Today, we're looking at Gordie, A Hockey Legend, by Roy Macskimming.

Keep in mind while reading this book that this is an unauthorized biography of Gordie Howe, done by a fan who clearly has done his research. The book is full of stories from both on and off the ice. From the near-fatal brain injury and subsequent surgery, to his final days of playing with the Red Wings and retirement from the NHL, Howe's entire career is well-covered.

But there's more than just the on-ice career being showcased. You get an insider's look at the first steps of what could have been a player's union. Some of Howe's teammates attempted this, and were severely punished. Howe took a different path, and was treated better.

Upon his retirement, you get the feeling that Howe was left without purpose as a vice-president with the Red Wings. When opportunity came knocking in the rebel league, the WHA, he answered the call with the Houston Aeros. Not only did he succeed in a comeback, playing with his two sons, he would put up two 100-point seasons, and lead the way to two WHA championships, before the team ran into trouble. Howe and his sons went to the New England Whalers, and finished out the rest of the WHA's time there.

Full of wonderful pictures spanning his career, this is truly a well-written tale of Gordie Howe's days on and off the ice. It's a good book, especially for someone who's telling the story of Howe, instead of Howe himself. It's obvious that Mr. Macskimming has done his research and put in a ton of effort to put forth a quality work. Well done!

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781550547191-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gordie-Hockey-Legend-Roy-MacSkimming/dp/1550547194/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382544962&sr=1-1&keywords=Gordie%3A+A+Hockey+Legend

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gordie-roy-macskimming/1110888891?ean=9781771000611