Reviews of “The Rocket”
 The Rocket“Rocket differs dramatically from most books about sports personalities. Instead, author Benoît Melançon… examines how the career of the hard-playing Canadiens star affected not just hockey, but also the social and political climate of "la belle province" as it forged its postwar identity of Quebec nationalism.” Metroland Media Group, Jun 27, 2009 Read more about The Rocket >> |
The Rocket“Thoroughly researched, well-written and cleanly translated, The Rocket is highly recommended for anyone whose interest in hockey extends beyond the action on the ice to the deeper significance of our national game.” Waterloo Region Record, Jun 26, 2009 Read more about The Rocket >> |
The Rocket"Melancon has succeeded wonderfully in this illustrated, matter-of-fact volume. Every anecdote and cheesy advertising campaign he recalls weaves the Rocket more deeply into the fabric of his time, and beyond." The Gazette, May 15, 2009 Read more about The Rocket >> |
The Rocket"The handsomely illustrated volume…shows no quit as a scrupulous record of the Richard commercial industry from its early days, during his playing career, right up until near his death in May, 2000." The Globe and Mail, May 15, 2009 Read more about The Rocket >> |
The Rocket“Melancon’s book is impressive in its exhaustive detail and breadth of information about all things Richard. …[The Rocket] manages to score a lot of points by convincingly proving how tightly Richard is woven into the fabric of Quebec society.” Winnipeg Free Press, May 2, 2009 Read more about The Rocket >> |
The Rocket“…refreshingly, Melancon has approached the Rocket myth with courage and honesty, and has kept his language simple and direct. He drives to the net, shaking off spurious connections and academic jargon. …Melancon brings in his tools to take apart the constellation hanging over Quebecers’ heads, and leaves just the right amount of work for the reader to put it back together. …It’s thought-provoking, yes, but also as exciting as sudden-death overtime.” Montreal Review of Books, Apr 28, 2009 Read more about The Rocket >> |