The+Art+of+Fielding

//The Art of Fielding// by Chad Harbach

Again, I'm relying on Brenda here at the library: She doesn't see this as a Flume book - it lacks suspense, and although the characters are well developed, she sees it as an adult book that would probably not appeal to teens. The sports element might draw guys to the book, but there is a lot of romance and "stuff like that" ;) that would probably not really interest them. (Thank you Brenda!!) Lisa Houde ~ Rye Public Library

Oh! How I love this book with all of my heart!! It is artistic, beautifully written, and filled with Melville references! It's a wonderful book all about baseball and friendship, but I agree with Lisa (and Brenda) that it's not exactly a Flume kind of book. But I do love it!! And I want everyone I meet to read it. Pam Harland ~ Sanborn Regional High School Library

I agree...wonderful book but I don't see it as a Flume. --Susan Gilbert, Kensington Public Library

I feel the same way that Susan and Pam do about this book--it is wonderful! However, I am not so sure I agree about it not being a Flume book. It would definitely be appropriate for some of our more sophisticated readers. I'd prefer this as our adult/YA crossover title instead of a Picoult-type offering. Sometimes the list seems to tend more toward the younger end of the spectrum. This would be one that would appeal to junior/senior boys, it seems. --Kathy Pearce, Oyster River HS

Great book, but students are not going to like it the way adults do. Kelly Budd, Keene High School

I enjoyed this book, I loved the literary connections, the characters, and most of the flow. However, I don't want to see it as a Flume nominee for two reasons, First, I think that it is a little dense for most teens, both in page numbers and in content. Second, I have a real problem with placing a book that contains a relationship between a college junior and a 60 something year old man on a recommended teen reading list. I know that there are a lot of these April/November type of relationships among gay males, but they aren't healthy due to the power inequity especially when one partner is an educator. Sharon Flesher, Nashua High South