Zero Tollerance - the book

[Ladskater]

My husband found a copy of Tollers book in a used book store so purchased it for me. I know this book is a few years old now and has been discussed here once or twice; however, I am really enjoying it. It's very nostalgic for me as I was very familiar with some of the skaters Toller talks about - especially those from Vancouver at the time. I was very involved in figure skating in those years. It's almost like reliving those years. I remember Toller's influence on figure skating here in Canada. As he describes in his book it was sort of a love hate relationship between him and the CFSA (now Skate Canada). Toller always said something outrageous which put him in the bad books. Anyway, he will always remain a skating icon here in Canada. Toller, always controversial, but forever the incomparable artist.

 

[Arianne]

I loved reading Toller's book. He is a character! His second book is also fabulous...can't think of the name off-hand, but I loved it. It's great summer reading.

His art is incredible too...Toller is really a creative soul.

Arianne

 

[Ladskater]

Yes, indeed. I really love the story about his encounter with Charlotte the skater who invented the famous move now popular with skaters like Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen. Toller was really impressed with the ladies spirit - she could still lift her leg really high despite her age and condition - in a wheelchair no less!

I am enjoying reading about all these great skaters.

 

[dlkksk8fan]

Lad-
I love Toller. He is one of the most colorful individuals out there. He always has something to say. If you can, get a hold of his other books:

Ice Cream
When Hell Freezes Over

I love his art work on the inside of these books

 

[76olympics]

I have all three of these and I think they all pass the re-reading test. I believe my favorite is "Ice Cream." When I am down , I pick this up and it never fails to divert me. I corresponded with the co-author a few times ( she signed "Robin Cousins" for me) and she is the nicest person imaginable.

I keep hoping Toller will find some other tales to tell so that we will get a fourth volume. I think Ms. Kimball mentioned that he might be doing a book about his art and Mexico. I would be open to that too! He has a way with an anecdote and I loved her "corrective" or "augmentive" footnotes to his more controversial or colorful passages!!

 

[floskate]

These are absolute must-read books. Soooo many stories and countless comedy situations that Toller found himself in. I have all three and must have re-read them about 5 times each and still counting!

My favourite (if you can call it that - but as far as shocking goes I can't think of another to top it) is the devious and underhanded way in which Ondrei Nepala 'undermined' Tollers challenge for gold at the 1973 Worlds in Bratislava. Just and

 

[Ladskater]

I will have to look for the other books as well. Oh by the way, my husband had a humorous encounter while purchasing the books. A lady in the line up asked him:

"Figure skating books? You are a figure skater?"

My husband replied: "No my wife is, they are for her."

"Oh says the lady, I would never buy anything about figure skating.!!"

The cashier said: "I wouldn't either."

So my husband said: "Neither would I."

 

[Alsace]

My favourite (if you can call it that - but as far as shocking goes I can't think of another to top it) is the devious and underhanded way in which Ondrei Nepala 'undermined' Tollers challenge for gold at the 1973 Worlds in Bratislava. Just and

I don't think I read the book that contains that story. What was it (if it's appropriate for this board)?

 

[antmanb]

I have also heard (though have never read the books) that Toller's view of several competitions is very biased often presenting inaccurate facts to make his view seem more rational. But that in any event they are a lot of fun to read.

Ant

 

[76olympics]

Antmanb, that is where Ms. Kimball's "corrective/augmentive" footnotes come in. She will counter some of Toller's "recollections" with a contrary fact or statement from his coach, Ellen Burka, or other sources. I think it is one of the best features of the books and shows that Toller is quite willing to admit that he can be debated! ( even in his own books! :chorus

 

[antmanb]

Antmanb, that is where Ms. Kimball's "corrective/augmentive" footnotes come in. She will counter some of Toller's "recollections" with a contrary fact or statement from his coach, Ellen Burka, or other sources. I think it is one of the best features of the books and shows that Toller is quite willing to admit that he can be debated! ( even in his own books! :chorus

Cool! I never heard that about the books. I've always assumed i'd struggle to get them in the UK but may have to have a dig around to see if i can find them. Does anyone have a recommendation as to which one to read first?

Ant

 

[floskate]

I'm in the UK and have these books. You won't find them in a high Street bookstore I'm afraid Antmanb unless Waterstones can order them for you? Your best bet is either Ebay or Amazon.

And I would read them in order - Zero Tollerance, When Hell Freezes Over Should I Bring My Skates? and Ice Cream.

 

[antmanb]

I'm in the UK and have these books. You won't find them in a high Street bookstore I'm afraid Antmanb unless Waterstones can order them for you? Your best bet is either Ebay or Amazon.

And I would read them in order - Zero Tollerance, When Hell Freezes Over Should I Bring My Skates? and Ice Cream.

Excellent! Thanks for the recommendation and i'll try an dhunt them down on ebay and/or amazon.

Many thanks

Ant

 

[childfreegirl]

I don't think I read the book that contains that story. What was it (if it's appropriate for this board)?

Yeah, I cracked up reading that too. It's in his second book. No, it's not appropriate for the board. Sorry.

 

[Mafke]

Yeah, I cracked up reading that too. It's in his second book. No, it's not appropriate for the board. Sorry.

In other words, it involved sex.

My guesses:

- Nepala sent a prostitute to Cranston's hotel room the night before some stage of the competition.

- Brokeback Bratislava

 

[76olympics]

Mafke, Nepela didn't delegate ... to put it delicately. But, he didn't exert either. Toller however was played out. Now, I am backing totally away from the subject and encourage all to buy the book!

 

[Mafke]

76,

You're more subtle than I am, while still being perfectly clear, bravo (or brava as the case may be).

I'll now drop this subject forthwith except to note that that was the option I suspected

 

[floskate]

Mafke, Nepela didn't delegate ... to put it delicately. But, he didn't exert either. Toller however was played out. Now, I am backing totally away from the subject and encourage all to buy the book!

There is just no way I could have put this in quite such a refined way!!!

 

[Ravyn Rant]

- Brokeback Bratislava

Coffee, meet monitor.
I've read "Zero Tolerance" and "When Hell Freezes Over..." and really enjoyed both books. I get the impression that Toller would make a fascinating dinner guest - I could listen to him gossip for days!
xoxo
Rave

 

[childfreegirl]

There is just no way I could have put this in quite such a refined way!!!

Me either.