I had high hopes for this book and it was one of two that I bought to help me quickly learn the basics of hockey so I could understand better what was going on in my Adult Hockey "Learn To Play" class.
Unfortunately, this book is so lacking in specifics, it's essentially useless. I was having a hard time understanding what I didn't like about it until I realized - it's basically a book of summaries with absolutely no substantive details of any level, basic or otherwise. If this was the only book I had bought, I would've been just as clueless as when I started my quest. It wouldn't even have been a helpful guide to just watching a hockey game.
I do not recommend purchasing what amounts to a hockey orientation pamphlet. I gave it two stars because the photography was nice.
Fortunately I had also bought Jack Falla's Hockey - Learn to Play the Modern Way, under the Sports Illustrated brand, and it more than filled the need. It assumed no beginning knowledge of hockey and filled in all the blanks for me. I highly recommend that book.
Good luck to all the other newbies to hockey!