Calico+Joe

//Calico Joe// by John Grisham

A novel, featuring coming-of-age, baseball, and forgiveness. This is just a nice story - enough baseball to keep teens reading and a message of the grace of forgiveness. This might be a good adult/teen crossover selection for the list. I can certainly think of some students at my school who will enjoy this quick read. ~ Sharon Flesher, Nashua High South

Considering it was a book primarily about baseball, I kind of enjoyed it. I thought it was nice that the main character, Paul, could just not care too much about his father after abuse and abandonment, as opposed to letting it destroy him. I found myself asking my husband if Calico Joe and Warren Tracey were real players, as I recognized other names as the story went on. Unfortunately, he dislikes baseball nearly as much as I do, so that was no help. The story of forgiveness and redemption was what held my interest. If a girl/non-baseball fan was compelled to read it, this would be what would keep their interest. It's not a classic Grisham law thriller, so there probably won't be much appeal there, either. Primarily, this will appeal to boys/baseball fans. It is a quick read for teens/adults. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton