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bstratton's review against another edition
5.0
Nostalgia is easy. But a writer who can make his audience yearn for the author's own past is something special. Regardless of whether or not you're a Dodgers fan, or a baseball fan at all, you will be by the time you finish.
hxvphaestion's review against another edition
4.0
The stories of the old dodgers, in their youth and then in their 50s - 60s can not be matched. A true baseball classic.
rachelsreadsandreviews's review against another edition
2.0
The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn
Roger Kahn revisits his time as a journalist covering the Dodgers in the 1950s followed by interviews with the players years later.
This book was 100% lost on me. The writing was meandering and disjointed with language that may have been excusable when it was written in the ’70s but is now offensive.
I would only recommend it to people who are passionate fans of baseball history, and even then, I would tell them they could probably skip large portions. A significant percentage of the book contains unnecessary asides of Kahn’s personal life. I wanted to listen to a book about baseball – not his weirdly romanticized memory of watching the maid bathe.
*For self-help books and some non-fiction, I will be removing plot and character development ratings*
Writing & Editing: 3
Personal Bias: 1
Final Score: 2
Roger Kahn revisits his time as a journalist covering the Dodgers in the 1950s followed by interviews with the players years later.
This book was 100% lost on me. The writing was meandering and disjointed with language that may have been excusable when it was written in the ’70s but is now offensive.
I would only recommend it to people who are passionate fans of baseball history, and even then, I would tell them they could probably skip large portions. A significant percentage of the book contains unnecessary asides of Kahn’s personal life. I wanted to listen to a book about baseball – not his weirdly romanticized memory of watching the maid bathe.
*For self-help books and some non-fiction, I will be removing plot and character development ratings*
Writing & Editing: 3
Personal Bias: 1
Final Score: 2
librarianelizabeth's review against another edition
slow-paced
0.5
This was a slog. Too much memoir, not enough Dodgers in their heyday. Bah!
writesdave's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I didn't find it the magnum opus of baseball journalism others have anointed it, but it kept my attention and punctured a few myths built up over the years about the Jackie Robinson years. Kahn reported the hell out of it without staying too clinical; I guess he has set the template for reporting on your favorite team. Furthermore, this book presents a realistic view of athletes after the cheering stops—existential crises, different focuses, new beginnings, old paths. All-around enjoyable.
qrhodes7's review against another edition
5.0
Really good. About baseball, but mostly about men of a certain time. A lot more diversity of culture on a sports team than happens today seemingly.
stahlscott's review against another edition
4.0
This book is fantastic. It's novel-esque in how it tackles its many topics, all reflecting central themes of generational changes. I recommend having an interest in baseball to get through as the author's nostalgia may not be as gripping if one didn't share in it personally, but if you're looking for a baseball or summer book then this is a must.
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