Sandra Schmirler: The queen of curling

by Perry Lefko

Book by Perry Lefko

Genres: Biography, Sports

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sarah]

It's not as if my expectations were sky-high, but the prose was often comically bad.

[Jordy]

Since it's Women's History Month, I'll open this review by stating that this novel passes the Bechedel test. In more sincerity, Sandra Schmirler was an amazing competitor and she left a remarkable impression in Canadian sports history before she was taken away too soon by cancer.

Great book, very concise, not the most eloquent writing style but it has its moments, time was wisely allocated towards the most important topics. I'm a bit shocked this book was published in 2000, which was the same year as her passing. I can't imagine how difficult it would have been to put together her story nor can I understand why there was such a rush to get it written.

[Benjamin Kahn]

The problem with writing a biography of Sandra Shmirler's life is there isn't much to write about. Beyond being an incredible curler and dying tragically young with two young daughters, Shmirler's life was unremarkable. Lefko tries to wring everything he can out of her short 36 years, but there's not enough there to warrant this book. Shmirler was a wonderful curler, a very charming woman, but a poor subject for a full-length book.

[Debbie Roeges]

Second or third time reading this book over the years. Still breaks my heart that she died at the tender age of 36 years only. I thoroughly enjoy seeing her grown daughters every year at the Scott Tournament of heart . When they talk about the Sandra day and donations for little babies.
Her second , Joan McCusker , is my cousin and she went on to be a motivational speaker.

They were an amazing group of curlers.

Definitely still a great read ❤️

[Danielle]

Being a girl from the Canadian Prairies I was so excited to read this book. Although the content was what I was hoping for, Sandra’s life story, the quality of writing wasn’t great. I think this book will still appeal to those who knew of and watched Sandra curl, but it’s not a well written biography for those looking for a good read.

[L J Cote]

An interesting and moving subject, but the book suffers from being rushed to market to capitalize on her untimely death.

[Shelby Lethbridge]

Finished it all in one sitting!

[C.J. Frederick]

I loved Sandra Schmirler. "Schmirler the Curler." She was an icon in my country's favorite winter sport (behind hockey). She had grace. She had grit. She had kindness. She also had cancer, which took her from us at age 36. This book just wasn't that interesting though, despite how marvelous Sandra Schmirler was. Just so-so. Read it if you must, but don't say I didn't warn you!

[Cheryl]

Inspirational. A must for every Canadian to read even if you're not a fan of curling!