Rating: 
Summary: Perfect marks for this one!
Review: Being a fan of a sport such as figure skating, in a country where we don't have winter, is quite hard. I don't get to see as many competitions or information. It is refreshing to have internet, magazines, and a great book such as The Second Mark. It was so good that I couldn't put it down. Goodwin captured the escense of these six extraordinary athletes in a wonderful way. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a great story.
Rating:
Summary: couldn't put it down!
Review: Every single member of my family has read this book and loved it! Even though none of us are really figure skating fans, we were totally fascinated by Joy Goodwin's work and the glimpses she gave us of life in China, in Russia and in northern Canada. The book really makes you love and care about all the people in it -- Goodwin writes with an unbelievable eye for revealing detail, and a warmth and sympathy that makes every page a pleasure to read. I've been recommending The Second Mark to everyone!
Rating:
Summary: couldn't put it down!
Review: Every single member of my family has read this book and loved it! Even though none of us are really figure skating fans, we were totally fascinated by Joy Goodwin's work and the glimpses she gave us of life in China, in Russia and in northern Canada. The book really makes you love and care about all the people in it -- Goodwin writes with an unbelievable eye for revealing detail, and a warmth and sympathy that makes every page a pleasure to read. I've been recommending The Second Mark to everyone!
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: For the second time Amazon.com has removed my book review that gave this book a low rating. Is this just to bring up the overall rating of the book? It certainly did that, when two reviews with one star were removed. Is this a trick to sell more copies? If Amazon.com does not want honest opinions, don't ask for customer reviews. I wrote two complete reviews of this book twice and I am fed up with Amazon.com. That's yet another reason to not buy the book. However, I will put my two cents here (yet again). The book has several factual inaccuracies which makes the analysis suspect. There are pages after pages of detailed descriptions of the skaters' lives, and speculations that make this more like a boring novel than a description of true events. I have heard and read all about the pairs event in Salt City Olympics. This book adds nothing to it, except for a few pictures. I would not waste my money on this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting take on an appalling scandal
Review: Goodwin covers the Salt Lake figure skating debacle with style, if not altogether truth - the Russian pair gave a superb performance that on any other night would have been worthy of Olympic gold (and still might have in an uncorrupted panel, since it's a subjective sport). Bad judging, however, is nothing new; it takes place at all levels from the recreational ISI to the Olympics. Recommend for those who are interested in the scandal - otherwise, there's really nothing new that skaters and people who closely follow the sport don't already know.
Rating:
Summary: Truth in Advertising?
Review: Have already written my review of this book. It was displayed for one day (?) but has now been removed. Do you print only positive reviews? Is this "truth in advertising"? I believe my review followed your guidelines.
Rating:
Summary: surprising, involving and lovely
Review: I dare you to try to read this book in more than one sitting. Goodwin takes you deep into the minds and environments of all these skaters and their families, with all kinds of beautiful and telling details. International sports competitions like the Olympics really say volumes about who we are as cultures, and as individuals. Skating fans will love this book--but so will any sports fan curious about other cultures and human nature. An amazing read.
Rating:
Summary: fascinating read, great stories
Review: I dont' know much about skating, but a friend who does reccomended this book to me. I loved it. I think Joy Goodwin did a fabulous job of explaining the sport and some of its famous personalities. I may even start watching it on TV!
Rating:
Summary: The Second Mark
Review: I enjoyed learning more about each of these skaters. I never knew that Elena was paralyzed on one side and the complete story behind what happened, and how her former partner was jealous of Anton. All 3 stories were moving, and this was a great book! Very nicely done!
Rating:
Summary: The Second Mark
Review: I enjoyed learning more about each of these skaters. I never knew that Elena was paralyzed on one side and the complete story behind what happened, and how her former partner was jealous of Anton. All 3 stories were moving, and this was a great book! Very nicely done!
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