—
“Local author and sports enthusiast, Laura Lieff, writes a thoroughly entertaining and informative book about her partner, Brian 'Wookie' Fleming and the world and history of snowboarding. Even, especially, if you know nothing about this winter sport, Laura’s book is a treasure trove of local history and fun information. Really enjoyed this book.”
"'Wookie is Not His Real Name' is an inside account of the life and career of an extreme sports pioneer and one of snowboarding’s underground heroes. Artfully crafted and immaculately written, it’s an incredible story of overcoming the odds when life’s course is forcefully altered. I can’t wait for the movie.”
“If you love a comeback story this is not one to miss! 'Wookie Is Not His Real Name' is a quick read that I couldn’t put down. Even if you know Wookie there’s stories in this book that are so fascinating that even his close friends may not have known! This book brought up wonderful memories of my own, with snowboarding on the mountain, learning to ‘ride logs’ and all why surrounded by a wonderful community! Do yourself a favor and pick this up today!”
“Lieff’s story took me on a journey of discovering a unique and talented person who took an unexpected fork in the road of his life plan. I have a Mary Englebreit picture on my desk at home that shows a young girl at a fork in the road. The banner at the top says, ‘Don't Look Back.’ The girl is walking down the road that says, ‘Your life’ on the street post. The other road says, ‘No longer an option.’ I have reflected on that often in my life and many times I found resolve around the choices I’ve made. Reading about Wookie’s choices when his life path changed was fascinating, I didn’t want to put the book down so I could see how life turned out. I felt inspired that he is now in such a good place, it provides hope and determination for any of us on the voyage through life.”
“It’s that book that you can’t put down until you’re completely finished. Hearing the comeback story of how life really was for 'Wook' really needed to be heard. As an ambassador of snowboarding and all-around awesome guy, Wookie’s the man you want on your team. Thanks for the memories.”
“I enjoyed reading 'Wookie is Not His Real Name!' It is a fun, informative and fairly quick read. Having lived in the Vail Valley for over 10 years and enjoyed most activities the area has to offer, it provided insight into a sport I had never experienced before! The bonus of the book was an inspirational story about the man behind the sport. Highly recommend to people living in, visiting or thinking about visiting the area!”
“Before picking this book, I thought I knew about Wookie, but I had no idea! The book takes you on a journey of the man, the myth, and the legend. I couldn’t put it down. From creating his own genre of snowboarding to re-inventing himself with new careers and hobbies, you will love the story and the way it’s told by the author. A great read!”
“'Wookie Is Not His Real Name' provides an authentic, honest look into the world of professional snowboarding, and an all-embracing account of the triumphs and defeats of one of its own. But, even more than that, it is an open love letter from the author to her family. I felt like one of the “cool kids” getting to peek into such a rooted athletic culture and honored to descend a layer deeper into the very personal – the people who enhance Wookie’s past, present, and future.”
“When you pick up a biography that also turns out to be a slight autobiography of the author, you are truly experiencing an honest and exciting story. The story of Wookie, from Japan, to SoCal, to Colorado...from BMX to skateboarding to snowboarding, is an incredible journey detailed beautifully by author Lieff. It's always a wonderful feeling knowing that people like Wookie exist and will always look out for others. An incredible story about trauma, overcoming, and persistence. Worth the read.”
"'Wookie is Not His Real Name' is the true story of a professional snowboarder and all the highs and lows he experienced along the way. Lieff spoke to Wookie's family and friends who know him best in order to deliver a detailed and engaging chronicle of his life. This is an easy, quick, and enjoyable read for both lovers and non-lovers of the sport of snowboarding."
“An adventurous biography of the author’s love of her life, ‘Wookie Is Not His Real Name’ depicts the life of a mountain local in the Vail Valley. Although Brian a.k.a. Wookie is a uniquely loving, outgoing, and warm human being, many locals, as we like to call ourselves, have experienced the struggles and successes over the years of living in the mountains just like Brian. Having Lieff, the author, put Brian’s life into her own words, gives her son a true picture of his accomplishments and their love for each other. While reading this book, my mind flooded with feelings of sadness, love, adventure, compassion, and warmth. Anyone who is remotely outdoorsy or athletic will enjoy the adventures of Wookie through life!”
"The Wook: Original. Unique. Important. The Book: One. Hell. Of. A. Story."
“A unique perspective on the culture of snowboarding. You don’t always get the direct stories of professional athletes, but Wookie’s tales of his love for riding in a small, Colorado mountain town give you firsthand perspective into the life of a living legend. Honest, authentic, and fun!”
"'Wookie Is Not His Real Name' is a fun read. The author shares an interesting history of snowboarding in Beaver Creek while following the path of a well-known local. Well worth the read!"
"'Wookie is Not His Real Name' is a fun and quick read that offers a behind the scenes look at a local legend who inspired the snowboarding culture in the Vail Valley and beyond. As a Vail Valley resident for six years I’ve often heard about the golden days of Beaver Creek’s past. It was fun to read more about what used to make this place so unique, and I loved learning more about Wookie who remains such a special part of the community and sport to this day. Lieff successfully captures the spirit of Wookie in her book, and her admiration for him and his love for their son is apparent in her language. I recommend 'Wookie is Not His Real Name' whether or not you personally snowboard—it’s an insightful and thoughtful account of passion and resilience (it doesn’t hurt if you love snowboarding!)."
