Keon and Me

In Keon and Me, author David Bidini examines his childhood in 1970s Toronto and his connection to hockey legend Dave Keon of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The narrative moves between Bidini's memories as a young hockey fan and his present-day mission to track down the famously private Keon. The book explores Bidini's experiences with bullying during his school years and how his admiration for Keon helped him navigate those challenges. Through research and interviews, Bidini reconstructs Keon's career with the Leafs and the circumstances that led to the player's decades-long estrangement from the organization. The parallel stories create a portrait of two individuals - a young boy and his hockey idol - dealing with personal struggles in different eras of Toronto. Bidini's quest to understand and connect with Keon drives the narrative forward. At its core, this memoir examines the complex relationship between athletes and their fans, while reflecting on how childhood heroes can shape our development and identity. The book considers themes of loyalty, reconciliation, and the lasting impact of early experiences.

Readers praised Bidini's personal connection to Dave Keon and how the book captures both Toronto hockey culture and 1970s childhood nostalgia. Many highlighted the authenticity of Bidini's memories about growing up as a Maple Leafs fan. Several readers noted they learned new details about Keon's career and appreciated the parallel storytelling between Bidini's youth and his present-day quest to meet Keon. A Goodreads reviewer called it "more of a memoir than a biography." Some readers found the narrative structure confusing and wanted more focus on Keon himself rather than Bidini's experiences. Others mentioned the book could be shorter and more focused. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) Amazon.ca: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Amazon.com: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) "A love letter to both Dave Keon and childhood hockey dreams" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much about the author, not enough about the player" - Amazon reviewer

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🏒 Dave Bidini, beyond his writing career, is a founding member of the Canadian indie rock band The Rheostatics, bringing both musical and literary artistry to his work. 📚 The book explores not just Dave Keon's hockey career, but also addresses the broader cultural landscape of 1970s Toronto and the impact of hockey on Canadian identity. 🌟 Keon, the subject of the book, was the youngest player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) at age 26, a record that stood for over 40 years. 🏆 Before writing this memoir, Bidini had already established himself as a prominent voice in hockey literature with books like "Tropic of Hockey" and "The Best Game You Can Name." 🍁 Dave Keon refused to have his number retired by the Toronto Maple Leafs for decades due to a bitter falling out with the organization, making his story one of the most intriguing rifts in NHL history.