The Heart of the Order

by Theo Schell-Lambert

A sharply observed debut novel that signals a significant voice in contemporary fiction, The Heart of the Order follows a ballplayer as he takes time to mend―physically and emotionally―from a spectacular injury. Blake Alexander―“Xandy” to his teammates and fans―is the starting leftfielder for the Carolina Birds of the National League South, until a knee injury in Cincinnati leaves him facing a summer of rehab and a career in doubt. Eager to occupy himself around game time, Xandy trades his glove for an Acer laptop, and each night before first pitch, he settles into a lounger behind his borrowed house to write. What emerges from Xandy’s patio sessions is a series of reflections on the game he loves and beyond―from losing streaks to bullpen phones to his beguiling physical therapist, Jenn, who (like a third base coach) keeps giving him signs he can’t quite read. A winning narrator, with an observational style honed over years spent judging the spin on fly balls, Xandy shines as a fresh and memorable voice in American fiction.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

252 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2015

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite baseball novel -- imagine a young Nicholson Baker drafted to the "show."

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, easy-going debut novel about a big-league outfielder ruminating about baseball and life as he recuperates in rehab in south Florida during the latter stretch of the season, his team vying for a playoff spot and his replacement playing well, writing his thoughts down journal style. I think the author, who I doubt was a professional player, must have done some nice research to give the book a feel of authenticity. It will be interesting to see if there is any blowback from athletes who have actually experienced knee rehab, as well as played under the big-time lights. Some may hesitate because they think it will just be another sports story, but it is really much more and the baseball material is really not that difficult for nonfans. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story, though it is a little heartbreaking in a way, as the protagonist, Xandy, seems lonely and somewhat removed from real life. Isolated, in a way, and really unable to relate to normal folks, even when he wants to. I think that part of the story was somewhat unrealistic, having known some jocks in my day. With all that money (and fame), there would have been honey (so to speak). Still, I enjoyed it. Probably should have earned a three star, but since I moved along well and kept my interest, I bumped it up. Definitely shows promise for Schell-Lambert's future as a novelist.

[Sean Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really don’t understand the unfavorable reviews here. Reminded me more than any other modern baseball novel I’ve read of the atmospheric peaks of the popular baseball fiction of half a century ago. Author really knew his stuff, and had an incredible way with words. Was easy to immerse yourself in the characters day to day, and there were clever lines by the dozen. Seems like the author hasn’t written anything since, but will be keeping my eye out.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked all of the baseball in this book but it read too much like a whiny diary to me.