The Hockey Saint by Howard Shapiro Review

THE HOCKEY SAINT SINGS CHARLES BARKLEY’S PRAISES, REMINDING KIDS WHO THEIR IDOLS ARE NOT

Pittsburgh, PA – Author Howard Shapiro releases his newest children’s book, The Hockey Saint.Shapiro’s book takes a fictional look at an all-too-real issue in the world of sports - idolizing athletes and viewing them from an unrealistic lens. The Hockey Saint examines this idolization and what happens when that idol becomes a friend—a friend that really needs you.

In The Hockey Saint, readers will meet twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson and college sophomore, Tom Leonard. Jeremiah is the world’s best hockey player who lives in secrecy with his vices and charitable heart. Tom’s a college hockey player for the Bay City Knights. He’s a walk-on who has been named assistant captain and given a partial scholarship for his efforts on the ice. Even more, he’s average college kid who is facing very and complicated real life issues as he tries to find his place in the world.

An unlikely meeting between these two young men results in a friendship that on the surface is even more unlikely. Though, once the layers are uncovered, they are both young men trying to figure out who they are. Jeremiah may be the best hockey player in the world, but he’s far from ready to take on the scrutiny that comes with this title. Add in his out-of-control private life, his new friend Tom is put into a position to save his one-time idol and new found friend. Can this unlikely friendship end with Tom saving Jeremiah from his path of self-destruction?

This book highlights beautifully illustrated images by Marcia Inoue, color work by renowned Italian artist/illustrator Andres Mossa whose work includes Spiderman, Wolverine and Deadpool, and covers by prolific British illustrator Neil Googe whose work includes Superman, Batman and Judge Dredd. The Hockey Saintwill also be supported by an extensive promotional campaign highlighted by a retro-style 8-Bit online video game, promo "Jacobson" t shirts and old school goalie mask bookmarks. The Hockey Saint will no doubt follow in the footsteps of author Howard Shapiro’s previous successful titles. The Hockey Saint is the second title in the highly praised Forever Friends trilogy.

About the book:
The Hockey Saint by Howard Shapiro
ISBN: 978-0991255016
Publisher: Animal Media Group
Date of publish: October 2014
Pages: 133
S.R.P.: $13.95

About the author:
Howard Shapiro has also written four children's books. His 2008 book, "Hockey Player for Life", has been the #1 downloaded children's hockey e-book on Amazon's Kindle chart since its arrival as an e-book in November of 2011. Shapiro's "Hockey Days" book was the only book featured in the December 2007 Sporting News Annual Gift Guide as a Best Buy Gift for Children. Since 2006 his annual charity raffle, which he matches dollar for dollar donated, has raised funds for several hockey-related charities including the Mario Lemieux Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer.

My Review:

I very rarely read graphic novels. This book looked like it had a really good message, and I wanted to read it. I am glad I did. The idea of being friends with someone famous always made me think that it was all fun. However Tom soon realizes the cost of success and what some people will do to succeed. As their friendship grows they learn more about each other and it was interesting to read how they complimented and helped each other. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Bostick, however all opinions are my own.