Emily McDermott Reviews “The Original” by Norm Beaudin & Kim Passante

The Original by Norm Beaudin with Kim Passante is an inspirational autobiography revolving around the triumphs and hardships that life has to offer. Written as an older gentleman, Norm Beaudin reflects upon his years growing up before the age of technology, how he managed to make his passion for hockey his career, and his relationship as a loving husband and devoted father. While there are many autobiographies written that revolve around some of the most famous athletes to exist, what makes The Original so special is Beaudin’s positive attitude and honest reflection on his experiences. He makes sure to remind readers that life as a professional athlete was not always as glamorous as it seemed, especially during the mid to late 1900s, but  that his life would not have been fulfilling without taking the challenges head on and conquering whatever obstacle got in his way.

For those who are a fan of the sport of hockey, The Original offers what might be an unknown addition to their knowledge on the history of the National Hockey League. From a young age, Beaudin knew he was meant to play hockey, referencing his natural ability to make plays happen and score goals. No stranger to travel, Beaudin was constantly moving between teams, trying to make his dream come true and play professional hockey. Unlike today’s league, the NHL during the mid-1900s cared little about the well-being of its players, offered little pay, and provided minimal stability, thus making it incredibly challenging for Beaudin to both provide for his family and fulfill his dream. When the opportunity arose for a new league to be formed, the World Hockey Association, and rival the NHL, Norm Beaudin was offered a deal he couldn’t refuse. Becoming a player on the new Winnipeg Jets team allowed him to have it all while also being a part of the movement that forced the NHL to change its toxic ways, ultimately creating a healthier future for players.

Although Beaudin was able to achieve his dream of playing professional hockey, he makes sure to note that it did not come without its hardships. The constant travel put a lot of pressure on his wife, who had to deliver, move, and take care of four children almost entirely on her own. Everytime they would start to settle roots somewhere, life would take them somewhere new, making it difficult for the Beaudin family to form any long-term connections. Yet, he notes that they somehow managed to always view the constant moving as a positive, rather than a negative. He notes that throughout the years, they “really didn’t take the attitude that [they] were leaving somewhere, but rather that [they] were going somewhere”. This mindset that Beaudin promotes throughout the story allows for readers to feel inspired to embrace change and evokes a motivational response towards accepting all the curveballs life can throw one’s way. 

Through Beaudin’s storytelling and humorous anecdotes, The Original is a perfect autobiography for those interested in learning more about the origins of hockey and those who simply want to read a story that will leave them feeling inspired.

---

ABOUT EMILY MCDERMOTT

Emily is a recent graduate of  Bridgewater State University where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Literature. While at Bridgewater State, Emily worked in the Academic Achievement Center as a writing consultant where she helped enrolled students with any stage of the writing process. Being in this position helped Emily realize that working as an editor might be something she could see herself doing as a career. Currently, she is employed for a small business in her hometown of Bridgewater, MA while actively searching for jobs within the publishing field. She spends most of her free time reading books, playing with her dogs Neely and Kevin, going on coffee runs with her friends, and watching the Bruins with her dad.