A review by melissarochelle
The Cactus League by Emily Nemens

3.0

The Cactus League by Emily Nemens is set during Spring Training 2011 in Scottsdale, the housing market hasn’t rebounded since the Recession, thousands of foreclosures have left properties empty and increased the risks of squatters throughout the Valley. Our narrator, a sportscaster, is following Jason Goodyear, the star outfielder for the Los Angeles Lions. The nameless narrator introduces us to each chapter, which focuses on a new character. This large cast of seemingly unrelated characters – an aging batting coach, a baseball groupie, a legendary sports agent, a hopeful minor league player, a business developer, to name a few– are all peripherally connected to Jason Goodyear. This web of characters is wonderfully contrasted against the relatively linear game of baseball. We get a glimpse into so many different lives and Nemens manages to make each character distinctive and genuine. The structure reminds me of a few of my favorite novels including A Visit from the Goon Squad and You Know When the Men are Gone, both of which tell stories through interwoven stories.