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Grady Harp
, January 24, 2009
(view all comments by Grady Harp)
Beyond Baseball
Not being a baseball fan or even knowing much about the game or the cheering throngs who have made the sport part of the definition of 'America', this reader approached this novel with some hesitation, believing that if Frank Nappi could write so powerfully in ECHOES FROM THE INFANTRY, then surely this book deserves reading. And, once again, Frank Nappi has demonstrated his polished skills as a writer. Yes, the story is about baseball with all the excitement, romance, and obsession that sport engenders, but it is so much more. This story is about overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds of physical afflictions that will serve as a comforting and challenging guide to readers familiar with those struggling with autism among other differences.
Arthur Murphy is our baseball manager guide through this 1940s tale of the rise of Mickey Tussler, a Wisconsin farm boy of only 17 years of age whose problems with autism produced abusive reactions not only form his father but form nearly everyone with whom he came into contact. That is, until Arthur Murphy discovers his natural gifts as a pitcher extraordinaire and places him on the mound with the Milwaukee Brewers – and a legend is born. This could have been the end-all as a success story in other writers' hands, but Nappi fleshes out this tale with all manner of intrigue, love affairs, and examples of human behavior run amuck in the presence of one person with 'differences'. His characters are three dimensional, credible and stay with us as Nappi spins his story to conclusion.
Frank Nappi has now demonstrated how authoritatively he can write about war and about sports. We can only imagine the source of inspiration for his next novel - and await its appearance, hopefully soon. Recommended.
Grady Harp
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