A HOME RUN (04/ 26/2012)

GHS is an avid reader of all things non-fiction. He's my go-to person for history, business, current events and his new fave, John Grisham. He's read almost all of Grisham's books and here's his review of CALICO JOE, Grisham's newest tome.



I really enjoyed the new novel from John Grisham – Calico Joe. The book is about baseball, relationships and redemption—all set in the world of Major League Baseball. Like most Grisham novels, the story develops very quickly with plenty of foreshadowing that kept me turning the pages wanting more. 

The chapters are short and crisp with flashbacks to 1973 (where the story starts). The baseball stories were vivid and lifelike—making references to real players, sportscasters and actual events. Paul Tracey is the lead character and narrates the story. Paul is an adult now and tells his story with flash- backs to the past, helping the reader understand his present situation.

In 1973, Paul’s Dad, Warren Tracey was a pitcher for the Mets and had many shortcomings as a Dad. Joe Castle was a rookie player for the Cubs and was the best rookie player Major League Baseball had ever seen. (He was called Calico Joe because he was from Calico, Arkansas). But then, in the summer of 1973, during a game between the Cubs and Mets, Warren threw a pitch to Joe that would change their lives forever.

Calico Joe is much more than another book about baseball, but rather a story about sons and Dads—and the search for redemption—before it’s too late.

Oh No! Another baseball book....

To Order CALICO JOE Use the Amazon Search Box on the Sidebar.


NOTE: 

Many of you may remember THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Harbach, a best seller this winter and recipient of numerous accolades.

Well, I hated it and not being a baseball lover I thought Grisham's book was going to be another boring no hitter.

To my surprise, I am enjoying Calico Joe, even with the baseball references.  Stay tuned...

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE OR RUNNING BASES? (04/10/2012)

 A blog reader recommended THE SHOEMAKER'S WIFE and labeled it an
 "unforgettable epic of historical proportions" and she's not kidding....almost 500 pages. Here's a quick run down....

 

 THE SHOEMAKER'S WIFE
 by Adriana Trigiani

This is a novel inspired by a true story and according to the author took over twenty years to write. Although it's a borderline romance novel, you'll find it a somewhat overly detailed intense read. (Which can be a good thing...)



To Order use Amazon Search Box  in Sidebar



 The story focuses on two teen lovers who are separated, but more than that, the novel tells a larger tale of the immigrant experience in America. 

If you're looking for an epic, romantic read replete with love, family, angst and schmaltz* this book is for you.

Disagree? Leave a comment or email

*Translation of Schmaltz.."Rendered chicken fat" or in this case, mushy, overly sentimental......but still flavorful.




CALICO JOE by John Grisham   (04/10/2012)

John Grisham's latest book was released today. It's a bit of a departure and tells the tale of a father and son set in the world of Major League Baseball. Fortunately for me it's not a baseball book, but  focuses on relationships and family.

John Grisham has always been a baseball fanatic and weaves a heartwarming tale in Calico Joe about a near fatal throw and it's aftermath thirty years later.

Reviewers have labeled Calico Joe a "pleasant, midseason afternoon in the ballpark when the home team finally wins."  Today is the first day "in the stands" so we'll see if Grisham strikes out. I hope not...I'm a fan.

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Let me know your thoughts.....Is it a good spring opener or a no-hitter?

APRIL BOOK RELEASES

March came in like a lamb and is going out like a lion...or is it the other way around?

In my part of the country we're experiencing "lion-like" temps...Twenty degrees this morning!

April brings some wonderful (and some not so wonderful) new titles. One of my favorite authors, Anne Tyler debuts a new novel titled THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE which sounds like another refreshing, readable take on life's challenges.

 Here's a list and brief summary of some April releases:


THE BOTTOM LINE......

THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE by Anne TYLER tells the story of a disabled man who is suffering from a loss and trying to figure out life. This author always writes with humor and a piercing understanding of human foibles.

CALICO JOE by John Grisham is a book I reviewed previously.(Check the Book Index) It's a baseball story (OH no..) that takes place in 1973. Fathers and sons collide, forgiveness plays a part, and Grisham fans will call it a great Spring Opener.

FARTHER AWAY: Essays by Jonathan Franzen is a series of essays and speeches focusing on issues that have preoccupied Franzen the past five years and they are never ending.

DRIFT by Rachel Maddow displays the qualities of this author who is my favorite MSNBC host. Displaying her sharp and caustic wit, Maddow tells the story of American warfare and the debate about its purpose.

                TO ORDER THESE BOOKS CLICK ON THE AMAZON SEARCH BOX







NORMAN AND FAMILY ~ SPRING 2010

This beautiful Swan family spent most of last summer on our lawn. We named the male, Norman and the female is Mrs Norman. (I think an overdose of sun and vodka had gotten to us!)
The attraction was an abundance of saltines, their snack of choice.  We used to have Turkeys who snacked on bagels, but they treated the yard like their personal bathroom so they were evicted. When one crashed through a window it was time for them to move on.
The cygnets are probably young adults by now and we anticipate a new Swan family looking for a saltine fix come Spring. It's been a bleak winter but  happily, the days are getting longer. 

Here's a brief preview of new titles by two well known authors and two first time authors.

                                       

           

Calico Joe by John Grisham

A surprising novel about the careers of two baseball players on the field and off. This novel is a real departure for John Grisham who favors courtroom dramas and lawyer angst. 
This has been labeled a surprising novel of fathers and sons set in the world of Major League Baseball.

In the summer of 1973 Joe Calico was the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone had ever seen until a fastball changed his life forever...and his Dad's.
If you enjoyed The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, this book is for you. 
The release date is April 10th.


                           

                                                                                                                  

                                                                        The Expats by Chris Pavone

This impressive thriller by first time novelist Cris Pavone is said to be a riviting and complex spy story.

Lots of suspense, surprise, and plot twists focusing on a compelling female protagonist. 

Fans of John Le Carre and Robert Ludlum will welcome this exciting spy thriller. Be ready for lots of plot twists and double crosses.

March 6th is the release date. 

Buy any book on this blog directly from the AMAZON SEARCHBOX 
located in the sidebar or click on an image when indicated.

                                              The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich

This is a debut novel by Roberta Rich that was highly praised by a blog follower. It was released in paperback recently and tells the story of a midwife in the Jewish ghetto of Venice in 1875.

The story is rich with historical detail combined with suspense, drama and unforgettable characters.

Besides the intricasies of the tale itself, there are details about midwifery and the constant intolerance between Christians and Jews.

The book may feel a little one dimensional but it's a page turner.



            
              MUDWOMAN  by Joyce Carol Oates

                                                                                           

I am a fan of Joyce Carol Oates and have read most of her books. Her newest novel will be released the end of March but reviewers have already called it "extraordinarily intense, racking, and resonant."  MUDWOMAN explores the  story of a woman cracking the glass ceiling at enormous personal cost. 

As president of an Ivy League college committed to her career she is confronted with challenges that test her in ways she could never had imagined. The plot mixes the real and the imagined culminating in a powerful story of love, mystery and power.







                          WATCH OUT! BOOK ALERT.....

This post focuses on a new book that is slowly and steadfastly moving up the ranks. It has not made any lists yet, but watch out....it is definetly on the move.

Heft by Liz Moore

Arthur Opp is "colosally fat." He has not left his house in a decade, has not worked for eighteeen years and has lost all connections with his family. For over two decades he has had one tenuous lifeline with a former student who was unknowingly the center of rumors that ended his career. The prospect of renewing that friendship and revealing his decline leads to a haunting tale. There are many flawed characters in this story and the author brings them to life in all their quirkiness. Ultimately HEFT is about transformation and acceptance..a good combination. The New York Times  gave this book an excellent review.

REMINDER: Click on the AMAZON SEARCHBOX in the sidebar to order now!