For Love of the Game - Michael Shaara - 3.5 stars (4)

[Jason]

You would think this book is about baseball. It is, but its not. It is about baseball, love, loyalty, getting old, determination, self, and surprisingly, books. Two of my greatest loves, Baseball and books.

Billy Chapel is a future Hall of Fame picture at the downside of his career playing for a horrible, last place team. All in one day, his 4 year, non serious relationship with his girlfriend ends and he finds out he has been traded from the only team he has ever played with.

The book mainly takes place during the day of his last start of the season, facing a team looking to get into the playoffs with a win. He is pitching what may be his last game ever but all he can think about is his past.

You may remember the movie by the same title with Kevin Costner. this is very interesting take on a baseball book. Shaara knows his baseball, but the book is not about baseball. I found a spiritual theme to the book, and with his last name Chapel, it lead to some interesting conclusions on my part.

I did not like that the teams are not real MLB teams. I'm sure it had to do with licencing, but the team he plays for are the Hawks and his opponent is the Yanks but not from New York. Minor detail though. Solid 3.5 stars rounded up. Very short book, under 200 pages.

[Amy]

Very you! I also think sports can have a spiritual theme. I have been “preaching” on that for years. More to chat about.

[Jason]

I do feel they can be though I personally don't view them that way.

With his name Chapel I think he find his spirituality within himself. on while pitching that last game. I might be reaching or seeing things I want to see.....