Reviews

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

hscreechh's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

heathercottledillon's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this book. "The Art of Fielding" is something special—a literary sports novel that captures the beauty of baseball and has a lot more to it as well. The characters feel so real that as I was reading I often forgot that they aren’t. I liked the way that their lives intertwine and how all of their choices and actions affect each other. The writing style fits the story perfectly, creating an almost nostalgic feel even though it takes place in the present. The baseball scenes are captivating and portray the mystical atmosphere of the sport. There are some surprises at the end and things are wrapped up rather nicely. This is one that I recommend for all baseball fans…and everyone else.

ndbooth's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

exquisite_tragedy's review against another edition

3.0

FUN FACT: This author graduated from my high school (Racine St. Catherine's). Completely unrelated to the book itself, but I thought that was interesting :)

missyjohnson's review against another edition

3.0

All in all I liked the book. The middle part with Henry was a little too long and there was a bit of predictability with just about every character. I was not surprised at any decision or event that occured. I guess that is not a bad thing because as humans I believe that we are predictible creatures. It is just that in a book, I enjoy the potential for escape and surprise and that did not occur here. I love baseball and did enjoy the baseball stories. I guess that the only "surprise" was the end and the way that Henry was the hero. Pella, Mike and Guert were safe and followed the path expected. Owen was the one most likely to step outside the lines but alas did not.

misshgtraveling's review against another edition

4.0

What a fascinating book. Very unique and clever. Beautiful writing.

claireburr's review against another edition

5.0

Amazing. The best book I've read this year, and perhaps in a few years.

jmyles's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

secretthistory's review against another edition

emotional reflective tense fast-paced

3.25

lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition

5.0

I am going to miss reading this book. Amazing characters. Great story. Even though it clocked in at 500 pages, I was left wanting more. Wish I could know more about Skrimmer, Schwartz, Owen, and Pella (aka my new best friends). I feel like I know them.