Skate Talk: Figure Skating in the Words of the Stars

by Steve Milton

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.

Genres: Figure Skating, Sports, Biography

220 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

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Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read by skaters from all over the sport -- the elite, not so elite, coaches, etc. giving their viewpoint of figure skating. It's enjoyable to read honest accounts from the people involved that are not PR-driven sound bites. Book is a little dated since I believe it was compiled pre-'98 Olympics and there seems to be a decidely North American focus on skaters interviewed. A second volume would be a great idea, getting the skaters' perspective in light of the pairs scandal, what the skaters think of the legacy Michelle Kwan left behind, the new scoring system, the explosion of the uberfan on the internet, being a male competing against the quad and how they have handled the dwindling popularity of the sport. Hm, maybe I can write it...

[Marge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun book, with stories by all the top figure skaters talking about their experiences, good and bad, in both the amateur and pro figure skating world. A quick, fun read for those who love the sport.

[Surreysmum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not strictly "the stars", as the title would suggest, but certainly there's an emphasis on them. There's also a section of quotes from other skating journalists, and a little space given to officials and coaches.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, a bit dated now obviously. I read it a few interviews at a time (it was my car book which is a book I leave in my car and read a little bit at a time whenever I get somewhere early or perhaps have extra time between activities.

Really more like a 3 1/2 for me.