2.0 out of 5 stars
An insider's memoirs of men's world curling, May 20 2008
This review is from: Tales of a Curling Hack (Hardcover)
Over the last 50 years, Doug Maxwell has been one of the greatest builders and promoters of curling. The sport would be noticeably weaker without his contributions through journalism, through organizing the Silver Broom and by spurring rule changes that have enlivened, even revolutionized, the game.
Maxwell, if anything, downplays his contributions in this chatty book that focuses mainly on the organizational side of men's world curling. This is not a topic that is likely to make the blood flow for many people. Nevertheless, Maxwell draws attention to and honours many behind-the-scenes builders of the game who deserve some recognition. He also provides information that has not been on the public record.
Always gracious, Maxwell does not openly criticize - except for one Air Canada vice-president - those hidebound officeholders in the curling bureaucracy who have made their mark by resisting change. But it's not hard for the reader to figure out who some of the villains are.
Who is the intended audience for this book? Maxwell drops so many names that one has to wonder whether his audience is those who are named between the book's covers.
Still, there are several interesting vignettes. The yarn about the curlers' wives barred from an exclusive seating area at the Silver Broom, the inside story of various rule changes and the sad tale of the end of Air Canada's sponsorship of the Silver Broom are just some that repay the reader's commitment.
Doug Maxwell has made such monumental contributions to curling, one cannot begrudge him writing his memoirs. Unfortunately, except for providing fodder for curling historians and some insider tales for those deeply involved in the game, it's hard to know who would be engrossed by this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
