Helpful Score: 8
This book became one of my truly unexpected favorites. I was initially hesitant about the narrative style (this book is told in the form of letters along with newspaper clipping and other miscellany from a young boy to his baseball hero) but after a few letters found that this was the perfect way to tell this story. It is a lovely book, funny and poignant at the same time.
It is essentially a coming of age story (notice the title)set in the 1940's that shows the main character Joey Margolis' relationship with an up and coming baseball star named Charlie Banks. As World War two approaches the United States, Joey remains on the home front while Charlie is shipped off to war. The story follows their initial (Reluctant on Charlie's part, enthusiastic and boyish on the part of Joey)contacts full of misspellings and tough talk and grows to encompass what becomes a brother-like dynamic.
Highly recommended! A very quick read that will linger long after the last page.
It is essentially a coming of age story (notice the title)set in the 1940's that shows the main character Joey Margolis' relationship with an up and coming baseball star named Charlie Banks. As World War two approaches the United States, Joey remains on the home front while Charlie is shipped off to war. The story follows their initial (Reluctant on Charlie's part, enthusiastic and boyish on the part of Joey)contacts full of misspellings and tough talk and grows to encompass what becomes a brother-like dynamic.
Highly recommended! A very quick read that will linger long after the last page.
One of the first books which I've truly enjoyed start-to-finish in a long time. This is the story of Joey, a precocious Brooklyn boy, told in letters, news clippings, memoes, etc. and Charlie Banks, 3rd base, New York Giants.
Although the ending was somewhat predictable, I laughed and I cried while reading this book. What a different world Brooklyn in the 1940s must have been - this book made me feel like I was there.
Although the ending was somewhat predictable, I laughed and I cried while reading this book. What a different world Brooklyn in the 1940s must have been - this book made me feel like I was there.
Helpful Score: 2
If you read this book in public you will probably be interrupted often by people asking you what is so funny. I can assure you it will be one of the most delightful books you have ever read, with an ending to warm your heart. I have recommended it to my friends and now do the same to you.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a great story of the relationship that develops between Charlie Banks - a pro baseball player - and Joey Margolis - a young Jewish boy living in NYC. It is a great glimpse of life in the 1940's covering politics, entertainment, sports, the war and just everyday life. At times the book is laugh out loud funny. Very enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a wonderful read!!! The book takes place in the early '40's and involves a Jewish boy (his father has left the family) with an outstanding imagination. He's living in an Italian neighborhood and is being picked on. He picks as his role model a young baseball player and tries all kinds of ways to get his attention.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It's about baseball, the war, growing up, young love and friendship - not to mention my favorite character, his quirky aunt Carrie.
One of my best reads of this summer.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It's about baseball, the war, growing up, young love and friendship - not to mention my favorite character, his quirky aunt Carrie.
One of my best reads of this summer.
