Scott Hamilton (1) (1958–)

I enjoyed this book, mostly because of Scott Hamilton's positivity, which is especially notable given his medical history. I liked that he tried to apply lessons he learned from his skating years to other aspects of life.

I didn't know some of his history--such as his parents telling him he had one more year of skating or his mom dying. I did know about his childhood illness that defied diagnosis, his cancer, and his brain tumors.

I like that he is open about his Christian beliefs and tries to apply them to at least some of the principles he's discussing in this book.

It was shorter than I would have thought. It did make me wish I could hear him speak in person.… (more)

Scott Hamilton: I've known for a long time how much work goes into training to be at the elite level of figure skating (and I admire those who can do it). I've always seen Scott Hamilton as a kind, positive person (so in a sense, it is good to know that he has his off days where he's not so positive--that he is just like all of us). I was saddened when I heard he had cancer (the first time)--and a bit surprised that he picked Cleveland Clinic for his treatment. (I didn't realize he'd grown up in Bowling Green, OH at the time where he'd probably heard of the Cleveland Clinic.) I admired that he went through the treatment for that and returned to competitive skating at the pro level. Having gone through my own cancer battle, I admire him even more for that. I LOVE that he is an unapologetic Christian (at least at the time of the writing of this book). Though I miss seeing him skate, I understand his need to stop in light of his brain tumor (that has to be the primary focus of your life while you're fighting it) and his age (where he needs to listen to what his body can safely do). I do hope that he at least skates recreationally because skating was part of his life for so long and as he says, skating was his fitness routine.

I'm not sure that there are any great revelations in this book as far as the steps Scott took or learned throughout his life, but they are presented in a way that may make them click with a certain population that might not be reached by other books with similar messages. I liked the stories of Scott's life and career--someone not as into skating might not appreciate them as much. Someone who's not fought cancer might not appreciate them as much.

For me, it was written in an easy to read style that flowed. Every once in a while there was a leap in the flow that didn't make sense to me but for the most part, it flowed. It was a book I wanted to pick up again to continue reading.… (more)