You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.54 AVERAGE
4.54 AVERAGE
Nothing makes me cry like baseball, which, yeah, I know. But hearing the stories of 20th century America through baseball, and through a relentlessly optimistic Buck O'Neill and Joe Posnanski at his best America's Dad impression is a wonderful thing.
This book makes me miss Posnanski's old blog and his old Kansas City Star self. I feel like the Paterno thing really took a lot out of him. It's great to read him when he still thinks about how beautiful the world is, and to hear him do it with the only person who is more optimistic than he.
This book makes me miss Posnanski's old blog and his old Kansas City Star self. I feel like the Paterno thing really took a lot out of him. It's great to read him when he still thinks about how beautiful the world is, and to hear him do it with the only person who is more optimistic than he.
This was a fun book. I had admired Buck O'Neil for a long time, but I had never read a book about him. Posnanski did a nice job of capturing the essence of the man. He was more than just a ballplayer. He is a classic example of an incredibly kind human being. If anyone needs an example of what it means to turn the other cheek, look at Buck O'Neil. Despite being denied the chance to play in the majors for all those years, he was a happy, gracious man. Despite being treated as an inferior human being, he continued to live his life and enjoy his time with his wife and his friends. Even to the end he was a happy man. Let's learn from that.
Recently I received a Nook as a graduation present. After loading up Game of Thrones on it, I decided I wanted to purchase an ebook right from my Nook. I must admit, I am a sucker for non-fiction works. I love reading autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs on a litany of topics. Most notably, I love non-fiction titles centered around sports heroes, villains,and sports history in general. Out of all the sports I love, the history of baseball always grabs me the most. Deciding to purchase a baseball ebook was the easy part; the hard part was picking one out. A simple google search of classic baseball books will leave even the most veteran reader in a state of confusion. So, after just perusing the Barnes and Noble electronic book store, I decided on Joe Posnanski's "Soul of the Game...". After reading the first few pages I was hooked.
I had read some of Posnanski's work for Sports Illustrated, but I would not have said he was on my radar in terms of "must read" columnists or sports writers. That has most certainly changed. "Soul of baseball"
I had read some of Posnanski's work for Sports Illustrated, but I would not have said he was on my radar in terms of "must read" columnists or sports writers. That has most certainly changed. "Soul of baseball"
Just what I needed when what I needed were stories. Stories about a legend who helped me understand, a little better, a time I know so very little about but am working to learn all I can. The narrator was terrific. The writing, lovely. The subject matter, as good as it gets.
Solid read with great insight into Buck O’Neil, his positive outlook on life, and his service in support of the Negro Leagues. If you love baseball and stories about the men and women who played it, you’ll enjoy this breakneck ride through the final days of this veteran player, manager, scout, and human being.
A good book about an empathetic and optimistic baseball leader. Buck's attitude on life and kindheartedness toward everyone he meets is incredible to read. I also learned a great deal about the Negro Leagues and I appreciate Posnanski's emphasis on the on-field (and of course off-field) exploits of players like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.
I only gave it 4 stars (rather than 5) because I think I was expecting more of a coherent narrative rather than just a series of vignettes about O'Neil's life and travels across the country? That's probably why it took so long for me to finish an otherwise easy read.
I only gave it 4 stars (rather than 5) because I think I was expecting more of a coherent narrative rather than just a series of vignettes about O'Neil's life and travels across the country? That's probably why it took so long for me to finish an otherwise easy read.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
inspiring
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
This is a great feel good story about a forgotten era of sports history that isn’t talked about enough!