Publisher: Albion Press

There is no shortage of books that describe how participating in a particular sporting activity strengthens bonds between people. Falla's book accomplishes this feat through a collection of essays on backyard skating rinks and frozen ponds and how these local skating venues allow their participants to get in touch with the game of hockey in addition to building relationships with family and friends. The author, a sportswriter and author of Sports Illustrated Hockey, is the architect and CEO of his full-scale backyard rink, the Bacon Street Omni, around which neighborhood life seems to revolve during the long, cold months. Each essay is short and provides for excellent recreational reading for people interested in skating in general and hockey in particular. Throughout, the author's love for winter sports is clear, especially as a link between his New England childhood and his current life, but readers who have never put on a pair of skates may have trouble connecting with this well written book. --Library Journal

About Jack Falla

Mr. Falla was born in Cambridge and grew up in Winchester. He graduated from BU's College of Communication with a BA and an MA. He freelanced for many publications for several years, including Boston Magazine and The Hockey News then joined the staff of Sports Illustrated. Mr. Falla left SI working as public relations at the NHL.