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The Death and Resurrection of Baseball: Echoes From a Distant Past
2023 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Finalist - Sports Fiction
Featured in the Autumn 2023 Edition of Clean Fiction
"A gentler than typical entry in the post-apocalyptic canon, Douglas' novel opens with a classic cinematic set-up. It's one straight out of Spielberg's oeuvre..." - gagaoverbooks.com In the year 2166, baseball is just a distant memory, lost to history in the aftermath of a devastating second American Civil War a hundred years earlier. But, when Joe Scott, a curious 12-year-old boy stumbles upon a relic from the distant past, from before the war, it sparks a search for its meaning. Little does he know that the wheels of Providence have been unwittingly set in motion which leads him on an epic quest of adventure and discovery.
Full of heart, and a deep love of the game, The Death and Resurrection of Baseball is a thrilling tale of perseverance and triumph against all odds. Join Joe Scott, his family, and friends on their journey to rediscover the magic of baseball and prove that some traditions are worth preserving, no matter how far out into the future we go.
Order your copy now!
"Connecting the past and this imagining of the future gives readers insight into the major problems of the present world, whilst also delivering a classic story with suspense, action, intrigue, and, perhaps most importantly, hope"
- K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite (Five-Star Review)
"The epicness of this tale, and the sheer creativity of Douglas, is enough to make you overlook the fact that every character is nearly flawless and awash in politeness. But maybe that's part of what makes this feel-good story work."
- Michael Popke, Award-Winning Journalist
"This was my first Kindle book, and I picked an excellent book to start Kindle reading with. I liked it so well I got it for a Christmas gift for one of my nephews."
- Don Wardlow, Retired Baseball Radio Broadcaster
"The last chapters gave me some of the most intense “goosebumps” feelings I’ve had....the book may give some, some of the highest levels of hope that any of us Americans have had in recent years."
- Sal Assante, Host of "We The Patriots" Podcast
"Absolutely an amazing book to read! If you are looking for “ that ” book to read, this book is for you - young, old, and forever the young at heart."
- Janis Melillo, Host of "Stories That Inspire Us" Podcast
"This is a great story that teaches us, through baseball, about ourselves today and for the future."
- Scott Kelley, Host of "Start Talking" Podcast"
"I highly recommend this book to fans of futuristic and post-apocalyptic settings, baseball enthusiasts, readers interested in adventure and discovery..."
- Thera Reads, onlinebookclub.org
Featured in the Autumn 2023 Edition of Clean Fiction
"A gentler than typical entry in the post-apocalyptic canon, Douglas' novel opens with a classic cinematic set-up. It's one straight out of Spielberg's oeuvre..." - gagaoverbooks.com In the year 2166, baseball is just a distant memory, lost to history in the aftermath of a devastating second American Civil War a hundred years earlier. But, when Joe Scott, a curious 12-year-old boy stumbles upon a relic from the distant past, from before the war, it sparks a search for its meaning. Little does he know that the wheels of Providence have been unwittingly set in motion which leads him on an epic quest of adventure and discovery.
Full of heart, and a deep love of the game, The Death and Resurrection of Baseball is a thrilling tale of perseverance and triumph against all odds. Join Joe Scott, his family, and friends on their journey to rediscover the magic of baseball and prove that some traditions are worth preserving, no matter how far out into the future we go.
Order your copy now!
"Connecting the past and this imagining of the future gives readers insight into the major problems of the present world, whilst also delivering a classic story with suspense, action, intrigue, and, perhaps most importantly, hope"
- K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite (Five-Star Review)
"The epicness of this tale, and the sheer creativity of Douglas, is enough to make you overlook the fact that every character is nearly flawless and awash in politeness. But maybe that's part of what makes this feel-good story work."
- Michael Popke, Award-Winning Journalist
"This was my first Kindle book, and I picked an excellent book to start Kindle reading with. I liked it so well I got it for a Christmas gift for one of my nephews."
- Don Wardlow, Retired Baseball Radio Broadcaster
"The last chapters gave me some of the most intense “goosebumps” feelings I’ve had....the book may give some, some of the highest levels of hope that any of us Americans have had in recent years."
- Sal Assante, Host of "We The Patriots" Podcast
"Absolutely an amazing book to read! If you are looking for “ that ” book to read, this book is for you - young, old, and forever the young at heart."
- Janis Melillo, Host of "Stories That Inspire Us" Podcast
"This is a great story that teaches us, through baseball, about ourselves today and for the future."
- Scott Kelley, Host of "Start Talking" Podcast"
"I highly recommend this book to fans of futuristic and post-apocalyptic settings, baseball enthusiasts, readers interested in adventure and discovery..."
- Thera Reads, onlinebookclub.org
268 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2022
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 13, 2024
DNF for a profanity a little less than halfway in
Apart from that, I have to confess that I only stuck it out that far because I was hoping to use the book for a couple of challenges. The writing was very much not my style and felt very much told rather than shown. I was intrigued by the idea of a society in the future rediscovering a lost sport, but there was no real gradual process of discovery here----and it all just felt very contrived and in-your-face. Also, the worldbuilding kind of confused me; I wasn't sure how society had recovered to basically the same state of technological advance as they had been in before the triple catastrophe of nuclear civil war, massive computer virus, and EMP had plunged them into the dark ages, or why some of this specific technology would have been resurrected. I'm not saying it couldn't have happened; I just didn't feel convinced that it would have. Overall, it was just not my cup of tea, but I probably would have given it two stars if not for having to DNF.
Apart from that, I have to confess that I only stuck it out that far because I was hoping to use the book for a couple of challenges. The writing was very much not my style and felt very much told rather than shown. I was intrigued by the idea of a society in the future rediscovering a lost sport, but there was no real gradual process of discovery here----and it all just felt very contrived and in-your-face. Also, the worldbuilding kind of confused me; I wasn't sure how society had recovered to basically the same state of technological advance as they had been in before the triple catastrophe of nuclear civil war, massive computer virus, and EMP had plunged them into the dark ages, or why some of this specific technology would have been resurrected. I'm not saying it couldn't have happened; I just didn't feel convinced that it would have. Overall, it was just not my cup of tea, but I probably would have given it two stars if not for having to DNF.
February 6, 2023
This unlikely but likeable blend of dystopian fiction and baseball set in 2166 during the aftermath of the Second American Civil War — during which such major cities as Chicago, New York and Atlanta were obliterated — serves as both an entertaining read and a dire warning. As America’s pastime continues losing fans (especially younger ones) in 2023, it’s refreshing to read about a group of boys and one amiable grandfather 140 years in the future who unearth a stash of relics from a game that was last played in the 2060s. They learn the rules by watching old DVDs and start playing ball in McHenry, Ill., which eventually becomes the center of the baseball universe and the site of the first baseball game played in more than 100 years. Their enthusiasm generates excitement for a country badly in need of a unifying element. The epicness of this tale, and the sheer creativity of Douglas, is enough to make you overlook the fact that every character is nearly flawless and awash in politeness. But maybe that’s part of what makes this feel-good story work.
October 17, 2024
This book is a very good read for people who enjoy baseball and like a book packed full of adventure. It takes you through history and shows you what could happen in the future. It shows how a young boy and his grandpa can resurrect the game of baseball and give America a new life.
September 2, 2023
While readers of all ages will enjoy this novel, both the sports theme and the writing style used by the author should especially appeal to youth readers. My initial attraction to this futuristic novel was the background theme (post-second Civil War in U.S.), but midway through I was pulled into the excitement of the comeback of baseball. It is evident this story was a labor of love by this new author, and I believe a metaphorical message of hope - Providence - for our current times. I am anxious to read the next Douglas novel!
May 12, 2022
A wonderful feel good story
An uplifting tale about Joe Scott and his friends that bring baseball back from the dark abyss of a war torn in America that forgot its national pastime. Wonderfully told with Rich scenery and a lively conversation, the book takes the reader through the efforts of a young man to restore baseball and finishes in a way that will leave you cheering for more.
An uplifting tale about Joe Scott and his friends that bring baseball back from the dark abyss of a war torn in America that forgot its national pastime. Wonderfully told with Rich scenery and a lively conversation, the book takes the reader through the efforts of a young man to restore baseball and finishes in a way that will leave you cheering for more.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews