a_manning11's review against another edition
3.0
I was given a text-only review copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. I'd like to start out that the star rating would probably be higher, if I had read the finished version of the book, as the artwork will greatly contribute to the experience of this read. The cover of the book promises an exciting visuals.
The Hockey Saint wasn't at all what I expected (although I am not sure what that was). Howard Shapiro has written an extremely honest account of the lives of a world-class hockey player and a college athlete that come to a head when the two meet by chance. As college hockey player Tom gets to know hockey star Jake, he realizes that there is more to famous athletes that their (goal scoring) stats, autographs and their media image. As a person, Jake has many more admirable qualities - but his life isn't perfect either. Jake learns that he has to deal with the issues in his life that he is working so hard to avoid, recognizing that being a famous hockey player is not limited to the rink.
Alcoholism, grief and a critical look at the media (and sports fans) all add to the eye-opening experience of this graphic novel. Although, as a graphic novel, the book is comparatively short, there is depth to this story, and Howard Shapiro presents the reader with well-developed characters, and honest emotions (which I hope to see in the artwork).
I believe this book will be very popular with young adults who have an interest in sports, and I look forward to reading more of Howard Shapiro's work (and to see this book in its finished version!).
The Hockey Saint wasn't at all what I expected (although I am not sure what that was). Howard Shapiro has written an extremely honest account of the lives of a world-class hockey player and a college athlete that come to a head when the two meet by chance. As college hockey player Tom gets to know hockey star Jake, he realizes that there is more to famous athletes that their (goal scoring) stats, autographs and their media image. As a person, Jake has many more admirable qualities - but his life isn't perfect either. Jake learns that he has to deal with the issues in his life that he is working so hard to avoid, recognizing that being a famous hockey player is not limited to the rink.
Alcoholism, grief and a critical look at the media (and sports fans) all add to the eye-opening experience of this graphic novel. Although, as a graphic novel, the book is comparatively short, there is depth to this story, and Howard Shapiro presents the reader with well-developed characters, and honest emotions (which I hope to see in the artwork).
I believe this book will be very popular with young adults who have an interest in sports, and I look forward to reading more of Howard Shapiro's work (and to see this book in its finished version!).
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fine graphic novel about friendship. There is also a lot of stuff about hockey, which I tended to skip over. Pretty sure it was important to the story, but I got bored with that part.
It was a nice story of how two young men can be friends, and grow, one being a poor orphan college student, and the other being the best hockey player in the world. It is a secret friendship, and it helps both of them.
The hockey, that is just in there for some reason.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It was a nice story of how two young men can be friends, and grow, one being a poor orphan college student, and the other being the best hockey player in the world. It is a secret friendship, and it helps both of them.
The hockey, that is just in there for some reason.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
cetaylor05's review against another edition
4.0
This sequel to "The Stereotypical Freaks" is set two years after its predecessor ends. In this installment (Volume 2 in the "Forever Friends" Trilogy), Tom becomes friends with Jeremiah "Jake" Jacobson--the world's best hockey player--and realizes that fame and stardom have a gritty side. In fact, it would seem that the real Jake is far more real than Tom would really like. Although it can be a little heavy handed and preachy, this text has a fun twist at the end and will resonate with lovers of realistic fiction.
vermillion__'s review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
I don't know anything about hockey but i want to read it. This graphic novel is much more than hockey. It is about friendship and helping people around us. Heartwarming and real story. Characters are realistic. I really enjoyed reading it.
I don't know anything about hockey but i want to read it. This graphic novel is much more than hockey. It is about friendship and helping people around us. Heartwarming and real story. Characters are realistic. I really enjoyed reading it.
carroq's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: I received an eARC for free from NetGalley.
The Hockey Saint centers around two hockey players, one amateur and one professional, that quickly become friends. Tom Leonard is a college student who idolizes Jeremiah Jacobson and seizes an opportunity to meet him.
The bond that forms between the two men occurs naturally, and doesn't feel forced. The effect they have on each, good and bad, is slower to develop and deepens their relationship.
There are two elements that threw me off the book: the artwork and the investigation into Jeremiah. One of the league executives auapects Jeremiah of misconduct and hires a former FBI agent to investigate him. A lot of the story surrounding the investigation is repetitive, while the art felt understated throughout.
I enjoyed The Hockey Saint for the most part. Although it is presented as a hockey story, it is more about the characters and their relationship.
The Hockey Saint centers around two hockey players, one amateur and one professional, that quickly become friends. Tom Leonard is a college student who idolizes Jeremiah Jacobson and seizes an opportunity to meet him.
The bond that forms between the two men occurs naturally, and doesn't feel forced. The effect they have on each, good and bad, is slower to develop and deepens their relationship.
There are two elements that threw me off the book: the artwork and the investigation into Jeremiah. One of the league executives auapects Jeremiah of misconduct and hires a former FBI agent to investigate him. A lot of the story surrounding the investigation is repetitive, while the art felt understated throughout.
I enjoyed The Hockey Saint for the most part. Although it is presented as a hockey story, it is more about the characters and their relationship.
gabriele_queerbookdom's review against another edition
2.0
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Second volume in the “Forever Friends Trilogy”, The Hockey Saint explores Tom Leonard, a college sophomore hockey player, and the hockey superstar Jeremiah Jacobson’s unexpected friendship. Tom is the typical boy next door with latent potential and Jeremiah is the over-achiever big name in hockey with an unjustified bad reputation and a concealed thoughtfulness.
The cornerstone of this graphic novel is the incredible new friendship that blossoms between Tom and Jeremiah. It taps important and delicate topics, which are met with remarkable insight.
As well-written and thought-provoking as this story was, I couldn’t fully dive in: I couldn’t include hockey in the spectrum of my interests, or all things sport for that matter, and I thought Tom and Jeremiah’s bond was somewhat rushed in the beginning.
Decidedly recommended to sport-inclined people that enjoy deep and interesting plots.
Second volume in the “Forever Friends Trilogy”, The Hockey Saint explores Tom Leonard, a college sophomore hockey player, and the hockey superstar Jeremiah Jacobson’s unexpected friendship. Tom is the typical boy next door with latent potential and Jeremiah is the over-achiever big name in hockey with an unjustified bad reputation and a concealed thoughtfulness.
The cornerstone of this graphic novel is the incredible new friendship that blossoms between Tom and Jeremiah. It taps important and delicate topics, which are met with remarkable insight.
As well-written and thought-provoking as this story was, I couldn’t fully dive in: I couldn’t include hockey in the spectrum of my interests, or all things sport for that matter, and I thought Tom and Jeremiah’s bond was somewhat rushed in the beginning.
Decidedly recommended to sport-inclined people that enjoy deep and interesting plots.
fromsophiewithlove's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars.
Copy provided by Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
I must say, this isn’t one of the best comic books I have ever read. I didn’t care for the many character and I found many of the characters reactions annoying.
In that being said I enjoyed the first half of this comic, but started to lose interest when the “villain” was introduced. I finished it but im not sure I’ll be reading any more works of this author.
Copy provided by Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
I must say, this isn’t one of the best comic books I have ever read. I didn’t care for the many character and I found many of the characters reactions annoying.
In that being said I enjoyed the first half of this comic, but started to lose interest when the “villain” was introduced. I finished it but im not sure I’ll be reading any more works of this author.
thelostshoe's review against another edition
5.0
But these are great for kids who may not like reading or kids who enjoy real-life comics. Would recommend! Downloaded from Netgalley (auto-approved for this publisher on there). But these are great for kids who may not like reading or kids who enjoy real-life comics. Would recommend! Downloaded from Netgalley (auto-approved for this publisher on there). This has been out since 2014 so can purchase now. Yay!
tmaluck's review against another edition
1.0
Is there some sort of bandwagonism/favoritism going on to make this book's GR score is as high as it is? For that matter, why are people sharing reviews based on copies of the script, with no artwork? Would they review a movie based on its soundtrack? Everyone's faces are drawn in a semi-anime style that tends to look like doodles, and just about every character baldly declares motivations out loud. Several characters espouse a love of hockey but we never see anyone play. I like that the playlist concept has carried over from The Stereotypical Freaks, but so did all the mistakes.
Update: For a more composed response to this book, check out my review at No Flying, No Tights.
Update: For a more composed response to this book, check out my review at No Flying, No Tights.