champion skaters through stunningly realistic photography. In addition, behind-the-scenes vignettes from the tour reveal the heartfelt camaraderie and sense of family felt among the skaters. From the tour's early days of opening night fiascoes to the tragically unexpected loss of Sergei Grinkov to Scott Hamilton's own battle with cancer, Stars on Ice tells a tale of a sport that has touched fans like no other. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Breath taking..
This book was what i expected it to be.It was full of colorful pictures, and very good description of how Stars on Ice evolved to what it is now. GREAT pictures excellent story....though if u were thinking of getting thevideo "The Best of Stars on Ice" ... it wasnt good at all.Theywere performances from the last 5 years and not the 10 years it talks abouton its back cover..

Excellent work about how Stars On Ice evolved into The Tour!
Reason why I bought the book: Just one. Rosalynn Sumners. She was rather reluctant when Scott called her and invited her to join the tour......and that was back in 1986. Thirteen years and a few hundred shows later, Rozhas matured into one of the finest entertainers on the ice. Her departurefrom the SOI tour after the 1998-99 season was rather sad, but rereadingher thoughts and feelings on subjects such as Sergei's death to Scott'scancer and her own shining moments was well worth the money I paid for thebook. Roz, I'll miss you when SOI starts the 1999-2000 tour. God bless!

Great photos
This book has lots of great photos pf all the skaters. A must for every SOI fan.

Brings You Close To Katia and SOI!!
I thought this was an absolutely fantastic book!!! It really gets you up close and personal with the World's Greatest Skating Tour, and I loved the chapter in tribute to Sergei Grinkov. Lots of terrific pictures from allthe programs through the years!! It starts out with the story of how StarsOn Ice got started, and tells about the earliest skaters, all the way up totoday's performers (like my favourite, Katia Gordeeva). This book is amust-have for any fan of SOI and skating in general. You will definatelyhave to see the show in person, after this book!!!

did not reach potential, but not bad either
First, as in nearly all figure skating books these days, the photography is excellent. The photographs will make the reader rush out and buy tickets to Stars on Ice. The chapter about the tragic death of Sergei Grinkov is asmoving as one would expect. However, the family feeling of Stars on Ice didnot shine through out the entire book. In most chapters it was a shallow,superficial coverage of this unique tour. It could have been so much more. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Kristoffer Berntsson, Gillis Grafström, Peter Johansson, Adrian Schultheiss, Ulrich Salchow, Vivi-Anne Hultén, Catarina Lindgren, Thomas Öberg, Magda Julin, Svea Norén, Per Thorén, Richard Johansson, Anita Johansson, Elna Montgomery. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 47. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Kristoffer Berntsson (born July 13, 1982 in Gothenburg) is a Swedish figure skater. He is an eight-time (2000-2001, 2004-2005, 2007-2010) Swedish national champion and the five-time (2002-2005, 2007) Nordic Champion. Berntsson was the first Swede to land a triple Axel. ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=7171383 ... Read more

Product Description
Frozen Assets shines a spotlight inside the world of figure skating, exposing the intricacies involved in making it in the sport and depicting the personalities who rule it. From judging shenanigans to Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan and much more. Told with comments from top skaters, Frozen Assets offers a -page behind-the-scenes look at the most beloved and fascinating winter sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Really nothing new
In reading this book I got the distinct impression that the author compiled it from the many newspaper articles and skating magazines. Interviews with real skaters are included but there's really nothing new or different - fans of the sport and skaters are already familiar with these issues and discussions. Might be interesting for news fans of the sport

CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2
Mark Lund tells it like it is,but even as this book was being written the entire world of skating was changing yet again with the scandals of Salt Lake City.

When Mark started International Figure Skating Magazine,I was the person who told him it's the "TIME Magazine of skating"and never has that been more true than it is today.

Mark and his staff, including Lois Elfman are wonderful investigative reporters and are not afraid of finding out the truth.I applaud their efforts on this book and cannot wait for volume two, which I am sure is already in their minds.

Congratulations for a wonderful effort.A Must read for all followers of this beautiful sport which has such a dark political undercurrent.

Ted Wilson
Laguna Hills, California

Strong background on the current state of figure skating
This book was clearly prompted by the pairs skating debacle at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. Strong background on the promotion powerhouses that drive the elite level of the sport (likened to the studio system of Hollywood.) Lund provides a balanced framework in an essay format to let readers draw their own conclusions as to the future of the sport. Good quotes from skaters voicing opinions on both sides of the issues. An insightful retrospective on why skating went from double digit TV ratings in 1994 after the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding scandal with umpteen made for TV pseudo competitions to the present state of a nearly non-existant professional figure skating circuit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Guide Book for Figure Skating paretns
I bought this book because I have no knowlege of Figure Skating.Up till now, I just like to watch the ice skating competitions and exhibitions.I can not tell what's difference among all these jumps and moves.Now my daughter became competitive skater, this book is just what I looked for.

It gave skater parents a full view of what to look forward in ice skating sports.The detail pictures let me know what each jump should be.I also like his suggestions about how to become a good skater.

In addition to tech info about skating, I like his dry humor.Overall, this is an excellent book which provids enough history and resources for parents like me.The only reason I gave it 4 star instead of 5 was this book is not being updated since figure skating was phased out in 2002 in most internationl competition.The new score system came out after Salt Late Winter Olympic scandals.This book did not update this either. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the skating career of Nancy Kerrigan, who overcame an attack that injured her knee and went on to win a silver medal at the 1994 Olympics. ... Read more

Product Description
"Liz Miller has really done something special. Advanced In-Line Skating gives the reader a taste of all the wonderful possibilities a pair of in-line skates can provide. It will be a great resource."--Kris Simeone, Inline Certification Program Director, International Inline Skating Association

"Liz Miller's passion for the sport of in-line skating comes across clearly in Advanced In-Line Skating. This is the most complete resource for skaters of all abilities and includes all they need to reach their next level. Liz leaves no gray areas in explaining even the smallest details of every in-line discipline with factual, up-to-date information and resources. I recommend this book to everyone, even beginners, for a comprehensive overview of in-line skating."--Suzanne Nottingham, Examiner, IISA Instructor Certification Program, coauthor of Fitness In-Line Skating

"This book cracks open the world of in-line skating for those looking for more than straight-line skating on their local bike path. As people look for innovative ways to reduce stress, have fun, and get and stay fit, Advanced In-Line Skating delivers a timely guide to getting the most from a pair of skates."--Adam Steer, Director, In-Line Certification Program, Canada

"This book is the next logical step after Get Rolling. It's brimming with well-written, advanced skating techniques and key exercises to help transform you into the skater you want to be. It covers everything from speedskating, roller hockey, agressive, downhill, hybrid sports to essential safety tips, shopping advice, definitions of skate terminology and just improving and sharpening your rolling-around skills. Pack this book (with your helmet) in your skate bag and take it with you to the trail, road, or rink. It rocks and so will you!"--Jim Fink, Seattle Skate Patrol ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Advanced?
I was looking for a book on advanced techniques -this is NOT the book.She covers roller hockey, speed skating and other topics very briefly.The book is misnamed...........should read "In Line skating Activities".....

Don't bother
Advanced? Are you kidding? This book spends a lot of time about covering a broad range of topics - but none in depth.I was looking for a good book on techniques -- well this is NOT the one.It is very superfiscial and not worth buying.I found some "beginners" books with more info!

Interesting reading, but broad rather than deep.
This book covers fairly diverse inline areas- speed, hockey, fitness, etc and as a result does not delve too deeply into any one area.If you wish to pursue any one aspect of skating, I'd recommend finding something more specialised.For example, the two areas that I specifically wish to pursue, double push and stair riding, are not covered at all.I find it especially puzzling that stair riding could be missing from a book with this title.

Still, as broad skating book, it's quite interesting and does have some good stuff on stroke technique.

verey good book
good book it tells you the basics and more. i loved it cause i love to in-line skate if you dont now after you read it you will...

hope you like this book! infact i know you willby daniel pruitt ... Read more

Product Description

Figure Skating Luminaries Reveal Personal Reflections

This journalistic account takes readers on an insider's voyage to the heart of the sport, chronicles figure skating's history, interviews its stars, and captures the personal reflections of its most enthusiastic fans.

In their own words, well-known- skaters such as Elvis Stojko, Toller Cranston, Lu Chen, Robin Cousins, and Scott Hamilton offer their innermost thoughts and reflections on figure skating -- its past and future.

Figure skating luminaries like Sandra Bezic reveal the sacrifices and challenges made to become a star. Skate Talk is a moving portrait of figure skating and one that chronicles the sport as no other book has ever done.

Customer Reviews (6)

An Engaging Read!
I bought this book on the recommendation of friends and I'm glad I did -- it's a wonderful look inside skating though the words of the skaters and skating community themselves, with very little editorial commentary. The stories are easy to follow and really bring a different perspective into the wins, losses, triumphs and tragedies the skating world has gone through over the past half century. I enjoyed all the stories in the book except for one, where a couple of hockey players discuss power skating. Normally I wouldn't care one way or the other about it except that one of them pretty much trashes the sport of figure skating in a statement he makes, and I question the inclusion of this in a book aimed at figure skaters and fans (who akready have to hear stuff like this enough as it is!) But this is a minor quibble. Skip the hockey player story and you'll be fine. :)

one of the best figure skating books availiable
This book is a collection of interviews with some of the world's top skaters. The choice of champions included goes beyong the usual list of world titleholders and Olympic champions to stars true skating fans rarelysee and would love to know more about, such as spinning phenom LucindaRuh.

Most of the stories are personal, giving more insight into theskaters lives than a collection of competition results and technicalexplanations would. For anyoe who follows figure skating, this is amust-have book.

The year's best!
I have read a lot of figure skating books published this year and last and this unpretentious, soft cover book is the best. It is a series of oral essays by skaters, coaches, commentators and officials. Those interviewed,some famous, some not, talk about everythingfrom skating as Mickey Mousefor Disney, to what it is like to come and train in the US. from Russia, tosome of the dramatic, tragic stories of this little world as the death ofSergei Grinkov. Mr. Milton must be a good interviewer because he draws outthe skaters and others in the book so that they provide real insight andemotion to the subject. And we see their love for their sport on everypage. This book has more content than any of the flashy, coffee table booksproduced recently. I highly recommend it.

Entertaining Read!
While this book is not long on depth, it does give some entertaining insights into the thoughts behind the images. Great for younger readers as well.

Skaters talk from the heart
A interesting book that allows the skaters to comment without interruption. The book is a series of comments from almost any skater you have heard of on almost any skating subject you can think of.An interesting and enjoyable read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great book for a skater or a fan!
The book "Magic on Ice" is great for a figure skater OR a big fan of the sport. It includes pages on famous skaters, behind the scenes at competitions, judging, stretching, warming up, and skating on the ice. Igave it four stars because it's a good book but could be a little longer. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a must for dance enthusiasts!
A must have for anyone with a real interest in ice dancing. Many of us who are in the book are now carrying it to competitions to get others to sign it! A great history of the sport with many wonderful photographs and stories. I wish Lyn would update the book, there is so much more material still to add. The definate work on the history of ice dancing.

The most thorough figure skating history book out there
This book, which runs through the 1991 season, chronicles the history of Ice Dance.Beautiful photos and tons of event results make this an invaluable item to every skating lover's library.I can't wait (a) for a second edition to bring us up to date, and (b) for the author to deliver such attention on the other disciplines! ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to basic ice skating including figure skating movements, how to care for equipment, and rink etiquette. ... Read more

Product Description
A lively, must-have guide to watching and understanding one oftoday's most popular sports, from jumps, spins and pairs skating tojudging. Highly illustrated. Whether you're a young skater in trainingor simply one of the many fans of the sport, you'll love thisentertaining and informative guide. All aspects of figure skating arecovered, from the basics to the most complicated and breathtakingmaneuvers. There's even a brief history of the sport as well as aninvaluable section on judging. A Spectator's Guide to Figure Skatingtakes the reader through the most commonly performed jumps, spins, andpairs moves; detailed descriptions explain how each maneuver isexecuted, and excellent drawings clearly show all the steps involved.You'll learn how to distinguish one jump from another, how to recognizea great spin, and what to look for in quality pairs skating. The guidealso outlines some of the history of each move, explaining who made itfamous and how. If you can't tell a Lutz from a klutz, or if you justwant to brush up on the finer points of the sport, A Spectator's Guideto Figure Skating is the book for you. 88 pp 7 x 10 b/w drawingsthroughout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A guide to jumps, spins & lifts
This is a simple book, but good for those who know what they like--but don't necessarily know what they're seeing. The title is a bit misleading, in that the book pretty much only deals with 3 aspects of figureskating--jumps, spins and pairs lifts. However, it does offer concisedefinitions and black-and-white drawings of those, and I found theexplanations clear and useful. ... Read more

Product Description
From its beginnings in Europe to the contemporary skating scene and the stars of the 1998 Winter Olympics, here is a fascinating look at a sport that keeps growing in popularity. Skating fans will be captivated by the sport's history, its memorable moments, its fashions, and its jumps and spins. 60+ photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I won't buy this book on principle
...because the author used photographs in it taken by friends of mine without compensating them for their work. He used to write for a magazine called American Skating World that regularly accepted photographic submissions without paying the photographers. They'd submit their work in hopes of being published, even without pay. Well, Michael Boo took photos submitted to American Skating World over the years and used them in this book without ever contacting the original photographers or securing their permission to use the photos--and, of course, none of them got paid a penny. I was surprised to look at this book in a bookstore when it first appeared and recognize several photos taken by friends. I decided then and there that I wouldn't buy a book containing work stolen from my friends.

A must for any serious figure skating fan.
The book is well written with a clear historical perspective including information about how the equipment has changed over the years, something you often don't find in other skating books. There are also dozens of finequality pictures. This book would make a wonderful addition to any skatingfan's library as well as a fine gift choice. A perfect 10! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Inside Look At Skating in the Cold War....
I bought this book when it came out around 1994/95 and re-read it recently.The best part of this book is the section where Ms. Wilkes, a Canadian Olympic medalist in pairs, talks about her experiences coming up in the sport.It's a great read and gives the reader a lot of insight into what the sport was like at the height of the Cold War. The rest of the book is basically commentary on skating at the time the book was written.I thoroughly enjoyed the parts that talked about Kurt and Elvis, but I didn't really agree with some of her favorites in the ladies' department (she also doesn't seem to be much of a fan of Kristi Yamaguchi, who is one of my favorite skaters, so that might have something to do with it).But this is a minor complaint.Buy this book for the great retrospective on the 1994 Olympic season and for Ms. Wilkes'very absorbing tales of skating in the 1960s. ... Read more

Product Description
A description of the technique and art of figure skating by a champion figure skater and coach. Includes diagrams and photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the American figure skater who, at the age of fifteen, won the 1996 World Championships. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Michele Kwan will always be a champion
Even though this book is kind of short, it gives great insight on the figure skater, Michele Kwan.There are also a few tidbits of information about other skaters in the book, and I highly recommecnd this book to any beginner skating fan.This book shows that even though Michele didn't win gold at the Olympics, she'll always be a champion in the eyes of many people around the world.A classy skater like Michele is not to be taken advantaged of.

A young readers book about a young skater
This is an excellent book for young readers around ages 7 - 10.It tells the story of Michelle Kwan's life up until the end of the 1997 season.The bookincludes an easy to understand glossary of skating terms.There are lots of quotes from Kwan and pictures tracing her growth from tiny tot to World Champion.The book stresses Kwan's work ethic and her devotion to her family which makes her one of the best role models for children.Though easy to read the book does offer a few vocabulary challenges for the young reader that would help them to expand their reading skills.The book is good for young fans of Kwan, and may make them more interested in reading. ... Read more