Playing With Fire

Playing With Fire....

This is one of the best memoirs I've ever read. Actually, it's one of the best books I've ever read. I've read a lot of memoirs and biographies, and this one is brutally honest -- heartbreakingly so.

Theo Fleury's book contains many stories. It's the story of a Canadian who grew up poor on the prairies and clung to his dream like a lifeline. It's a story of a broken, lonely childhood plagued by demons and abuse. It's a story about the drive to be the best at a particular sport. It's a story of addiction to booze, drugs, and sex. It's a story of both dizzying success and financial failure. But most of all, it's a story about what it means to be human and what it's like to live in constant pain...and to find relief in things that only make matters worse.

Anyone who loves hockey (especially the Calgary Flames) will love this book. Ditto anyone who's been abused or anyone who struggles (or struggled) with substance abuse and suicidal impulses. Theo has written a book for both sports fans and those who don't care about sports. His story is painful, but it deserves to be heard. And hopefully it will help anyone who struggles with the same issues that affected him.

Thank you, Theo, for writing this book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The book Playing With Fire, by Theo Fleury, is a humbling memoir

The book Playing With Fire, by Theo Fleury, is a humbling memoir of triumph and peace. This story tells the complete life story of Theoren Fleury, of the Hockey Hall of Fame, in blaitent honesty from cover to cover. In the book Fleury inquires about his childhood growing up in Canada and playing youth hockey. Mentioning the abuse he encountered playing at the Junior level, Fleury also recollects on his triumphs . Winning a stanley cup along with three gold medals and one silver medal; not to mention being disqualified once. Letting his drug and alcohol abuse escalate led to an abrupt ending to his career. Fleury makes many mistakes along his journey to fame and fortune and was also tormented by internal demons. Overcoming to defy the odds his story tells one of great tradgedy along with immense success. As for recommendations of this book, to anyone willing to be inspired by a superstar athalete rise. It arouses all human emotions, drawn from Fleury’s words. People looking for a Disney themed plot should probably not take a close look. That is for the reason of vulgar language and adult content. The interesting fact is that he tells the plain truth no matter the circumstance. Fears, trimphs, dissapointments, all of it poured out of one man; a likeable read. Although a wonderful story there are occurences where, at times, it is hard to follow as Fleury jumps around from team to team. There is an extential number of names creddited in the book, very hard to retain all of them. Never the less they are all interesting tales. The outstanding courage for a man like Theoren Fleury to come forth and reveal his darkest moments most cannot fathom and the ascend to the top make it brilliant. For these reasons it was given a 4.5 of 5. Keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages, real talk. Lupinski. Block 6

Worth reading

An interesting read for any hockey fan

tough life

Overall a good book most especially if you grew up watching and loving hockey, which I did not, but I still enjoyed the book. Theo had a hard life and it's great that he is able to share his life with us. I also love most autobiographical books, I find people and their lives amazing. I would recommend this book if you know about Theo or about hockey for it to hold your interest.

A must for ice hockey enthusiasts

My son who lives in the UK wanted this tome. I sent it to him. His spouse tells me that he couldn't put the book down. My rating are based on her reading of his reading and I should expect that readers will feel well read after reading this readable book. Go Rangers

Never back down

Wow-what else can I say. Granted most of my friends (actually scratch that all of my friends) will say I'm the biggest Theo Fleury fan they know, but this book def ranks up there with my favorites of all time. Theo holds nothing back starting page 1 and pours his heart and soul into the reader no different then when he used to play the game as well as his partying and love of all life. People of all backgrounds can learn something from this book as it goes beyond sports and the dark sides we have to our souls, and the ultimate journey we undergo to find ourselves. Theo we love u and thanks for sharing!

Loved it!

Good reading for any hockey fan

Great Read for Hockey fans

I had a tough time putting this book down. I would recommend to any hockey fan. Fleury fan or not this is a great sports story.

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