Walter Gretzky: On Family, Hockey and Healing

Theresa Paltzat is the Smart Search librarian at the Edmonton Public
Library.

Walter Gretzky is one of Canada’s most famous fathers, admired by
hockey fans in general and fans of #99, Wayne Gretzky, in particular.
Walter Gretzky: On Family, Hockey and Healing is a two-part story. The
first part is an intimate look at the life and philosophy of the
well-respected coach. Gretzky describes his childhood in Ontario and his
part in raising five children. Hockey fans will enjoy his many stories
about traveling to hockey games to watch his boys play.

In the second half of the book, Gretzky describes his long and
difficult journey to health and a normal life after suffering a
debilitating, life-threatening stroke. He is painfully honest about his
loss of memory, his anger and grief, and his inability to do the most
basic tasks as he worked toward recovery. The Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Canada approached Gretzky with the belief that sharing his
story of stroke and recovery with readers would increase awareness of
this illness and thereby possibly save lives.

The book is well-written and easy to read. The author’s wife,
children, and friends contribute illuminating commentary throughout.