Curling Books Not to Skip

Do you think curling rocks? Do you think about curling rocks? For you, I have hacked away at the collection to find sweeping titles that might have a-peel.

At least, that’s the angle on this sheet!

Those who wish to curl may wish to grab one of these 3 titles:

Curling for Dummies
by Bob Weeks

His credentials include editing and co-publishing the Ontario Curling Report, as well as being a player. The major draw back to his book is a flaw in many Dummies guides: the book is black and white. This makes learning difficult in certain situations, such as the lay of the ice sheet and its zones. Otherwise, this is a broad reaching guidebook. Not only does it include most of the information available in the next two titles, but also covers:
• Kids curling
• Coaching
• Canadian Fandom
• World Championships
• The Top 10 Skips and Matches
• Core web and magazine resources

Curl to Win: expert advice to improve your game
by Russ Howard

Russ Howard has many credentials, including an Olympic gold medal, membership in the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, and he was named Sweep magazine’s ‘Curler of the Century’. His book provides introductory and advanced skills. For example, chapter 5 teaches shot selection, and provides 20 instructional scenarios that apply these techniques. Chapter 6 contains the clearest definitions of the 4 (or 5) positions on a team. Among its other unique attributes are:
• A handy glossary
• A Code of Ethics
• The General Rules of Play

Curling Secrets: how to think & play like a pro
by Colleen Jones

Haligonian Jones is both a multiple curling champion and a professional commentator for both NBC and our own CBC. Her experience, paired with excellent photography, provides the basics for novices through to the semi-pro. She offers:
• Training tips for the on and off season
• How to practice at home
• Appropriate exercises and stretches
• How to develop your team

For those more interested in sports writing, try one of these 2 titles:

Tales of a Curling Hack
by Doug Maxwell

With over 50 years of curling journalism under his belt, his book offers a historical view of the sport through personal anecdotes. His focus is primarily Canadian, ranging from the small clubhouse to the Brier, then all the way to the Olympics. See also his previous book, Canada Curls: the Illustrated History of Curling in Canada.

The Roaring Game: a sweeping saga of curling
by Doug Clark

As with Maxwell’s book, Clark’s studies curling from its origins in Scotland to its cultural role in Canada. What differs between these books are Clark’s tongue-in-cheek humour and ridiculous puns.

And yes, curling offers enough angles to fill the blank end of any sheet. Once you’re in the zone.