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The Goalie
2021 N.N. Light Award Winner for Literary FictionDespite a difficult childhood, Ben Sloan stands near the top of the World International Hockey League cementing himself as one of its best and brightest goaltenders. Only one step away from reaching the highest hockey league in the The National Hockey Federation. On the ice, he is collected, fast, and explosive. But when the roar of the crowd quiets and the bright lights of the game fade, Sloan is far from okay. Anxiety and harmful thoughts are the norm. Silenced only by handfuls of pills and the pass of a blade across his skin. A single shot, an act of hopelessness and spun rumors by the media cast a dark shadow across his life dragging Ben suddenly from the top of the league to adjusting to a life away from the pros. Years pass, when a familiar face comes calling with the promise of a better life across the country and a chance to escape the mundane life Ben has faded into. All seems quiet until a run-in with one of the NHF’s best breathes new life into the Sloan name. All eyes are suddenly on Ben again and a rare second chance makes itself known. A chance for Ben to learn that the biggest saves he can make have little to do with hockey.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 2, 2021
Only in the last few years has the curtain been pulled back on mental health issues with pro athletes. This book is a clarion call for the spotlight to be shone on this critical area.
This is an incredibly important book. It is extremely well written and tells a gripping story. That this story centers on one great athlete suffering from mental health struggles elevates this book. The story is well-paced and developed. A reader quickly becomes connected to Ben and cares deeply for this character. The other characters are brilliantly developed.
This book is even for people who do not understand hockey. The author takes the time to explain the game in a way that isn't preaching. The game is clearly defined in a way that makes sense as part of the story being told. That is the sign of a gifted writer. Many could take a lesson to not assume your readers understand the basics of a book.
The illustration of Ben's struggles is harrowing to read. They are so realistic as is the difficulty athletes face opening up about their problems. The world is making strides in accepting mental health as not a definition of a person. The world of pro athletes is one of the last that needs to understand this.
A wonderful book that tells a superb tale. Recommended to every fan of the game of hockey. Recommended to anyone battling with mental health issues or those who know someone who is. This book will open the eyes to the reality of mental health challenges. A tremendously important book for the world to embrace.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
This is an incredibly important book. It is extremely well written and tells a gripping story. That this story centers on one great athlete suffering from mental health struggles elevates this book. The story is well-paced and developed. A reader quickly becomes connected to Ben and cares deeply for this character. The other characters are brilliantly developed.
This book is even for people who do not understand hockey. The author takes the time to explain the game in a way that isn't preaching. The game is clearly defined in a way that makes sense as part of the story being told. That is the sign of a gifted writer. Many could take a lesson to not assume your readers understand the basics of a book.
The illustration of Ben's struggles is harrowing to read. They are so realistic as is the difficulty athletes face opening up about their problems. The world is making strides in accepting mental health as not a definition of a person. The world of pro athletes is one of the last that needs to understand this.
A wonderful book that tells a superb tale. Recommended to every fan of the game of hockey. Recommended to anyone battling with mental health issues or those who know someone who is. This book will open the eyes to the reality of mental health challenges. A tremendously important book for the world to embrace.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
June 14, 2021
Great Book on Mental Health
Normally, I do not gravitate to these types of books: books about mental health and sports. But the artwork intrigued me. And I was not disappointed about what was inside the cover as well. The Goalie is a well-written book about the hardships of dealing with depression and anxiety, but also a book about togetherness. I think everyone has heard a voice telling us we are not worthy, or felt overwhelming feeling of pain. I know I have also been on the other end of depression, dealing with a loss of a friend who just could not take the pain and self-harming thoughts anymore. The Goalie helps bring to light you are truly not alone in the struggle of your self-worth. There are people who are willing to help you, whether it be friends or a therapist or maybe even both. But it also helps a grieving family member, or friend understand the possible reason their loved one decided to leave this life. I know I needed to hear it. So, if you want to help yourself, please read a copy of the Goalie.
Normally, I do not gravitate to these types of books: books about mental health and sports. But the artwork intrigued me. And I was not disappointed about what was inside the cover as well. The Goalie is a well-written book about the hardships of dealing with depression and anxiety, but also a book about togetherness. I think everyone has heard a voice telling us we are not worthy, or felt overwhelming feeling of pain. I know I have also been on the other end of depression, dealing with a loss of a friend who just could not take the pain and self-harming thoughts anymore. The Goalie helps bring to light you are truly not alone in the struggle of your self-worth. There are people who are willing to help you, whether it be friends or a therapist or maybe even both. But it also helps a grieving family member, or friend understand the possible reason their loved one decided to leave this life. I know I needed to hear it. So, if you want to help yourself, please read a copy of the Goalie.
December 27, 2022
This book is mostly a sports book that sheds light on mental illness. It illustrates how depression can inhibit potential or be a barrier in people's lives. It's important to shed light and reduce the stigma attached to these medical concerns. So, that if people need help, they can get it readily.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews