I am starting at number three. I can feel the sharp inhales but I cam explain, it's not just because I'm a rebel. Having received my book subscription for Christmas, the first few books I received fell around peak coursework and exam times so I didn't actually get a chance to read them upon receipt. "Why not go back and start at the beginning in the way order prescribes?", I hear you ask. Well the first world problem I have is that every book that comes from Mr B's through the post, I want to read immediately.
Meaning, as I was able to latch back onto my reading routine, I dove straight into number three, a big long fatty of a book I had been dreaming of having the spare time to read for over two months. Plus, I don't play by the rules, I am a free spirit which is precisely why I write a blog about books.
Anyway, all that just to set the scene for Chad Harbach's, five-hundred-and-twelve page novel.
Anyway, all that just to set the scene for Chad Harbach's, five-hundred-and-twelve page novel.
The story follows the lives of five main characters in a small american liberal arts college, Westish College, who's lives are all linked by the love, practice and companionship of baseball. We are initially introduced to Mike Schwartz, the confident and loyal captain and catcher for the Harpooners, Westish's baseball team. He stumbles across Mike an extraordinarily talented shortstop who by comparison seems somewhat lacking in bravado and opportunities. Mike, turning instantly coach-minded and almost paternal towards him, decides to invite him to the college as part of the team, nursing his wondrous talent.
Throughout the novel, the depth and complexity of their relationship is explored as Henry becomes ever more successful and Mike has to slowly come to terms with his career taking the backseat, not least of all because of his health. The other somewhat unlikely characters in the baseball team shape each's college experience and a major theme of the book is the growing up of both the college students and indeed one of the professors. Amongst other things. Harbach explores the extreme camaraderie of sports teams, both healthy and more worrisome aspects, the difficult teacher-student balance, Herman Melville, and the fragility and vitality of college life.
It is a fairly difficult book to describe but I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I should probably start out by saying that I knew nothing about baseball whatsoever before reading this book. I was at first hesitant to embark on a story about a sport but I am certainly glad that I made the leap (in Mr B's we trust!).
I found myself staying up late in order to turn through page after page, not because of any particular story line suspense (though there is plenty) but rather a deep need to live amongst the characters. This I think, is true testament to an author who can in some way relay the vivacity and realism of his characters, conveying the source of his need to translate them from imagination to paper.
It was honestly refreshing and a joy to read a book with a theme, sport, that I would never ordinarily think of picking up. I was able to be in a different context all whilst finding all the elements I find truly compelling in a novel. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves deeply relatable characters, an interest in the theme of growing, or frankly anyone who like me, might have the audacity to feel a little fitter having finished a book about sports!
Throughout the novel, the depth and complexity of their relationship is explored as Henry becomes ever more successful and Mike has to slowly come to terms with his career taking the backseat, not least of all because of his health. The other somewhat unlikely characters in the baseball team shape each's college experience and a major theme of the book is the growing up of both the college students and indeed one of the professors. Amongst other things. Harbach explores the extreme camaraderie of sports teams, both healthy and more worrisome aspects, the difficult teacher-student balance, Herman Melville, and the fragility and vitality of college life.
It is a fairly difficult book to describe but I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I should probably start out by saying that I knew nothing about baseball whatsoever before reading this book. I was at first hesitant to embark on a story about a sport but I am certainly glad that I made the leap (in Mr B's we trust!).
I found myself staying up late in order to turn through page after page, not because of any particular story line suspense (though there is plenty) but rather a deep need to live amongst the characters. This I think, is true testament to an author who can in some way relay the vivacity and realism of his characters, conveying the source of his need to translate them from imagination to paper.
It was honestly refreshing and a joy to read a book with a theme, sport, that I would never ordinarily think of picking up. I was able to be in a different context all whilst finding all the elements I find truly compelling in a novel. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves deeply relatable characters, an interest in the theme of growing, or frankly anyone who like me, might have the audacity to feel a little fitter having finished a book about sports!