Over 20 years ago, I first met and became friends with John Grisham. We both had two joys that we shared in common: books and youth baseball. I’m not sure which mattered the most to us since they were both dear to our hearts. As John signed books, we talked mostly about reading books and baseball. We talked coaching, statistics, youth ball coaching humor, and ballpark trivia. We cared about our sons’ stats and their teams’ win/lose records. We dug our chatter and shared our love of the spirit of baseball and what it added to our lives.
When I received my inscribed copy of Calico Joe from John, I smiled. It reads: “Finally a baseball story” and indeed it is! Calico Joe is mostly set in 1973 and John uses real players and real team lineups to enhance the plot. At times this novel reads like a 1973 sports page enhancing the personalities through his fine, clever and very enjoyable plot.
As a longstanding Grisham fan, I must say this is one of his most enjoyable books. It reads with the heart and soul of a real baseball fan. Calico Joe feels like John wrote it for fans like himself–so much so that this might be the closest novel to his heart in a long time.
The relationship of a father and son through the spirit of baseball is an enduring link. In fact, countless hours of batting practice, all-star games and road trips are at the forefront of my lifetime memories. A window of time for father and son which so often lays the pathway and foundation for adult friendship. For the fathers of players, John has given us the perfect Dad’s Day present to share.
Not to be too sentimental, but I must note my heartfelt thanks to John. Lemuria can never repay the gifts of support John has given to our bookstore. With this in mind, thank you John for all you have done for Lemuria’s readers and booksellers.
I will, however, try to share your book with all baseball fans. I will hand sell Calico Joe to all who simply like a good story. I think this novel will stand the test of time and will remain on the top shelf of any baseball fiction bookcase.
John, I can only imagine the colorful comment that our ole pal Willie Morris would write on Calico Joe’s dust jacket.
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