A Skating Life: My Story

Great Read

This is a book that I would highly recommend. As a retired school librarian and lover of biographies, I always searched for a biography that would engage 7th and 8th graders as well as adults. This would be it. Having watched Dorothy Hamill's performances on TV anytime I could, I was amazed as how effortlessly she made her skating look and how she always seemed cheerful and happy. From watching her performances, I would never have guessed as some of her struggles growing up. I loved the directness and honesty without any blaming.

Figure Skating!

After the closing of the 2010 Winter Olympics it was so wonderful to sit down and read this great book. I have always enjoyed watching figure skating and when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed. It is an easy read with insight into Dorothy's life as we see her go from a little girl, trying to get in as much ice time as she can, to the strong and vibrant woman she is today. Sharing with us the difficulties that she and her family encountered along the way helps the reader to see what is possible with perserverance and an eye on the goal. Her experiences and the people whom she met along the way takes the reader back onto the ice and the great memories there. A good read for those of us who enjoy biographies! And a nice look back at the wonderful sport of figure skating. Thanks Dorothy for taking us around the rink with you again!

A Skating Life - Dorothy Hamill

I enjoyed reading the book and it was easy to read. It was interesting to learn some of the facts presented in the book about her and I found it interesting that she has also had the challenges that we that are not in the public spotlight have experienced.

I would buy it again without a thought.

Dorothy Hamill A Skating Life Gets the Gold Medal

This book was a surprise...I didn't anticipate liking it, but I really did! Dorothy Hamill comes across as real and very human. She is open about her family and her marriages, her great successes and her failures. One learns of all the hard work and sacrifices her entire family made. I found myself rooting for her...especially when one had the feeling someone was going to take advantage of her. I enjoyed going back in time to the sixties and seventies. She has led an interesting life and is an admirable person. The book was easy to read and had interesting pictures. I would recommend this book to anyone, not just skaters.

Interesting Autobiography

Well written. Easy, quick read.

Always a fan

As is evident from this book, Dorothy Hamill's gift is skating, not writing! However, she was still able to tell the story about her life as a skater sharing her many strengths along with her weaknesses. This made her like the rest of us - human and relatable! Life is difficult for all of us, even gold medal champions. She has had many challenges to face in life and has done so graciously. I commend her for her efforts and will always remain a fan, wishing her the best.

A reviewer

No one likes a tease. You can't tell me that you have been married twice, have gone bankrupt and have had a daughter and just walk away! I haven't heard from you in 24 years. This is all you have to tell me? It isn't often that you really long to read a book and reach its end. I was hoping that Dorothy Hamill's new autobiography, A Skating Life: My Story, would be that sort of book. She's the famous friend we all long to have. Sadly, everything you've been longing to know won't be found here. A Skating Life will only be palatable to Dorothy's most avid fans and admirers. During the 1970s, Dorothy was a charismatic figure skater who brought inspiration and delight to all. Her gifted athleticism, combined with delightful style and grace, created a persona that was larger than life. Sighs of amazement would always be heard as she danced on the ice around the world. Dorothy was a living storybook character that we longed to watch. When her life and career began to cool, Dorothy wrote her first biography, On and Off the Ice 'Knopf - 1983.' She captured all the excitement and thrill of being an Olympic champion and the adventure of her worldwide travels. I remember this book fondly. When I heard she had written a new book, I couldn't wait to receive it. Sadly, my anticipation would not bear fruit. This is a chilly and lifeless book. It's not a reflection of someone known for their exuberance and charm. You haven't really become this person, have you Dorothy? Just presenting the facts creates a lousy read. Dorothy's book certainly brings you up to date with what has occurred in her adult life, but we are left shallow and empty. Her first husband committed adultery and then smashed his fighter jet into a mountain. Dorothy still loves him. Tell me why! Her second husband conned her out of her fortune and also cheated on her. How did you handle it? Her daughter has become her savior and her raison d'etre. What is she like? Tell us about the moments you cherish! Tell us all about your joy! Reading is an essential skill. You read for basic utility. You read to learn. You read for enjoyment. As a writer, you must always remember this: You may not be standing in a spotlight, with a live audience in front of you, but you are an entertainer. When you decide to write, it is your job to discover 'the good stuff' and bring it forth in the proper context and form to entice your readers to read more! You have to capture the emotions, the aspirations, the pain and the joy. A Skating Life doesn't. Is the title a dark and self-depreciating double entendre? One thing is particularly puzzling. Dorothy points out her mother's terse disposition, depression, and alcoholism over and over again. Countless times she refers to her mother's habits of 'self-medication.' Her mother's struggles in life were portrayed so coldly it became like a bitter pill whenever they were mentioned. Without elaboration, these comments became burdensome with an immature tone. The end of the book reveals an illogical twist. Dorothy turns 180 degrees and writes a long passage about how she admires her Mom and thanks her for her dedication. Was this a remarkable revelation in later life or just poor editing? I hope Dorothy doesn't wait another quarter of a century before writing another book. Although her current biography doesn't capture it, I think she has a lot to say and a lot to share. I'd like to suggest concentrating on the joys of her current life: skating, her daughter and cooking. I'm sure there is a lot of 'good stuff' we would like to hear all about. C'mon! Tell us a good story, Dorothy! I know you can do much better than this. Capture your smiles and enthusiasm on paper. Again, you will be a winner!

Can't put this memoir down! GREAT!!

Reading how this beautiful lady overcame so many obstacles, remained so graceful in her entire life, the juicy details of her affairs makes for a fascinating read. Winning the Olympic Gold and not having her own mother there - is a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Beautiful pictures too that make the book a real keepsake. (I read an adavnaced copy and am so glad I did.)

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