best hockey autobiography books

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Have you ever read a book about hockey? Or maybe a memoir by an NHL player? If not, you're missing out. 

Hockey books can be incredibly engaging and informative, providing insights into the sport that you can't find anywhere else. They also make for great reading during the offseason, when there's not much NHL action to follow. 

Check out our list of some of the best hockey books around and see for yourself!

1. This Team Is Ruining My Life (But I Love Them): How I Became a Professional Hockey Fan

Written by : Steve "Dangle" Glynn

Published : 2019

Pages : 296

Glynn became a Youtube star ranting and raving about how the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team to which he is devoted, constantly drives him crazy. However, the exciting part is how he goes to this point where he is famous and has moved to television. This starts with his constant drive to stay positive, outgoing, and entertaining. He is a person who wants to entertain and enliven any hockey fan's life.

As fans know, Glynn can be obnoxious, loud, and a bit insane. Even if you think he is a bore on tv, you will be able to appreciate the person who is so much more than just a persona. We loved that he could also delve deeper into the real guy. An example of that is when he writes about his mental health issues and deals with them.

2. The "Down Goes Brown" History of the N.H.L.: The World's Most Beautiful Sport, the World's Most Ridiculous League

Written by : Sean McIndoe

Published : 2018

Pages : 272

Many books will describe how the N.H.L. came to be and is the league it is today. However, most of those books only go into famous moments. McIndoe also shows lesser-known events, some good and some bad, that made it possible. And, when you read about the mistakes and utter ineptness in some cases, you'll also be amazed that it didn't disintegrate numerous times.

With a great sense of humor and the ability to pluck out the best of the best, you will love seeing the N.H.L. in a new light and be even more grateful it survived itself. This book is definitely for people that just want to laugh, learn a bit, and realize how lucky it is that we have the N.H.L. at all.

3. No One Wins Alone

Written by : Mark Messier

Published : 2021

Pages : 368

Mark Messier is one of the most players in the sport's history. In his autobiography, he shows exactly what it took for him to succeed and advises on applying those qualities. He starts with being born to a father that praised him and coached him to be great on the ice and off of it.

The beauty of this book is that it isn't your usual party and scandal story; it is a book about a man who has stood by those morals throughout his life.

He frames the book using hockey games that he played and how they have helped guide him while trying to help the readers do the same. He also describes his spiritual side and the work that he does charity.

If you are feeling down in any way at all or having a tough time, this is the book for you as it will make you feel like you can overcome anything.

4. The Breakaway: The Inside Story of the Wirtz Family Business and the Chicago Blackhawks

Written by : Bryan Smith

Pages : 248

The Chicago Blackhawks were terrible for decades until Rocky Wirtz took them over and led them to three Stanley Cups in the 2010s. However, this is far from the story because this book goes back to when his grandfather, Arthur. Arthur was known for his many businesses around Chicago and was also known to be a horrible boss and incredibly tight with the dollar.

Therefore, not surprisingly, the team rarely won, had a small fan base, and basically was just a non-entity even though it was one of the first six teams in the N.H.L. When Bill, Rocky's dad, took over, things didn't get any better as he was more of the same.

Being that we know Rocky turned the franchise around, the other parts of the story, including the incredibly family member vs. family member and other drama surrounding the family, is even more enthralling. This is the reality of this family and team, warts and all.

5. Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the N.H.L.'s First Black Player

Written by : Willie O'Ree, Michael McKinley

Published : 2020

Pages : 256

Willie O'Ree was the real deal. However, he couldn't get called up by his team, the Boston Bruins. Why? It was simply because he was an African American, and the N.H.L. wouldn't allow it. When he finally did get called up, he realized that his role, as the first was as essential for hockey as Jackie Robinson's for baseball.

He also realized that he would have to put up with taunting, racist epithets, and possible violence towards him just because of the color of his skin. And it wasn't just the fans. This also included the players from other teams who would try to hurt him physically.

After a career where he excelled, he was inducted into the N.H.L. Hall of Fame in 2018 and the N.H.L. Diversity program to help others succeed in his beloved game.

6. Burke's Law: A Life in Hockey

Written by : Brian Burke and Stephen Brunt

Pages : 320

This personal and powerful book explores the life and career of one of hockey's most controversial and outspoken figures. Burke is known for his frank and unapologetic approach to the sport, and he doesn't shy away from discussing the controversial decisions he's made throughout his career. Burke's life is rather impressive considering everything he's accomplished and because of his mistakes.

And those mistakes are an important lesson because he shows how they helped him become better as he learned them. Most people know Burke as a tough guy, but he also has a soft side that he often doesn't share, including the loss of his youngest son in a car crash, among other issues.

This memoir is so much more than just a simple story about the man.

7. Beauties: Hockey's Greatest Untold Stories

Written by : James Duthie

You may think you know everything about the N.H.L., but this book is going to put your knowledge to the test. It includes fifty-seven stories, many from some of or about the most famous players, coaches, reporters, announcers, and others. Duthie basically asked people to give them their favorite event, and then he wrote them down.

Some of these stories are hilarious, such as when he had to pay ten dollars for a light bulb in a motel when he was in the minor leagues. Others are incredibly touching as you follow the story of Laila Anderson, who battled a rare disease as she followed her St. Louis Blues to the cup in 2019.

Reading this book will make you feel like you are hanging out at a bar and just talking with buddies…however, these buddies have seen the reality of the N.H.L. and are ready to dish on it.

8. Finding Murph: How Joe Murphy Went from Winning a Championship to Living Homeless in the Bush

Written by : Rick Westhead

Joe Murphy had it made: The first college-educated player selected overall in the N.H.L. draft. He was going to be a star. And he was as the Edmonton Oilers won a championship. He had other great seasons, played on numerous teams, and always was beloved by teammates and fans. However, that all changed when he was body-checked one game.

Instead of seeing a doctor and getting treatment, he continued to play. However, people noticed a difference. His personality was changing, he started drinking and doing drugs, and his career and life fell apart. This book looks not only at his life but into the problems with Traumatic Brain Injury (which caused these issues) and how the N.H.L. seems to either turn a blind eye to the problem.

It is a story of a life gone wrong, and as of this printing, Murphy was homeless, so is still sad, and yet there is hope.

9. Over the Boards: Lessons from the Ice

Written by : Hayley Wickenheiser

Pages : 232

Anyone that knows about hockey knows Hayley Wickenheiser. There are way too many accolades, so here are just a few: thirteen World Championship appearances, six Olympic Games, and in the Hall of Fame. However, there is so much more to her than just these. During her time as a player, she also adopted a child, went to college, and eventually became a doctor.

The beauty of this book is that you get to see someone, who did everything possible to become the best, and she ended up doing it. Her constant drive to see the best in herself, others, and any situation, will inspire you and let you put some of her ideas into action for your own life.

Because women have so little voice in professional sports, this is a must-read for anyone.

10. Crossroads: My Story of Tragedy and Resilience as a Humboldt Bronco

Written by : Kaleb Dahlgren

On April 6, 2018, the Humboldt Broncos were going to a playoff game when a semi-truck struck their bus. The collision resulted in sixteen deaths and thirteen injuries. Among the victims was Kaleb Dahlgren, who suffered a fractured skull and dislocated shoulder. He ended up comatose for five days. This tragedy shook the hockey world and beyond.

Dahlgren tells his story of resilience in the face of tragedy. He describes his journey from being hospitalized in critical condition to making a full recovery and eventually returning to play for the Broncos. When you read about so many Canadians putting out hockey sticks on their porches to support the team, you will definitely shed a tear or two.

11. Call Me Indian: From the Trauma of Residential School to Becoming the N.H.L.'s First Treaty Indigenous Player

Written by : Fred Sasakamoose

Pages : 288

As so many Native people had been before, Sasakamoose was taken from his home and sent to a residential school. However, he wouldn't let that hold him back. He played against some of the greatest in the league, but there is so much more to him than just that. He became the first Indigenous player to make the N.H.L., and this was before First Nations even had the right to vote.

After the N.H.L., he played in other teams throughout his life and married and had children. Instead of just being content playing, he became a band councilor and a chief. He worked to help indigenous people and their teams.

He worked with people to help them realize the dangers of drinking (which he started in the N.H.L.) and other issues. He has won too many awards to mention and accolades, and this book shows all his ups and downs during his life.

Even if you don't like hockey, this is a magnificent read just to understand the Native people's cultures and how the Canadian government treated them.

12. Unbreakable: 50 Goals in 39 Games: Wayne Gretzky and the Story of Hockey's Greatest Record

Written by : Mike Brophy

Published : 2016

Pages : 308

No matter if you follow the game or not, you've heard of Wayne Gretzky somewhere or sometime during your life. He simply is the greatest hockey player in the history of the sport. However, he wasn't all about himself, and his willingness to help teammates is what made him universally loved by all.

This book focuses on the 1981-1982 season in which he only needed thirty-nine games to score fifty goals. The fun of this book is that you get to be on the ice during each one of these games, as Gretzky describes them. There are also stories about other players on the team, and you understand why each person plays their part perfectly so he can achieve this "goal."

It is a fast-paced fantastic ride through the record-setting history of that year.

13. Shut Out: The Game That Did Not Love Me Black

Written by : Bernie Saunders, Barry Meisel

Pages : 352

We like to think that once a color barrier is broken, such as with Jackie Robinson with the L.A. Dodgers, that line is quickly erased. However, in the N.H.L., that was far from the truth as it took fifteen years for another Black man to be in the league after O'Ree played for it. This is the story of Bernie Saunders, who was that man.

When he was called up, he had to deal with much of the same abuse that O'Ree dealt with, including fans, opposition players, and even those on his team. He only played in the N.H.L. for two years because of these and other issues and decided to retire early.

He also includes information on other Black players and lots of fun newspaper and magazine clippings so you can get a feel for the times and his career.

14. Play Better Hockey: 50 Essential Skills for Player Development

Written by : Ron Davidson

Published : 2010

Pages : 144

No list on hockey would be complete without a book explaining how to master the most critical skills on how to play the game. Ron Davidson is as knowledgeable about it as anyone, and in this book, he gives his opinion on fifty skills that everyone should learn to master their game.

He breaks them down into four main sections, including fundamentals, different ways of skating, how to use your stick to be your best, and how to move and position your body. Using pictures and diagrams makes this book easy to digest and gives you the ability to see exactly what he writes about during each example.

15. Forever a Blackhawk

Written by : stan Mikita

Published : 2011

Pages : 208

In his memoir, Mikita tells the story of his life as a professional hockey player—from his beginnings in Czechoslovakia to his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the N.H.L.'s most iconic teams. Drawing on anecdotes and memories from teammates, opponents, and coaches, Mikita provides a unique perspective on the game of hockey and its place in American culture.

Incredibly, Mikita stayed with the Blackhawks for his whole twenty-two-year Hall of Fame career. Because of this, he either played with or against some of the greatest in the game. His knowledge of hockey and how the world changed with and around it is magnificent and enthralling.

This book is full of beautiful stories and adventures.

16. J.R.: My Life as the Most Outspoken, Fearless, and Hard-Hitting Man in Hockey

Written by : Jeremy Roenick

Published : 2012

Jeremy Roenick is one of the most outspoken and fearless men in hockey. He'll go toe-to-toe with anyone, whether it's another player on the ice or an N.H.L. executive in a board meeting. He's never afraid to speak his mind, no matter who he's talking to or what the consequences may be.

And he's not afraid to dish out hard hits either – he's earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the league. But despite all his toughness, J.R. was also one of the most likable players in the N.H.L. – his teammates love him, and opponents respect him.

In an eighteen-season career where he scored 513 goals and had 703 assists, that is only a tiny part of the person and how he impacted the game.

17. The Crazy Game

Written by : Clint Malarchuk and Dan Robson

Published : 2014

Although Clint Malarchuk played in the N.H.L. for over a decade, most people know him for an accident on the ice that could have easily killed him. In The Crazy Game, Malarchuk tells his story of how he became a professional goalie and the near-fatal injury that almost ended his career. Despite the trauma of that experience, Malarchuk went on to play for several other teams before retiring in 1998.

This book provides an intimate look at the life of Malarchuk, as he opens up about his crippling anxiety and O.C.D., which caused him problems in school and afterward. You will get all the inside scoop of being a  professional hockey player, from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat.

It is an inspiring tale of resilience in the face of adversity.

18. The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

Written by : Wayne Coffey

Published : 2005

In 1980, the United States Olympic hockey team pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history, winning the first medal round match against the Soviet Union. This victory was partly due to the rink-smart coaching of Herb Brooks, whose motivational techniques have since been immortalized in the film Miracle. But there's more to the story than just a dramatic win on ice.

In The Boys of Winter , Wayne Coffey tells the entire tale of Brooks and his team, painting an intimate portrait of their years of hard work and determination—a true underdog story told with verve and affection. Interestingly enough, most people forget that the Gold medal was won when the U.S.A. played Finland and not the U.S.S.R.

19. The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery, and Courage

Written by : Keith Gave

In the 1990s, the Detroit Red Wings were a hockey powerhouse, thanks in part to their "Russian Five" line-up. But how did these five Russian players end up playing for an American team? This is the story of espionage, defection, and bribery that brought them to Michigan. An example includes one player having to fake having cancer…which was only possible because of Red Wings' bribes behind the scenes.

It's also a story of courage – not only did these players have to leave their families and homes behind, but they had to adapt to a new culture and learn a new game to make it in the N.H.L. In the end, their success on the ice inspired other Russian players to come over to America and helped pave the way for future international cooperation in sports.

20. The Game

Written by : Ken Dryden

Published : 2003 (1983)

Named one of the top 10 sportsbooks ever written by Sports Illustrated, this is a must-read for any hockey or even sports fan. A goaltender who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadians, this book shows what it is like to be a player and a person. It is beautiful to see how his life evolved and how he became the incredible athlete that basically led his team to victory.

He seemed like he lived an ordinary and rather mundane lifestyle off the ice. He wasn't selfish or driven to fame like so many players of his time. For any true fan of hockey, you know that fighting is just a part of the sport, but he believes that it degrades the sport, and with all the information coming out about head injuries, he makes a critical point.

Beyond sports, he was in the Canadian Parliament from 2004 to 2011 and had a law degree from McGill University. His life is so much more than any reader could imagine.

21. The Making of a Miracle: The Untold Story of the Captain of the 1980 Gold Medal-Winning U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

Written by : Mike Eruzione, Neal E. Boudette

Being that the 1980 Olympic upset of the U.S.S.R. and then Finland was such a tremendous experience in the world during the Cold War, this list consists of two books on it. This team was primarily made up of nobodies and took down one of the greatest teams Russia had ever assembled for those who don't know.

Named the team's captain, Mike Eruzione also goes into his being raised almost dirt poor and his willingness to do whatever he needed to succeed. He is a perfect example of this team as each player may not be the best; they were perfect for the team attitude and would do whatever was needed to win.

Simply stated, this book is an ideal example of someone who was the epitome of Al Michael's famous "Do you believe in miracles? YES!" after they won against Russia.

22. Boy on Ice: The Life and Death of Derek Boogaard

Written by : John Branch

Pages : 384

In 2010, Derek Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment. The coroner ruled the death accidental due to mixed drug toxicity. But because of this book, many are questioning whether or not the famed N.H.L. enforcer's death was just a tragic accident.

Branch lays out a detailed account of Boogaard's life, from his childhood in rural Saskatchewan to his years as one of the most feared players in the N.H.L. After retiring from hockey in 2011, Boogaard descended into addiction and battled mental health issues.

This was probably due to brain injuries from fighting and being pounded on also. Tragically, he died at the incredibly young age of 28 years old. Not to shy away from this serious issue, Branch delves into the sport's history.

He also examines how little the N.H.L. seems to care about the players once their days are over.

23. Mr. Hockey: My Story

Written by : Gordie Howe

Imagine being able to play your favorite sport over five decades, and then you'll get just a basic idea of the greatness of Hall of Famer Gordie Howe. Growing up during the depression taught him to be tough and that you must fight for everything you wanted, even though he was pretty shy at first. This attitude showed through his play, whether to support a friend or teammate or slam someone into the glass who wasn't playing by the rules.

It is interesting to see the difference when he delves into how different the game was when he was young regarding contracts, players getting paid scraps, and horrible travel conditions. He was also very generous with his time for others off the ice, which redeems his on the ice play. Sadly, at the end of his life, he had dementia, and his family wraps up the book.

24. A Guy Like Me: The John Scott Story

Written by : John Scott and Brian Cazeneuve

John Scott is the kind of guy you root for. He was undrafted out of college, working a blue-collar job at a chemical plant before finally landing in the N.H.L. as an enforcer. He paid his dues on the ice and in the locker room, battling opponents and teammates alike with his fists and a smile, although the opposition may not have felt the same about him.

However, this story is so much more than that as it is about a true underdog. Because Scott was primarily an enforcer, there was no chance he'd ever make an All-Star game. However, he was nominated, almost as a joke for the team, and won. The N.H.L. was embarrassed and did everything they could to stop it, including demoting him to a lower league.

The fans wouldn't have any of this, so they fought back, and he was included...and then he won the game M.V.P. title with two goals. It would be unbelievable if it weren't fact.

25. The Hockey News: Hockey's Greatest Photos: The Bruce Bennett Collection

Written by : The Hockey News with photography by Bruce Bennett

Published : 2015

If you're a hockey fan, The Hockey News: Hockey's Greatest Photos: The Bruce Bennett Collection is a must-have book. Published in conjunction with the N.H.L., this coffee table book is filled with stunning images of some of the greatest moments in hockey history.

This book is a treasure trove for hockey fans, from iconic shots of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr to lesser-known moments captured on film. Whether you're flipping through the pages at random or savoring each photo in sequence, you will be enthralled and unable to set this book down until you see them all.

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65+ Best Hockey Books (2021 list)

Last updated on March 30, 2021

Want to learn more about the history of hockey? Or be inspired by the stories of great players? Or discover techniques to improve your game? Check out my list of the best hockey books for you to read and do just that.

Back to all ice hockey articles

This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the  Disclosure page ). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Hockey Books - Summary

This page contains a lot of suggestions about wonderful books to read about ice hockey. However, if you want a summary with my top picks in each category, here it is:

Best ice hockey overview books - great gift ideas

Let's start with some of the best overview books about hockey to offer as a gift to hockey players or hockey fans alike. They cover:

• The best moments of the sport
• Interesting facts and stories
• All the best players of several generations
• Hockey trivia 

But if you are looking for more inspiration books, head to the next section.

100 Years, 100 Moments: A Centennial of NHL Hockey

by Scott Morrison

Veteran hockey journalist gathers in this book many pictures and info about a century of NHL hockey teams and games: the most important moments!

Buy it / Read the reviews

The Great Book of Ice Hockey: Interesting Facts and Sports Stories

by Bill O'Neill and Ryan Black

Collection of interesting facts and stories about the game of ice hockey , including stories before the NHL... Random facts about how the game started, the players, the coaches, the rules...

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hooked on Hockey

by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Laura Robinson

Lots of inspiring stories about NHL players, hockey personalities, coaches but also fans and everyday players. Why are they hooked on hockey? Deep dives into their lives.

Sports Illustrated Hockey's Greatest

by The Editors of Sports Illustrated

Find out the greatest of all times in hockey: greatest goalie, greatest center... Experts have been polled to compile these 15 lists of top 10.

Hockey Puzzlers: Offbeat Trivia for the Fan and the Fanatic

by Bob Moll

Be unbeatable during hockey parties or trivia nights 100 hockey trivia questions covering seven categories including game history and strange rules.

Fabric of the Game: The Stories Behind the NHL's Names, Logos, and Uniforms

by Chris Creamer, Todd Radom and Lanny McDonald

Looking for something different? Check out this book that covers the origins of the NHL team names as well as their logos and uniforms.  You love wearing the logo of your favorite team? Now, you will know why.

Books about Hockey History & Team/Game stories

In this section, I am listing the best books to learn about the hockey history and its greatest moments, especially "the Miracle on ice" during the 1980 Olympics but also many other lesser known but still fascinating stories.

The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

by Wayne Coffey

The true story of the 1980's US Hockey Olympic team and what Sports Illustrated called 'the greatest moment in sports history'. All you should know about the fairy-tale like story called "The Miracle on Ice", when amateurs took on the Russian team.

Miracle in Lake Placid: The Greatest Hockey Story Ever Told

by John Gilbert

The impact of that same story of "The miracle on ice" and how it impacted the sport.

99: Stories of the Game

by Wayne Gretzky and Kristie McLellan Day

Stories about "The Great one" from his own perspective, from his eyes: the people who inspired him, the famous moments in hockey history, his teammates...

The Original Six

by Lew Freedman

The NHL started in 1917 with the 6 "original teams": the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. This is the story of how the NHL started and evolved.

Everyday Hockey Heroes: Inspiring Stories On and Off the Ice

by Bob McKenzie

The stories that make the greatest game in Canada: the NHL players, the everyday fans and coaches, the fans... Stories from on and off the ice.

Beauties: Hockey's Greatest Untold Stories

by James Duthie

57 stories... those that players tell each other: beautiful, crazy, funny... the tales of stars, coaches, referees, broadcasters, moms and dads

Hockey Strong: Stories of Sacrifice from Inside the NHL

by Todd Smith

Hockey is not an easy game. This is a collection of stories (with pictures) relating the dedication of hockey players and how they overcome injuries and difficulties to plan the game they love.

Behind the Bench: Inside the Minds of Hockey's Greatest Coaches

by Craig Custance

Learn from the coaches. Interviews with some of the top hockey coaches to collect and confront their thoughts on leadership, game plans, critical moments...

Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925

by George and Darril Fosty

The story of the complex sport organization that was the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes in Canada. Comprised of the sons and grandsons of runaway American slaves, they redefined the sport of hockey and participated in changing it into the fast game it is today.

On the Edge: Women Making Hockey History

by Elizabeth Etue and Megan Williams

The story of how women entered the sport, and despite popularity, still face intolerance. Portraits of the great women making history.

Kooks and Degenerates on Ice: Bobby Orr, the Big Bad Bruins, and the Stanley Cup Championship That Transformed Hockey

by Thomas J. Whalen

All the memorable moments from the 1969-70 championship season when the Bruins became the talk of the sports because of how they intimidated their opponents and took the NHL by surprise.

Chill Factor: How a Minor-League Hockey Team Changed a City Forever

by David Paitson and Craig Merz

How a minor-league hockey team, the Columbus chill, became the talk of the city and allowed Columbus to get its own NHL franchise.

Hockey Players' Biographies (and coaches, personalities)

There is nothing more inspiring than a biography. Dive deep into the lives of some of the greatest hockey players in the history of the games. How did they reach their goals? How did they live the stress, the successes and the hardship? How was it for the first black NHL hockey players?

Orr: My Story

by Bobby Orr

Autobiography of Bobby Orr - considered one of the greatest defensemen in hockey history.

Cujo: The Untold Story of My Life On and Off the Ice

by Kristie McLellan Day and Curtis Joseph

Autobiography of Curtis Joseph. How he started late and still had a great 18-season career.

Most Valuable: How Sidney Crosby Became the Best Player in Hockey's Greatest Era and Changed the Game Forever

by Gary Joyce

How Sidney Crosby changed the game of hockey and how the league was re-made in his image.

Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador, and the Future of Hockey

by Ken Dryden

About hockey head injuries and the death of Steve Montador, diagnosed with CTE.

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player

by Willie O'Ree and Michael McKinley

A memoir about the life of Willie O'Ree and his career, first in the minors and then in the NHL, the first black player in the league's history (Canada)

Black Ice: The Val James Story

by Valmor James and John Gallagher

We saw above, the first black player in NHL history. Valmor James was the first American black player in the league. This is his story.

J.R.: My Life as the Most Outspoken, Fearless, and Hard-Hitting Man in Hockey

by Jeremy Roenick and Kevin Allen

Autobiography of Jeremy Roenick. HIs youth and how he started in the Chicago Blackhawks, and later for 4 more franchises. He has racked up 513 goals in his career.

My Last Fight: The True Story of a Hockey Rock Star

by Darren McCarty

Autobiography of Darren McCarty. His time on the ice as a Detroit Red Wings player and his difficulties off the ice with addiction, finance and women.

Scotty: A Hockey Life Like No Other

Biography of Scotty Bowman, considered one of the greatest coaches in hockey history and in all the sports. He won more games and more Stanley Cups than anyone else. 

Burke's Law: A Life in Hockey

by Brian Burke and Stephen Brunt

Burke has lived and breathed hockey his whole life as a player, an agent, a league executive, a scout, an Olympic GM and a media analyst. These are his views on the sport.

Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life

by Eddie Olczyk and Perry Lefko

Autobiography. The story of his 16-year career in hockey and how he got there.

Off Mike: How a Kid from Basketball-Crazy Indiana Became America's NHL Voice

by Mike Emrick and Kevin Allen

A memoir by broadcast legend Mike Emrick, known as the voice of hockey in America.

Undrafted: Hockey, Family, and What It Takes to Be a Pro

by Nick Kypreos and Perry Lefko

Autobiography. About his youth, his life, his hockey career and how he transitioned to being a hockey analyst after his concussion.

Books for fans of Hockey Teams

Now, hockey stories in general are great. But you may want to learn more about your favorite hockey team. So many things to learn... Here are some of the great collections to become even more a fan!

Collection - The Big 50

The best 50 stories about your favorite hockey teams.

The Detroit Red Wings book Buy it / Read reviews

The New York Rangers book Buy it / Read reviews

The Chicago Blackhawks book Buy it / Read reviews

Collection - The Tales from the Locker Room

Even more stories about your favorite teams.

The Boston Bruins book Buy it / Read reviews

The Montreal Canadiens Book Buy it / Read reviews

Collection - If these walls could talk

Some of the teams covered are listed below - find out more teams on this page (after the other sports)

The Boston Bruins stories Buy it / Read reviews

The San Jose Sharks stories Buy it / Read reviews

The Calgary Flames stories Buy it / Read reviews

The Philadelphia Flyers stories Buy it / Read reviews

Collection - 100 things fans should know

Some of the teams covered are listed below - find out more teams on this page  

The Maple Leafs trivia Buy it / Read reviews

The Vancouver Canucks book Buy it / Read reviews

The Pittsburgh Penguins book Buy it / Read reviews

The Saint Louis Blues book Buy it / Read reviews

T oronto and the Maple Leafs: A City and Its Team

by Lance Hornby

The relationship between the city of Toronto, its inhabitants and its most beloved sports team.

The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory

by D'Arcy Jenish

All you want to know about the Montreal Canadiens.

Books about Hockey's Rules, practice and techniques

All the best hockey player and goalie books that help you work on your:

• technical skills
• mental strength
• physical strength

Hockey Plays and Strategies

by Mike Johnston and Ryan Walter

Introduction to a variety of tactics to improve your game.

The Hockey Drill Book

by Dave Chambers

500 drills for all aspects of the game

Hockey Anatomy

by Michael Terry and Paul Goodman

All you need to know about increasing muscular strength and optimizing efficiency of every movement in order to improve your on-ice performance.

Hockey Tough

by Saul L. Miller

The best hockey players are mentally tough; This is a book to help you strengthen your mental: control your emotions, stay focus, play aggressively but not uncontrollably...

Physical Preparation for Ice Hockey

by Anthony Donskov

Explanations and exercises to develop your physical strength especially for hockey playing.

Hockey Goaltending

by Eli Wilson and Brian van Vliet

The guide with techniques, practice exercises, physical conditioning to stopping more pucks.

The Power Within: Discovering the Path to Elite Goaltending

by Mike Valley and Justin Goldman

The mental game for goaltenders.

Take Your Eye Off the Puck: How to Watch Hockey By Knowing Where to Look

by Greg Wyshynshi

For fans to better understand the games they are watching.

Hockey novels

Beartown: A Novel

by Fredrik Backman

The story or a town and the game. After an intense game, a violent act eruptq and a young girl is traumatized.

And many many  many hockey romance novels ... but it is not really the objective of this page!

Best hockey books for kids

My complete list of the best hockey books for kids can be found in this other article . But here are already a few ideas, which can be great hockey gifts for kids .

For toddlers

Let's play hockey (chunky lift-a-flap book) .

by Ginger Swift and Cottage Door Press

A great introduction to Hockey for babies and toddlers: practice words from the world of hockey, count the number of players, watch the fan cheering. This lift-a-flap book is a great first hockey book.

Buy it / Read reviews

For 3 - 7 years old

The day my fart followed me to hockey.

by Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence

This book is part of the series of Timmy and his best friend the Fart. In this story, they play hockey together, when Timmy attends the hockey tryouts.

Buy it / read reviews

For 6 - 9 years old

There are no figure eights in hockey.

by Chris Kreie

Josh is a champion figure skater who is looking for a new challenge. He decides to try hockey since he is already a good skater. But he soon discovers that there is more than skating to playing hockey. No more figure eights.

For 8 - 12 years old

Hockey meltdown.

byJake Maddox

Dylan and his team head into the Midwinter Meltdown Tournament ready to win, but a pre-season injury takes him out of the game. Can he still be part of the team when stuck on the bench?

With girl heroin

Ice rink rookie.

by Jake Maddox

Pilar was born without part of her right foot. But she does not let it stop her from enjoying ice-skating. And she joins the hockey team. Can Pilar prove to herself and her teammates that she belongs?

Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League

by Angie Bullaro

The inspiring true story of Manon Rhéaume, the first and only woman to play a game in the NHL.

Hockey coloring books

Want to have fun and mediate while thinking about hockey. Check out the following coloring books.

Hockey notebooks and journals

And now it is time for you to do some writing of your own. Below are some classic notebooks with great hockey covers to personalize as well as training journals to write down your season's stories.

Notebooks to personalize

See my complete collection of hockey notebooks to personalize.

Hockey training journals

Buy my training journal

You might also be interested in:

How to clean hockey equipment (at home)

15 ice hockey themed wedding ideas

14 best Hockey Shoulder Pads (in 2022)

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The Hockey Fanatics’ Definitive List of Hockey Books

25 Hockey Books All Hockey Fans Should Read

Being a self-proclaimed Hockey Fanatic means that you eat, sleep and breath hockey. When I started the Hockey Fanatic site back in 2011 , I wanted to share all of the great experiences that come along with being a hockey fan. I wanted to create a site for the true hockey fan where they could go to find fun hockey lists, notable hockey stats and entertaining hockey anecdotes. It’s pretty been a one-man show. I am the author, I’m the editor, I’m the hockey fan who uses the Hockey Fanatic as a great hockey resource.

My inspiration is a simple one. I am passionate about hockey. No, I never got to play at the high level that I probably should have, but I’ve been involved in so many facets of the game. I’ve been an official, I’ve been a players, I’ve coached a little, I’ve been a spectator and my most important job I’m a hockey parent.

My collection of hockey books is impressive to say the least.  I believe I have every book written about the Edmonton Oilers (save one). I enjoy the tails that former NHL players, coaches and executives tell. I especially enjoy the writings of Ken Dryden who has authored some of the greatest hockey books to have ever been published. Mr. Dryden even inspired me to write my own hockey book: Burning the Midnight Oil: The Story of a Lifelong Oilers Fan .

With the holiday season coming up, you might be in the market for a Christmas gift for that special hockey fan in your life. May I recommend a good hockey book?  There are so man, but to help you decide on which hockey book to consider I present to you The Hockey Fanatics Definitive list of 25 hockey books that all hockey fans should read.

Within our list of the top twenty-five hockey books that all hockey fans should read are books for the past 50 years. There are too many to list here but there have been some great books that have come out over the past decade that could have easily made this list as well.

Honorable Mention : Hockey Card Stories: True Tales from Your Favourite Players – Ken Reid – This is a fun book.  Amazon describes the book as “Hockey Card Stories reveals what was really going on in your favourite old hockey cards through the eyes of the players depicted on them. Some of the cards are definitely worth a few bucks, some a few cents ― but every story told here is priceless. Sportsnet’s Ken Reid presents the cards you loved and the airbrushed monstrosities that made you howl, the cards that have been packed away in boxes forever, and others you can’t believe ever existed.”

#25: The Hockey Sweater – Authored by Roch Carrier (1979) . An all-time classic and iconic piece of Canadian literature. Amazon’s recap of the classic short story: In the days of Roch’s childhood, winters in the village of Ste. Justine were long. Life centered around school, church, and the hockey rink, and every boy’s hero was Montreal Canadiens hockey legend Maurice Richard. Everyone wore Richard’s number 9. They laced their skates like Richard. They even wore their hair like Richard. When Roch outgrows his cherished Canadiens sweater, his mother writes away for a new one. Much to Roch’s horror, he is sent the blue and white sweater of the rival Toronto Maple Leafs, dreaded and hated foes to his beloved team. How can Roch face the other kids at the rink?

#24. The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team – Wayne Coffey – In 1980, the United States Olympic hockey team pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history, winning the first medal round match against the Soviet Union. Lead by the visionary coaching of Herb Brooks, whose motivational techniques have since been immortalized in the film Miracle, the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team pulled out the Miracle on Ice. If you’re a fan of Team USA you’ll love this read.

#23. Play Better Hockey: The Essential Skills for Player Development – Ron Davidson – for the hockey player in your life, “Play Better Hockey: The Essential Skills for Player Development” (second edition) of Ron Davidson’s best-selling volume has been retooled with even more individual skill advancements for the modern player. From fundamentals to high-level skills, Play Better Hockey gives players the tools they need to become the next superstars of the NHL by focusing on the development of individual hockey skills and by promoting a mastery of body positioning, skating and stick work.

#22: The Hammer: Confessions of a Hockey Enforcer – Dave Schultz – Published in 1981, The Hammer depicts the career of former Broad Street bully Dave Schultz. The Hockey Fanatic listed Dave Schultz as the second best NHL fighter of all-time . Schultz still holds the NHL record for most penalty minutes in a single season, at 472. Learn more about what it was like being an NHL tough guy during the heyday of 1970’s NHL hockey.

#21. Tretiak: The Legend – Vladislav Tretiak – Published in 1987, Tretiak: The Legend provides an enlightening look into the hockey career of one of the greatest goaltenders the world has ever seen. It provides the story of Vladik Tretiak’s personal life and his relationships with his coaches, teammates and rivals. Relive the Canada / Russia hockey battles from the lens of a Soviet player. If you are a fan of the Russia/Canadian hockey rivalry (and Cold War politics) you should like this book.

#20. A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & The Rise of Professional Hockey – Stephen J. Harper – Published in 2013, relive the history of hockey’s first decades and the early star players of the game. A Great Game shows how much about hockey has stayed the same with string hard-nosed play, fervent hockey fan hometown loyalties, owner-player contract disputes, partisan news coverage, and how big money were issues from the get-go. Hockey is a great game and learning about some of the early history shows how the game has grown but maintained critical aspects to be the game we all love to play and watch.

#19. Unbreakable: 50 Goals in 39 Games: Wayne Gretzky and the Story of Hockey’s Greatest Record –Mike Brophy and Todd Denault – there are a few books out there about Wayne Gretzky.  I included this one because this is simply one amazing record that may never be broken.  This book focuses on the 1981-1982 season in which he only needed thirty-nine games to score fifty goals. The fun of this book is that you get to be on the ice during each one of these games, as Gretzky describes them. I have been waiting to read this book and cannot wait to dive in. Originally published in 2016.

#18. Crossroads: My Story of Tragedy and resilience as a Humboldt Bronco – Kaleb Dahlgren – On April 6, 2018, the Humboldt Broncos were going to a playoff game when a semi-truck struck their bus in which the collision resulted in sixteen deaths and thirteen injuries. Among the victims was Kaleb Dahlgren, who suffered a fractured skull and dislocated shoulder. Dahlgren tells his story of resilience in the face of the Broncos bus tragedy. He describes his journey from being hospitalized and in critical condition to making a full recovery and eventually returning to play for the Broncos. This is his story…

#17. Hockey Moms: The Heart of the Game – Theresa Bailey / Terry Marcotte – In the Hockey universe we can argue that there is no one more important than the Hockey Mom.  Hockey moms: The Heart of the Game is a great collection of stories and celebration of the unsung heroes behind the game, including first-hand stories from moms of the NHL’s biggest stars. Hockey Moms laces together the stories of NHL hockey moms like Kelly McDavid and Ema Matthews with those of mothers who never expected their children to set foot on the ice.

#16. Over the Boards: Lessons from the Ice – Hayley Wickenheiser.  The greatest women’s hockey player of all time, Hayley Wickenheiser shares the lessons that won her four Olympic gold medals, and hard-earned wisdom.  Published in 2021, Hayley shares the hard-won lessons she learned on and off the ice that helped her not only have a record-breaking hockey career but craft a life filled with joy, growth, and challenges.

#15. Cujo: The Untold Story of My Life On and Off the Ice – Cutis Joseph / Kirstie McLellan Day – Published in 2019, this is a book that a number of people have recommended to me over the past couple of years.  A 31 best seller, Amazon describes this book as… “in this revealing memoir, Joseph talks about his highly unusual upbringing and what led him to put on his first pair of skates. Written by Kirstie McLellan Day, the world’s top writer of hockey books, this book surprises and entertains, and shares on- and off-the-ice tales no fan has heard before: the untold story behind the legend.”

#14. Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey – Bryan Burke / Stephen Brunt. Published in 2020, Burke’s Law is an entertaining journey through the life of an NHL executive and one of the biggest hockey personalities. Some great stories of his days as an NHL GM, junior player and advocate of the game. Want to learn how he pulled off the trade at the draft to land both Henrik and Daniel Sedin?  It’s in there too.  Great read.

#13. Playing with Fire – Theoren Fleury -Published in 2009 and co-written with author Kirstie McLellan Day, Theoren Fleury documents how he became a star player in junior and in the NHL, Stanley Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist despite battling drug and alcohol addictions that ultimately ended his NHL career. A best seller, Playing with Fire sold over 80,000 copies within six weeks of its release.

#12. A Helluva Life in Hockey – Brian McFarlane – Brian McFarlane is one of the great storytellers of the game of hockey.  Published in 1989, A Helluva Life in Hockey is a captivating memoir from Canada’s foremost hockey historian and a beloved NHL commentator. McFarlane has written 96 (with one in the works) books on hockey, selling over 1.3 million books.

#11. Orr: My Story – Bobby Orr – there are so many great hockey memoirs out there (as you can see on our list). Published in 2014m Bobby Orr’s “Orr My Story” is a great look into one of the games and sports most loved athletes.  Many will still describe Bobby Orr as the greatest hockey player to play the game. As Chapters-Indigo describes the book: “In the end, this is not just a book about hockey. The most meaningful biographies and memoirs rise above the careers out of which they grew. Bobby Orr’s life goes far deeper than Stanley Cup rings, trophies and recognitions. His story is not only about the game, but also the age in which it was played. It’s the story of a small-town kid who came to define its highs and lows, and inevitably it is a story of the lessons he learned along the way.”

#10. Mr. Hockey: My Story – Gordie Howe – Published in 2013, Mr. Hockey: My Story is a great read about the playing career of arguably the NHL’s best all-around player Gordie Howe. Mr. Hockey shares some insights into how different the game was in the 40’s and 50s and when he was young regarding player contracts, players getting paid peanuts, and playing through horrible travel conditions. From the fields of Saskatchewan to the ice of Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Gordie Howe is Mr. Hockey.

#9. Call Me Indian: From the Trauma of Residential School to Becoming the N.H.L.’s First Treaty Indigenous Player – Fred Saskamoose – Published in 2021, an amazing story of how Sasakamoose was taken from his home and sent to a residential school but went on to play in the NHL and played against some of the greatest players in the history of the league. Learn about how Fred Saskamoose became the first Indigenous player to make the National Hockey League.

#8. The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery, and Courage – Keith Gave. Published in 2018, The Russian Five is a great account of how the 1990’s Detroit Red Wings became the dominant powerhouse in the NHL largely because of the Russian Five.  They is a great documentary on this as well, but the book is an amazing read of how the Detroit Red Wings went from outhouse in the eighties to penthouse in the nineties.  This is the story of espionage, defection, and bribery that brought five Russian players to the Detroit Red Wings dating back to the early eighties.

#7. 99: Stories of the Game – Wayne Gretzky with Kirstie McLellan Day – Published in 2016, The Great One” shares some of his favourite stories as he recalls memories of his legendary career with an inside look at the sport of professional hockey, and the heroes and stories that inspired him.

#6. Beauties: Hockey’s Greatest Untold Stories – James Duthie – Published in 2021, Duthie has compiled a number of great stories some fun some funny. The Roberto Luongo foreward is worth the price of this book alone.

#5. The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association – Ed Willes.  From Bobby Hull’ s astonishing million-dollar signing to how the Edmonton Oilers had to smuggle fugitive forward Frankie Beaton out of their dressing room in an equipment bag, The Rebel League includes a bunch of great anecdotes of the WHA. A very entertaining read. Originally published in 2005, The Rebel League is one of The Hockey Fanatic’s all-time favourite hockey books.

#4. Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador and the Future of Hockey – Ken Dryden – Ken Dryden is a Conn Smythe winning goalie and a best selling author. Published in 2107, Game Change is a powerful examination of hockey’s failure to address the growing issue of head shots and concussions in hockey. Well researched and very convincing, Dryden writes about the life of Steve Montador from his youth and his minor hockey days in Ontario to the end of his NHL career due to multiple head injuries and his untimely death at the age of 35. Dryden looks at the scientific quest to better understand the short and longtime effects of concussions and describes the history of game of hockey to illustrate how players are more vulnerable than ever to these types of head injuries.

#3. Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the N.H.L.’s First Black Player – Published in 2020, I must say that this is one of my favourite hockey books that I have ever read. Written by Willie O’Ree and Michael McKinley, the book details how O’Ree, not unlike Jackie Robinson in baseball became the for African-Canadian to play in the National Hockey League. Simply put, Willie O’Ree is an amazing man with courage, skill, ands smarts to excel at the game of hockey. Willie O’Ree was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 2018 and was a key component in the creation of the NHL Diversity program.

#2. The Game – Ken Dryden – Published in 1983, The Game by Ken Dryden is one of the greatest books written of all time. Much of the book is about Dryden’s Canadiens teammates, life on the road, and details of the life of a professional hockey player. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the Montreal Canadiens 1978-79 team that would go on to win the Stanley Cup. Gain insights about some of the games all-time great players from one of the players themselves. Ken Dryden was not like other pro hockey players, it is an amazing view of the game and the locker room from one who was within the inner sanctum. Sports Illustrated has list “The Game” as one of the greatest sports books of all time.

#1.  The Game of Our Lives – Peter Gzowski – released in 1981, this was the first real hockey book I remember reading. The original cover of the book actually features Wayne Gretzky on it. The book recounts the 1980-81 season Peter Gzowski spent travelling around the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers. What makes this book so much more amazing is that it details the Oilers pre-Stanley Cup championships, describes all of those great Hall-of-Famers as they were just stating their NHL careers. You don’t have to be an Edmonton Oilers fan to appreciate this but it you are an Oilers fan you will love this book!

There you have it, The Hockey Fanatic’s Definitive list of hockey books that all hockey fans should read. Of course, there are many more hockey books that are amazing reads, but this list covers a diverse perspective of the game. Heck did you know there is even a hockey romance book category of hockey books? What’s the best hockey book ever? Well, that’s for you to decide. We’re hoping our list will whet your appetite to pick up a good hockey book and learn about some of the game’s greatest events and players that have played, coached, parented or officiated the game.

5 Great Hockey Books for Kids

You may have noticed that we included one children’s hockey book on our list. There are many great hockey books for children, so we will feature some of the best hockey books for children in an upcoming post, but for now here’s five great hockey books for kids.

#5. I Am a Zamboni Machine – Kevin Viala (2014) Younger hockey fans will love seeing this big Zamboni machine in action! Featuring simple facts and colourful illustrations, this book follows a Zamboni as it does its job to clear and resurface the rink.

#4. The Moccasin Goalie – Written by William Roy Brownridge (2016). Danny has a disability that prevents him from being able to wear skates, but that doesn’t stop him from playing the sport he loves with his friends, hockey. Only one of his friends gets picked for the town team, but later on Danny has the chance to prove that he could be a good asset to the team.

#3. Goodnight Hockey – Michael Dahl (author) / Christina E Forshay (illustrator) – 2017 . Any fans of the Goodnight Moon children’s book? Goodnight Hockey is the perfect bedtime board book for every hockey fan! The rhyming text, exciting illustrations, and classic sport combination are a hat-trick of fun for the whole family.

#2. Just One Goal – Robert Munsch (author) Michael Martchenko (illustrator) – 2008 . Ciara is tired of hauling her hockey gear across town to play on the rink. It makes no sense―there is a perfectly good frozen river in her own backyard! But her dad says it’s too jagged, and her mom says it’s too bumpy, and her older sisters don’t see why she can’t keep going all the way across town, just like they did. But Ciara won’t let anybody stop her. And with a little help from the neighbourhood, she knows that her team, the River Rink Rats, will finally win a game on their own brand new rink.

#1. The Hockey Sweater – Authored by Roch Carrier (1979) . An all-time classic an iconic piece of Canadian literature. Amazon’s recap of the classic short story: In the days of Roch’s childhood, winters in the village of Ste. Justine were long. Life centered around school, church, and the hockey rink, and every boy’s hero was Montreal Canadiens hockey legend Maurice Richard. Everyone wore Richard’s number 9. They laced their skates like Richard. They even wore their hair like Richard. When Roch outgrows his cherished Canadiens sweater, his mother writes away for a new one. Much to Roch’s horror, he is sent the blue and white sweater of the rival Toronto Maple Leafs, dreaded and hated foes to his beloved team. How can Roch face the other kids at the rink?

Other hockey book lists that you might be interested in:

• Celebrate the NHL Centennial with the top 100 hockey books: https://www.booknetcanada.ca/blog/2018/1/22/celebrate-the-nhl-centennial-with-the-top-100-hockey-books
• 26 awesome hockey books (Today’s Parent) https://www.todaysparent.com/family/books/21-awesome-hockey-books/
• 25 Must Read Books about Hockey and the NHL: https://www.onmybooklist.com/hockey-books.html
• 30 in 30: Notable Hockey Books https://sihrhockey.org/2020/pubs/30_in_30.cfm
• 17 Best Hockey Biography Books of All Time (Editor’s Note: We do not necessarily agree with the books featured on this list, but there are still some fine choices). https://bookauthority.org/books/best-hockey-biography-books

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Edgemont Library

hockey Books: 2024’s Updated Collection of 20 Must-Reads

Are you a die-hard hockey fan looking for your next read? Look no further! Whether you’re a player, coach, or simply a hockey enthusiast, these 20 best books about hockey are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for all things hockey. From biographies of legendary players to in-depth analyses of the game, there’s a book on hockey for everyone. Get ready to dive into the world of slap shots, hat tricks, and power plays with these top hockey books that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

• 2 A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey
• 3 The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team
• 4 99: Stories of the Game
• 5 The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association
• 6 The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL
• 7 The Game of Our Lives: The Meaning and Making of English Football
• 8 The Hockey Sweater
• 9 The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL: The World’s Most Beautiful Sport, the World’s Most Ridiculous League
• 10 The Game: 30th Anniversary Edition
• 11 The Road to Hockeytown: Jimmy Devellano’s Forty Years in the NHL
• 12 The Game Must Go On: Hank Greenberg, Pete Gray, and the Great Days of Baseball on the Home Front in WWII
• 13 The Hockey Stick Principles: The 4 Key Stages to Entrepreneurial Success
• 14 The Game: Inside the Secret World of Major League Baseball’s Power Brokers
• 15 A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs and the Rise of Professional Hockey
• 16 Open Net: A Professional Amateur in the World of Big-Time Hockey
• 17 Hockey Towns: Untold Stories from the Heart of Canada
• 18 The Best Seat in the House: Stories from the NHL Inside the Room, on the Ice…and on the Bench
• 19 The Boys of Saturday Night: Inside Hockey Night in Canada
• 20 The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond
• 21 Conclusion

See Best Deals

by Ken Dryden

The Game by Ken Dryden is a gripping and insightful book about hockey that takes readers behind the scenes of the sport. Dryden, a former NHL goaltender, provides a unique perspective on the game as he reflects on his experiences playing for the Montreal Canadiens. The book offers a deep dive into the world of professional hockey, delving into the physical and psychological demands of the sport, the dynamics of team relationships, and the pressures of competition. Dryden’s eloquent storytelling and thoughtful analysis make this hockey book a compelling read for fans and non-fans alike, offering a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most beloved sports in North America.

A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey

By stephen j. harper.

A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey by Stephen J. Harper is a captivating book about the history of professional hockey in Canada. This insightful book on hockey delves into the forgotten stories of the early days of the sport, focusing on the rise of the Toronto Maple Leafs and their impact on the development of professional hockey. Through engaging storytelling and thorough research, Harper uncovers the forgotten heroes, rivalries, and challenges that shaped the game we know and love today. This book about hockey provides a fascinating look at the sport’s origins and its transformation into the beloved national pastime of Canada. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply interested in sports history, A Great Game is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the enduring legacy of this beloved sport.

The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

By wayne coffey.

The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team by Wayne Coffey is a captivating book about hockey that delves into the incredible journey of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. This gripping narrative follows the team’s underdog story, from their grueling training to their triumphant victory at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the players, the coach, and the intense rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Through Coffey’s vivid storytelling, readers are transported back to the thrilling moments of this historic event, where a group of young American athletes defied the odds and captured the hearts of a nation. The Boys of Winter is a must-read for any sports fan or history enthusiast, offering a compelling and inspiring tale of determination and teamwork.

99: Stories of the Game

By wayne gretzky.

99: Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky is a fascinating book about hockey that delves into the history and evolution of the sport. Through 99 short stories, Gretzky shares his personal experiences and insights, offering a captivating look at the world of hockey. Each story provides a unique perspective on the game, its players, and its impact on culture and society. This hockey book takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of the sport, showcasing the passion and dedication that define hockey. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, 99: Stories of the Game offers an engaging and informative exploration of the beloved sport of hockey.

The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association

By ed willes.

The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association by Ed Willes is a captivating book about the rise and fall of the World Hockey Association (WHA). Willes takes readers on a journey through the turbulent and rebellious history of the WHA, showcasing the league’s impact on professional hockey. Through engaging storytelling and in-depth research, the book provides a fascinating look at the challenges and triumphs of the WHA, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the competitive world of professional hockey. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply intrigued by the sport’s history, this hockey book is a must-read for anyone interested in the untold stories of the game.

The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL

By ross bernstein.

The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL by Ross Bernstein is a compelling book on hockey that delves into the unspoken rules and rituals of the game. Bernstein takes readers on a journey through the rough and tumble world of professional hockey, exploring the unwritten code of conduct that governs on-ice confrontations and retaliation. This hockey book provides an insider’s look at the physical and mental toughness required to thrive in the NHL, as well as the strategies and tactics employed by players to uphold the code. From the role of enforcers to the art of retribution, Bernstein’s book about hockey offers a fascinating and revealing glimpse into the gritty side of the sport, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of on-ice combat. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, The Code is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of professional hockey.

The Game of Our Lives: The Meaning and Making of English Football

By david goldblatt.

The Game of Our Lives by David Goldblatt is a captivating exploration of the cultural and historical significance of English football. Goldblatt delves into the roots of the sport, its evolution, and its deep connection to the identity and experiences of the English people. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, the author provides a comprehensive overview of the game’s impact on society, politics, and economics. The book offers a fascinating look at the players, fans, and institutions that have shaped English football, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the beautiful game. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply curious about the sport’s broader influence, The Game of Our Lives is a compelling and enlightening read that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the meaning and making of English football.

The Hockey Sweater

By roch carrier.

The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier is a classic Canadian story about a young boy who idolizes Maurice Richard, a hockey legend. When the boy’s mother mistakenly orders him a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater instead of a Montreal Canadiens sweater, he is devastated. Through humorous and heartwarming anecdotes, Carrier captures the essence of Canadian hockey culture and the passion it evokes. The story is a nostalgic look back at childhood and the fervent love for the game. This beloved hockey book has become a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages, celebrating the deep connection between hockey and Canadian identity.

The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL: The World’s Most Beautiful Sport, the World’s Most Ridiculous League

By sean mcindoe.

The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL: The World’s Most Beautiful Sport, the World’s Most Ridiculous League by Sean McIndoe is a hilarious and insightful book on hockey. McIndoe takes readers on a journey through the rich history of the NHL, highlighting both the beauty and absurdity of the sport. With his signature wit and humor, he delves into the iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable games that have shaped the league. From the glory days of the Original Six to the modern era of expansion teams and international superstars, McIndoe provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of the game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this hockey book offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on the world’s most beloved sport.

The Game: 30th Anniversary Edition

The Game: 30th Anniversary Edition by Ken Dryden is a captivating and insightful book about the sport of ice hockey. This updated edition presents a fascinating look at the game through the eyes of a former NHL goaltender and Hall of Famer. Dryden takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of his career, offering a unique perspective on the sport and its impact on players, coaches, and fans. With vivid storytelling and keen observations, the book delves into the physical and mental demands of the game, as well as the personal and professional challenges faced by athletes. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply curious about the sport, The Game offers an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the world of hockey.

The Road to Hockeytown: Jimmy Devellano’s Forty Years in the NHL

By jimmy devellano.

The Road to Hockeytown: Jimmy Devellano’s Forty Years in the NHL is a fascinating memoir that takes readers on an incredible journey through the world of professional ice hockey. Devellano, a prominent figure in the sport, shares his personal experiences and insights from his four decades in the National Hockey League. This captivating book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the NHL, offering a unique perspective on the game and its evolution over the years. With engaging anecdotes and valuable lessons, Devellano’s memoir is a must-read for any fan of the sport or anyone interested in the inner workings of professional sports. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply curious about the world of sports management, this book about hockey is sure to entertain and enlighten.

The Game Must Go On: Hank Greenberg, Pete Gray, and the Great Days of Baseball on the Home Front in WWII

By john klima.

The Game Must Go On: Hank Greenberg, Pete Gray, and the Great Days of Baseball on the Home Front in WWII by John Klima is a captivating book about baseball that takes readers back to the World War II era. Klima brings to life the inspiring stories of two legendary players, Hank Greenberg and Pete Gray, who overcame the challenges of wartime to play the game they loved. The hockey book delves into the impact of the war on the baseball industry, the resilience of the players, and the enduring spirit of the American people during a tumultuous time. With vivid storytelling and historical detail, Klima transports readers to a pivotal moment in American sports history, offering a fresh perspective on the power of baseball to unite and uplift a nation in crisis.

The Hockey Stick Principles: The 4 Key Stages to Entrepreneurial Success

By bobby martin.

The Hockey Stick Principles is a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. In this book on hockey, Bobby Martin outlines the four key stages of entrepreneurial success, drawing parallels to the shape of a hockey stick. He shares valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities at each stage of growth. With real-life examples and actionable strategies, this hockey book is a must-read for anyone looking to scale their business and achieve long-term success. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, The Hockey Stick Principles offers invaluable wisdom for building a thriving company in the competitive business world.

The Game: Inside the Secret World of Major League Baseball’s Power Brokers

By jon pessah.

The Game: Inside the Secret World of Major League Baseball’s Power Brokers by Jon Pessah takes readers behind the scenes of the baseball world, offering a fascinating look at the sport’s power players. Pessah delves into the intricate web of relationships and deals that shape the game, providing an insider’s perspective on the business side of baseball. Through in-depth interviews and extensive research, the author uncovers the hidden dynamics of the sport, from the inner workings of front offices to the strategies of agents and players. This book is a must-read for any baseball fan who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the game beyond what happens on the field. Pessah’s compelling storytelling and insightful analysis make The Game an engrossing and illuminating read for anyone interested in the inner workings of Major League Baseball.

A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs and the Rise of Professional Hockey

A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs and the Rise of Professional Hockey by Stephen J. Harper is a captivating book about hockey that delves into the history of the sport and the rise of professional hockey. Harper provides a detailed account of the early days of the sport, the challenges faced by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the development of hockey as a professional sport. The book offers a fascinating look at the forgotten history of the Leafs and their impact on the game. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, Harper brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the early hockey players, and the evolution of the sport into the professional game we know today. A Great Game is a must-read for any hockey enthusiast, offering a rich and insightful exploration of the sport’s history.

Open Net: A Professional Amateur in the World of Big-Time Hockey

By george plimpton.

Open Net is a captivating book on hockey written by George Plimpton, a professional amateur in the world of big-time hockey. The book follows Plimpton’s experience as he immerses himself in the high-stakes world of professional hockey, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the sport. Through his engaging storytelling, readers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the game, from the intense training to the adrenaline-pumping matches. Plimpton’s witty and self-deprecating humor adds an entertaining element to the narrative, making the book a delightful and informative read for both avid fans and newcomers to the world of hockey. Open Net is a must-read for anyone seeking an entertaining and enlightening book about hockey that goes beyond the game itself and delves into the human experience of playing at the highest level.

Hockey Towns: Untold Stories from the Heart of Canada

By ron maclean.

Hockey Towns: Untold Stories from the Heart of Canada by Ron MacLean is a captivating book about hockey that delves into the rich history and culture of the sport in Canada. Through compelling storytelling and insightful interviews, MacLean takes readers on a journey through the small towns and communities that have played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s hockey identity. From legendary players to dedicated fans, this hockey book celebrates the passion and pride that hockey brings to Canadian communities. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the impact of hockey on Canadian culture, Hockey Towns offers a fascinating exploration of the sport’s enduring legacy.

The Best Seat in the House: Stories from the NHL Inside the Room, on the Ice…and on the Bench

By jamie mclennan.

The Best Seat in the House is a captivating book about hockey written by Jamie McLennan, a former NHL goaltender. In this book, McLennan shares his personal experiences and behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the NHL, offering readers an intimate look into the world of professional hockey. From the thrill of being on the ice to the tension inside the locker room, McLennan provides a unique perspective on the game, giving readers a front-row seat to the action. With engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, this hockey book offers a fascinating glimpse into the highs and lows of life as a professional athlete. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering your love for the sport, The Best Seat in the House is sure to entertain and enlighten with its insider tales from the world of professional hockey.

The Boys of Saturday Night: Inside Hockey Night in Canada

By scott morrison.

The Boys of Saturday Night: Inside Hockey Night in Canada by Scott Morrison is a captivating book about hockey that takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most iconic sports broadcasts in Canada. Morrison provides a fascinating look at the history and inner workings of Hockey Night in Canada, offering insight into the legendary commentators, producers, and players who have contributed to its success. Through engaging storytelling and in-depth interviews, the author paints a vivid picture of the passion and dedication that goes into producing the beloved hockey book. From the thrill of live broadcasts to the challenges of covering the sport, The Boys of Saturday Night offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the cultural phenomenon that is Hockey Night in Canada.

The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond

By clint malarchuk.

The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond by Clint Malarchuk is a gripping memoir that delves into the author’s tumultuous life as a professional hockey player. Malarchuk shares his experiences battling mental illness, addiction, and the aftermath of a horrifying on-ice injury that nearly took his life. This compelling hockey book takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of Malarchuk’s career, offering an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs he faced both on and off the ice. With raw honesty and unflinching vulnerability, Malarchuk’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or simply love a good underdog tale, The Crazy Game is sure to captivate and inspire.

Exploring the 20 best books about hockey is a journey through the rich history, intense rivalries, and inspiring stories of the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these books offer a deeper understanding and appreciation for the game. From biographies of legendary players to gripping accounts of iconic moments, these books about hockey are a must-read for any enthusiast.

Which hockey book is best?

The best book on hockey can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

• The Game by Ken Dryden ,
• A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey by Stephen J. Harper ,
• The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team by Wayne Coffey .

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about hockey?

For those looking to learn about hockey, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

• The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team by Wayne Coffey ,
• 99: Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky ,
• The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association by Ed Willes ,
• The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL by Ross Bernstein ,
• The Game of Our Lives: The Meaning and Making of English Football by David Goldblatt ,
• The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier ,
• The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL: The World’s Most Beautiful Sport, the World’s Most Ridiculous League by Sean McIndoe ,
• The Game: 30th Anniversary Edition by Ken Dryden

These books offer a range of perspectives on hockey, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books on hockey?

The best books on hockey include:

• The Road to Hockeytown: Jimmy Devellano’s Forty Years in the NHL by Jimmy Devellano ,
• The Game Must Go On: Hank Greenberg, Pete Gray, and the Great Days of Baseball on the Home Front in WWII by John Klima ,
• The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL by Ross Bernstein .

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of hockey are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best hockey books of all time?

Choosing the best hockey books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include

• The Game: 30th Anniversary Edition by Ken Dryden ,
• and The Road to Hockeytown: Jimmy Devellano’s Forty Years in the NHL by Jimmy Devellano .

Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of hockey and continues to be influential today.

Related posts:

5 Best Hockey Books

While playing hockey might be your favorite pastime, you can’t always be on the ice or watching your favorite sport. But even when there is no hockey on and your team is in the offseason, you never have to be far from the sport thanks to the amazing hockey books that have been written.

These books range from biographies and memoirs of players, to history lessons of the game, to inside looks at specific teams and everything in between. No matter your particular interest in hockey, you are sure to find a book that you will love and find incredibly entertaining.

Read on to learn a little more about some of the best hockey books on the market today.

1. The Game

2. fabric of the game, 3. stat shot, 4. behind the bench, final words.

Not only was Ken Dryden one of the best NHL goalies of all-time, but he was also a graduate of Cornell and was very educated and articulate. Using these two experiences and skills together, he helped create one of the best hockey books ever.

Originally published in 1983, this book gives an inside look at not only the life of Dryden himself, but several other star players of his time. The book is also incredible as it gets into his life on the road, what it’s like to be a star and his interpretation of the world around him.

There are plenty of great memoirs about different players, coaches, and personalities from the world of hockey worth checking out, but this is arguably the best. Not only that, I would argue that it is one of the best sports books ever written.

If you have ever been curious about why a team is named or why their jerseys look a certain way, this is the book for you. It is full of pictures and stories to help any hockey fan become more familiar with the league and its history.

It offers a ton of content and can provide weeks or even months of reading material. The authors are very educated and knowledgeable on the topic, and that shines through in the way they write about the various teams, names, jerseys, and the stories behind them.

While the book might not be as flashy as others, it provides a ton of information and will help you learn all you need to know to be an expert on just about every NHL franchise out there. It is a must-have for hockey fans, especially those who love jerseys.

Hockey is a sport full of statistics. While many of them are quite simple (such as goals, assists, hits, shots), many of them are a little more advanced. These individual and team stats can get a little bit complex for fans to understand, but are becoming a more important part of the game.

If you want to learn about these stats in a way that is both simple and fun, this is the book for you . It goes over several stats that experts use to evaluate players and what teams use to judge and predict success behind the scenes.

The book uses numbers to answer a collection of interesting questions that are crucial to the success of both teams and players alike. While a lot of complex things are looked at, the beauty of this book is that it explains things in a digestible and understandable manner.

While hockey players often get all of the love and praise, the coaches behind the bench also deserve some too. This brilliant book was written by Craig Custance, who sat down with many great NHL coaches to craft this masterpiece.

This book gets into the detail of the mindset and the strategies used by these coaches in their biggest games and how they give their teams the edge. It truly gives you an insider look into the minds of coaching legends and helps you understand these leaders and motivators.

You will learn about the leadership techniques they use, how they get their team out of a funk, how they plan for specific games and so much more. Simply put, if you want to learn more about the inner workings of the game and the preparation that goes into it, this is for you.

5. One Night Only

When you think of a hockey player, your mind likely goes to an NHL superstar like Sidney Crosby or a legend of the game like Wayne Gretzky . But for every superstar, there are a ton more journeymen players, who are fighting for the very chance to play in the NHL.

While some might get a couple of games here and there, there is also a collection of players who have only played a single game in the NHL. This book is for those players. The author, Ken Reid, sits down with 39 different men who suited up for a single NHL game.

You will learn about their experience, how they got there and what they learned from their game on the big stage. It gives you an inside look at the struggles that many players go through, to try and even get a shot at playing in the NHL.

Some were happy with their one game, some were disappointed and some had their lives changes or defined by that single game. It is a very easy-to-read book, and provides dozens of interesting stories that you likely have never heard of.

Whether you like to read about past players and their lives, or the sport itself, there are plenty of wonderful books out there on the world of hockey to keep you busy and entertained during the offseason.

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The best sports books and autobiographies

From gritty sports autobiographies by olympic athletes and a multiple ballon d’or winner to explorations of marathon running and the cultural impact of football, here is a trophy cabinet of some of the best sports books jostling for position on the shelves..

Determined, competitive and possessing an impressive capacity for mental endurance – the characteristics that make great athletes often lead them to live extraordinary lives. Sports autobiographies offer us the opportunity to get the full story behind the goals, records and medals, as well as help us understand the wider impact of the athletic world off the field.

Whether your favourite sport requires a ball, an engine or even a hoof, here is a compilation of the best sports books and autobiographies out there.

• Running & athletics
• Other sports

The best football books

By chris kamara.

One of the most well-known faces of the beautiful game, Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara is a national treasure. Now, he’s sharing the story of his incredible life. From his days in the Royal Navy and a playing career that took him all over England to becoming one of the game’s best-loved commentators, Kammy lifts the lid on a career that he could never have dreamt of growing up in Middlesbrough. Told with unflinching honesty, but with his trademark humour and positivity, this is a must-read for any football fan.

The World's Biggest Cash Machine

By chris blackhurst.

In The World's Biggest Cash Machine , Chris Blackhurst meticulously unravels the controversial reign of the Glazers over Manchester United. Purchasing the club in 2005, they ignited global discontent, driving it into record debts and marking the fiscal transformation of football. Despite on-field declines, they flourished financially. Blackhurst probes their secretive lives and business acumen, while mapping the club’s captivating journey amidst the Premier League’s metamorphosis into a billionaires' haven.

On Days Like These

By martin o'neill.

With a career spanning over fifty years, Martin tells of his exhilarating highs and painful lows; from the joys of winning trophies, promotion and fighting for World Cups to being harangued by fans, boardroom drama, relegation scraps and being fired. Written with his trademark honesty and humour,  On Days Like These  is one of the most insightful and captivating sports autobiographies and a must-read for any fans of the beautiful game.

Cheers, Geoff!

By geoff shreeves.

Packed full of hilarious stories on and off the pitch – including trying to teach Sir Michael Caine how to act, a frightening encounter with Mike Tyson, as well as getting a lift home from the World Cup with Mick Jagger –  Cheers, Geoff!  is a must-read autobiography for any football fan. A natural storyteller, Geoff brings an astonishing catalogue of tales to life with his unique brand of experience, insight and humour.

The Little Red Book of Klopp

By giles elliott.

It’s debatable whether Jürgen Klopp is better-known for his charisma off the pitch or his success on it. Having brought Liverpool back to winning ways in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, Klopp is known for captivating press conferences and charming touch-line antics. The Little Red Book of Klopp is a collection of his most iconic sayings, from light-hearted witticisms to cutting insults.

The Age of Football

By david goldblatt.

For many people around the world, football is so much more than just a game. In The Age of Football , sport historian David Goldblatt widens the lens to trace how the game intersects politics, economics and wider culture. With focuses as diverse as prison football in Uganda, the presidency of Recep Erdogan and the importance of the beautiful game in the Arab Spring, David demonstrates the extent to which the sport impacts society today.

My Life in Football

By kevin keegan.

Whether it’s being the only Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or twice, achieving European glory with Liverpool or managing Newcastle from the bottom of the Second Division to the brink of winning the Premier League title, Kevin Keegan – known as ‘King Kev’ – has proven his pedigree both on the pitch and the touchline.  His autobiography details the highs and lows of an illustrious career, including clashes with Sir Alex Ferguson and his return to Newcastle during the controversial Mike Ashley era.

The best rugby books

By rassie erasmus.

Rassie Erasmus, a rugby maverick, unfolds his unconventional journey from player to coach in the pinnacle of the sport. This candid account delves into his pivotal roles in iconic Springbok teams, grappling with injuries, and pioneering coaching methods. Most crucially, Rassie talks about his greatest contribution to South African rugby: appointing its first black captain, Siya Kolisi, without much fanfare or controversy. As his bold plans for effective racial transformation of the national team achieved immediate success, they culminated in glory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. 

Too Many Reasons to Live

By rob burrow.

The inspirational memoir from rugby league legend Rob Burrow on his extraordinary career and his battle with motor neurone disease.

This is the story of a tiny kid who adored rugby league but never should have made it  –  and ended up in the Leeds hall of fame. It's the story of a man who resolved to turn a terrible predicament into something positive  –  when he could have thrown the towel in. It's about the power of love, between Rob and his childhood sweetheart Lindsey; and of friendship, between Rob and his faithful team mates. Far more than a sports memoir,  Too Many Reasons to Live  is a story of boundless courage and infinite kindness.

‘ He is one in a million and his story is truly inspirational ’ Clare Balding on Rob Burrows

Belonging: The Autobiography

By alun wyn jones.

Belonging  is the story about how as a boy, Alun Wyn Jones left Mumbles and returned as the most capped rugby player of all time. It is the story of what it takes to become a player who is seen by many as one of the greatest Welsh players there has ever been. What it takes to go from sitting, crossed legged on the hall floor at school, watching the 1997 Lions Tour of South Africa to being named the 2021 Lions Captain.

But is it also about  perthyn  - belonging, playing for Wales, what it takes to earn the right to be there, and what it feels like to make the sacrifices along the way. 

‘ Unbelievable player. Magnificent captain. One of the game’s greatest icons. ’ James Haskell on Alun Wyn Jones

by Eddie Jones

One of the most successful sports coaches ever, Eddie Jones took three separate nations to Rugby World Cup Finals, and enjoyed a success rate with the England team of almost eighty per cent. An expert in guiding and managing high-performing teams, Jones believes that his methods can be applied to many walks of life. From fostering ambition to following your curiosity, Jones shares his methodology, much of it learned through conversations with other successful managers and leaders, including Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola. Leadership  is the ultimate guide to being your best, in rugby and in life.

My Life and Rugby

With a career spanning four World Cups, Eddie Jones is one of the most seasoned figures in Rugby Union. Possessing an unparalleled ability to transform teams, he built the Japan national team into the side that defeated South Africa in 2015, and turned a struggling England team into finalists at the 2019 World Cup. The England coach is never afraid to speak his mind, and his autobiography is told true to unflinching form.

The best running & athletics books

The running book, by john connell.

John Connell, award-winning author of The Cow Book, takes the reader on a marathon run of 42.2 kilometres through Ireland. Over 42 chapters and 42,000 words, John reflects on his life, Irish history and the stories of his greatest running heroes. Whether you’re a keen runner or you’d just like to read what it’s like to undertake a marathon, The Running Book is the perfect endorphin-filled sports book about the nature of happiness and how it can be found on foot.

Unbelievable - From My Childhood Dreams To Winning Olympic Gold

By jessica ennis.

Jessica Ennis-Hill has been one of the poster girls for women in sport for years. Indeed, arguably the greatest moment of the London 2012 games came when Jessica secured her heptathlon gold medal. But her rise was beset with challenges. From being bullied as a child for being small to her career-threatening injury on the eve of the 2008 Olympics, Jessica has had to show plenty of perseverance to prove her doubters wrong. This sports autobiography tells the full story behind the world’s greatest female all-rounder athlete.

The best tennis books

My life: queen of the court, by serena williams.

Serena Williams needs little introduction, having won every major title going in tennis. From growing up playing on courts covered in broken glass in Compton to reaching the top of world tennis, all while being criticised for her unorthodox playing style and dealing with the tragic shooting of her older sister, Serena has proven herself an inspiration to her multitudes of fans. In My Life , she reflects on her extraordinary journey.

The Inner Game of Tennis

Recently named by Bill Gates as one of his 'all-time favourite books', and described by Billie Jean King as her 'tennis bible', this bestseller has been a must-read for tennis players of all abilities for nearly fifty years. Rather than concentrating on how to improve technique, Gallwey deals with the 'inner game' within ourselves as we try to overcome doubt and maintain clarity of mind when playing. 'It’s the best book on tennis that I have ever read,' says Gates, 'and its profound advice applies to many other parts of life.'

‘ Groundbreaking . . . It’s the best book on tennis that I have ever read, and its profound advice applies to many other parts of life. I still give it to friends today. ’ Bill Gates

The best boxing books

When fury takes over, by john fury.

Born into a family of Irish traveller heritage, Big John Fury descends from a long line of bare-knuckle fighters. So it’s no surprise that he too found himself fighting outside the ring at a young age. From his early years in Manchester, John learned to box by practising fighting within the travelling community, before graduating into the sport professionally. The ring has never been far from his sights, and John has played a crucial role in coaching and being a cornerman for his two-time British heavyweight champion son, Tyson Fury. From Netflix's  At Home With The Furys  this is the Gypsy Warrior, Big John Fury, totally unfiltered and in his own words.

Believe: Boxing, Olympics and my life outside the ring

By nicola adams.

Nicola Adams famously changed the face of sport at London 2012 when she became the first woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal for boxing. Repeating her medal haul at Rio 2016 further cemented her place in the nation’s hearts, while she has also gone on to become a champion for  LGBTQ+ rights and a contestant on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Believe documents the grit and determination that got her to gold.

The best swimming books

By yusra mardini.

While Yusra Mardini was fleeing her native Syria for the Turkish coast in 2015, the small dingy she and many other refugees were on began to sink. Yusra, her sister and two others took to the water, pushing the boat for three and a half hours in open water until they arrived safely at Lesbos. Remarkably, Yusra went on to compete as a swimmer for the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and also became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Her autobiography is for anyone who loves true-life stories of outstanding resilience.

In the 1970s, Diana Nyad was widely regarded as the greatest long-distance swimmer in the world but one record continually eluded her: becoming the first woman to swim between Cuba and the Florida Keys. Finally, after four failed attempts and at the age of sixty-four, Diana completed the crossing. This memoir shows her unwavering belief in the face of overwhelming odds. Winner of the Cross Sports International Autobiography of the Year, this is a story of perseverance, tenacity and commitment on an epic scale.

The best books about other sports

Jan ullrich: the best there never was, by daniel friebe.

In 1997, Jan Ullrich obliterated his rivals in the first mountain stage of the Tour de France. So awesome was his display that it sent shockwaves throughout the world of cycling. Everyone agreed: Jan Ullrich was the future of cycling. He was also voted Germany’s most popular sportsperson of all time, and his rivalry with Lance Armstrong defined the most controversial years of the Tour de France. But just what did happen to the best who never was? This is an account of how unbearable expectation, mental and physical fragility, a complicated childhood, a morally corrupt sport and one individual – Lance Armstrong – can conspire to reroute destiny.

by Poorna Bell

Have you ever worried that you're not enough, or that, if you were stronger or more confident you would achieve more? In Stronger , award-winning journalist and competitive amateur powerlifter Poorna Bell investigates and unveils the potential that women can unlock when they realise their strength – both physical, and mental. Through examining her own experiences, as well as those of dozens of women, Bell shows how finding strength can work for you, regardless of your age, ability or background, and offers actionable ways for your to harness it in your life. 

Lights Out, Full Throttle

By damon hill.

Amassing 261 Grand Prix appearances between them, Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill have experienced all the highs, lows and injury records associated with the greatest names in motorsport. In Lights Out, Full Throttle , Johnny and Damon take the reader on a tour around the high-octane world of F1 racing, from Silverstone and safety to Monaco and money, as well as looking at the future of racing in the light of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter.

Alone on the Wall

By alex honnold.

Anyone who has seen the Oscar and BAFTA-winning documentary Free Solo will be familiar with Alex Honnold’s vertigo-inducing work. As one of the world’s best ‘free solo’ climbers, Alex tackles perilous rock faces without the use of any climbing gear. Free soloists undertake one of the deadliest sports on the planet – many have died in pursuit of their sport. Alone on the Wall is a pulse-raising account of some of Alex’s greatest climbs, told with Alex ‘No Big Deal’ Honnold’s trademark calm and collected humour in the face of mortal danger. A sports autobiography for adrenaline junkies.

Dream Horse

By janet vokes.

Janet Vokes dreamed of breeding a working-class horse to take on the wealthy high-flyers. To pursue this idea she bought a mare for £350, bred it with a pedigree stallion and encouraged her Welsh mining village to band together to raise the resulting foal, Dream Alliance. Despite being raised on an allotment, Dream went on to defy the odds at Ascot, Aintree and even Cheltenham Festival. Heart-warming reading for anyone who loves a true underhorse sports book.

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The 100 best non-fiction books of all time, 25 best celebrity autobiographies to read right now, 50 best autobiographies & biographies of all time.

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30 great biographies to bury yourself in.

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Jonathan Eig's "King: A Life," a biography of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., was ... [+] recognized as one of the best books of 2023.

Biographies offer a chance to explore the decision-making and circumstances around some of history’s most fascinating events. The best biography books offer fresh insights into familiar situations that you may have learned about in history class but never explored in-depth. You can learn the unexpected reasoning behind why a president went with option A instead of option B, or how a scientist’s early failures led to a groundbreaking discovery. Biographies often chronicle the lives of famous people, but sometimes they focus on people who never attained celebrity status despite doing extraordinary things. This list of the top biographies includes people of all backgrounds who can teach us things about life, passion, perseverance and more.

Top Biography Books

Biographies are different from autobiographies. A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else. An autobiography is an account of someone’s life that they write themselves. For instance, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written by the Founding Father. But more than two centuries later, Walter Isaacson wrote a biography of Benjamin Franklin.

Some of the most popular and well-known biographies include Isaacson’s recent book about Elon Musk, Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton , which inspired the musical about the former Secretary of the Treasury, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, about a woman who changed the course of modern medicine. The biographies on this list were selected based on critical acclaim, sales and impact on popular culture.

Cincinnati Reds great Pete Rose is the subject of one of the best biographies, a new one called ... [+] "Charlie Hustle."

30. Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball by Keith O'Brien (2024)

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The newest book on the list, this New York Times bestseller chronicles the highs and lows of baseball’s all-time hits leader, who was banned from the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball. Keith O’Brien looks at FBI records and press coverage to build a comprehensive portrait of the former Cincinnati Reds star.

This book is best for sports fans who want to go beyond Xs and Os. Keith O’Brien’s Charlie Hustle is available from Penguin Random House .

29. The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore (2021)

Kate Moore ( Radium Girls ) uncovers the story of Elizabeth Packard, a woman confined to a mental asylum in the 19 th century for daring to have opinions and push back against social norms by giving a voice to other women like herself. It earned a GoodReads Choice nomination for Best History & Biography.

This book is best for history buffs looking for lesser-known stories. Kate Moore’s The Woman They Could Not Silence is available from Sourcebooks .

28. The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine by Janice P. Nimura (2021)

Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female physician in the United States in 1849—and perhaps more remarkably, her sister, Emily, soon became the second. This New York Times bestseller traces their journeys and the founding of the famed New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, the first U.S. hospital run by women.

This book is best for anyone interested in medical history, science pioneers or sibling rivarly. Janice P. Nimura ’s The Doctors Blackwell is available from W.W. Norton .

27. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin (2005)

There have been many biographies of the 16 th president, but this stands out for presenting his story based around his cabinet, which (as the title suggests) he stacked with his political enemies. Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin presents the story, which inspired Steven Spielberg ’s Oscar-winning movie Lincoln , like a fast-paced novel.

This book is best for those who enjoy the psychology of rivalries. Doris Kearns Goodwin ’s Team of Rivals is available from Simon & Schuster .

Author Doris Kearns Goodwin's Abraham Lincoln biography is one of the best reads about the 16th ... [+] president.

26. Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera (2002)

Arguably the most famous Mexican woman of her (or any) generation, Frida Kahlo has inspired many with her art. This biography in turn explores her own inspirations and influences, adding greater depth to her well-known romance with Diego Rivera and other stories. The San Francisco Chronicle said the book made Kahlo “fully human.”

This book is best for those who appreciate art or want to learn more about Mexican history. Hayden Herrera ’s Frida is available from HarperCollins .

25. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (2001)

Young mother Henrietta Lacks died of cancer in 1951, but her “immortal cells” live on today, fueling countless medical advances. Yet her family didn’t learn of her contributions until two decades later and didn’t profit from them. Journalist Rebecca Skloot uncovers the racism and disturbing history of discrimination within medicine while telling a human story.

This book is best for anyone who watched the Oprah Winfrey film about Lacks on HBO and wants to learn more. Rebecca Skloot ’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is available from Penguin Random House .

A painting of Henrietta Lacks hangs in the entryway of the Henrietta Lacks Community Center at Lyon ... [+] Homes in the Turner Station neighborhood of Baltimore. She is the subject of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," one of the best biographies.

24. Becoming Dr. Seuss by Brian Jay Jones (2019)

Rhyming isn’t easy, but Dr. Seuss made it look breezy. In this comprehensive look at the former advertising man’s life, Brian Jay Jones traces Theodor Geisel’s career trajectory to political cartoonist and author, as well as discussing some of the views that have received criticism in recent years.

This book is best for anyone who ever read a Dr. Seuss book, which is everyone. Brian Jay Jones ’ Becoming Dr. Seuss is available from Penguin Random House .

23. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (2011)

From his extreme diets to his trademark black turtlenecks, Steve Jobs was a man like none other, for better or worse. Esteemed biographer Walter Isaacson captures the nuance of his personality and the genius that drove him to create companies that made things people feel passionately about. The bestselling book became a 2015 movie.

This book is best for anyone who loves or hates Apple products. Walter Isaacson ’s Steve Jobs is available from Simon & Schuster .

Late Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the subject of an acclaimed biography by Walter Isaacson.

22. All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days by Rebecca Donner (2021)

This National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography made the best books of the year list for Time , The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times . It pulls back the curtain on the women who led the largest resistance groups against the Nazis in Germany, including the author’s great-great aunt.

This book is best for those looking for a new perspective on World War II. Rebecca Donner ’s All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days is available from Little, Brown & Co .

21. Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler and Sonia Paoloni, illustrated by Thibault Balahy (2020)

At what price does commercial success come? That question haunted musicians Pat and Lolly Vegas, Native American brothers who influenced stars like Jimi Hendrix and the Doors, as they rose to fame with the Redbone hit “Come and Get Your Love.” But they later shifted their focus to the American Indian Movement.

This book is best for fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack and those looking for a different take on Native American history. Christian Staebler and Sonia Paoloni ’s Redbone is available from Penguin Random House .

20. The Vice President's Black Wife: The Untold Life of Julia Chinn by Amrita Chakrabarti Myers (2023)

Richard Mentor Johnson, vice president under Martin Van Buren, married enslaved Black woman Julia Ann Chinn. Though he refused to give her freedom, he did give her power on his estate. The relationship, which was likely not consensual, ultimately cost him his political career, and this book details how.

This book is best for fans of presidential history looking for untold stories. Amrita Chakrabarti Myers ’ The Vice President’s Black Wife is available from University of North Carolina Press .

19. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff (2011)

Cleopatra may be the most famous woman in history, but her notoriety has overshadowed her incredible life and accomplishments. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff adds depth to her story through a thoroughly researched history that also dispels misogynistic myths about the queen of Egypt.

This book is best for anyone curious about Egyptian history or who loves the classics . Stacy Schiff’s Cleopatra is available from Little, Brown & Co .

Stacy Schiff wrote an outstanding biography of Egyptian queen Cleopatra.

18. All That She Carried by Tiya Miles (2021)

This National Book Award winner and New York Times bestseller chronicles a bag passed down from an enslaved woman to future generations, which becomes the starting point for this poignant and well-researched book about the generational impact of slavery.

This book is best for everyone and should be required reading to humanize topics too often glossed over in political debates. Tiya Miles ’ All That She Carried is available from Simon & Schuster .

17. Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History by S. C. Gwynne (2011)

Quanah Parker, the biracial son of a pioneer woman who became the last Comanche chief, battled white settlers over land in the American West for decades. The book traces both his personal story (he was undefeated in battle) and the greater implications of the stealing of tribal lands.

This book is best for those looking for new stories about the Old West. S.C. Gwynne ’s Empire of the Summer Moon is available from Simon & Schuster .

16. Becoming Nicole: The inspiring story of transgender actor-activist Nicole Maines and her extraordinary family by Amy Ellis Nutt (2016)

Nicole Maines rose to fame when she became the first transgender woman to play a superhero on TV. Chronicling her journey from adoption to getting the job on Supergirl , this Amazon Editors Pick and New York Times bestseller also shows how her family changed their views on gender identity and the impact on their community.

This book is best for fans of comic books. Amy Ellis Nutt ’s Becoming Nicole is available from Penguin Random House .

Actress Nicole Maines speaks at a "Supergirl" presentation at Comic-Con International. She's the ... [+] subject of a heralded biography.

15. Victoria: The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire by Julia Baird (2016)

The Victoria depicted in history books is way too dry. An Esquire and New York Times pick for best book of 2016, Victoria illuminates how the future monarch went from fifth in line for the crown to a teenage queen to a mother of nine who somehow survived eight attempts on her life.

This book is best for anyone who’s ever struggled with work-life balance. Julia Baird’s Victoria is available from Penguin Random House .

14. The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation by Anna Malaika Tubbs (2021)

This remarkable book draws a line between the mothers of three of the most important Black men in American history, celebrating Black motherhood and shining a light on how they resisted Jim Crow while bringing up their sons. It was named one of Amazon's Best Biographies and Memoirs of 2021.

This book is best for parents and anyone interested in civil rights. Anna Malaika Tubbs ’ The Three Mothers is available from Macmillan .

13. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004)

Lin-Manuel Miranda was so inspired by this Founding Father biography that he famously wrote some of the music for Hamilton on his honeymoon. Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Chernow follows Alexandar Hamilton from immigration to member of George Washington’s cabinet to death in a duel with his nemesis, Aaron Burr.

This book is best for fans of the Broadway show and presidential history. Ron Chernow ’s Alexander Hamilton is available from Penguin Random House .

"Hamilton" author Ron Chernow and the cast appear onstage at the opening night curtain call for ... [+] "Hamilton" at the Pantages Theatre on August 16, 2017 in Los Angeles.

12. The Crusades of Cesar Chavez: A Biography by Miriam Pawel (2014)

Pulitzer Prize winner Miriam Pawel tells the story of one of the most influential and revered U.S. labor leaders in this National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. She doesn't cover up his flaws, but she does illustrate why he was so successful while saluting his enduring humanity.

This book is best for those looking for deep dives on labor or Latine history. Miriam Pawel ’s The Crusades of Cesar Chavez is available from Macmillan .

11. Warhol by Blake Gopnik (2020)

Andy Warhol is so famous, you only need to mention his last name for instant recognition. Art critic Blake Gopnik blends understanding of Warhol’s medium with excellent research and conclusions to paint the most complete picture yet of one of the defining artists of the 20 th century.

This book is best for pop culture devotees and fans of art history. Blake Gopnik ’s Warhol is available from HarperCollins .

10. Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World by Bradley Hope and Tom Wright (2018)

The Financial Times and Fortune tabbed this one of the best books of 2018 for telling the unlikeliest of stories: How a Malaysian MBA used Goldman Sachs and other financial institutions to steal billions of dollars he used to pay for real estate, parties—and even the making of The Wolf of Wall Street .

This book is best for Hollywood and movie lovers. Bradley Hope and Tom Wright’s Billion Dollar Whale is available from Hachette Books .

9. The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis (2013)

There’s so much more to Rosa Parks’ story than one day on a bus in Montgomery. Jeanne Theoharis takes a comprehensive look at her six decades of activism and why she wasn’t the “accidental catalyst” the history books have made her sound like, regaining Parks her agency.

This book is best for those who know how the Montgomery Bus Boycott began but don’t know about Parks’ earlier involvement in organizing. Jeanne Theoharis’ The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks is available from Penguin Random House .

8. American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin (2005)

The inspiration behind Christopher Nolan ’s summer’s blockbuster film Oppenheimer won the Pulitzer Prize and hit No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It tells J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life story, with a particular focus on the bomb and how it played into the Cold War.

This book is best for anyone who saw the movie and wants to know more. Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s American Prometheus is available from Penguin Random House .

"Oppenheimer" cast members Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh. The movie is ... [+] based on the prize-winning biography.

7. Self Made: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker by A'Lelia Bundles (2002)

Madam C.J. Walker, her enslaved parents’ first freeborn child, became one of the wealthiest women of her time. Entirely self-made, she used wealth gained from her cosmetics empire caring for Black hair to help uplift other women and connect with civil rights leaders. The author is Walker’s great-great granddaughter.

This book is best for people obsessed with the Forbes billionaire lists. A’Lelia Bundles ’ Self Made (originally titled On Her Own Ground) is available from Simon & Schuster .

6. Three Ordinary Girls: The Remarkable Story of Three Dutch Teenagers Who Became Spies, Saboteurs, Nazi Assassins—and WWII Heroes by Tim Brady (2021)

World War II is a hugely popular literary period, and here’s another worthy biography from that era, following the Nazi resistance efforts of Dutch teens Hannie Schaft and sisters Truus and Freddie Oversteegen. They saved countless children and Jews from concentration camps and even assassinated German soldiers.

This book is best for World War II aficionados and fans of hidden history. Tim Brady’s Three Ordinary Girls is available from Kensington Books .

5. Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly (2018)

This highly rated (4.8/5 stars on Amazon) book incorporates information gleaned from more than 100 interviews, which helped Polly piece together scenes from Lee’s childhood in Hong Kong and the challenges he faced from racism in Hollywood. It also investigates his shocking and still mysterious death.

This book is best for fans of martial arts or who want to know what it was like to be Asian in Hollywood decades ago. Matthew Polly ’s Bruce Lee is available from Simon & Schuster .

Bruce Lee from the 1972 film "The Way of the Dragon." He is the subject of Matthew Polly's ... [+] biography.

4. Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit (2021)

This finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award explores author George Orwell’s career from a unique angle: looking at his passion for gardening. Rebecca Solnit ties his devotion to his plants to his work as a writer and an antifascist. It presents him in a different light than past biographies.

This book is best for gardeners and those who’ve read 1984 . Rebecca Solnit ’s Orwell’s Roses is available from Penguin Random House .

3. Billie Holiday: The Musician and the Myth by John Szwed (2015)

Billie Holiday’s story is too often simplified to a rags-to-riches tale focusing on her struggles pre- and post-fame. But her influence, accomplishments and enduring power are far too grand to tokenize. This biography focuses on her music, allowing jazz scholar John Szwed to illustrate what made her so spectacular.

This book is best for jazz and music fans. John Szwed ’s Billie Holiday is available from Penguin Random House .

2. Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe (2023)

The Sacklers were once revered for their philanthropy, but the opioid epidemic unmasked how they sold and marketed a painkiller that catalyzed the crisis. This New York Times bestseller traces three generations of the family and their insistence on downplaying the addictiveness of opioids. It asks and answers how they avoided accountability.

This book is best for fans of Hulu’s Dopesick and anyone looking for more information about the opioid crisis. Patrick Radden Keefe ’s Empire of Pain is available from Penguin Random House .

Tufts employee Gabe Ryan removes letters from signage featuring the Sackler family name at the Tufts ... [+] building. The biography "Empire of Pain" details what led to the Sacklers' fall from grace.

1. King: A Life by Jonathan Eig (2023)

Hailed by the New Yorker , Washington Post , Time and Chicago Tribune as one of the best books of 2023, King is a definitive biography of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. It’s also the first to rely on recently declassified FBI files, giving greater depth to the narrative and this unique American story.

This book is best for those who want to go beyond the “I Have a Dream” speech. Jonathan Eig ’s King is available from Macmillan .

What Are The Most Entertaining Biographies?

The most entertaining biographies will teach lessons and impart wisdom while also keeping you on the edge of your seat, anticipating the next development in a storied life. Famed pop culture figures and entertainers make great subjects. 

For an in-depth and fast-paced look at one of our most celebrated jurists, check out 2018’s  Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life by Jane Sherron de Hart. If you want laughs and a behind-the-scenes peek at a seminal variety show, try David Bianculli’s 2010 book The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour . And to lose yourself in a dishy, reads-like-a-novel bio of the ultimate girlboss, try Marisa Meltzer’s 2023 Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier .

What Are The Best Professional Biographies?

The best professional biographies make connections between the habits and hopes of dreamers and their eventual success. They often provide a blueprint for success that readers can adopt for their own lives. 

To learn how to build a truly impressive empire, read Neal Gabler’s 2006  Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination . Another American legend is the subject of T.J. Stiles’ 2010 National Book Award winner The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt , which is as much about capitalism as Vanderbilt. And in 2016’s Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race , Margot Lee Shetterly shows how Black women professionals were discriminated against at NASA—but still helped land a man on the moon. 

What Are The Best Presidential Biographies?

The best presidential biographies reveal never-before-known details about famous leaders’ lives. It can be challenging to dig up something new but so rewarding because it helps our understanding of how these men governed and led. 

Arguably the best presidential biography is Robert Caro’s portrait of Lyndon B. Johnson, starting with 1990’s  The Path to Power , which traces LBJ’s journey from early childhood to the start of his political career. An enduring book is Edmund Morris’ acclaimed 1979 The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt , which paints a full picture of a complicated man. And 2017’s  The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur by Scott S. Greenberger shows that even a long-forgotten president still has influence and value. 

Bottom Line

Biographies offer an escape into someone else’s story, giving you the chance to see why they made their decisions and second-guess them if you like. Whether you prefer biographies focused on history, pop culture or science, you can find a book you’ll love on this list.

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These 12 Stunning Autobiographies Will Leave You in Wonder

By Mia Barzilay Freund

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to win Wimbledon , run The Washington Post , or get drunk with Jimmy Buffett ? Through the best autobiographies and celebrity memoirs , we can access gripping true stories told in the words of the people who lived through them.

Translating experience into language is a creative act. Autobiography can be earnest or irreverent, playful or profound. Often, real life can be stranger than fiction. The best autobiographies bring us closer to remarkable people and circumstances—and they’re well-written, to boot.

But that’s not all. The best examples from the genre can provide insights that help us improve our own lives. After all, there’s nothing like a story of perseverance against all odds to prove anything is possible.

These tales of endurance, transformation, and unlikely triumph are sure to command your attention––and dare we say, inspire your own main character energy .

Open by Andre Agassi

You don’t need to love tennis to find yourself totally engrossed by the story of Agassi’s legendary career. Once the number-one player in the world, Agassi led a life of pressure and publicity—from his intense childhood coached by his father to his high-profile marriages to Brooke Shields and Steffi Graf to the acute physical pain of his last chapter in professional tennis. The book was written with the help of ghostwriter J. R. Moehringer, whose own memoir The Tender Bar inspired a 2021 film with Ben Affleck. (Moehringer most recently helped Prince Harry pen his memoir, Spare .)

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

The Glass Castle

A New York Times bestseller for more than eight years, this stunning memoir details the author’s unconventional upbringing and her trajectory from a trailer park in Arizona to the New York City literary scene. Under her troubled but relentlessly dreaming father, Wells nurtured her imagination as she and her siblings learned to fend for themselves within their dysfunctional household. Her approach was creative and sometimes painful—like when she suffered full-body burns cooking hot dogs at age three, or when she fashioned homemade braces from rubber bands and wire. A brilliant prequel, Half Broke Horses , focuses on Walls’s adventurous grandmother during the early 1900s.

The Accidental Life by Terry McDonell

The Accidental Life

A legend in the world of magazines and publishing, McDonell was the trusted editor and friend of literary greats like James Salter and George Plimpton. His 2016 memoir chronicles relationships and skirmishes across a four-decade career in journalism—from sipping wine with Jimmy Buffett to playing “acid golf” with Hunter S. Thompson. Each chapter comes marked with a word count, making for satisfying, self-contained dips into literary lore. Evocative, irreverent, and honest, McDonell’s memoir spans a wild and wonderful time in American media.

How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair

How to Say Babylon

A poet as well as a memoirist, Sinclair fills her 2023 memoir with lyrical descriptions of her upbringing in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where the Rastafarian faith into which she was born prescribed rigid codes on the basis of gender. However, language—specifically, poetry —served as a welcome escape, made possible by Sinclair’s literature-loving mother. Moving and unflinching, Babylon is an astonishing feat of memory set in motion.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird

Angelou enlarged and enriched the genre of autobiography with her 1969 account of her early life in Stamps, Arkansas. In it, she fashions her younger self into a literary character through whom she revisits events of the past. A young Maya endures affronts to her humanity through encounters with racism and sexual violence, but her story channels adolescent insecurity into self-possession, reflected in the author’s breathtaking command of language and narrative.

Easy Beauty by Chloé Cooper Jones

Easy Beauty

Born with sacral agenesis, a rare condition that affects her gait and stature, Cooper Jones is keenly aware of the reactions her physicality elicits. Her subtle and humorous 2022 memoir—a Pulitzer Prize finalist—challenges the reader to reassess the way bodies claim space , tracing how Cooper Jones’s own perspective shifts when she unexpectedly becomes a mother.

Personal History: A Memoir by Katharine Graham

Personal History

Graham’s Pulitzer Prize–winning autobiography explores her isolating upbringing amid extreme privilege, her exhilarating and agonizing marriage, and her leadership of The Washington Post during its coverage of events like the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal. With its intimate insight into a formidable figure in American life, Graham’s Personal History makes the memoir a literary force.

Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington

Vogue ’s longtime creative director pulls back the curtain on the fashion industry and the creative world surrounding it, documenting the insecurities of moving from industry outsider to insider and the joy of bringing to life fashion fantasies in the magazine’s pages. Beginning with her upbringing in Wales and her early career in modeling, Coddington recounts things in a playful and characteristically British tone: the professional squabbles, artistic decisions, iconic outfits, and all. The memoir also features Coddington’s personal photographs, as well as lush spreads from her favorite features.

Por Estas Calles Bravas / Down These Mean Streets by Piri Tomás

Down These Mean Streets

Growing up in Spanish Harlem in the 1930s and ’40s, Tomás experienced discrimination and abuse on the basis of his Puerto Rican heritage. In an environment of poverty and violence, he fell into crime and drug addiction and eventually was incarcerated over a dispute with a police officer. His vivid personal account, available in both English and Spanish, details his journey from a place of hopelessness to self-acceptance through storytelling.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Douglass’s narrative is an important document of American history, as well as an essential piece of American literature. It records his experiences under slavery and his eventual escape and involvement in the abolition movement. A story of incredible hardship and triumph, the narrative includes the acquisition of language itself; Douglass taught himself to read and write, skills the enslaved were otherwise denied.

The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day

The Long Loneliness

A leader in the Catholic Worker movement, Day was a radical political organizer and journalist governed by principles of nonviolence and charity. Her autobiography captures a storied life, including her religious conversion, her personal conflicts over motherhood, and her founding and operation of the Catholic Worker newspaper. Her autobiography stands as an exquisite piece of personal reflection and social activism (with a moving introduction by psychiatrist Robert Coles).

Night by Elie Wiesel

Written in 1960, Wiesel’s memoir is the sobering account of his experiences during the Holocaust, including his time in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. At certain moments, his prose takes on a fractured, faltering quality, as if language itself fails to capture the horrors he endured. Sixty-four years after its publication, Night remains an important record of a dark chapter in recent history.

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‘Where’s Cricket?’ Don’t Ask. Kristi Noem Defends Killing Her Dog.

In a forthcoming book, the South Dakota governor, seen as a potential vice-presidential pick, tells of shooting her hunting dog. And a goat.

By Anjali Huynh

• April 26, 2024

Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota on Friday defended a story included in her forthcoming biography in which she describes killing a family dog on their farm, to her daughter’s distress — a grisly anecdote that instantly drew criticism from a number of political opponents.

Ms. Noem, a Republican who is widely seen as a contender to be former President Donald J. Trump’s running mate, shared details about shooting the 14-month-old dog, a female wirehaired pointer named Cricket, and an unnamed goat, according to excerpts first reported by The Guardian .

An avid hunter, Ms. Noem wrote that she had hoped to train Cricket to hunt pheasant, but that she proved “untrainable,” “dangerous to anyone she came in contact with” and “less than worthless” as a hunting dog. “I hated that dog,” Ms. Noem wrote, according to The Guardian.

It was after Cricket ruined a hunting trip, killed another family’s chickens and bit the governor that Ms. Noem recalled deciding to kill the dog; she shot Cricket in a gravel pit.

That was not the only blood Ms. Noem drew that day: She also shot a male goat that she called “nasty and mean.” Shot him twice, in fact: The goat jumped as she shot him the first time, according to The Guardian’s recounting of the book, so she fetched another shell and shot him again.

The whole ordeal was reportedly witnessed by a construction crew nearby. Ms. Noem wrote that as the workers returned to their jobs, a school bus came by to drop off her children.

Her daughter, Kennedy, Ms. Noem wrote, “looked around confused” and asked, “Hey, where’s Cricket?”

“I guess if I were a better politician, I wouldn’t tell the story here,” Ms. Noem wrote in the book, set to be published by Center Street on May 7. But she framed the day’s events as reflecting her willingness to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly,” whether that be in farm ownership or in politics.

The story drew condemnation on Friday from a swath of the political world, mainly to Ms. Noem’s left, including some anti-Trump Republicans and a number of Democrats. President Biden’s re-election campaign wrote on X that “Trump VP contender Kristi Noem brags about shooting her 14-month-old puppy to death.” And the Democratic National Committee issued a statement describing the passages as “disturbing and horrifying.”

Ms. Noem seized on The Guardian’s article to underscore her rural-America bona fides, promote her book and mock the news media. “We love animals, but tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm,” she wrote Friday on X , adding that her family recently had to “put down” three horses.

She added that her book would contain “more real, honest, and politically INcorrect stories that’ll have the media gasping.”

Ms. Noem, who appeared with Mr. Trump at an event in Ohio last month, is one of several Republicans regularly mentioned as potential vice-presidential picks . At the Conservative Political Action Conference in February , she tied with Vivek Ramaswamy for first place in a poll of whom attendees wanted to see Mr. Trump select as a running mate.

She has routinely praised the former president and recently took part in an ad promoting her cosmetic dental work that some saw as a move to catch Mr. Trump’s attention , even as it drew legal scrutiny . In recent days, she has refused to say whether she would have certified the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021, and dodged questions on whether she supported exceptions to abortion bans in cases of rape or incest.

Anjali Huynh , a member of the 2023-24 Times Fellowship class based in New York, covers national politics, the 2024 presidential campaign and other elections. More about Anjali Huynh

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