Reviews

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

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fraserrobinson's review against another edition

3.0

Fun , It's weird how a decade ago everyone loved this book and talked like it was gonna be an American classic ... it reads like YA

I hated Pella with a fucking passion.

The book reeked of 2011 Obama years cringe . " I'm your gay mulatto roommate " really hammering this home bright and early .

The best chapter was the first and then it kinda became a drama when I think the most interesting parts would have been the baseball if that was the main focus

salgalruns's review against another edition

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4.0

First of all, I love a great sports drama. This one had that, and I actually became somewhat hyper focused on that story line, more than any of the others. I loved Henry's drive (however obsessive it was), and felt for him when things didn't work as planned. The baseball parts were, by far, my favorites.

However, other storylines brought in a rich cast of characters and their own flaws. Pelle, the daughter of the president? Loved her. Especially her quest to be independent. While she made a few odd choices, I think she was just sort of figuring out her own life as well, and seriously, who makes perfect choices at her age?

Schwartz? I think we all know a Schwartz or two. You always need that cheerleader, that trainer, that person who will always have your back...he's that person to Henry and I loved him for that.

Owen? Another reviewer likened him to Owen Meany and I did as well for some reason (perhaps the name, but I think it's more). Even with the amazing amount of detail regarding his physicality, I still don't have a sense of what he actually looks like. His storyline with the controversial relationship seemed a way to connect everyone, but it wasn't my favorite element of the story. It DID link it all, but the major focus was on drive and perseverance, not on an affair.

Some reviewers weren't fond of the ending, and I think it ended as it should. Well done story and definitely worth the read, in my opinion.

hscreechh's review against another edition

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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

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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

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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

missyjohnson's review against another edition

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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.