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Ode to the Baseball Gods
Epic Showdown in Hot Springs
Frank Amoroso
2026 Finalist
354 Pages
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Frank Amoroso’s Ode to the Baseball Gods sends Babe Ruth to Hot Springs, Arkansas, after his disastrous final out of the 1926 World Series leaves him desperate to escape the ridicule. The Spa City is also sheltering Chicago crime boss Al Capone, traveling as Gabriel Ermino, whose abandoned baseball ambitions make Ruth an irresistible rival. When the two men compete for singer Celeste Garland, the contest becomes a baseball showdown between Ruth’s Bustin’ Babes and Capone’s Nine-to-Lifers. Ruth needs the game to help rebuild an orphanage destroyed by fire, while Capone has found a way to put Ruth’s entire career at risk. Above them, Kai, the youngest Fungo, introduces the baseball gods, each capable of turning a single moment on the field in a direction no player can predict.
Frank Amoroso’s Ode to the Baseball Gods is pure fun, and Amoroso’s knowledge of baseball gives every inning an authenticity beneath the fantasy. I love the way Kai narrates from the ether, treating every impossible turn on the field as family business among the Fungoes. Amoroso is also wonderful with setting. Bathhouse Row feels alive as players recover in the thermal waters while gangsters conduct business nearby, making 1920s Hot Springs the perfect meeting place for both worlds. The baseball writing is terrific, especially when Cool Papa Bell turns a sacrifice bunt into a run because his speed changes what anyone thinks is possible. Jazz Garland, the park ranger investigating Indian Mountain, adds a second route into the criminal side of the story. Well written and enormously entertaining, readers who enjoy baseball fantasy will adore this.
Frank Amoroso’s Ode to the Baseball Gods sends Babe Ruth to Hot Springs, Arkansas, after his disastrous final out of the 1926 World Series leaves him desperate to escape the ridicule. The Spa City is also sheltering Chicago crime boss Al Capone, traveling as Gabriel Ermino, whose abandoned baseball ambitions make Ruth an irresistible rival. When the two men compete for singer Celeste Garland, the contest becomes a baseball showdown between Ruth’s Bustin’ Babes and Capone’s Nine-to-Lifers. Ruth needs the game to help rebuild an orphanage destroyed by fire, while Capone has found a way to put Ruth’s entire career at risk. Above them, Kai, the youngest Fungo, introduces the baseball gods, each capable of turning a single moment on the field in a direction no player can predict.
Frank Amoroso’s Ode to the Baseball Gods is pure fun, and Amoroso’s knowledge of baseball gives every inning an authenticity beneath the fantasy. I love the way Kai narrates from the ether, treating every impossible turn on the field as family business among the Fungoes. Amoroso is also wonderful with setting. Bathhouse Row feels alive as players recover in the thermal waters while gangsters conduct business nearby, making 1920s Hot Springs the perfect meeting place for both worlds. The baseball writing is terrific, especially when Cool Papa Bell turns a sacrifice bunt into a run because his speed changes what anyone thinks is possible. Jazz Garland, the park ranger investigating Indian Mountain, adds a second route into the criminal side of the story. Well written and enormously entertaining, readers who enjoy baseball fantasy will adore this.
Recommend this book:
Is That DiMaggio?
Friendship, Baseball and the Magic that Changed the Game
Nick Brigeman
2026 Honorable Mention
116 Pages
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Is That DiMaggio? by Nick Brigeman, New York middle school student Dave spends his afternoons collecting baseball memorabilia at Triple Crown Trinkets, a neighborhood shop run by former Montreal Expos player Lenny Johnson. After purchasing a rare 1941 Joe DiMaggio baseball card, Dave becomes the target of school bully Kyle, who believes the son of Yankees general manager Brian can provide access to Opening Day tickets. One night, the card reveals its secret when Joe DiMaggio steps out from a hidden baseball realm where legendary players are losing their connection to the sport that once sustained their world. Convinced that returning to Yankee Stadium could restore what is disappearing inside the card, DiMaggio turns to Dave for help. While trying to protect the card from Kyle, Dave must conceal a living baseball icon inside his family’s Manhattan apartment before Opening Day arrives.
Nick Brigeman takes a childhood baseball obsession seriously in Is That DiMaggio?, and writes a perfect story that looks at what baseball means to kids. Especially a kid who carries a precious piece of history through crowded New York school hallways. Joe DiMaggio fumbling through social media inside Dave’s bedroom gives the book humor that feels tied to character. Dave does his level best to make good choices, even when those choices place him in uncomfortable situations involving his father, Yankees' tickets, and classmates demanding access to privilege. Kyle is the quintessential bully, but as a parent, I can understand his fixation on mint condition memorabilia, which exposes loneliness, something he buries in intimidation. The author nails this subtly, with the restraint of a skilled writer. He also understands stadium atmosphere, with an eighth-inning scene inside Yankee Stadium demonstrating the size and noise of a real Bronx game night. Baseball fans who are young and young at heart will adore this book.
In Is That DiMaggio? by Nick Brigeman, New York middle school student Dave spends his afternoons collecting baseball memorabilia at Triple Crown Trinkets, a neighborhood shop run by former Montreal Expos player Lenny Johnson. After purchasing a rare 1941 Joe DiMaggio baseball card, Dave becomes the target of school bully Kyle, who believes the son of Yankees general manager Brian can provide access to Opening Day tickets. One night, the card reveals its secret when Joe DiMaggio steps out from a hidden baseball realm where legendary players are losing their connection to the sport that once sustained their world. Convinced that returning to Yankee Stadium could restore what is disappearing inside the card, DiMaggio turns to Dave for help. While trying to protect the card from Kyle, Dave must conceal a living baseball icon inside his family’s Manhattan apartment before Opening Day arrives.
Nick Brigeman takes a childhood baseball obsession seriously in Is That DiMaggio?, and writes a perfect story that looks at what baseball means to kids. Especially a kid who carries a precious piece of history through crowded New York school hallways. Joe DiMaggio fumbling through social media inside Dave’s bedroom gives the book humor that feels tied to character. Dave does his level best to make good choices, even when those choices place him in uncomfortable situations involving his father, Yankees' tickets, and classmates demanding access to privilege. Kyle is the quintessential bully, but as a parent, I can understand his fixation on mint condition memorabilia, which exposes loneliness, something he buries in intimidation. The author nails this subtly, with the restraint of a skilled writer. He also understands stadium atmosphere, with an eighth-inning scene inside Yankee Stadium demonstrating the size and noise of a real Bronx game night. Baseball fans who are young and young at heart will adore this book.
Recommend this book:
The End Game
In Love and Basketball There’s Always an End Game
Michael Clifton
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Alissa Deann for Readers' Favorite
The End Game: In Love and Basketball There’s Always an End Game by Michael Scott Clifton is a well-written novel about Chris Cooper, a basketball coach who has just moved to Mayfield, Texas. He is struggling with the weight of his tragic past, like the loss of his father and a failed marriage. Planning a fresh start in Texas, he starts a new job as the boys' basketball coach and science teacher, but faces resistance from Rocco Rawlings, an athletic director who believes that football is the main deal and looks down on basketball for fear of losing his career. Chris remains resilient despite the challenges he faces as he tries to organize his team and is ready to make basketball stand out among other sports in Texas. His feelings for Jennie—his landlady with a troubled past just like his—begin to grow, and at each other's side, they experience healing and plan to start a life together. He reflects on how perseverance and love transformed his life and those around him.
This book is not just about sports; it is an inspiring narrative that shows how we can overcome the challenges we face and find purpose. At first, I thought it would be like most sports stories, where the weak team gradually improves and starts winning, but that wasn't the case here; Clifton used the sports plot to explore themes of redemption and human connection. It was great seeing Chris's basketball team unite and form stronger bonds as they faced more resistance from Rawlings. The characters, especially Chris and Jennie, were very relatable and well-developed. Their relationship added warmth and moments of reflection to the book. Clifton's writing style is worth praising: very detailed, full of emotions, lively, and engaging. I love how he was able to show the power of teamwork, not just on the court, but in the family and community, and the impact of a mentor. I recommend The End Game by Michael Scott Clifton to readers who enjoy sports romance novels, especially those about basketball.
The End Game: In Love and Basketball There’s Always an End Game by Michael Scott Clifton is a well-written novel about Chris Cooper, a basketball coach who has just moved to Mayfield, Texas. He is struggling with the weight of his tragic past, like the loss of his father and a failed marriage. Planning a fresh start in Texas, he starts a new job as the boys' basketball coach and science teacher, but faces resistance from Rocco Rawlings, an athletic director who believes that football is the main deal and looks down on basketball for fear of losing his career. Chris remains resilient despite the challenges he faces as he tries to organize his team and is ready to make basketball stand out among other sports in Texas. His feelings for Jennie—his landlady with a troubled past just like his—begin to grow, and at each other's side, they experience healing and plan to start a life together. He reflects on how perseverance and love transformed his life and those around him.
This book is not just about sports; it is an inspiring narrative that shows how we can overcome the challenges we face and find purpose. At first, I thought it would be like most sports stories, where the weak team gradually improves and starts winning, but that wasn't the case here; Clifton used the sports plot to explore themes of redemption and human connection. It was great seeing Chris's basketball team unite and form stronger bonds as they faced more resistance from Rawlings. The characters, especially Chris and Jennie, were very relatable and well-developed. Their relationship added warmth and moments of reflection to the book. Clifton's writing style is worth praising: very detailed, full of emotions, lively, and engaging. I love how he was able to show the power of teamwork, not just on the court, but in the family and community, and the impact of a mentor. I recommend The End Game by Michael Scott Clifton to readers who enjoy sports romance novels, especially those about basketball.
Recommend this book:
Green
Chuck LeGrande
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Green by Chuck LeGrande follows a quiet teen named Jamie, who flees his home in Queens after a confrontation with his father, carrying nothing but a hidden draft board letter and a book of drawings. His aimless wandering brings him to the rough edges of the Canadian independent wrestling circuit, where pain is a currency, and everyone has a secret. Under the watchful eye of Frenchie, a broken-down veteran who wraps his failing knees in thick tape, Jamie turns into a masked fighter on the local indie loop. He learns to execute hip throws, manipulate referees for crowd reactions, and take heavy punishment from rowdy fans throwing soft drinks and trash. The ring offers a strange, unique environment where the violence is strictly planned beforehand, allowing Jamie to hide from his past. But what happens when the adrenaline wears off, and he's forced to face the reality of his own reflection?
Green by Chuck LeGrande is a compelling story that is a remarkably tender look at how physical bruising can sometimes quiet a screaming mind. Reading Jamie’s journey felt very intimate because his evolution isn’t about becoming a flawless underdog champion; it is about an isolated teen gradually making his way into the rough world of adulthood. I loved how the author tracks his transformation through subtle changes in his posture and the way he learns to carry himself around the other workers. The relationships in the locker rooms are authentically portrayed and complicated. This is especially true with Frenchie, an older veteran who isn't a saintly protector, but rather a deeply flawed human trying to survive his own fading clock. The story has a beautiful, pulsing momentum that echoes the grueling reality of endless miles on the highway. It kept me hooked because the focus stays on the deep, silent resilience of a boy who desperately needs to discover his own strength. Recommended.
Green by Chuck LeGrande follows a quiet teen named Jamie, who flees his home in Queens after a confrontation with his father, carrying nothing but a hidden draft board letter and a book of drawings. His aimless wandering brings him to the rough edges of the Canadian independent wrestling circuit, where pain is a currency, and everyone has a secret. Under the watchful eye of Frenchie, a broken-down veteran who wraps his failing knees in thick tape, Jamie turns into a masked fighter on the local indie loop. He learns to execute hip throws, manipulate referees for crowd reactions, and take heavy punishment from rowdy fans throwing soft drinks and trash. The ring offers a strange, unique environment where the violence is strictly planned beforehand, allowing Jamie to hide from his past. But what happens when the adrenaline wears off, and he's forced to face the reality of his own reflection?
Green by Chuck LeGrande is a compelling story that is a remarkably tender look at how physical bruising can sometimes quiet a screaming mind. Reading Jamie’s journey felt very intimate because his evolution isn’t about becoming a flawless underdog champion; it is about an isolated teen gradually making his way into the rough world of adulthood. I loved how the author tracks his transformation through subtle changes in his posture and the way he learns to carry himself around the other workers. The relationships in the locker rooms are authentically portrayed and complicated. This is especially true with Frenchie, an older veteran who isn't a saintly protector, but rather a deeply flawed human trying to survive his own fading clock. The story has a beautiful, pulsing momentum that echoes the grueling reality of endless miles on the highway. It kept me hooked because the focus stays on the deep, silent resilience of a boy who desperately needs to discover his own strength. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
, receiving a phone call about her son joining a baseball team. Readers also meet Andy, her son, and Val, her husband, a former minor league ballplayer and Army MP (military police), as they try to build a steady life...){kind=link}
The Other Disney
Bernard Leo Remakus
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
The Other Disney by Bernard Leo Remakus opens with a stay-at-home wife and mother, Eleanor D’Isigny (pronounced the same as Disney), receiving a phone call about her son joining a baseball team. Readers also meet Andy, her son, and Val, her husband, a former minor league ballplayer and Army MP (military police), as they try to build a steady life in rural North Carolina. Home life begins to feel strained after Val loses his security guard job due to a misunderstanding, and money is tight. While his dad is feeling pressured, Andy’s world revolves around Little League and his experiences on the field. As Val searches for work and wrestles with the idea of reenlisting, Eleanor looks for creative ways to honor a promised birthday trip to Walt Disney World without breaking the bank. Will Val have to reenlist, and will Andy finally be able to visit the 'happiest place on Earth'?
When I saw the title, I was intrigued. The Other Disney by Bernard Leo Remakus turned out to be a quietly compelling short story. I appreciated the snippets about the other Disney family and found them to be a fun addition. The writing is straightforward and warm, with dialogue that sounds natural. The scenes are easy to visualize and unfold at an easy, steady pace. This read is also relatable, especially since the parents are determined to keep their promises to their son, even when money becomes tight. Andy’s “bestest” optimism added charm and brought a smile to my face. Fans of heartfelt, family-centered fiction, baseball stories, and uplifting underdog tales will likely enjoy this quick read.
The Other Disney by Bernard Leo Remakus opens with a stay-at-home wife and mother, Eleanor D’Isigny (pronounced the same as Disney), receiving a phone call about her son joining a baseball team. Readers also meet Andy, her son, and Val, her husband, a former minor league ballplayer and Army MP (military police), as they try to build a steady life in rural North Carolina. Home life begins to feel strained after Val loses his security guard job due to a misunderstanding, and money is tight. While his dad is feeling pressured, Andy’s world revolves around Little League and his experiences on the field. As Val searches for work and wrestles with the idea of reenlisting, Eleanor looks for creative ways to honor a promised birthday trip to Walt Disney World without breaking the bank. Will Val have to reenlist, and will Andy finally be able to visit the 'happiest place on Earth'?
When I saw the title, I was intrigued. The Other Disney by Bernard Leo Remakus turned out to be a quietly compelling short story. I appreciated the snippets about the other Disney family and found them to be a fun addition. The writing is straightforward and warm, with dialogue that sounds natural. The scenes are easy to visualize and unfold at an easy, steady pace. This read is also relatable, especially since the parents are determined to keep their promises to their son, even when money becomes tight. Andy’s “bestest” optimism added charm and brought a smile to my face. Fans of heartfelt, family-centered fiction, baseball stories, and uplifting underdog tales will likely enjoy this quick read.
Recommend this book:
When the Fall is All There Is
Joe Pace
2025 Finalist
238 Pages
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“The river of time flows in only one direction,” yet as Joe Pace reminds us in his novel When The Fall Is All There Is, the human mind does not. Meet Ted Gray, a gifted youth who left his hometown as a local hero only to return as a nobody a few years later. With his life at a dead end, Ted takes a job teaching history and coaching the local high school football team, where he was once the star quarterback destined for greatness. But life had other plans for Ted, and now he is a man defeated not so much by events but by his insecurities. When Ted meets Jill, the younger sister of a former teammate and now a single mom, life throws a new variable at him, and color enters his world. For Ted, this becomes a defining moment in life. He will either continue being a self-created failure or discover that there are multiple definitions of success, and all are meaningless without happiness.
Pleasant and engaging, When The Fall Is All There Is by Joe Pace is a wonderfully composed tale depicting a realistic slice of life. The plot centers on the protagonist and his struggle to make sense of life and his place in it, while themes of personal growth, redemption, and understanding are explored in a carefully balanced manner and without being overbearing or preachy. Character development is superb, and the individuals portrayed are explored in depth, becoming familiar and believable. An excellent pace combined with a careful and precise writing style results in a brilliantly executed and deeply immersive feel-good story. A tale to please and delight fans of multiple genres, I recommend When The Fall Is All There Is without hesitation.
“The river of time flows in only one direction,” yet as Joe Pace reminds us in his novel When The Fall Is All There Is, the human mind does not. Meet Ted Gray, a gifted youth who left his hometown as a local hero only to return as a nobody a few years later. With his life at a dead end, Ted takes a job teaching history and coaching the local high school football team, where he was once the star quarterback destined for greatness. But life had other plans for Ted, and now he is a man defeated not so much by events but by his insecurities. When Ted meets Jill, the younger sister of a former teammate and now a single mom, life throws a new variable at him, and color enters his world. For Ted, this becomes a defining moment in life. He will either continue being a self-created failure or discover that there are multiple definitions of success, and all are meaningless without happiness.
Pleasant and engaging, When The Fall Is All There Is by Joe Pace is a wonderfully composed tale depicting a realistic slice of life. The plot centers on the protagonist and his struggle to make sense of life and his place in it, while themes of personal growth, redemption, and understanding are explored in a carefully balanced manner and without being overbearing or preachy. Character development is superb, and the individuals portrayed are explored in depth, becoming familiar and believable. An excellent pace combined with a careful and precise writing style results in a brilliantly executed and deeply immersive feel-good story. A tale to please and delight fans of multiple genres, I recommend When The Fall Is All There Is without hesitation.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Headlines
Chasing Victory
J Rose Black
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black is a fast-moving, enemies-to-lovers romance with just the right mix of humor, tension, and chemistry. Breslin Cooper is a former baseball star trying to fix his career after a major scandal ruined his reputation. At the same time, Liv Milline, daughter of a baseball legend, secretly dreams of becoming a talent scout, even though her dad is totally against it. When Liv is assigned to write about Breslin’s comeback for her college newspaper, they clash right away. He’s arrogant and moody to her but she’s not afraid to push back, and, as they keep getting thrown together, their rivalry starts to change into something they didn’t see coming. Black creates a story full of second chances, chasing your dreams, and finding love when you least expect it, all set in the high-energy world of baseball.
This romance made me laugh but also hit me with some heartfelt moments. The banter between Breslin and Liv is sharp and fun, making their scenes exciting and realistic. The mix of humor and emotional depth maintains just the right balance. Both characters deal with struggles involving their careers, families, and personal goals, which makes their journey to love natural and well-earned. The baseball setting is detailed, adding to the stakes of their dreams. The side characters add to the plot without taking the spotlight away from the romance, making the whole world feel complete. The pacing is smooth, and every scene moves the story forward in a way that keeps you hooked. The scandal subplot also gives Breslin a surprising amount of depth and creates real challenges for their relationship. Overall, I highly recommend Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black to readers who love romance with humor, heart, and characters to root for.
Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black is a fast-moving, enemies-to-lovers romance with just the right mix of humor, tension, and chemistry. Breslin Cooper is a former baseball star trying to fix his career after a major scandal ruined his reputation. At the same time, Liv Milline, daughter of a baseball legend, secretly dreams of becoming a talent scout, even though her dad is totally against it. When Liv is assigned to write about Breslin’s comeback for her college newspaper, they clash right away. He’s arrogant and moody to her but she’s not afraid to push back, and, as they keep getting thrown together, their rivalry starts to change into something they didn’t see coming. Black creates a story full of second chances, chasing your dreams, and finding love when you least expect it, all set in the high-energy world of baseball.
This romance made me laugh but also hit me with some heartfelt moments. The banter between Breslin and Liv is sharp and fun, making their scenes exciting and realistic. The mix of humor and emotional depth maintains just the right balance. Both characters deal with struggles involving their careers, families, and personal goals, which makes their journey to love natural and well-earned. The baseball setting is detailed, adding to the stakes of their dreams. The side characters add to the plot without taking the spotlight away from the romance, making the whole world feel complete. The pacing is smooth, and every scene moves the story forward in a way that keeps you hooked. The scandal subplot also gives Breslin a surprising amount of depth and creates real challenges for their relationship. Overall, I highly recommend Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black to readers who love romance with humor, heart, and characters to root for.
Recommend this book:
The Federal Case
The Deadball Files
J.B. Manheim
2024 Finalist
219 Pages
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Federal Case is a work of fiction in the sports fiction, legal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and it forms the fourth novel in The Deadball Files book series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and contains some occasional use of adult language. Penned by author J.B. Manheim, this captivating blend of legal thriller and baseball history is set in the Deadball Era of the early 20th century. In 1915, the Federal League challenged the American and National Leagues' dominance, filing a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations. Fast forward to the present day, and young lawyer Andy Dennum stumbles upon an old case file that suggests there might be more to the story than previously known. When his prestigious law firm dismisses his discovery, Andy, determined to uncover the truth, embarks on a thrilling journey with the help of his girlfriend, Keiley Barefoot.
Author J.B. Manheim's meticulous research brings the Deadball Era to life, immersing readers in the tumultuous world of early baseball and the legal battles that shaped its future. As the story unfolds, Andy Dennum's pursuit of justice becomes not just a fight for baseball's business model but a personal journey that challenges his career, identity, and integrity. The parallels drawn in the narrative are impressive, handling both the emotive reality at the character level and the bigger picture and its impact on the future of the sport. The novel masterfully combines legal drama with America's favorite pastime, making it a must-read for baseball enthusiasts and legal thriller fans alike. Overall, The Federal Case is a gripping and enlightening read that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst also being a highly enjoyable sports drama, and I would not hesitate to recommend it as a unique and very engrossing read indeed.
The Federal Case is a work of fiction in the sports fiction, legal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and it forms the fourth novel in The Deadball Files book series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and contains some occasional use of adult language. Penned by author J.B. Manheim, this captivating blend of legal thriller and baseball history is set in the Deadball Era of the early 20th century. In 1915, the Federal League challenged the American and National Leagues' dominance, filing a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations. Fast forward to the present day, and young lawyer Andy Dennum stumbles upon an old case file that suggests there might be more to the story than previously known. When his prestigious law firm dismisses his discovery, Andy, determined to uncover the truth, embarks on a thrilling journey with the help of his girlfriend, Keiley Barefoot.
Author J.B. Manheim's meticulous research brings the Deadball Era to life, immersing readers in the tumultuous world of early baseball and the legal battles that shaped its future. As the story unfolds, Andy Dennum's pursuit of justice becomes not just a fight for baseball's business model but a personal journey that challenges his career, identity, and integrity. The parallels drawn in the narrative are impressive, handling both the emotive reality at the character level and the bigger picture and its impact on the future of the sport. The novel masterfully combines legal drama with America's favorite pastime, making it a must-read for baseball enthusiasts and legal thriller fans alike. Overall, The Federal Case is a gripping and enlightening read that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst also being a highly enjoyable sports drama, and I would not hesitate to recommend it as a unique and very engrossing read indeed.
Recommend this book:
Lose Yourself
Vince Wetzel
2024 Honorable Mention
357 Pages
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Donna Parrey for Readers' Favorite
Author Vince Wetzel demonstrates his love of baseball and his writing talent in his novel Lose Yourself. A prologue reveals rookie Brett Austen’s debut as a minor league baseball player and his contentious relationship with his demons. The next section begins nine years later and allows readers to gain insight into each of the six characters they’ll come to care about: Brett, who is now a major league player on the brink of a career-enhancing game; Dana Peck, a sports reporter balancing career ambitions with her mom’s health; Fred Stephens, an usher; Will Jenson, a high school sophomore with a crush; Derek Nguyen, a lemonade vendor, and Lizzie Hernandez, whose dad is dying. The narrative excites readers with pregame goings-on and an inning-by-inning escalation of everyone’s situations.
Get yourself a bag of peanuts and a cold beer, then sit back to enjoy the thrills, disappointments, drama, and joy of Vince Wetzel’s Lose Yourself. This baseball novel will simultaneously entertain you with an increasingly exciting baseball game and engage you in the lives of six people at the event. As readers get pulled into Brett Austen’s efforts to break an 80-year record, each inning brings tension, not just for the ballplayer, but in the lives of others: a phone call from a panicked parent in crisis; an unruly fan disrupting an usher’s last day; a gambler’s ups and downs watching sports action; a step-dad trying to build a relationship; and a family standing by at home with a dying dad while one family member is at the game with a mission in mind. Baseball fans will read with thumping hearts, inning by inning, just as they would attending such a game. And when it’s over, readers will want to stand and applaud Wetzel’s work.
Author Vince Wetzel demonstrates his love of baseball and his writing talent in his novel Lose Yourself. A prologue reveals rookie Brett Austen’s debut as a minor league baseball player and his contentious relationship with his demons. The next section begins nine years later and allows readers to gain insight into each of the six characters they’ll come to care about: Brett, who is now a major league player on the brink of a career-enhancing game; Dana Peck, a sports reporter balancing career ambitions with her mom’s health; Fred Stephens, an usher; Will Jenson, a high school sophomore with a crush; Derek Nguyen, a lemonade vendor, and Lizzie Hernandez, whose dad is dying. The narrative excites readers with pregame goings-on and an inning-by-inning escalation of everyone’s situations.
Get yourself a bag of peanuts and a cold beer, then sit back to enjoy the thrills, disappointments, drama, and joy of Vince Wetzel’s Lose Yourself. This baseball novel will simultaneously entertain you with an increasingly exciting baseball game and engage you in the lives of six people at the event. As readers get pulled into Brett Austen’s efforts to break an 80-year record, each inning brings tension, not just for the ballplayer, but in the lives of others: a phone call from a panicked parent in crisis; an unruly fan disrupting an usher’s last day; a gambler’s ups and downs watching sports action; a step-dad trying to build a relationship; and a family standing by at home with a dying dad while one family member is at the game with a mission in mind. Baseball fans will read with thumping hearts, inning by inning, just as they would attending such a game. And when it’s over, readers will want to stand and applaud Wetzel’s work.
Recommend this book:
GOLF: How To Conquer Your First 18-Hole Course With Confidence, Swagger, and Savvy
For The Gorilla Golfer In Your Life
Sandy Par
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Sandy Par’s Gorilla Golfer: It's All In the sWINg is a refreshing and accessible guide for beginners eager to navigate the often intimidating world of golf. The book offers a unique blend of practical advice, humor, and relatable storytelling, making it more than just a standard golf manual. The book sets itself apart by positioning itself as an “Off-Course Caddy” for novices. Par addresses the physical aspects of the game and the mental and emotional challenges that beginners might face. This guide is particularly engaging because it focuses on the game's nuances—the unwritten rules, etiquette, and common pitfalls often overlooked in traditional golf literature.
Gorilla Golfer’s strength is its ability to distill information from various platforms—websites, magazines, and social media—into a cohesive narrative. While it may not claim to be the ultimate golf manual, it offers a holistic overview for those just starting out. The conversational tone and practical tips make it an easy read, and its emphasis on building confidence on the course is particularly valuable. The information needed to learn or improve a golf game is detailed. There are a few images to illustrate movement, but the lack of visual demonstration could make it challenging for someone unfamiliar with the course layout and swing positions and movements. Par pens this book with humor and personality, which keeps readers engaged. Whether you’re a novice or just someone looking to brush up on the basics, this book introduces the world of golf, filling a much-needed gap in golf literature.
Sandy Par’s Gorilla Golfer: It's All In the sWINg is a refreshing and accessible guide for beginners eager to navigate the often intimidating world of golf. The book offers a unique blend of practical advice, humor, and relatable storytelling, making it more than just a standard golf manual. The book sets itself apart by positioning itself as an “Off-Course Caddy” for novices. Par addresses the physical aspects of the game and the mental and emotional challenges that beginners might face. This guide is particularly engaging because it focuses on the game's nuances—the unwritten rules, etiquette, and common pitfalls often overlooked in traditional golf literature.
Gorilla Golfer’s strength is its ability to distill information from various platforms—websites, magazines, and social media—into a cohesive narrative. While it may not claim to be the ultimate golf manual, it offers a holistic overview for those just starting out. The conversational tone and practical tips make it an easy read, and its emphasis on building confidence on the course is particularly valuable. The information needed to learn or improve a golf game is detailed. There are a few images to illustrate movement, but the lack of visual demonstration could make it challenging for someone unfamiliar with the course layout and swing positions and movements. Par pens this book with humor and personality, which keeps readers engaged. Whether you’re a novice or just someone looking to brush up on the basics, this book introduces the world of golf, filling a much-needed gap in golf literature.
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