In this review, I'm looking at Gordie Howe's Son, by Mark Howe, with Jay Greenberg.

Literally off the presses to my eagerly waiting hands, this is a book that I've been anticipating for a couple months. It was worth the wait, too.

As you might expect, Mark Howe is Gordie's son. Growing up as the son of the greatest player of his era, possibly of all time, Mark didn't seem to let it get to his head. He was very determined to get to the NHL on his own merits. When his age created a potential problem, he and his recently retired dad found a way around that. With Mark's younger brother Marty, the three Howe's went to the WHA, the World Hockey Association, and played a couple years for the Houston Aeros. The team won two championships in Houston, but after that Gordie would retire, leaving the boys with the Howe legacy to carry on.

Mark would eventually make his way to the New England Whalers, who would be absorbed into the NHL as the Hartford Whalers. He would make his way to Philadelphia, and spend most of his career with the Flyers. While he started his career as a forward, he blossomed into an excellent defenseman. He would finish as a member of the Red Wings, but would retire before the Wings finished their resurgence in the 1990s.

He turned out to be an excellent scout, finding a number of players that would make it to the NHL.

Mark Howe chronicles the ups and downs of his injuries over his 22-year career, the sad passing of his mom, as well as his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. During his induction speech, he surprised everyone, especially his father, by pulling on a number 9 Red Wings jersey. For one night he wore his dad's number.

All in all, this was well worth the wait, and anticipation. Yes, Mark Howe is Gordie Howe's son, but Mark had quite the career all on his own, and should rightfully be judged on his own merits.

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/gordie_howe_s_son/1572436625.php?page_id=485

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/71-9781600788475-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Gordie%20Howe's%20Son%3A%20A%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Life%20in%20the%20Shadow%20of%20Mr.%20Hockey

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gordie-howes-son-mark-howe/1114986767?ean=9781600788475