A review by jonathanwlodarski
The Cactus League by Emily Nemens

1.0

This book frustrated me on nearly every level. As a linked collection/novel in stories, I wasn't satisfied with how it all came together (or resisted coming together), nor did I understand/care for the sports journalist connective tissue. As a collection of short stories, I wasn't particularly excited by any individual piece, many of which copped out with writerly endings in favor of trying for some kind of conclusion. There is a lot of weird sexism and homophobia and race stuff going on here, none of which is explored or commented upon, which I do think ethically is an issue—not accusing the writer of holding these viewpoints, but I think if you're going to let some character, for example, unironically compare the Trail of Tears to a baseball player being traded to another team against his will, there should at least be a moment where the book acknowledges how fucked up that is.

Just not a winner for me.

1/5