Remembering Herbie: Celebrating the Life and Times of Hockey Legend Herb Brooks (Paperback)

~ Ross Bernstein (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Bernstein Books (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963487167
• ISBN-13: 978-0963487162
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #786,924 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BOOK DESCRIPTION FROM THE AUTHOR, ROSS BERNSTEIN, February 23, 2004

By	Ross Bernstein "Author" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had actually been working with Herb Brooks for nearly a year at the time of his untimely death this past Fall on writing a series of motivational/self-help books. You see, Herbie had recently turned down an offer to come back to the Big Apple and coach the New York Rangers again, opting instead to spend more time with his family and doing more motivational speaking - which is what the books were for. So, when I head the horrible news that August 11th, I decided right then and there to turn our project into a memorial. The result is the new book, "Remembering Herbie," a tribute to my friend and mentor.

Several months and nearly 100 interviews later, the book was finished, complete with both warm and fuzzy memories as well as hilarious and riveting stories from Herbie's closest friends, family members, former teammates and former players. The biography chronicles not only the accomplishments and achievements of a man who touched literally millions of lives throughout the sports world, but also a heartfelt story of an amazing person - as told through the eyes of those who knew him best.

People from all spectrums of Herbie's life were interviewed for the book, including former teammates of his from St. Paul Johnson High School, the University of Minnesota and from various U.S. Olympic & National Teams. I also spoke to former players of his from the Gophers, the 1980 & 2002 Olympic Teams, New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins. While some people opened up and poured out their emotions on what Herbie meant to them, others shared heartwarming or hilarious stories. Some laughed, some cried, but they all remembered Herbie.

I found that as I wrote the book and talked to more and more people, a picture emerged of who Herb Brooks really was. The common denominators were fascinating: the way he motivated people, his relentless determination, his honesty, his passion, his integrity, the "Brooksisms" he was so famous for saying, the way he championed the underdog, the way he was always looking to make hockey better, the way he could never make up his mind, and the way he loved his family - it's all in there.

You see, Herb Brooks never forgot where he came from - always remaining loyal to his colorful working-class neighborhood roots on St. Paul's East Side. There, he was like royalty, but if you asked him, he would say that he was just another "Joe Six Pack" from Payne Avenue. That was Herbie, modest as ever. Herbie was the ultimate team player and lived by the adage that the name on the front of the sweater was always more important than the name on the back. Looking back at the now famous last second call from the 1980 Olympic `Miracle on Ice,' which will forever be linked to his legacy, "Do you believe in miracles?... Yes!" - one can only assume that Herb probably didn't. That's right. Sure, he was a dreamer, but there were no short-cuts or divine interventions for this guy, it was all about hard work, commitment and passion. And luckily for us his obsession was hockey, and through that medium he changed the face of American history.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the newly created "Herb Brooks Foundation," which will benefit amateur hockey throughout the United States.

(To learn more about this book please visit my web-site: www.bernsteinbooks.com. Thanks! - Ross Bernstein, Author

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the interviews and recollections of Brooks friends and family, December 15, 2007

By	Blackstone (United States) - See all my reviews

I've had this book since it was published, and still find myself drawn to it. It's not a "masterpiece" from an editorial perspective, but the reflections and memories of the people who knew Herb Brooks, and understand what he meant to the game, are worthy of any true hockey fan.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Save Your Money , July 11, 2005

By	Roger Dier "Roger Dier" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have previously purchased a Ross Berstein book ("Gopher Hockey by the Hockey Gopher") and found that to be an entertaining read. Not so with this offering

All Berstein seems to have done is find some of Herb's friends, turned on his tape recorder and then transcibe their comments, verbatim. The print is too small, the words and thoughts are redundant and the small paperback has the look and feel of a self-published work, which it is.

The range of interviewees is tiny compared with the breadth of Brooks' life and all the interviews sound the same. There were a few pictures of young Herbie the player. Those are fairly interesting, but I found myself a little disappointed with this offering.