When Hell Freezes Over: Should I Bring My Skates?

Once again, you'll be entertained with Toller's outrageous anecdotes about life as a famous figure skater. He details more of his struggles as an amateur skater in this book than in Zero Tollerance. He may act like a Drama Queen at times, but he is grounded enough not to take himself too seriously, and even pokes fun at himself. That honesty is what I like about his writing. He writes about a deranged fan who has stalked him for years and offers a vivid and quite hilarious account of dining with Liberace. You'll never look at Lee quite the same after reading Toller's experience with the famous entertainer. What I also found fascinating was Toller's opinions on today's skaters. He deplores the crass commercialism and outrageous behavior of some skaters, feeling that their behavior and attitude has done nothing to enhance the art of figure skating. He singles out the commercially popular Philippe Candeloro as a "Chippendale Dancer on Skates." You may not agree with what he has to say, but he is brutally honest and not afraid to speak his mind. He actually says what other people might think. Most importantly, if he describes a skater's faults, he also tells of their strengths. For example, Toller deplores Elvis' lack of artistry but admires his amazing technical skills. It's a shame that the CBC does not use Toller as a commentator, because he would be like a breath of fresh air instead of the usual boring dribble and fawning from today's skating commentators.

One of the most influential skaters of the 20th Century, and a man not afraid to speak out about the world of skating.This book is not exactly a sequel to ZERO TOLLERENCE, but it does give us some more biographical detail, regarding problems with drugs, his sometimes wild and crazy lifestyle, his painting, and his struggle to get his life on track. And, of course, Cranston's opinions on the world of figure skating--warts and all--are worth the price of the book alone. He's not afraid to criticize a sport that he helped to make popular--he sees the problems, and tells it like it is. And, from a man that has the experience and talent to back up those words, it means a great deal.Anyone who loves skating, and is concerned about the future of the sport ought to buy this book--what he says are wise words indeed.