G. W. Kennedy

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Okay, there are a lot of books I like. Even if they aren't my type, but they are well written I will give them at least a three star. I review based on more than if I liked the book. I look at how well the story entertained, the plot, the characters, and how well worded it is. I have to say that G.W. Kennedy's Curveball scores high in all these and more.

This is the story of a literature professor who currently is teaching Charles Dickens. He is also a former professional baseball player who didn't last long in the big leagues. Barklee is a very interesting character. He views the world with literary comparisons and baseball analogies. You might think that is strange, but it works perfectly. His whole world gets turned upside down when the wild child daughter of a senator who is a student of his is kidnapped. He hears a clue in her phone call from the kidnapper that is straight out of a Dickens novel. He knows where she is, but the authorities won't listen. Barklee follows through on his hunch and saves the girl. What he doesn't know is the can of worms he has opened up.

The characters in this book are exceptional. I absolutely love Barklee and his wife, Dorothy. Though she is not a main character, she is huge in creating a plot that has a little comedy to give you a smile.

The plot of this story is great. Though I saw many of the 'secrets' before they were revealed, the how took me by surprise. I loved that.

There are some F-bombs dropped in this story, but I was impressed how it was not used just to be used. It came out of the mouths of the characters really would have used that word.

What I loved the most was the literary and baseball analogies. It was wonderful. If you read this book, you'll begin to wonder about many of Dickens' works and even other great authors. You'll be wanting to pick them up and find out more about them and will probably come back to Curveball to see how that particular book was used. I'm serious.

This is a wonderful read and one I highly recommend for 2012 as a must-read. Yes, I will rate this book high on character development, plot, and enjoyment, but the creative writing style wins it hands down. I call this a Dickens' homerun.

Note: This book was provided by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.… (plus d'informations)