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A review by notspacemanlee
Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke by Andrew Maraniss
5.0
To be fully transparent, I know Andrew - but this doesn't affect my rating.
The book's summary is very accurate so I see no need to rehash it. Singled Out is thoroughly
researched, but extremely accessible to YA readers. It's examination
into the LGBTQ+ history and culture surrounding Glenn Burke's life is age-
appropriate. It should foster discussion in classroom settings.
I was curious if the book would be a hagiography, but Maraniss also details character flaws
that did not serve Burke well in his minor league ascent and inability/indifference to putting in effort in the classroom or finding gainful employment once his baseball career ended.
Even as an adult reader who already knew about Burke's baseball career, importance, and struggles after baseball - I found myself learning quite a bit due to Andrew's research. I'd recommend to adult baseball readers who aren't familiar with Glenn Burke as well.
My only point of contention was Andrew's narrative about the eventual backlash to disco music. I do not believe there were racial or homophobic undertones to it. The music craze had run its course. As the fans chanted in unison on Disco Demolition Night at the White Sox game "Disco sucks, Disco sucks!"
5 stars.
The book's summary is very accurate so I see no need to rehash it. Singled Out is thoroughly
researched, but extremely accessible to YA readers. It's examination
into the LGBTQ+ history and culture surrounding Glenn Burke's life is age-
appropriate. It should foster discussion in classroom settings.
I was curious if the book would be a hagiography, but Maraniss also details character flaws
that did not serve Burke well in his minor league ascent and inability/indifference to putting in effort in the classroom or finding gainful employment once his baseball career ended.
Even as an adult reader who already knew about Burke's baseball career, importance, and struggles after baseball - I found myself learning quite a bit due to Andrew's research. I'd recommend to adult baseball readers who aren't familiar with Glenn Burke as well.
My only point of contention was Andrew's narrative about the eventual backlash to disco music. I do not believe there were racial or homophobic undertones to it. The music craze had run its course. As the fans chanted in unison on Disco Demolition Night at the White Sox game "Disco sucks, Disco sucks!"
5 stars.