I haven't posted anything for about two weeks now. This is because of some unpleasant family circumstances. My wife's father is dying, and all of us are spending as much time with him as possible.

I haven't done much reading at all lately, let alone any hockey books.

With Christmas thrown in as well, I highly doubt I will be posting any reviews until after the new year.

Thanks for your support... Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.

 Today, I'm reviewing My Last Fight: The true story of a hockey rock star, by Darren McCarty, with Kevin Allen.

McCarty made his way to the professional ranks the old-fashioned way; he earned it. He fought tooth and nail, threw body checks, and basically clawed his way to the Red Wings. He would become a huge fan favorite as part of the “Grind Line,” a fourth line checking unit who's job was mostly to shut down and prevent the other team's top players from scoring.

He speaks candidly about the issues that he faced and dealt with during his career; drugs, alcohol, trying to deal with the fame that came as a popular player at bars and clubs. His never-back-down attitude was likely seen by many as a facade, and yet, as an NHL tough guy, that was his role on the ice that spilled over into life off the ice.

McCarty's book is a no-holds-barred trip through his 4 Stanley Cup titles, the ups and downs of his career, and a very honest look at his post-hockey life. Some of the language may not be for the faint of heart, and yet, it seems to suit whatever story he may be telling at any given moment. It's easily a wonderful tale of a player that had quite a bit, was at the peak of the sport, and came crashing back to earth, and is content with where he has settled at present. Perhaps that's the best way to finish... being content with life after everything else has come and gone...

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this title available for reviewing purposes!

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/my_last_fight_/1572436631.php

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781600788857-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/My-Last-Fight-Story-Hockey/dp/1600788858/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386113271&sr=1-1&keywords=My+Last+Fight%3A+The+True+Story+of+a+Hockey+Rock+Star

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-last-fight-darren-mccarty/1115150419?ean=9781623686796