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Now I'm Catching On: My Life On and Off the Air
Hockey's most famous voice, now in his own words.If you are a hockey fan, you know Bob Cole's legendary voice. He has done the play-by-play for some of hockey's best-remembered games, including the Summit Series, Canada's gold-medal game in Salt Lake City, and twenty years of Stanley Cup finals. The infectious excitement in his voice, his boyish love of the game, and his uncanny ability to anticipate the play have earned him the affection of generations of fans, induction into the Hall of Fame, and the unofficial title of best hockey broadcaster ever. Now, for the first time, readers will see Cole at the centre of the story rather than watching it from the broadcast booth. We meet the young man growing up in Newfoundland in the years before it joins Canada. We see him talk his way into Foster Hewitt's office and into his first job. And of course we see some of the most cherished players in the game on the plane back from Russia in 1972, rubbing elbows with Bobby Orr; in the hallway on the old Montreal Forum, running into Jean Beliveau; meeting young players like Steve Stamkos, who grew up listening to him on Hockey Night in Canada. Written with the expert help of massively bestselling author and respected broadcaster Stephen Brunt, these stories come to life with the charm and detail of a conversation with Cole. They sound like Cole. No one has been closer to the game over the years than Cole, and no one is more closely associated with all we love about the game than the man whose eyes we've seen it though. Now we will see so much more through those same eyes and in that unforgettable voice.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 12, 2016
Canadian broadcast legend, Bob Cole, brings readers an interesting look into his life in this short, but jam-packed, biographical piece. It is sure to open the eyes of those who take the time to peruse its pages, especially if they experienced the Saturday night ritual I did growing up in Canada. Cole takes the time to show his rise to fame through humble beginnings back in Newfoundland. Growing up while Newfoundland was still a British Dominion, Cole shows the reader how his simple home life did little to hinder his passions as a hockey and football (soccer) player, though there was always an interest to broadcast games and bring as much love to others as the famous broadcaster, Foster Hewitt, did for so many over the radio. Cole recounts a number of events that led to a life in broadcasting, from working the high seas through to recording himself high in the rafter during hockey game in and around St. John's. Given a chance to use his energetic voice on the airwaves, Cole moved into his lifelong passion, first in radio and eventually making it onto television. His ability to turn a hockey game into a story helped shape a generation of hockey fans who tuned in to listen to him. Idolizing the aforementioned Hewitt and Danny Gallivan, Cole explores how he became the voice of CBC's hockey broadcasts for over forty years. Along the way, there were a few key events that helped shape his life, including the '72 Summit Series that saw Canada face-off against the Soviets for the greatest eight-game series that this country has ever witnessed. Cole explores not only his pre-game rituals, but also how he used his role to shape the game and forge long lasting friendships throughout the League. Taking the time in this book to reveal some health issues for the first time, Cole shows that he is a man like all others, though his voice and descriptions on Saturday nights helped turn a generation of Canadians into passionate lovers of a game that is the lifeblood of a nation. Truly insightful and inspiring, Bob Cole knows just how to tell a story, both on and off the ice.
When I first learned that Cole had penned a book of this nature, I knew that I had to read it. While it is by no means a complete memoir or biography of the life and time of Robert Cole, it does permit the reader to parachute into some of the key events in Cole's professional life. Peppered with anecdotes, Cole pulls together a narrative that shows his vast experience and knowledge with broadcasting in the National Hockey League and his rise to prominence as two of the great English broadcasters in Canada, Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan, were reaching their zenith (or had passed the torch onto the next generations already). With such prominent broadcasters before him, Cole did all he could by taking the job seriously, but was not immune to having fun. His rituals and experiences come from all chapters of this piece and offers the curious reader a look behind the scenes as to how those three hours on Saturdays (and more frequently in the playoffs) come together. Truth be told, I would have loved a book that was more chronological and in-depth about the man and his life, down to some of the minutiae, though this was a wonderful primer and leaves the door open to something more down the road. I feel as though Bob Cole is an essential part of my growing up and helped me develop a love of hockey broadcasts. I am sorry that the next generation will not have his regular broadcasts to help shape their passion. He has left large shoes to fill, which is the sign of a true legend.
Kudos, Mr. Cole on this wonderful piece. I loved the mix of seriousness, humour, and dedication. You are a Canadian legend and someone who is a true ambassador for greatness.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When I first learned that Cole had penned a book of this nature, I knew that I had to read it. While it is by no means a complete memoir or biography of the life and time of Robert Cole, it does permit the reader to parachute into some of the key events in Cole's professional life. Peppered with anecdotes, Cole pulls together a narrative that shows his vast experience and knowledge with broadcasting in the National Hockey League and his rise to prominence as two of the great English broadcasters in Canada, Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan, were reaching their zenith (or had passed the torch onto the next generations already). With such prominent broadcasters before him, Cole did all he could by taking the job seriously, but was not immune to having fun. His rituals and experiences come from all chapters of this piece and offers the curious reader a look behind the scenes as to how those three hours on Saturdays (and more frequently in the playoffs) come together. Truth be told, I would have loved a book that was more chronological and in-depth about the man and his life, down to some of the minutiae, though this was a wonderful primer and leaves the door open to something more down the road. I feel as though Bob Cole is an essential part of my growing up and helped me develop a love of hockey broadcasts. I am sorry that the next generation will not have his regular broadcasts to help shape their passion. He has left large shoes to fill, which is the sign of a true legend.
Kudos, Mr. Cole on this wonderful piece. I loved the mix of seriousness, humour, and dedication. You are a Canadian legend and someone who is a true ambassador for greatness.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 19, 2017
When I’m not reading crime fiction, I like to kick back with a good hockey or wrestling memoir. While I no longer watch nearly as much hockey as I used to, I find something about the game endlessly readable. Like wrestling, hockey has been gifted with a tremendous history that can be equal parts dramatic and comedic. One thing is for certain, no matter the type of story, it will be deeply fascinating.
That being said there are, however, exceptions. Take for example Bob Cole’s memoir “Now I’m Catching On”. Cole’s book details his legendary career as the voice of modern hockey history in Canada. Alongside frequent collaborators (although none better than Harry Neale) Bob has provided the soundtrack to some of the game’s biggest moments. From the radio broadcasts of the ‘72 Summit Series to Joe Sakic’s game-clinching Olympic gold medal goal in Salt Lake City, Bob’s remarkable work is woven into the fabric of hockey history.
The problem with the book is that I’m not sure it needs to exist. I know that sounds harsh, but there isn’t really a lot to chew on here. In my opinion, Bob spends far too long reminiscing about his life before the game. There’s so much here about his love of flying, or his love of curling, or his love of fishing and it was just.. dull. I’m not sure who this information is for. Wrestling memoirs fall into this trap frequently. The best ones cut to the chase.
Once Bob gets into his career, the book tends to pick up. When he gets into the nuance of the job, how he prepares for games and his nightly rituals, the book finds its footing and I found myself gobbling up large chunks of text in a single sitting. Stories about how he learned to grow as a commentator by treating every mistake as a learning experience can often be inspirational. No one can say that he isn’t a true professional. While he’s still prone to go off on tangents that are more or less redundant, he gets back on track swiftly.
Look, I love Bob Cole. When I think of watching hockey as a kid, he’s the voice that most often pops into my head. While he may have lost a step in the past few years, the man is in his eighties and still calling games weekly. That kind of dedication can only come from someone who absolutely loves his job. “Now I’m Catching On” may not be the best hockey book I’ve read (see Saturday Night Fever), but it has its moments.
That being said there are, however, exceptions. Take for example Bob Cole’s memoir “Now I’m Catching On”. Cole’s book details his legendary career as the voice of modern hockey history in Canada. Alongside frequent collaborators (although none better than Harry Neale) Bob has provided the soundtrack to some of the game’s biggest moments. From the radio broadcasts of the ‘72 Summit Series to Joe Sakic’s game-clinching Olympic gold medal goal in Salt Lake City, Bob’s remarkable work is woven into the fabric of hockey history.
The problem with the book is that I’m not sure it needs to exist. I know that sounds harsh, but there isn’t really a lot to chew on here. In my opinion, Bob spends far too long reminiscing about his life before the game. There’s so much here about his love of flying, or his love of curling, or his love of fishing and it was just.. dull. I’m not sure who this information is for. Wrestling memoirs fall into this trap frequently. The best ones cut to the chase.
Once Bob gets into his career, the book tends to pick up. When he gets into the nuance of the job, how he prepares for games and his nightly rituals, the book finds its footing and I found myself gobbling up large chunks of text in a single sitting. Stories about how he learned to grow as a commentator by treating every mistake as a learning experience can often be inspirational. No one can say that he isn’t a true professional. While he’s still prone to go off on tangents that are more or less redundant, he gets back on track swiftly.
Look, I love Bob Cole. When I think of watching hockey as a kid, he’s the voice that most often pops into my head. While he may have lost a step in the past few years, the man is in his eighties and still calling games weekly. That kind of dedication can only come from someone who absolutely loves his job. “Now I’m Catching On” may not be the best hockey book I’ve read (see Saturday Night Fever), but it has its moments.
December 20, 2017
Finally!!!! I finished another book. Only took the better part of a year to get through this. Not because it’s a difficult read....but because I just didn’t put reading on the “to do” list as often as I should have.
Now.....on to the book. This was a very enjoyable read and I learned quite a bit about the voice of hockey for my generation. He’s had quite an amazing life (almost Forest Gump-ish). Incredible meetings with numerous icons including Mickey Mantle, Joe Louis, Foster Hewitt and pretty much anyone and everyone important in the NHL over the past 40 years.
Excellent storytelling and a very easy read, I liked the pace and approach of this book. Some incredible stories I had no idea about and some great insight on events that were already etched in my mind.
Hard not to recommend this if you’re a hockey fan.
Now.....on to the book. This was a very enjoyable read and I learned quite a bit about the voice of hockey for my generation. He’s had quite an amazing life (almost Forest Gump-ish). Incredible meetings with numerous icons including Mickey Mantle, Joe Louis, Foster Hewitt and pretty much anyone and everyone important in the NHL over the past 40 years.
Excellent storytelling and a very easy read, I liked the pace and approach of this book. Some incredible stories I had no idea about and some great insight on events that were already etched in my mind.
Hard not to recommend this if you’re a hockey fan.
July 2, 2024
I loved listening to Bob Cole call Hocky Night in Canada games as I was growing up, so hearing how he worked his way up to doing play by play and his early childhood and how he could have taken a very different career path is simply amazing. Great read to any fans of HNIC
October 20, 2017
Bob Cole. What a guy. What a book. Oh, baby. Great stories on an off the ice from a likeable fellow and broadcasting legend.
December 22, 2018
A fairly basic sports memoir. Or in this case, sports broadcaster memoir. I connected with his story of pretending even as a kid to broadcast games to himself. (I admit ... guilty!) This is a very interesting book if you ever wanted to be or are very interested in sports broadcasting (I am) or if you are from Newfoundland! (I'm not) He does tell some interesting behind the scenes stories, and some heartwarming tales, but as you would expect from the classy Cole, this isn't a tell-all. A nice easy read, especially with his impending retirement in a few weeks. (I have to be honest, I wasn't always a Bob Cole fan, We used to be so annoyed whenever the Canadiens were a national game on Hockey night in Canada and instead of using the Montreal crew they would bring in Cole. But today, with the proliferation of American style broadcasters who talk to each other during the game instead of describing the play as if they were on radio, I really appreciate Cole's old school style.)
December 3, 2016
I read this because I remember Bob Cole as a local men's club hockey and soccer player from my school years. His reflections on his activities in the late 40's and 50's were enlightening. His first summer job as a 16 year old on a Cunard Line passenger ship on a 42 day run from our hometown of St. john's to Venezuala and back was certainly a bold one. And on that trip in a stop over in NYC, to travel alone by subway from the docks to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx was an adventure that brought my admiration. The bulk of the book is the telling of hockey stories about his many years as a hockey announcer for Hockey Night In Canada which he still does in his senior year of 83 years old. A good easy read if any of this relates to your interests.
January 6, 2018
I loved this book and all the insights and tidbits it gives into the life of Bob Cole and the world of hockey broadcasting. The book reads like your sitting down with Bob over a drink and he’s just sharing memories from his amazing and inspiring life. My only wish was that he shared a little more on his thoughts about being pushed aside by CBC in 2008 in favour of Jim Hughson but I understand he’s not the kind of guy to complain or speak negatively about anyone.
May 6, 2021
To say I was disappointed by this book would be an understatement. Ho key has been a big part of our family’s life and watching Hockey Night in Canada was something we rarely missed with our 5 children. This book was awful. My first conclusion is that neither Bob Cole or Steve Brunt can write. The book is boring, simplistic, tedious, pedestrian. I could go on but I am sure you are catching the drift. The book is void of any meaningful insight. Every page , every story, every person he meets is just great. Alan Eagleson was great for hockey? Really? Don Cherry is a great guy? Get real? Although he portrays himself as this modest humble person I think he is really a self centred, entitled person. A total waste of time (I should have bailed on the book but I don’t like to do that). Total crap
January 9, 2022
Fairly quick read, but there were a few things:
1) He said he brought his son to L.A. to see Gretzky play in 1979. He wasn't with the Kings until the late 80s.
2) He's met a lot of famous people. Oftentimes, this book felt more like "Look at all the famous people I met" instead of an autobiography.
3) He never talked about any of the criticisms. He was seen as a Leafs Homer, or how he messed up players' names (especially for non-Leafs), but that is never mentioned.
1) He said he brought his son to L.A. to see Gretzky play in 1979. He wasn't with the Kings until the late 80s.
2) He's met a lot of famous people. Oftentimes, this book felt more like "Look at all the famous people I met" instead of an autobiography.
3) He never talked about any of the criticisms. He was seen as a Leafs Homer, or how he messed up players' names (especially for non-Leafs), but that is never mentioned.
January 19, 2022
Really enjoyable read! Cole and Brunt provide fascinating stories that cover the last fifty plus years of hockey history. There are some legitimate critiques of the book. Much of its content revolves around Cole's happenstance interactions with a variety of famous people (think Forrest Gump). However, I found that reading it always left me in a good mood, which is all you can really ask for in a book.
June 16, 2017
What an interesting life he has had so far. A great read for any hockey fan.
October 25, 2018
The best sports book I've ever read. Couldn't turn the pages fast enough but hated it to end.
October 29, 2024
What an awesome book. It was as if Mr. Cole was just sitting in your living room having a chat. I learned a lot of stuff that I never knew. Great read.
February 8, 2025
Bob Cole is way more then a hockey announcer. He was a
Poet, a story teller and a legend of the hockey world. His story is inspiring to all fans of Bob Cole
Poet, a story teller and a legend of the hockey world. His story is inspiring to all fans of Bob Cole
August 25, 2019
A Man with a Thousand Stories, a tribute to another great Newfoundland artist Ron Hynes - A Man of a Thousand Songs. I really want to give this book a 5/5, its reviewed for me at 4.5/5. The only limitation holding it back was how the stories jumped here and there and back again through time. Its to be understood being it a collection of memories through decades set to themes, but there are stories here or there that could have been stuck into their appropriate timeline. Overall a good read, as a hockey fan and a proud Newfoundlander I throughly enjoyed a peek behind the mic and a glimpse of the historic past from Mr. Cole's early years.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews