Companions in Courage : Triumphant Tales of Heroic Athletes (Hardcover)

by Pat LaFontaine (Author), Ernie Valutis (Contributor), Chas Griffin (Contributor), Larry Weisman (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Before his retirement form the NHL in 1998, Pat LaFontaine inspired fans everywhere from by battling back from the side effects of several serious head injuries and returning to the ice. Now, in this fascinating collection of true stories, he shares the personal details of his own struggle with depression and physical rehabilitation, as well as those other amazing athletes who were challenged by adversity--and won. These are stories that will inspire others with the determination, courage, and winning spirit necessary to break through life's roadblocks--and succeed.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Time Warner Trade Publishing (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044652705X
• ISBN-13: 978-0446527057
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #914,492 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!, December 12, 2000

By A Customer

This is not your typical "athlete retires, writes his memoirs" book. Rather, it is an aggregation of inspirational stories that are as uplifting as they are touching. The dynamic of the human spirit is on full display in this compilation, and it's all wrapped in a neat bow by one of sport's all-time great role models - Pat LaFontaine. If you are looking for some personal inspiration or want to raise the spirits of a family member or friend in need of "companionship" or "courage", then this is the book for you.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and uplifting collection of life's stories, January 28, 2001

By A Customer

Companions in Courage is an inspiring and emotionally touching collection of the stories of how over 50 athletes were able to cope with their misfortunes. Few of us go through life without being tested either physically or mentally. Everyone who has been struck with these problems and is looking for inspirational guidance to overcome their condition should read this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A matter of balance, June 4, 2002

By	Cort Mcmurray (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Companions in Courage: Triumphant Tales of Heroic Athletes (Paperback)

The previous reviewer does not appear to have read the book. While there a fair amount of discussion about LaFontaine and his career challenges, the book focuses on anonymous, unremarkable people, who manage to accomplish absolutely amazing things. There are several themes running through the book: the crucial role fathers play in the development of their children; the importance of faith in healing families and overcoming obstacles; the power of persistence and determination in changing lives. LaFontaine comes across as a humble, thoughtful, and decent man; there is little self-promotion or self-pity in his writing. Most of the stories (and there are dozens of individuals' stories told in this book) are told in two or three pages, making it perfect for teenagers. I have used these stories in teaching my own family, and in my role as a Church leader.

We are a nation steeped in nastiness. We spend incredible amounts of energy thinking of creative ways to tear one another down. A great man has said, "Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not acheive." Pat LaFontaine is a good and decent man, who has given much of his life to service. This book is a wonderful reminder that there are ample reasons for hope, that there is much goodness left among us. His work trancends the naysaying of people who can't get past the fact that he made his living playing professional hockey.