livlosiewicz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pros:
•I love a character-based book and really enjoyed the complexity of each of the characters in this one
•The writing style had some wry humor that I really enjoyed
•The story generally felt purposeful and well-written, and I really liked the structure of it, where it led to/how it got there, and the contrasting perspectives of the characters
Cons:
•
•There were a few moments where I really did not understand the characters’ actions and that was frustrating
Recommendation: I recommend to people who like character based stories with a slightly offbeat charm to them, especially if you like baseball. I think you can enjoy the book without liking baseball, but I also like baseball so I can’t guarantee. This book is long but it never really felt like it dragged, and I grew to feel very attached the characters. There are also discussion questions at the end!! Avoid if you want something short or suspenseful.
•I love a character-based book and really enjoyed the complexity of each of the characters in this one
•The writing style had some wry humor that I really enjoyed
•The story generally felt purposeful and well-written, and I really liked the structure of it, where it led to/how it got there, and the contrasting perspectives of the characters
Cons:
•
Spoiler
A main plotline involves a romantic relationship between a school administrator and a student. This just never sits well for me. I appreciated the nuance it brought to the characters, but ultimately, it’s just never going to be ethically okay, and I wish we had gotten to see those stories in a different way. I also found that the author’s idea of “how would this be different if they were heterosexual?” Didn’t age great.•There were a few moments where I really did not understand the characters’ actions and that was frustrating
Recommendation: I recommend to people who like character based stories with a slightly offbeat charm to them, especially if you like baseball. I think you can enjoy the book without liking baseball, but I also like baseball so I can’t guarantee. This book is long but it never really felt like it dragged, and I grew to feel very attached the characters. There are also discussion questions at the end!! Avoid if you want something short or suspenseful.
eeden33's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ldelahoz's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jp_riemersma's review against another edition
dark
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
myralane's review against another edition
3.0
It was very similar to prayer for owen meany and I liked it. If you like baseball you will love it.
kellymc03's review against another edition
5.0
I put off this book so many times because I didn't want to read about baseball. I am very glad that I put aside those feelings because once I picked up this book - I couldn't help but devour it! This is a must read for everyone!
jbmorgan86's review against another edition
2.0
This book has as much to do with baseball as Grey's Anatomy has to do with medical practice. He's sleeping with her, she's sleeping with him, he's sleeping with him, and they're all unhappy about it. The book is about 300 pages too long. Characters (such as the burly catcher of the baseball team) recite ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. The girl who never finished college randomly recites phrases such as "Amor vincit omnia."
Forget the nine (NINE!) pages of high praise at the beginning of the book. This is just a soap opera with a dash of baseball, a dash of Moby Dick, and large dollop pederasty. Go read the Brothers K instead.
Forget the nine (NINE!) pages of high praise at the beginning of the book. This is just a soap opera with a dash of baseball, a dash of Moby Dick, and large dollop pederasty. Go read the Brothers K instead.
bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition
2.0
Somewhat puzzled by the praise heaped on this novel. The writing isn't bad, the college setting is charming, and I'm sure all the baseball stuff is interesting for those who know anything about it. The characters though - none of them seemed believable to me. At first, I was eager to know what lay beneath the surface of Mike's devotion to the team, Guert's lovesickness, Owen's composure, Henry's innocence, Pella's general snottiness. Turns out, there's not much there. The insights these people have are so banal it's hard to care. The whole thing felt artificial, from the precious names (Guert? Pella?) to the lovable Owen (look! a black gay man on the baseball team and nobody raises an eyebrow!). I'd rather read "The Sperm Squeezers".
robbschuneman's review against another edition
5.0
It has been a very long drought since the last time I read a book and instantly wanted to read every word the author had put down about anything anywhere. At least five years.
This is that kind of book and that kind of author.
This is that kind of book and that kind of author.