Helpful Score: 2
In the book "Alexander Ovechkin", author Geoffrey Landsdell displays some weaknesses and some signs of a mandate to"write it quick and get it out to the market". His biggest weakness is an obvious interest and a bias in favor of his subject. However, this "weakness" also helps the biographer overcome the "quick hit" feeling and become something worth reading.
What makes me think that this book was rushed to market? Well, for starters, some 42 pages almost 25% of the content is devoted to the history of Russians in the NHL and an evaluation / quick biographical sketch on the most notable. Interesting material, BUT only tangentially related to the subject of the book.
Fortunately, that means that 75% of the book IS devoted to Ovechkin. The author shows all sides of his subject even if he is quick to forgive his shortcomings and to shoot down his critics. It talks about his history, it talks about his family (although he could not get much information on Ovechkin's late brother, a subject that the family does not like to discuss publicly).
"Alexander Ovechkin" is a quick read, and the book is inexpensive I admit that I'm surprised to say this, BUT, despite my early misgivings, it's worth the time and money.
RATING: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not accepted.
What makes me think that this book was rushed to market? Well, for starters, some 42 pages almost 25% of the content is devoted to the history of Russians in the NHL and an evaluation / quick biographical sketch on the most notable. Interesting material, BUT only tangentially related to the subject of the book.
Fortunately, that means that 75% of the book IS devoted to Ovechkin. The author shows all sides of his subject even if he is quick to forgive his shortcomings and to shoot down his critics. It talks about his history, it talks about his family (although he could not get much information on Ovechkin's late brother, a subject that the family does not like to discuss publicly).
"Alexander Ovechkin" is a quick read, and the book is inexpensive I admit that I'm surprised to say this, BUT, despite my early misgivings, it's worth the time and money.
RATING: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not accepted.
