Rock Star: My Life on and off the Ice

by Jennifer Jones

#1 National Bestseller

No stone is left unturned in this candid memoir by one of Canada’s greatest curlers

From the first slides as a toddler at her hometown Winnipeg curling club to the top step of the Olympic podium, Jennifer Jones has risen to become one of curling’s greatest players. Along the way, she has altered how the game is played and has kicked open doors to allow women to have equality in what was, traditionally, a male-dominated field.

Her record of achievement is unmatched, but it never came easily. In Rock Star, Jones opens up about the tensions between teammates and opponents, how she combined law school and a legal career with curling at the highest level, the inside story on what many consider the greatest shot in curling history, how her Olympic dream almost ended on a ski hill in Switzerland, and the challenges of balancing world-class curling with motherhood.

Jones also reveals the personal battles she endured during her career. While she was front and centre in arenas and television coverage, she had to push herself past her severe introversion to find some level of comfort with being in the spotlight. There were also clashes with the media, which sometimes portrayed her so harshly that it left her in tears.

The journey Jones shares in this memoir is one that may surprise even her biggest fans. Jones helped to grow the sport, and in exchange, she grew as a curler, a wife, a mother, and a public figure. Equal parts inspiring and shocking, Rock Star will leave readers in awe of her accomplishments and the journey that led her to become the person she is today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Sports

Audible Audio

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars


This book is a sports memoir.

Jennifer Jones is a Canadian curling icon. In Rock Star she takes us through her life starting from when she first started curling as a child. The book looks at her life as a curler with lots of focus on important games and tournaments.

This was a very interesting read. The book featured things that I didn’t know. But there were also some things (the Olympics, some of the Scotties) that I was more familiar with.

There is a lot in this memoir about Jennifer’s earlier teams that I didn’t know about. I knew nothing about her junior career. I did not realize that she changed teams so much in her younger years. But even the things that I did know about… it was interesting to read about certain events from her POV.

The team that I was most familiar with was Dawn McEwen/Jocelyn Peterman/Kaitlyn Lawes. I was very interested to read more about what caused that team to split.

Jennifer recently retired from team play. So it was wonderful to see her reflect on her career. I was intrigued by the fact that she is an introvert. I was interested in the mental health aspects of curling. I did not realize the scrutiny that she faced from the media in the past. Also I found the issues that women curlers faced interesting.

I was very fascinated by all of the Olympic Trials. And I found the Olympic experiences so interesting. The covid one was shocking.

This memoir is so focused on curling. Each tournament, each play, each team member. And that was so interesting. The book focuses on the balance between curling, family and work. I was curious how she managed to do it all. What she writes is wonderful. Although I did still have a few questions. She mentioned that she started dating Brent. But how did they meet? She mentioned that she was working as a lawyer. But what were her actual job and hours? But those are minor quibbles.

Overall this is a must read for any fan of the sport. Or for anyone who wants to know more about what the life of a curling legend is like.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a curling fan, I really enjoyed this! It was a quick read and I enjoyed hearing Jennifer’s reflections on her career.

[Ainslee Card · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I was sceptical about this book at first. Obviously I’ve been very aware of all of Jennifer jones’ accomplishments, and I knew she had and continues to have a huge impact on the sport. However I wasn’t sure if her story would translate well into a book. I listened to this as an audio book and I was proven very wrong within the first ten minutes. This book was very well crafted, and her personality shines in a lovely light throughout the whole book. I also believe my timing of listening to this when I did was incredible. I have a very big event coming up, starting tomorrow, and Jennifer’s words of wisdom made me feel way more prepared for whatever challenges I will face this weekend. This book is inspiring, while remaining real and raw, and I would definitely recommend to any curlers out there.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a die-hard curling fan and couldn't tell you the key players from the last few years but I still really enjoyed listening to Jennifer Jones share her journey to Olympic gold and the sacrifices and loses that made her who she is today. From becoming a mother, losing friends, playing through COVID and more, this memoir is a heartfelt ode to an athlete's love of the game and the strength it takes to perform at such a high level as a woman in Canada. Highly recommended although I wish the author would have narrated the audiobook herself.

[Erin]

I really enjoyed this! I wasn't sure how it would go going in, but there was a lot of really great insight that I wasn't expecting. Info on Curling Canada and the Grand Slams behind the scenes, some of the double standards that we continue to see in the world and how they play out on the ice, and how really team oriented JJ is. I love listening to someone talk about things that they love, and there's zero doubt that she loves the game.

[Jessica Desrochers · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. this is a powerful memoir of an amazing women who is one of the greatest curlers of all time. It is also a great book looking at the struggles of women's sport. it was also a lot of fun to hear about the North Bay world championship that I had the privilege to attend! I highly recommend this book.

[Nicole Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few eye opening stories mixed in with an almost prescriptive style. This happened, then this happened, we won, we lost, we got a new teammate, etc. almost like a list. Mad respect for a very impressive career and making Canada and Manitoba proud, but I wanted more depth. She’s so tough, having surgery while pregnant and unable to take any real meds. That’s nuts. The China COVID Olympics stories were also pretty crazy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, both of my parents curled as a hobby, so watching competitions like the Scotties and the Brier was a regular event in our home. I remember seeing Jennifer Jones play and being fascinated by her skill and composure on the ice. When I found out she had written a memoir after retiring from the sport in 2024, I knew I wanted to read it right away.

As a longtime fan, I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to learn more about Jennifer’s life on and off the ice—her drive for curling, her passion for motherhood, and how she balances her career, family, and friendships. It’s a great read (or listen, if you prefer audiobooks—though I do wish Jennifer had narrated it herself!).

Jennifer Jones is arguably one of the best in women’s curling, and it was interesting to see how she helped shape and elevate the sport throughout her career. I wouldn’t recommend this memoir to someone who isn’t into curling or sports biographies, but for fans of either, it’s definitely a must-read.

[Bryn Zamzow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting! Finally the first audiobook I didn’t tune out

[Jessica Sabansky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish it was read by her.. a few annoying mispronunciations.

[Deena Arvidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this and seeing things from Jennifer’s perspective. No question I have become a bigger Jennifer Jones fan. It is always interesting to learn some of the hurdles that these athletes have to jump to become successful in their careers. Easy and enjoyable read!

[Ali MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse into the life and career of my childhood idol? Obviously that’s going to get 5 stars.

[Charise Jewell]

This book has a great message about women/equality in curling, empowerment, and perseverance. Given this, it was disappointing that Jones chose a meh quote about success from Tom Brady (p56) when there are so many incredible female, Canadian athletes she could have quoted. It was also disappointing when she used the term "female parts" to talk about breasts (I think? Whatever female parts she was talking about rested on her waistline, p63). Using this kind of vague decades-old language makes it seem like so many "female things" we were taught to be ashamed to discuss in public. This is even more bizarre when she later devotes a chapter to breastfeeding, using perfectly appropriate language. There was also some repetition. So, it seemed like two different people with two different writing styles wrote different parts of this book, namely Jennifer Jones and Bob Weeks. It didn't mesh as well as it should have.

Also, there was a lot of detail about curling (which curlers will love) but not so much of her life off the ice (as the title suggests) after childhood. I respect her need for privacy but some off-ice details would have improved the memoir without overstepping. There was no mention of relationships then suddenly she's together with Brent and a minute later they're having a baby. That leaves more questions than answers and suggests secrecy/shame. I think many readers would love to know how she juggled work into everything, especially with her knee reconstruction, pregnancy, and then training again. I know her work was incredibly supportive but what exactly did that mean at specific times? Did she take weeks or months off as needed? Was she part-time? Did she have a personal chef? Did she stop sleeping? How was she able to become a successful lawyer when work is hardly mentioned after the initial description? I loved the personal elements the most, like costumes and Curling Canada's reluctance/refusal to provide acceptable locations for breastfeeding in 2016. 2016! Wish she had included more of those details and had a better mix of her life on and OFF the ice.

[Enid Wray]

Possibly recommended for the curling fans in your life. I DNF’d this at approx 25% of the way through it.

To that point it read as little more than an inventory of “great games and great names” with little motivational words of wisdom peppered in here and there.

I was waiting for a much deeper introspection on how she managed to basically have it all - family, legal career, sports career. Perhaps she gets to it later, but if so, then it was far too late in coming for this reader.

I was a curler but never so wrapped up in the game that I want to relive great moments in the past.

Thanks to the publisher for granting me access to an audiobook for review.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought back a lot of memories. Although I'm not a curler I have followed the sport since the 90s when Marilyn Bodough won the Scotties in my hometown and we watched one of the round robin games. It was our first time hosting but wouldn't be the last. In this book the names of the people Jones curled with I vividly remember watching, Schmirler and her amazing shot to get into the Olympics which I had to watch on YouTube, who sadly was taken too soon, Cathy Borst, Colleen Jones and her obnoxious gum chewing, Shannon Klienbrink and so many others.
This book starts as she prepares for retirement and goes back to her early years in St. Vital and her rise through the ranks. Also clear in my mind is her Scotties win in 2005. As I was living in Winnipeg at the time I like many others was glued to the TV watching her make that shot. One whole chapter is devoted to that final end, play by play.
She goes over wins, loses, set backs, I remember the controversy when they made team changes though I didn't really know or understand why it was a big deal. The wonder of attending the Olympics something that seems universal in all the sports memoirs I've read recently. The surreal experience of 2022 Beijing when covid was at it's height.
I was surprised to learn how difficult her first pregnancy was, not due to complications but because she had knee surgery and had to avoid any painkillers stronger than Tylenol. As someone who had foot surgery recently I can't imagine that. But she had a healthy baby girl who became famous like her mom.
It comes across that family is very important to Jennifer. Parents, sister, daughters, stepson and also her close friends who are like family. Unlike figure skating it also seems like the curling community is pretty tight knit. I think most of the top curlers in Canada are married to other top curlers. I also wonder if one day we'll see the daughters of Sandra Schmirler compete against the daughters of Jennifer Jones carrying on the tradition.
I'd recommend this book if you are or were a curling fan. Since I dropped my cable I haven't followed the game as closely as I once did but it's also one of those games where you think you'll watch a a few plays and pretty soon you are glued to your chair yelling at the TV why'd you do that? An engaging and very quick read. Thanks for the memories and so many great years of competitive curling Jennifer.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t necessarily review this in an unbiased way because I’ve been involved in the curling world (in a very minor way, though not as a competitive curler) so I’m not a casual fan. Saying that, casual fans will really like this memoir from one of curling’s most famous players. It’s well written and might also hold up to those who don’t know the sport, but I think if you’re a Team Jones fan already then this one is for you!!

Thank you to Libro.fm and Collins for the audiobook listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not necessarily a well written book. And it does go through a shot by shot playback of her greatest moments.
However, for those that lived and watched her play know that she is on the Mount Rushmore of Canadian Curling. One of the greatest (wondering who else.....Sandra S., Brad G, Kevin M)......

So, the nostalgia of watching her moments helped me enjoy this book. I see lots of others who agree. This is for the curling fan, the sports fan, the proud Canadian. Others, may not totally enjoy it.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Rock Star by Jennifer Jones! As a curler myself, it was amazing to get such an honest glimpse into her life—both on and off the ice. I really appreciated how she shared her nerves and self-doubt; it’s incredibly validating to see that even someone at the top of their game experiences the same feelings. Her stories about the Olympics, her career, and her family were engaging and inspiring. Jennifer is a true role model, especially for Canadian curlers, and this book is a must-read for anyone who loves the sport. Highly recommend!

[Darcy Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a curling fan and a many time volunteer at major events (Brier, Grand Slams, etc), I was anticipating this one and it delivered like she did with her rocks on the ice. Really great behind the scenes moments and insights. There were points where the callbacks to stories in the book were bordering on repetitive explanations, but I didn't care. Great excavation of media/officials treatment that made my inner feminist happy. Thanks for this candid, terrific read. 🙌

[Beauty and the Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Winnipegger and a casual curling fan I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it as an audiobook and unfortunately the narrator mispronounced names of well known Winnipegger as well as places which was really unfortunate as it took away for my enjoyment of the book. If you want insight into the behind the scenes of curling and the effort that goes into being a world class athlete I think you would find this to be an interesting read.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Canadian sports books that I have read in some time. An easy read that covers it all - sports stats/history, personal life tidbits, commentary on items that were in the news, and leadership advice.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read how Jennifer went from a young girl throwing rocks at her parents club to becoming an Olympian. The book provided insights into the sport and her personal life. If you weren't a fan before, you may be one after reading the book.

[Colin Hilding · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's most life on the ice, but the select bits off the ice are just as good. A lot of career highlights go by too quickly, but the chapters on competing during the pandemic and the Beijing Olympics are so good.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. I’m not as familiar with curling as a sports, but I found the offer to be quite informative both on a personal and on a professional level and helped me understand curling significantly more.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about a Canadian curling icon.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Jennifer Jones’ memoir, describing years of her curling career. She is the first team I started following about 10 years ago when curling became more popular.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad read - well written for the most part but I had hoped for some more interesting behind the scenes stories. I also think the book would have been enhanced with pictures.

[Linda French · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, as a curler myself and watching Jennifer through the years

[Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’m not a Jennifer Jones fan, but I really enjoyed her book. Made me appreciate all she has accomplished and how motherhood changed her as it does most women.

[Heather Ewasiuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read 3.5 * I was hoping that Jen would diss a little more about her teammates over the years and her relationship with Brent. But I guess that isn't really who Jen is