99: Stories of the Game

By: Wayne Gretzky

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In this sports memoir, Wayne Gretzky weaves memories of his legendary career with an inside look at professional hockey and the heroes and stories that inspired him. From minor-hockey phenomenon to Hall of Fame sensation, Wayne Gretzky rewrote the record books, his accomplishments becoming the stuff of legend. Dubbed “The Great One”, he is considered by many to be the greatest hockey player who ever lived. No one has seen more of the game than he has - but he has never discussed in depth just what it was he saw.

For the first time, Gretzky discusses candidly what the game looks like to him and introduces us to the people who inspired and motivated him: Mentors, teammates, rivals, the famous and the lesser known. Weaving together lives and moments from an extraordinary career, he reflects on the players who inflamed his imagination when he was a kid, the way he himself figured in the dreams of so many who came after; takes us onto the ice and into the dressing rooms to meet the friends who stood by him and the rivals who spurred him to greater heights; shows us some of the famous moments in hockey history through the eyes of someone who regularly made that history. Warm, direct, and revelatory, it is an audiobook that gives us number 99, the man and the player, like never before.

©2016 Wayne Gretzky (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The Great One delivers a personal history of the National Hockey League...Gretzky’s sense of his sport’s history rings clearly throughout these pages, as if he is the tour guide of a museum in which he also has created some of the best art.... This enjoyable book provides an overview that will educate longtime fans and relative newcomers alike.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Arguably the best player in the history of hockey, [Gretzky] has written a warm and enthusiastic collection of memories and stories. This book showcases some of hockey’s best moments through the keen eyes of an avid student, lover, and ambassador of the game. VERDICT: Essential for all hockey fans, old and new.” (Library Journal)

“Wayne Gretzky’s 99 glides across a lifetime of high sticks and higher stakes.” (Vanity Fair)

Great book

This is a really good book. Whether you are a casual hockey fan or a serious hockey fan or maybe even a brand new fan there is a little bit of everything in the book for everyone.

MUST READ FOR ALL HOCKEY FANS (AND FOR ALMOST ANYONE ELSE!)

I loved every about this book - at first I was weary to purchase this considering it’s a bit over 12 hours I believe. Now I couldn’t be happier I purchased it; I’m already going to start is from the beginning even though I just finished it. I promise this is a SPECTACULAR book - so buy it regardless of how much you love hockey or even for anyone clueless about the sport will love it. Great stories, even better life lessons.

Great hockey history

Gretzky has a great knowledge of the game and hockey history and shares many great stories of past and present. However, the book lacks much of Gretzky's own experiences and stories as many of the stories he tells are about other people. The reader is not Gretzky which was disappointing and his performance lacks energy and becomes a little monotone. Overall, if you're a hockey fan you'll enjoy the book.

Great hockey stories

Wayne Gretzky is a tremendous hockey guy, player,ambassador etc.. this book will be most enjoyed by hockey players and fans of all ages. If you're looking to hear dirt on other players or his family and friends remember this is Wayne Gretzky and he's the ultimate class act.

KILLLER BOOK

Wow,

I grew up playing and thought I knew a lot of the game. This book was some really cool insight and some even better stories of past!!

Love it.

This is so nostalgic, I love it! The narrator is a perfect fit. The story follows a very wide scope while keeping things interesting and on topic throughout the truly enthralling tales of The Great One's life. A+++++

loved it

Not a big hockey fan. But loved this book. Great stories and history. learned a lot.

Fantastic

Loved this one. It's like a hockey history lesson.
Loved how Gretzky gave his story along with stories of others.

Thank you Wayne, for writing this book!

Great book! The history, stories, and personal recollections of Wayne Gretzky are priceless! Loved the book. I will probably listen to it once a year just to refresh my memory of the information and stories.

Great stories throughout the years

I loved all the many stories that are being told in this book. he covers so many of the years of hockey, with many little tidbits of interesting information. I thought it was well structured and well narrated.