Title: J.R. (2012) Author: Jeremy Roenick Publisher: Triumph Books Book jacket: Jeremy Roenick, one of the premier hockey players of his generation and one of the greatest American stars the NHL has ever known, shares his life story in this frank and unflinching autobiography. Joe says: A fun read. Recommended for fans of the game and especially of Roenick.
Jeremy Roenick writes like he plays: from the heart, jumping without looking, and always honestly. JR is known for his speed. Known for his passion. His autobiography, subtitled My Life as the Most Outspoken, Fearless, and Hard-Hitting Man in Hockey, certainly captures that. J.R. is a extremely fun read and is definitely recommended for fans of the game, and especially of Roenick.
JR sidesteps the typical chronological approach of autobiographical storytelling and jumps right into the action. He starts by calling out Sidney Crosby in the first paragraph (And as a Flyers fan? Go get him, JR!) before falling directly into his time as a Blackhawk. JR is honest with his gambling and drinking problems, but also upholds the fact that he has remained with his wife for his entire career. His love for the game is apparent and contagious as even the casual hockey fan will understand and enjoy his story.
JR also rambles. A majority of book almost seems to have been transcribed from JR simply babbling about his life; a lot of asides and random streams of consciousness. But then again… all JR.
As a Flyers fan, I wish that he would have printed more memories from his time in Philadelphia, but the story about his confrontation with head coach Craig Berube was memorable – and hysterical.
One drawback. For all of his love and anguish and time as an American hockey player, why was the book printed using Canadian English? “Centre”, “Defenceman”, what gives, eh?
JR is full of stories. About hockey. About life. J.R. allows the fan to share some time with this great player.
Read @ Joe’s 
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