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Forever Friends Trilogy #2
The Hockey Saint
The highly anticipated sequel to "The Stereoypical Freaks" and the 2nd book in the "Forever Friends" Trilogy, this is "The Hockey Saint"
Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable.
Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?
Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable.
Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?
133 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2014
About the author
Howard Shapiro
8 books171 followersI live in Pittsburgh, PA with my wife and two sons. I am the Controller for the Pittsburgh-based Visual Effects firm, Animal Inc., and I have written four children’s books and "The Stereotypical Freaks" will be my debut Graphic Novel.
My 2008 book, "Hockey Player for Life", has been the #1 downloaded children’s hockey e-book on Amazon’s Kindle chart since its arrival as an e-book in November of 2011.
My "Hockey Days" book was the only book featured in the December 2007 Sporting News Annual Gift Guide as a Best Buy Gift for Children. Through a corporate
sponsorship program I set up (and maintain), since the 2010-11 season, both of my children’s hockey books have been given to NHL teams (over 2,500 copies to date) for use in their community and educational initiatives.
Since 2006 my annual charity raffle, which he matches dollar for dollar donated, has raised funds for several hockey-related charities including the Mario Lemieux Foundation, Hockey Fights Cancer and the Keith and Lisa Primeau Scholarship Fund.
For more information, please log on to howardshapiro(dot)net
My 2008 book, "Hockey Player for Life", has been the #1 downloaded children’s hockey e-book on Amazon’s Kindle chart since its arrival as an e-book in November of 2011.
My "Hockey Days" book was the only book featured in the December 2007 Sporting News Annual Gift Guide as a Best Buy Gift for Children. Through a corporate
sponsorship program I set up (and maintain), since the 2010-11 season, both of my children’s hockey books have been given to NHL teams (over 2,500 copies to date) for use in their community and educational initiatives.
Since 2006 my annual charity raffle, which he matches dollar for dollar donated, has raised funds for several hockey-related charities including the Mario Lemieux Foundation, Hockey Fights Cancer and the Keith and Lisa Primeau Scholarship Fund.
For more information, please log on to howardshapiro(dot)net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 15, 2019
3.5
Friendship. Sports and media. Nice story, a tiny bit preachy.
Tom Leonard is a 19 y.o. sophomore living with his grandmother after the death of his parents. He is a bit lost and still suffering nighmares. As a hockey player his idol is the famous Jeremiah Jacobson. A random decision causes an encounter between them.
Although it is about hockey players, in reality we see very little of the game itself in these pages, of course there are mentions of games, practices and things like that, but this is rather 'the other side of the coin' of the life of these athletes. Like saying: they are also human.
And Jeremiah is living prove of that. Not a sinner, nor a saint. Has problems, love the game, but he cannot stand the scrutiny of his private life, speculation, inventions and opinions about his life. Tom will have to make decisions too, although many of them are not very accurate
A nice tale, with a slap on the wrist to the commentators and media.
+Digital ARC gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
Friendship. Sports and media. Nice story, a tiny bit preachy.
Tom Leonard is a 19 y.o. sophomore living with his grandmother after the death of his parents. He is a bit lost and still suffering nighmares. As a hockey player his idol is the famous Jeremiah Jacobson. A random decision causes an encounter between them.
Although it is about hockey players, in reality we see very little of the game itself in these pages, of course there are mentions of games, practices and things like that, but this is rather 'the other side of the coin' of the life of these athletes. Like saying: they are also human.
And Jeremiah is living prove of that. Not a sinner, nor a saint. Has problems, love the game, but he cannot stand the scrutiny of his private life, speculation, inventions and opinions about his life. Tom will have to make decisions too, although many of them are not very accurate
A nice tale, with a slap on the wrist to the commentators and media.
+Digital ARC gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
June 28, 2016
It's hard to figure out why this wasn't, for me, as good as The Stereotypical Freaks even when the story is, in essence, kind of similar, maybe because i'm not into the hockey world or maybe because even when still have recommended songs, isn't centred in music.
Anyway, the merit of this work is the same that with the Forever Friends' first book, a typical plot treated in not as usual way, even when this didn't catch my attention so much the tory is complete, character that grown thanks to the situation and the art is gorgeous. The thing that i enjoy so much is the friendship and loyalty...in every page you can feel it and wish have a mate like that.
Even when i don't like the characters in this one, i get why they became friends and why they can help each other, so i enjoy it but just didn't love it.
I Will read the next one, the plots and characters isn't connected and that increased my curiosity, because Shapiro create a little "world" where friendship is the most important thing so...
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
Anyway, the merit of this work is the same that with the Forever Friends' first book, a typical plot treated in not as usual way, even when this didn't catch my attention so much the tory is complete, character that grown thanks to the situation and the art is gorgeous. The thing that i enjoy so much is the friendship and loyalty...in every page you can feel it and wish have a mate like that.
Even when i don't like the characters in this one, i get why they became friends and why they can help each other, so i enjoy it but just didn't love it.
I Will read the next one, the plots and characters isn't connected and that increased my curiosity, because Shapiro create a little "world" where friendship is the most important thing so...
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
June 5, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Animal Media Group for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Introduction:
After I had finished reading Howard Shapiro’s previous graphic novel, “The Stereotypical Freaks,” I was excited to find out that “The Stereotypical Freaks” was a part of the “Forever Friends Trilogy” and I was even more excited to find out that I was approved of the second book in the series “The Hockey Saint” by NetGalley! After reading this graphic novel, I found this story to be just as memorable as “The Stereotypical Freaks!”
What is this story about?
Tom Leonard is back once again as he is now a college sophomore who is a part of the school’s hockey team and he now has a new dilemma to face! The story starts off with Tom’s parents being killed in a car accident and Tom is still trying to deal with this tragedy. Also around that time, Tom has been offered a scholarship for his talents in hockey and Tom is striving to get that scholarship as much as possible. One day however, Tom ends up meeting his favorite hockey player, Jeremiah Jacobson, who is known as the world’s best hockey player. Tom then quickly becomes good friends with Jeremiah and the two of them started spending a lot of time with each other. But later on, Tom discovers that Jeremiah has a terrible secret: he is a heavy drinker and a smoker and Jeremiah refuses to acknowledge that he has this problem.
Can Tom help Jeremiah with his drug addiction before it is too late?
Read this book to find out!
What I loved about this story:
Howard Shapiro’s writing: Howard Shapiro’s writing is as usual a delight to read as the characters are written extremely well and I loved the real-world plot of this volume as it addresses the dangers of drug addiction that has rarely been addressed in many comic books. I loved the fact that we actually have a comic book that details drug addiction in a realistic way by showing that Jeremiah is in denial about his addiction and how it was difficult at first for Tom and his loved ones to try to get Jeremiah to understand about the severity of his drug addiction. I also loved the way that Howard Shapiro wrote the relationships between the characters, especially between Tom and Jeremiah as I loved the fact that Jeremiah shows Tom that there is more to life than just playing hockey all the time and Tom cares enough for Jeremiah to go out of his way to help out Jeremiah with his drug addiction.
Maricia Inoue and Andres Mossa’s artwork: Maricia Inoue and Andres Mossa’s artwork is beautifully done as the characters look truly realistic and I loved the way that the characters glow off the pages. Now, I will admit that there were some facial expressions on the characters that looked a bit odd, especially regarding Tom always smiling during some serious moments; but other than that, the artwork really captures the raw emotions that the characters feel during this serious situation that deals with drug addiction.
What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:
The reason why I took off half a point from this rating was because I felt like the pacing was a bit slow at times, especially at the beginning and I sometimes wished that the plot moved at a much faster pace to get to the main point of the story.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, “The Hockey Saint” was a truly heartwarming and realistic story about drug addiction that anyone who wants to read about the consequences of drug addiction and the importance of true friendship will truly enjoy!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
April 30, 2017
This is perfect for young adults. The Hockey Saint is relatable and covers real life issues. It also has a friendship between a hockey sports star and an average kid, the everyday and something that would be a fantasy for many. The artwork is great, and the message a good one.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
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***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Pinterest / Goodreads / Tumblr / Bloglovin' / Instagram
July 17, 2014
5 stars for The Hockey Saint- a graphic novel!
*ARC provided to G the Book Diva blog in exchange for an honest review*
The author asked me to review this and since he seemed like such a nice guy I decided to step out of my reading box and try something new! Imagine my surprise to find that I couldn't put it down!
The Hockey Saint is the story of an unlikely friendship between Tom and Jake. Tom is an everyday kid who plays college hockey and Jeremiah "Jake" Jacobson is a young professional hockey player who has been deemed "The Best Player In The World." Like everyone else on the planet, Tom idolized Jake. He imagined that Jake lived an awesome celebrity life full of money and glory. What he learned is that for Jake, fame isn't all that it's cracked up to be. The real Jake is much more down to earth yet troubled. What he needs more than the limelight is a true friend.
This is an amazing story of friendship, loyalty and new beginnings! I've never read a graphic novel before and I thought it was fantastic!
Well done!
I highly recommend! I may actually start a monthly "Stepping outside my reading box" challenge!
*ARC provided to G the Book Diva blog in exchange for an honest review*
The author asked me to review this and since he seemed like such a nice guy I decided to step out of my reading box and try something new! Imagine my surprise to find that I couldn't put it down!
The Hockey Saint is the story of an unlikely friendship between Tom and Jake. Tom is an everyday kid who plays college hockey and Jeremiah "Jake" Jacobson is a young professional hockey player who has been deemed "The Best Player In The World." Like everyone else on the planet, Tom idolized Jake. He imagined that Jake lived an awesome celebrity life full of money and glory. What he learned is that for Jake, fame isn't all that it's cracked up to be. The real Jake is much more down to earth yet troubled. What he needs more than the limelight is a true friend.
This is an amazing story of friendship, loyalty and new beginnings! I've never read a graphic novel before and I thought it was fantastic!
Well done!
I highly recommend! I may actually start a monthly "Stepping outside my reading box" challenge!
August 9, 2017
Free ARC received from Netgalley and Animal Media Group in return for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion on the ARC that I read.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Publication Date: 14th October 2014
Review Date: 09th August 2017
First book in the series: The Stereotypical Freaks – Review here - 4 / 5 stars
Tom looks so tiny in his hockey jersey he’s so tiny and adorable I want to hug him
Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable.
Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?
In my review of The Stereotypical Freaks, the first book in this series, I had one major qualm – and that was that it wasn’t coloured and it was hard to read. The first thing I found, much to my joy, when I opened this comic, is that it is coloured. Praise! Although, I found a new thing to be a little annoyed at. Does the writing have to be so small? Adobe always freezes when I zoom in to read it and I’m having to squint and I’m ruining my eyesight even more trying to read this.I am so sorry, I don’t want to complain about every little thing but seriously! It’s painful
One thing I am so glad is back, is the recommended listening at the start of each chapter. I love this! As I said in my review for The Stereotypical Freaks , I find that these are much better when read with the recommended listening for each chapter and honestly? Shapiro does it again! I have not only extended my music library and enjoyed more of a series I’m highly enjoying, but I got to have a bit of an enhanced reading session with this (even if I did have to look around YouTube forever, oops).
However, I do have an issue quite early on in this graphic novel. The seeming stalkerish behaviour. A friend gives Tom the address of his favourite ice hockey player, as though it’s his to give, and then, of course, Tom scribbles it down. This made me a little uncomfortable. I understand plot lines and that it’s probably important for the story, but still it made me uncomfortable and I can’t ignore that, and I will highlight it because I know there are some people that will want to avoid this sort of behaviour in graphic novels and the material they read. Because of how uncomfortable I felt watching Tom basically drive to this guy’s house, knowing he doesn’t have permission or right to be there or to be in possession of his address, I have to knock a star down.Sorry, Howard, but this is a little bit on the creepy side, in my personal opinion.
It took me a while to get back into this after leaving it for quite a while, due to college getting down on me and some personal issues, but I am so glad to be able to have finished this! I did notice though, the art wasn’t as good as I remembered from previously, and it saddened me a little bit to realise this. It wasn’t amazing, almost two dimensional, and the aspect of the characters seemed a little off at times.
This was really a wonderful graphic novel. This really deals with a lot of themes that aren’t ice hockey, and even as an ice hockey fan, expecting sports, I really enjoyed this story. The terms of alcohlism, hero worship, not knowing who you are, learning other people to learn yourself, are all themes that many people can relate to in this world, and I found it an absolutely stunning read.
Shapiro really did wonders with this, and it’s a brilliant follow up to The Stereotypical Freaks . I can’t wait to read more.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Publication Date: 14th October 2014
Review Date: 09th August 2017
First book in the series: The Stereotypical Freaks – Review here - 4 / 5 stars
Tom looks so tiny in his hockey jersey he’s so tiny and adorable I want to hug him
Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable.
Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?
In my review of The Stereotypical Freaks, the first book in this series, I had one major qualm – and that was that it wasn’t coloured and it was hard to read. The first thing I found, much to my joy, when I opened this comic, is that it is coloured. Praise! Although, I found a new thing to be a little annoyed at. Does the writing have to be so small? Adobe always freezes when I zoom in to read it and I’m having to squint and I’m ruining my eyesight even more trying to read this.
One thing I am so glad is back, is the recommended listening at the start of each chapter. I love this! As I said in my review for The Stereotypical Freaks , I find that these are much better when read with the recommended listening for each chapter and honestly? Shapiro does it again! I have not only extended my music library and enjoyed more of a series I’m highly enjoying, but I got to have a bit of an enhanced reading session with this (
However, I do have an issue quite early on in this graphic novel. The seeming stalkerish behaviour. A friend gives Tom the address of his favourite ice hockey player, as though it’s his to give, and then, of course, Tom scribbles it down. This made me a little uncomfortable. I understand plot lines and that it’s probably important for the story, but still it made me uncomfortable and I can’t ignore that, and I will highlight it because I know there are some people that will want to avoid this sort of behaviour in graphic novels and the material they read. Because of how uncomfortable I felt watching Tom basically drive to this guy’s house, knowing he doesn’t have permission or right to be there or to be in possession of his address, I have to knock a star down.
It took me a while to get back into this after leaving it for quite a while, due to college getting down on me and some personal issues, but I am so glad to be able to have finished this! I did notice though, the art wasn’t as good as I remembered from previously, and it saddened me a little bit to realise this. It wasn’t amazing, almost two dimensional, and the aspect of the characters seemed a little off at times.
This was really a wonderful graphic novel. This really deals with a lot of themes that aren’t ice hockey, and even as an ice hockey fan, expecting sports, I really enjoyed this story. The terms of alcohlism, hero worship, not knowing who you are, learning other people to learn yourself, are all themes that many people can relate to in this world, and I found it an absolutely stunning read.
Shapiro really did wonders with this, and it’s a brilliant follow up to The Stereotypical Freaks . I can’t wait to read more.
July 21, 2016
I was given a text-only review copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. I'd like to start out that the star rating would probably be higher, if I had read the finished version of the book, as the artwork will greatly contribute to the experience of this read. The cover of the book promises an exciting visuals.
The Hockey Saint wasn't at all what I expected (although I am not sure what that was). Howard Shapiro has written an extremely honest account of the lives of a world-class hockey player and a college athlete that come to a head when the two meet by chance. As college hockey player Tom gets to know hockey star Jake, he realizes that there is more to famous athletes that their (goal scoring) stats, autographs and their media image. As a person, Jake has many more admirable qualities - but his life isn't perfect either. Jake learns that he has to deal with the issues in his life that he is working so hard to avoid, recognizing that being a famous hockey player is not limited to the rink.
Alcoholism, grief and a critical look at the media (and sports fans) all add to the eye-opening experience of this graphic novel. Although, as a graphic novel, the book is comparatively short, there is depth to this story, and Howard Shapiro presents the reader with well-developed characters, and honest emotions (which I hope to see in the artwork).
I believe this book will be very popular with young adults who have an interest in sports, and I look forward to reading more of Howard Shapiro's work (and to see this book in its finished version!).
The Hockey Saint wasn't at all what I expected (although I am not sure what that was). Howard Shapiro has written an extremely honest account of the lives of a world-class hockey player and a college athlete that come to a head when the two meet by chance. As college hockey player Tom gets to know hockey star Jake, he realizes that there is more to famous athletes that their (goal scoring) stats, autographs and their media image. As a person, Jake has many more admirable qualities - but his life isn't perfect either. Jake learns that he has to deal with the issues in his life that he is working so hard to avoid, recognizing that being a famous hockey player is not limited to the rink.
Alcoholism, grief and a critical look at the media (and sports fans) all add to the eye-opening experience of this graphic novel. Although, as a graphic novel, the book is comparatively short, there is depth to this story, and Howard Shapiro presents the reader with well-developed characters, and honest emotions (which I hope to see in the artwork).
I believe this book will be very popular with young adults who have an interest in sports, and I look forward to reading more of Howard Shapiro's work (and to see this book in its finished version!).
July 9, 2016
The main character is a teenaged boy and prodigy hockey player, who looks like a girl. A very emotional girl. With a grocery list. And his hero, a famous hockey player, looks like Jesus. Very weird.
40 pages in we were still getting to know the characters and nothing meaningful happens.
I skimmed my way through another 30odd pages. The star chain-smokes and drinks, the boy fangirls, there is the obligatory best female friend. All that's missing is the star making a pass at the boy.
On top of the plot not being exactly gripping, I did not like the artwork much. The proportions of the characters looked weird at times, it was all a bit too simplistic for my taste.
DNF at 76 pages, about halfway through.
I received this free copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
40 pages in we were still getting to know the characters and nothing meaningful happens.
I skimmed my way through another 30odd pages. The star chain-smokes and drinks, the boy fangirls, there is the obligatory best female friend. All that's missing is the star making a pass at the boy.
On top of the plot not being exactly gripping, I did not like the artwork much. The proportions of the characters looked weird at times, it was all a bit too simplistic for my taste.
DNF at 76 pages, about halfway through.
I received this free copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
December 21, 2019
Lately I've been obsessed with reading books that feature hockey as a main theme. But this graphic novel did not center on hockey as much as I'd like it to. Which is okay because it centered on friendship and it dealt with some important and tough topics.
I came for the hockey but stayed for the friendship and the characters, and I enjoyed reading it. It's about an unlikely friendship formed between a hockey player and his idol, who is a hockey star.
It was very interesting and realistic and does not let you go until the last page.
Just to mention the illustrations, which were great, but at times they lacked detail.
*I had no idea this was the second book in the Forever Friends Trilogy
Copy given in exchange for an honest review
I came for the hockey but stayed for the friendship and the characters, and I enjoyed reading it. It's about an unlikely friendship formed between a hockey player and his idol, who is a hockey star.
It was very interesting and realistic and does not let you go until the last page.
Just to mention the illustrations, which were great, but at times they lacked detail.
*I had no idea this was the second book in the Forever Friends Trilogy
Copy given in exchange for an honest review
August 25, 2014
I first read Stereotypical Freaks because I am an avid manga and graphic novel fan and I liked the premise behind it. The Hockey Saint is the sequel and is just as fun and interesting as the first. I have to say I normally read a ton of romance (even in my manga) so it was nice to take a step back and have a book focus on friendship and the trials of… well life. The story centers not just on friendship but the faces behind fame and the darkness that sometimes comes with it. Jake (the hockey player) is addicted to drinking and smoking and Tom is hired to pull up dirt on him. While slightly cliched I still enjoyed their burgeoning friendship and the dynamics between the two.
March 7, 2014
To my knowledge this is only the second graphic novel that has an overall hockey theme but the thing is, you don't have to be a hockey, or a sports, fan to enjoy this book! It deals with several different themes: friendship, what we sacrifice for ambition, hero worship, the over analysis/saturation and emphasis of sports and sports fandom in the modern age. The book will appeal to a wide range of people and is a very quick and fun read and is that rare book that actually has something to say!
September 12, 2014
What if you could meet your favorite sport idol and they turned out to be more than their stats, the media hype and are actually just as real as you? That’s what happened for Tom, a college hockey player when he met hockey star Jeremiah Jacobson. Jake went from a two-dimensional idol to an imperfect human, suffering from the pitfalls of fame, the battle to perform and keeping up a public image that hides the man beneath. Will Jake self-implode or can young Tom help scrape together the shattering remains of his new friend and heal the man behind the façade?
The Hockey Saint, a graphic novel by Howard Shapiro brings to life a brief tale that is enhanced by visuals of what is written. Within a tale that is a sports fan’s dream come true are a few hidden lessons on personal ethics, helping others and a realistic view of the pressures of fame. Howard Shapiro has done a marvelous job of putting together an easy to read tale that moves along well, digs just deep enough to come to life and makes for some wonderful reading for even the most reluctant of readers, no matter their age. The graphics even make this “cool” enough for younger readers while slipping in those life lessons, painlessly. Way to score, Howard Shapiro!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Animal Media Group
ISBN-10: 0991255011
ISBN-13: 978-0991255016
Genre: YA Sports Fiction/Graphic Novel
Perfect Paperback: 150 pages
Available from: Amazon
The Hockey Saint, a graphic novel by Howard Shapiro brings to life a brief tale that is enhanced by visuals of what is written. Within a tale that is a sports fan’s dream come true are a few hidden lessons on personal ethics, helping others and a realistic view of the pressures of fame. Howard Shapiro has done a marvelous job of putting together an easy to read tale that moves along well, digs just deep enough to come to life and makes for some wonderful reading for even the most reluctant of readers, no matter their age. The graphics even make this “cool” enough for younger readers while slipping in those life lessons, painlessly. Way to score, Howard Shapiro!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Animal Media Group
ISBN-10: 0991255011
ISBN-13: 978-0991255016
Genre: YA Sports Fiction/Graphic Novel
Perfect Paperback: 150 pages
Available from: Amazon
May 18, 2016
I received a free copy of this graphic novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I've always liked stories about sport. I'm not a player of any sport, but I do like to watch football games and soccer, and even though I don't know much about hockey, I've seen a lot of movies about this sport. The cool thing about this graphic novel, though, is the fact that it's not so much about the sport, as much as it is about friendship and growing up. The story itself is very generalizable to any kind of sport, and maybe even to a lot of people outside sport settings.
The characters were well outlined and I loved the fact that the center of the story was their friendship and the way meeting the other had a huge impact on their lives. Being an example, being a good friend and doing the right thing were a few of the themes dealt in this graphic novel, and I feel like there were a lot of good messages in it. Also, the way the reporters and the publicity behind sport industries were portrayed was really interesting to see and (sadly) very true and realistic.
The main problem I had with this graphic novel was the drawing style. I don't know if it's due to the fact that this is a free digital copy, but the drawings were a little too simple and lacked details. Besides, the characters didn't really show their own age. Despite the fact that Tom was 19 he looked like 14 and Jake, on the other side, was 20 and looked like 35, at least. This was really irritating and hard to adjust to, and I feel like that with better drawings this story could have been much more effective.
Anyways, this is surely a graphic novel I would recommend to anyone who likes sport stories and growing of age plots, because the story and the message itself was pretty good!
I've always liked stories about sport. I'm not a player of any sport, but I do like to watch football games and soccer, and even though I don't know much about hockey, I've seen a lot of movies about this sport. The cool thing about this graphic novel, though, is the fact that it's not so much about the sport, as much as it is about friendship and growing up. The story itself is very generalizable to any kind of sport, and maybe even to a lot of people outside sport settings.
The characters were well outlined and I loved the fact that the center of the story was their friendship and the way meeting the other had a huge impact on their lives. Being an example, being a good friend and doing the right thing were a few of the themes dealt in this graphic novel, and I feel like there were a lot of good messages in it. Also, the way the reporters and the publicity behind sport industries were portrayed was really interesting to see and (sadly) very true and realistic.
The main problem I had with this graphic novel was the drawing style. I don't know if it's due to the fact that this is a free digital copy, but the drawings were a little too simple and lacked details. Besides, the characters didn't really show their own age. Despite the fact that Tom was 19 he looked like 14 and Jake, on the other side, was 20 and looked like 35, at least. This was really irritating and hard to adjust to, and I feel like that with better drawings this story could have been much more effective.
Anyways, this is surely a graphic novel I would recommend to anyone who likes sport stories and growing of age plots, because the story and the message itself was pretty good!
October 26, 2014
Note: I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel possesses a variety of strengths. The illustrations were factual, vivid, and absolutely outstanding. There were a variety of story lines going on that did not compete with each other but to bring a lot of depth into the characters and their experiences. There is more than meets the eye with Jeremiah Jacobson and Tom Leonard gets a chance to know the man behind all of the fame. The bits of humor here and there touched my heart. One of my favorite scenes involved the grandmother and the bits of concern she displayed towards Tom when he was slacking in his studies because it reminded me so much of my own grandmother and how much she values education.
Although this book emphasizes hockey, the lessons in this work can apply in other areas of life. A true hero doesn't need fame to be a saint but a lot of heart and dedication to help those who cannot help themselves. If one does have finances and celebrity, it is all about how one utilizes it, yet at the same token, recognize the inner demons and get help for them. Through their friendship, both Jeremiah and Tom learn better ways to deal with hurts that haunted them in the past.
Action, humor, valuable lessons and breathtaking visuals...this is a must read and I am very pleased to have this as a paperback in my library. I highly recommend.
This graphic novel possesses a variety of strengths. The illustrations were factual, vivid, and absolutely outstanding. There were a variety of story lines going on that did not compete with each other but to bring a lot of depth into the characters and their experiences. There is more than meets the eye with Jeremiah Jacobson and Tom Leonard gets a chance to know the man behind all of the fame. The bits of humor here and there touched my heart. One of my favorite scenes involved the grandmother and the bits of concern she displayed towards Tom when he was slacking in his studies because it reminded me so much of my own grandmother and how much she values education.
Although this book emphasizes hockey, the lessons in this work can apply in other areas of life. A true hero doesn't need fame to be a saint but a lot of heart and dedication to help those who cannot help themselves. If one does have finances and celebrity, it is all about how one utilizes it, yet at the same token, recognize the inner demons and get help for them. Through their friendship, both Jeremiah and Tom learn better ways to deal with hurts that haunted them in the past.
Action, humor, valuable lessons and breathtaking visuals...this is a must read and I am very pleased to have this as a paperback in my library. I highly recommend.
July 11, 2015
'The Hockey Saint' by Howard Shapiro is the second graphic novel in a trilogy, but I read it as a standalone and didn't feel like I was missing anything.
Tom Leonard is a college sophomore and idolizes hockey player Jeremiah Jacobson. Tom's had it rough since his parents died, and when he gets a chance to hang out with his idol, he takes it. Jeremiah has some good qualities, and some bad ones. He shows Tom that he's only human. When a rival team hires a private eye to dig up dirt on Jeremiah, Tom is caught in the middle. He is pressured to give out secrets of his new friendship and even offered money to give up the dirt. Eventually, this leads to a conflict between Tom and Jeremiah, especially when Tom sees something in Jeremiah's life that will eventually hurt him.
The art is not awesome, but the story isn't bad at all. It feels like an after school special (except one where smoking and drinking is okay). I like the fact that Tom is not so starstruck that he doesn't want to help Jeremiah out. The supporting characters are pretty good for the most part. The main characters are only a few years apart, but I felt like Tom was a lot younger for some reason. The story has some good things to say about stardom and friendship.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Animal Media Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Tom Leonard is a college sophomore and idolizes hockey player Jeremiah Jacobson. Tom's had it rough since his parents died, and when he gets a chance to hang out with his idol, he takes it. Jeremiah has some good qualities, and some bad ones. He shows Tom that he's only human. When a rival team hires a private eye to dig up dirt on Jeremiah, Tom is caught in the middle. He is pressured to give out secrets of his new friendship and even offered money to give up the dirt. Eventually, this leads to a conflict between Tom and Jeremiah, especially when Tom sees something in Jeremiah's life that will eventually hurt him.
The art is not awesome, but the story isn't bad at all. It feels like an after school special (except one where smoking and drinking is okay). I like the fact that Tom is not so starstruck that he doesn't want to help Jeremiah out. The supporting characters are pretty good for the most part. The main characters are only a few years apart, but I felt like Tom was a lot younger for some reason. The story has some good things to say about stardom and friendship.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Animal Media Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
August 14, 2014
First let me ay that I do not normally read graphic novels. I am, however, an avid hockey fan. I watch the games, cheer them on as they are winning, groan and commiserate with fellow fans when my team is losing. On a deeper level, I know that professional athletes are people as well, they have a life off the ice, area, stadium, etc. And that life includes issues that all the money in the world cannot prevent. If anything, the money and the fame make cause all new problems people like myself may never face.
The Hockey Saint pits a young college hockey player against his misconceptons about professional atheletes. When he accidentally meets his hero, he expects fame and all the glamour that comes from being a highly paid professional athlete. Instead he is shown a different side of the fame of professional sports. The good and the bad.
Although I don't normally read graphic novels, I greatly enjoyed The Hockey Saint. Shapiro shows us something that we may not normally have seen or expected and that is what sets it apart from others. I would definitely recommend this to others. Hockey fans and players would especially enjoy reading The Hockey Saint.
* I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
The Hockey Saint pits a young college hockey player against his misconceptons about professional atheletes. When he accidentally meets his hero, he expects fame and all the glamour that comes from being a highly paid professional athlete. Instead he is shown a different side of the fame of professional sports. The good and the bad.
Although I don't normally read graphic novels, I greatly enjoyed The Hockey Saint. Shapiro shows us something that we may not normally have seen or expected and that is what sets it apart from others. I would definitely recommend this to others. Hockey fans and players would especially enjoy reading The Hockey Saint.
* I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 11, 2016
This book was given to me by the author for a review. I have never really sat and read a graphic novel. When I did open one up, the pictures distracted me and I wasn't able to really pay attention to the actual story. The copy I received does not have the pictures yet, but I am looking forward to seeing the completed version. I thought this read was great! It was a fun read for me, and I will definitely buy this graphic novel when it becomes available. The book starts out with two different characters, who have a couple things in common. They both love hockey and are mourning losses. The author did a wonderful job in creating a relationship between Jake and Tom. I love how Jake, a very famous hockey player, humbles himself and serves people in his community. This is the first graphic novel I have read by Howard Shapiro, but it will not be the last! Thank you Mr. Shapiro for allowing me to do this review for you!
March 21, 2014
I was given the script to this graphic novel for an honest review. Art plays a major role in a graphic novel, and it's really hard to judge just by the cover alone if the art of this one would have captured me. So my evaluation is for the story alone.
The story is straightforward and simple if a little cliché (MG readers will not notice, they're not as cynical as I am at 45 ;-) ). I very much enjoyed the way the main character, Tom, struggled with doing what's right. His side of the story made perfect sense. Unfortunately, the script didn't contain the pictures so a lot of the emotions expressed by the people of the novel were missing or simply stated. But that's normal for a script.
With the right art, this will be a entertaining and interesting read that will capture a young readers imagination.
The story is straightforward and simple if a little cliché (MG readers will not notice, they're not as cynical as I am at 45 ;-) ). I very much enjoyed the way the main character, Tom, struggled with doing what's right. His side of the story made perfect sense. Unfortunately, the script didn't contain the pictures so a lot of the emotions expressed by the people of the novel were missing or simply stated. But that's normal for a script.
With the right art, this will be a entertaining and interesting read that will capture a young readers imagination.
September 3, 2014
I've received this graphic novel in exchange of an honest review and after a long time I come across a wonderful story. I loved all the characters in this story, good and bad ones. I was quite surprise with the end, which was a very good choice.
In this story, a young hockey player teach a very important lesson to Jeremiah Jacobson, a professional one, that besides taking care and help others you must never forget that taking care of yourself is equally important. Lying to yourself will not help you or those close to you. I've tried hard not to cry when approaching the last pages.
I don't like hockey games, never watch one because of the fights that comes with it, but the author had surely managed very well how to write something related to this game without boring me with a story based on friendship.
Thank you so much Howard for giving me such a good book.
In this story, a young hockey player teach a very important lesson to Jeremiah Jacobson, a professional one, that besides taking care and help others you must never forget that taking care of yourself is equally important. Lying to yourself will not help you or those close to you. I've tried hard not to cry when approaching the last pages.
I don't like hockey games, never watch one because of the fights that comes with it, but the author had surely managed very well how to write something related to this game without boring me with a story based on friendship.
Thank you so much Howard for giving me such a good book.
August 20, 2017
This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Animal Media Group!
The Hockey Saint is the second book in the Forever Friends Trilogy and tells the story of Tom Leonard and Jeremiah Jacobson. Tom is a 19-year-old student who loves playing hockey and who's fascinated by Jeremiah, a hockey player. Tom and Jeremiah meet one night and from that they on they're friends. But is Jeremiah the hockey player that Tom thought he was?
The Hockey Saint is such a nice graphic novel about some tough topics, just like The Stereotypical Freaks. I think that it's a good sequel, but I loved The Stereotypical Freaks more. I do love that all the comics are in colour though!
I cannot wait to see what Hockey Karma has in store for me!
The Hockey Saint is the second book in the Forever Friends Trilogy and tells the story of Tom Leonard and Jeremiah Jacobson. Tom is a 19-year-old student who loves playing hockey and who's fascinated by Jeremiah, a hockey player. Tom and Jeremiah meet one night and from that they on they're friends. But is Jeremiah the hockey player that Tom thought he was?
The Hockey Saint is such a nice graphic novel about some tough topics, just like The Stereotypical Freaks. I think that it's a good sequel, but I loved The Stereotypical Freaks more. I do love that all the comics are in colour though!
I cannot wait to see what Hockey Karma has in store for me!
October 10, 2016
*A free copy was provided by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A very moving story about friendship and how accepting the help of those around you can get you through the most difficult paths, which you should never have to face alone.
There's also some interesting approach to how the media and the general environment affect the lives of sports players, and their relationship with an activity that should be of sheer enjoyment for those who decide to get involved in it.
For something so short, it was amazing how deep the narrative went.
Also, the illustrations are adorable. They really complete the great dialogue.
A very moving story about friendship and how accepting the help of those around you can get you through the most difficult paths, which you should never have to face alone.
There's also some interesting approach to how the media and the general environment affect the lives of sports players, and their relationship with an activity that should be of sheer enjoyment for those who decide to get involved in it.
For something so short, it was amazing how deep the narrative went.
Also, the illustrations are adorable. They really complete the great dialogue.
June 2, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
THE HOCKEY SAINT by Howard Shapiro is the second book in a trilogy of young adult graphic novels, and is a story about Tom Leonard, a young man in college and a hockey player with a huge passion for the sport.
Tom lives with his grandmother after the death of both parents due to a car accident involving a drunk driver, and is still dealing with that as he tries to do well both in his studies and on the ice.
Jeremiah Jacobson is a high profile hockey star that is dealing with the disillusionment of constant press invasions on his life, and unfair portrayal of him causing him to put up a wall that isolates him from others, including his fans.
Tom happens to meet Jeremiah, and the star player is drawn to Tom after learning of the death of his parents, and reveals private details of his personal life to Tom with the understanding that it’s not to be shared with others.
Jeremiah shows a good side of himself in his behind the scenes support of a food bank and other charities, but Tom is concerned about excessive drinking being a potential problem for his new friend.
Tom is approached by an individual representing himself as a security agent for the league, and who tries to extract damaging information on Jeremiah with promises of payment as a reward.
Eventually, Tom gathers the courage to approach Jeremiah regarding the drinking, and has already warned him about the agent, but Jeremiah refuses to listen to his wife that he’s kept secret from the press, or Tom, and lashes out in anger at Tom causing a rift between the two.
Will Tom be lured by a possible large payday for damaging information about Jeremiah, or will Jeremiah see the light and try to turn his life around and reconnect with his fans?
I grew up playing hockey from a young age, so I read this book with interest knowing that it was targeting youths, but still found it an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend to a young person, as there are some positive messages here regarding putting things in perspective and setting priorities, but most of all being true to who you really are as a person.
3 stars.
THE HOCKEY SAINT by Howard Shapiro is the second book in a trilogy of young adult graphic novels, and is a story about Tom Leonard, a young man in college and a hockey player with a huge passion for the sport.
Tom lives with his grandmother after the death of both parents due to a car accident involving a drunk driver, and is still dealing with that as he tries to do well both in his studies and on the ice.
Jeremiah Jacobson is a high profile hockey star that is dealing with the disillusionment of constant press invasions on his life, and unfair portrayal of him causing him to put up a wall that isolates him from others, including his fans.
Tom happens to meet Jeremiah, and the star player is drawn to Tom after learning of the death of his parents, and reveals private details of his personal life to Tom with the understanding that it’s not to be shared with others.
Jeremiah shows a good side of himself in his behind the scenes support of a food bank and other charities, but Tom is concerned about excessive drinking being a potential problem for his new friend.
Tom is approached by an individual representing himself as a security agent for the league, and who tries to extract damaging information on Jeremiah with promises of payment as a reward.
Eventually, Tom gathers the courage to approach Jeremiah regarding the drinking, and has already warned him about the agent, but Jeremiah refuses to listen to his wife that he’s kept secret from the press, or Tom, and lashes out in anger at Tom causing a rift between the two.
Will Tom be lured by a possible large payday for damaging information about Jeremiah, or will Jeremiah see the light and try to turn his life around and reconnect with his fans?
I grew up playing hockey from a young age, so I read this book with interest knowing that it was targeting youths, but still found it an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend to a young person, as there are some positive messages here regarding putting things in perspective and setting priorities, but most of all being true to who you really are as a person.
3 stars.
July 29, 2018
I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Hockey Saint values the importance of friendship between main character Tom Leonard and hockey legend, Jeremiah Jacobson. Jacobson is also a hockey saint as he is charitable, good-natured, and an all-around good man in the public eye. However, Jacobson struggles with the pressures of stardom and turns to alcohol to relieve some of that stress.
One of the main issues I had with this novel is the writing style. I didn’t like the way that conversations were conveyed with no indication of who the speaker is at the moment. At first, I thought the novel was in verse because of the layout. Then, I realized that it’s a novel with graphics conveying some scenes. It is different and took some getting used to.
The second thing I didn’t really enjoy were the character’s themselves. Although there is heavy content involved, I didn’t feel any empathy for Jeremiah. I think it was the execution coupled with the writing style that fell flat for me.
The Hockey Saint values the importance of friendship between main character Tom Leonard and hockey legend, Jeremiah Jacobson. Jacobson is also a hockey saint as he is charitable, good-natured, and an all-around good man in the public eye. However, Jacobson struggles with the pressures of stardom and turns to alcohol to relieve some of that stress.
One of the main issues I had with this novel is the writing style. I didn’t like the way that conversations were conveyed with no indication of who the speaker is at the moment. At first, I thought the novel was in verse because of the layout. Then, I realized that it’s a novel with graphics conveying some scenes. It is different and took some getting used to.
The second thing I didn’t really enjoy were the character’s themselves. Although there is heavy content involved, I didn’t feel any empathy for Jeremiah. I think it was the execution coupled with the writing style that fell flat for me.
June 4, 2019
2.5 stars.
Copy provided by Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
I must say, this isn’t one of the best comic books I have ever read. I didn’t care for the many character and I found many of the characters reactions annoying.
In that being said I enjoyed the first half of this comic, but started to lose interest when the “villain” was introduced. I finished it but im not sure I’ll be reading any more works of this author.
Copy provided by Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
I must say, this isn’t one of the best comic books I have ever read. I didn’t care for the many character and I found many of the characters reactions annoying.
In that being said I enjoyed the first half of this comic, but started to lose interest when the “villain” was introduced. I finished it but im not sure I’ll be reading any more works of this author.
July 2, 2018
But these are great for kids who may not like reading or kids who enjoy real-life comics. Would recommend! Downloaded from Netgalley (auto-approved for this publisher on there). But these are great for kids who may not like reading or kids who enjoy real-life comics. Would recommend! Downloaded from Netgalley (auto-approved for this publisher on there). This has been out since 2014 so can purchase now. Yay!
December 13, 2017
I was given this book by NetGalley and Animal Media Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
3 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I had problems with the formatting on my e-reader so it made it a bit hard to follow at times but when I got into the story it was quite enjoyable. The artwork was very clean and I thought the colors were vibrant. I really enjoyed the character arc of Jacobson and the fact that everyone got theirs in the end really. It was quite satisfying.
3 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I had problems with the formatting on my e-reader so it made it a bit hard to follow at times but when I got into the story it was quite enjoyable. The artwork was very clean and I thought the colors were vibrant. I really enjoyed the character arc of Jacobson and the fact that everyone got theirs in the end really. It was quite satisfying.
September 26, 2015
I got this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
You know, when you open a book for the first time and you smell it... Sometimes it's musty old-book smell, sometimes it's shiny new-book smell... Other times it's just chemical... Especially when it comes to highly inked book. And this time it was undoubtedly chemical. And book chemical isn't as good as black indelible marker chemical.
Anyway. I like hockey. I do play hockey, even if being Italian and a girl has never helped that. Still, I'm barely aware that Italy is out of the 8 top national team tournaments; I used to watch WC hockey matches on the Slovenian TV and I was cursing the Italian TV because it didn't broadcast any hockey matches during the last Olympic Games. NHL is something so far away that on Italian newspapers you just get articles about it at the end of the season to announce the winner of the Stanley Cup.
End of preamble.
My rating for this book should be split into two different ratings: ★ for the art and ★★★★ for the plot.
I really like the story. I had some troubles with the word "CAHL" 'cause I didn't know what it meant and it was something that popped up a lot in the novel. And it was also a bit difficult to understand hockey and its televised world. In order to make the setting more familiar to me, I had to turn Jeremiah into some sort of football player. For this reason, I can't say if the world that the author has created may correspond to reality or not but sure it was believable.
Jeremiah and Tom are believable characters, even if I think that Jeremiah wasn't a likeable hero. Felicty was a nice counterpart in a all-male environment.
For what the art is concerned... well, that didn't work at all for me. Maybe it's because I've read too many manga and my eyes are used to a kawaii kind of art. This means that the drawings I'm used to are usually very detailed and they are able to express a whole range of emotion. Here I actually didn't like the way the author draws the facial features of the characters. It's seems to be a bit too sketchy. I felt like I wasn't able to read emotions in the characters' face. Again, that could be because I'm used to a completely different way of drawing. Still, Jeremiah's stubbles were a bit ugly; they seems little worms... :-)
I also find the colors to be a bit too dark for my taste. But I just love garish color and here brown tones are the predominant ones.
To sum it up, I loved the story and I dislike the art. Still, I'm waiting to read The Stereotypical Freaks. I've ordered it and it's on its way to me.
I would also like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of the book and a promo T-shirt, which - I can assure - will be used for playing (street) hockey as soon as the weather allows it.
You know, when you open a book for the first time and you smell it... Sometimes it's musty old-book smell, sometimes it's shiny new-book smell... Other times it's just chemical... Especially when it comes to highly inked book. And this time it was undoubtedly chemical. And book chemical isn't as good as black indelible marker chemical.
Anyway. I like hockey. I do play hockey, even if being Italian and a girl has never helped that. Still, I'm barely aware that Italy is out of the 8 top national team tournaments; I used to watch WC hockey matches on the Slovenian TV and I was cursing the Italian TV because it didn't broadcast any hockey matches during the last Olympic Games. NHL is something so far away that on Italian newspapers you just get articles about it at the end of the season to announce the winner of the Stanley Cup.
End of preamble.
My rating for this book should be split into two different ratings: ★ for the art and ★★★★ for the plot.
I really like the story. I had some troubles with the word "CAHL" 'cause I didn't know what it meant and it was something that popped up a lot in the novel. And it was also a bit difficult to understand hockey and its televised world. In order to make the setting more familiar to me, I had to turn Jeremiah into some sort of football player. For this reason, I can't say if the world that the author has created may correspond to reality or not but sure it was believable.
Jeremiah and Tom are believable characters, even if I think that Jeremiah wasn't a likeable hero. Felicty was a nice counterpart in a all-male environment.
For what the art is concerned... well, that didn't work at all for me. Maybe it's because I've read too many manga and my eyes are used to a kawaii kind of art. This means that the drawings I'm used to are usually very detailed and they are able to express a whole range of emotion. Here I actually didn't like the way the author draws the facial features of the characters. It's seems to be a bit too sketchy. I felt like I wasn't able to read emotions in the characters' face. Again, that could be because I'm used to a completely different way of drawing. Still, Jeremiah's stubbles were a bit ugly; they seems little worms... :-)
I also find the colors to be a bit too dark for my taste. But I just love garish color and here brown tones are the predominant ones.
To sum it up, I loved the story and I dislike the art. Still, I'm waiting to read The Stereotypical Freaks. I've ordered it and it's on its way to me.
I would also like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of the book and a promo T-shirt, which - I can assure - will be used for playing (street) hockey as soon as the weather allows it.
October 11, 2014
3.75 stars
About the Book: Release Date September 10, 2014
Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable.
Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?
~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--THE HOCKEY SAINT is a graphic novel focusing on college sophomore and hockey player Tom Leonard and his friendship with professional hockey star Jeremiah Jacobson. Written by Howard Shapiro, and illustrated by Marica Inoue and color work by Andres Mossa, The Hockey Saint is a storyline for all ages with a message about the excesses that can come with fame and fortune. As Tom struggles with balancing his studies and playing hockey, he will get some unintentional life lessons from Jeremiah Jacobson.
I do not usually review graphic novels but I thought the premise involving the sport of hockey was interesting and something out of the usual. The story follows two young men caught up in the fame and notoriety of hockey stardom-one who has yet to see his star rise and the other who is heading for a downward spiral.
Each chapter is prefaced with a recommended song list as well as a chapter title. The graphic images are clear and colorful; the text is equally legible with no foul language, no sexual content, no violence or innuendo. The writing is simple and easy to understand. The storyline is a message about drinking and driving; smoking and drinking to excess. Even the image of the worshipped hero leaves little to the imagination about the long term affects of substance abuse on the body.
THE HOCKEY SAINT is great book for the young graphic novel reader. If you are looking for a storyline about hockey and sports heroes with a happily ever after, The Hockey Saint is the perfect gift for the holiday season or any time of year.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
About the Book: Release Date September 10, 2014
Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable.
Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?
~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--THE HOCKEY SAINT is a graphic novel focusing on college sophomore and hockey player Tom Leonard and his friendship with professional hockey star Jeremiah Jacobson. Written by Howard Shapiro, and illustrated by Marica Inoue and color work by Andres Mossa, The Hockey Saint is a storyline for all ages with a message about the excesses that can come with fame and fortune. As Tom struggles with balancing his studies and playing hockey, he will get some unintentional life lessons from Jeremiah Jacobson.
I do not usually review graphic novels but I thought the premise involving the sport of hockey was interesting and something out of the usual. The story follows two young men caught up in the fame and notoriety of hockey stardom-one who has yet to see his star rise and the other who is heading for a downward spiral.
Each chapter is prefaced with a recommended song list as well as a chapter title. The graphic images are clear and colorful; the text is equally legible with no foul language, no sexual content, no violence or innuendo. The writing is simple and easy to understand. The storyline is a message about drinking and driving; smoking and drinking to excess. Even the image of the worshipped hero leaves little to the imagination about the long term affects of substance abuse on the body.
THE HOCKEY SAINT is great book for the young graphic novel reader. If you are looking for a storyline about hockey and sports heroes with a happily ever after, The Hockey Saint is the perfect gift for the holiday season or any time of year.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 14, 2016
So this was a really great book and it made me super happy! This is partly because I received some really exciting news that made me really, really happy but this book shows that friendship rules!!!!
I am quite happy that I really liked this one as I read the first one last year and really loved it. This fall into a category that I like to contemporary graphic novels because both of these tackle issues that deal with real life and I know that I don't really read a lot of these graphic novels, but I would definitely like to see more.
The book follows the budding relationship of Jeremiah and Tom who gets to be friends with his "hockey saint" and the challenges that follow...
I really enjoyed the plot to this, the friendship definitely it was slow building one and was really nice to see how the relationship grew. Granted there was a lack of plot but it was definitely character driven and this is something that I personally really enjoy. Although I am not a great lover of sport and there was lots of hockey, I don't think this damped my view of the story and did make it more interesting. I definitely also liked the ending and it was a perfect way to end the story.
The characters in this graphic novel were also great and there was no character that I really disliked. I definitely like both main characters, Tom, and Jeremiah and it was so nice to see their characters develop over the course of the graphic novel and stick by their friendships even though Tom was in some bad situations, this didn't prevent him deserting Jeremiah. I definitely also like who Jeremiah was a lot more developed than his celebrity persona.
The artwork in this graphic novel is also wonderful. It was bright and colourful and I really enjoyed it. My only problem with this was the fact that I read this book and the speech did not match up with the artwork although this was not that much of an issue.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Hockey Saint and I highly recommend it.
I am quite happy that I really liked this one as I read the first one last year and really loved it. This fall into a category that I like to contemporary graphic novels because both of these tackle issues that deal with real life and I know that I don't really read a lot of these graphic novels, but I would definitely like to see more.
The book follows the budding relationship of Jeremiah and Tom who gets to be friends with his "hockey saint" and the challenges that follow...
I really enjoyed the plot to this, the friendship definitely it was slow building one and was really nice to see how the relationship grew. Granted there was a lack of plot but it was definitely character driven and this is something that I personally really enjoy. Although I am not a great lover of sport and there was lots of hockey, I don't think this damped my view of the story and did make it more interesting. I definitely also liked the ending and it was a perfect way to end the story.
The characters in this graphic novel were also great and there was no character that I really disliked. I definitely like both main characters, Tom, and Jeremiah and it was so nice to see their characters develop over the course of the graphic novel and stick by their friendships even though Tom was in some bad situations, this didn't prevent him deserting Jeremiah. I definitely also like who Jeremiah was a lot more developed than his celebrity persona.
The artwork in this graphic novel is also wonderful. It was bright and colourful and I really enjoyed it. My only problem with this was the fact that I read this book and the speech did not match up with the artwork although this was not that much of an issue.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Hockey Saint and I highly recommend it.
September 29, 2014
I must admit football is my favorite sport. No, I mean American football. Unfortunately National Football League has been under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Its sad that a few bad apples can reflect poorly on a league that has over 2,000 players but that is the world we live in. Professional athletes are held to a higher standard because they serve as role models whether they want to or not. What does this have to do with books? It has everything to do with The Hockey Saint.
Tom Leonard is a college sophomore with a lot on his mind. Personal tragedy rocks his world and hockey becomes his escape. He is a very talented player and proves himself to the coach and the team. One evening Tom meets his hockey hero Jeremiah Jacobson and Jeremiah takes Tom under his wing. This friendship blossoms and Tom realizes you can’t always believe what you hear in the press. After seeing first hand that his idol is charitable, Tom finds that idols aren’t perfect.
Critically acclaimed author Howard Shapiro has put another great ensemble together for this graphic novel. The Hockey Saint is illustrated by Marica Inoue, colored by Andres Mossa of “Spiderman” & “Deadpool” works and featuring a cover drawn by Neil Googe of “Batman & Judge Dredd works. Shapiro marries illustration and text to tell a great story that teens and adults can relate to.
I have not been a big fan of the graphic novel but The Hockey Saint changed that. This story was thoughtful and quite cleverly written. The dialog was believable and as I found myself so absorbed into this story I felt somewhat like a voyeur. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many more Howard Shapiro books.
Tom Leonard is a college sophomore with a lot on his mind. Personal tragedy rocks his world and hockey becomes his escape. He is a very talented player and proves himself to the coach and the team. One evening Tom meets his hockey hero Jeremiah Jacobson and Jeremiah takes Tom under his wing. This friendship blossoms and Tom realizes you can’t always believe what you hear in the press. After seeing first hand that his idol is charitable, Tom finds that idols aren’t perfect.
Critically acclaimed author Howard Shapiro has put another great ensemble together for this graphic novel. The Hockey Saint is illustrated by Marica Inoue, colored by Andres Mossa of “Spiderman” & “Deadpool” works and featuring a cover drawn by Neil Googe of “Batman & Judge Dredd works. Shapiro marries illustration and text to tell a great story that teens and adults can relate to.
I have not been a big fan of the graphic novel but The Hockey Saint changed that. This story was thoughtful and quite cleverly written. The dialog was believable and as I found myself so absorbed into this story I felt somewhat like a voyeur. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many more Howard Shapiro books.
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