Amazon Reviews

“A beautiful story of resilience, adaptation through distortion, and self-awareness that ultimately leads to honest liberation. I loved reading Jake’s story and hearing how he turned his pain into his purpose - taking accountability and responsibility for his healing journey. An example of what is possible when we are willing to give our trauma the space to speak. When we are willing to meet all parts of ourself in the depths of wounding. When we can take an honest look at where we are operating from our unconscious self. The book may revolve around hockey, but the spiritual lessons within it will serve as medicine for those who are open to receive it. Definitely recommend!”

“Reading The Tears of Happy Jake feels like sitting across from someone who has finally decided to tell the truth. Not the polished acceptable truth - but the trembling, inconvenient, liberating kind.
This story invites you into the life of Jake, a professional hockey player who has mastered the art of appearing strong while quietly suffering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse which, ultimately, keeps him from the highest level of professional success that he seeks.
Jake's world is one of noise -cheering crowds, clashing bodies and the relentless rhythm of the game. Any yet, inside him is a silence so heavy it aches. The brilliance of this book is that it shows us that the real battle isn't on the ice. It's in the quiet moments when Jake is left alone with memories he's spent a lifetime trying to outrun.
There is a sacred kind of bravery in this book - one that doesn't look like winning or conquering but like softening. Letting yourself be seen when every instinct tells you to hide.
What stayed with me most is this: Jake's journey reminds us that strength is not the absence of pain. Strength is the willingness to face it. To sit with it. To let it transform you.
It's a gentle yet meaningful read that reminds us that joy and pain often exist side by side, and that embracing both is part of becoming fully human.”

“As a friend and person talked about in this book I’m probably a little bias, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. It an easy read, but one can easily get caught up in the emotions of the story. This books brought me back to a lot of the conversations that Jake and I had during some of his hard times. The author (Andrew) does a nice job conveying the feelings and emotions of what Jake went through. I commend Jake for being open, honest and vulnerable. It would’ve been easy to place blame on others and leave out some stories, but he didn’t and it’s very commendable.
From the hockey side this gives reads a sample of what goes on in pro hockey from the NHL, to the minors and Europe. These are only Jake’s stories, there a millions of others like his and worse. Any hockey player that played in one of these leagues can only nod their head as they probably experienced something similar.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read about over coming obstacles, insight into the hockey world, relationships and dealing with abuse.
Lastly, just want to say congrats to my friend Jake. You did it buddy! I remember you telling me you wanted to write a book and then the universe brought Andrew into your life to make a dream become a reality!”

"The Tears of Happy Jake" is a story that really touched my heart. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The author did an excellent job of making the reader feel completely immersed.
The book captures so well the life of a professional hockey player and what it takes: intense discipline; flexibility to quickly relocate and the impact on the family unit; the ability to adapt to different coaching styles and team personalities; etc.
All of this, while grappling with past sexual abuse, facing the realization of what happened, and recognizing one's subsequent triggers and unhealthy coping strategies which can have a significant detrimental impact on one's life.
Excellent book in that not only is it exciting, but it brings to light that one's best self can only emerge when one's physical/emotional/spiritual needs are in healthy balance.”

“Undoubtedly, this book is a must - read for everyone, including our athletic teens. It provides a unique perspective and takes you to a place where you experience one's profoundly inspiring true story about life's ups and downs, from being a star athlete to overcoming incredible challenges as a child, and emerging triumphant. This remarkable individual is not only an extraordinary person, radiating life energy and positivity, but also became a truly exceptional father! Inspiring transformation, positive change, to all who reads this story.”

“This is a must read not just for young athletes with big dreams, but just about anyone who is looking for a true account of what life after trauma looks like. We all have a certain level of trauma to overcome but we often do not realize how that impacts us and the decisions we make in our daily lives. Jacob’s story shows so much resiliency and gives a detailed account of his life on and off the ice from a young age. If only we all learned to use the hardships that we are faced with to become a light for others. Jacob does just this and, by sharing his story this way, will continue to reach more people in the hockey world and beyond. Our successes aren’t always measured by the goals we reach but often times how we handle the things we didn’t see coming along the way.
Do yourself a favor and gift this to all the young men in your life, and even their mamas who are trying to help their young ones navigate life!”