Racing Books

I really think this book is one of the best, and not just in the TB series! Samantha is my favorite character, and Pride is my favorite horse! This is a must read in the thoroughbred series and for horse lovers of all kind! It has unexpecting turns, unlike some of the other TB books. Whether you pay 1 penny or 100 dollars for this book, it is definately worth it!

In Prides Challenge, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reesse are ingaged and Pride has a new rival. After Pride has recovered from his injury, he is ready to head back on to the track. But Pride wont be alone, Lord Ainsley, Brad and Lavinia's new thoroughbred is on his way to the winners circle himself. Pride is doing very well in training and his workouts so he is entered in another race and Samantha Mclean and Ashleigh Griffen agree that Pride is back to business. Pride is tough competion again, adn so is Lord Ainsley. Fianlly Ashleigh and Samantha both agree that Pride is ready for the three year old test, the Tripple Crown. But Lord Ainsley is right behind them. But now Wonders Pride and Lord Ainsley will race against eachother. But now, Ashleigh is to busy plannign her wedding but will still ride Pride but now its up to Samantha to make sure the lookalike of Ashleighs Wonder (Wonders Pride) does is his best out there. But can Pride beat one of the other best colts in the country of Kentucky? Im sure u will love this book. And if u want to talk im at Blades60@aol.com

This is such a happy,sad,blood boiling,heart thrilling book.Lavinia.UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY. Sorry about that. But I had to get it out of my sistem.Well anyway back to the story.Pride is such a great horse. But I don't see why Samantha had to kick Ashleigh out of the picture.Ashleigh only had four books all to herself.so not fair.Lavinia acts like she knows everything there is to know about horses.Like she would know.She is so stupid.Well I hope you enjoy this book.BY

A. Alger's review says it all. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...].

I first read Pride's Challenge when I was in second grade. I bought it at a book fair because it had a horse on the cover and reading about a sixteen-year-old sounded glamorous and exciting. Well, I read the book cover-to-cover more times than I can count; I can even still recite the majority of the first chapter (and, bizarrely enough, Joanna Campbell's bio) by heart. It wasn't long before I just had to get the rest of the series. Now, ten years later, I'm still a devoted fan and I still count down the days to the release of the latest book.

Thoroughbred was always a higher caliber than the other horse series I read in elementary and middle school. I was absolutely drawn into the world of Ashleigh, Samantha, and yes, even Cindy. This book was what started it all, though. The author does justice to all her characters -- human and horse. Pride is a racehorse so believeable you keep waiting to hear about him on TV, so incredible you get goosebumps reading some of the racing scenes, and so lovable you want him to come live in your backyard. The storyline is quick-paced with plenty of twists to keep you thrilled to the end. Most of all, though, it sparkles with realism and with candor. I feel like I know the people I read about and that Whitebrook Farm really is hidden somewhere in those Kentucky hills.

That's why I was so upset to hear that Harper Collins plans to end the series after #72 is published. I have been a loyal fan for ten years -- and I know I'm not alone in that. So if you'd like to help save this series, one that has molded the dreams of horse-crazy girls for many a generation, then please check out the Whitebrook Farm [...] website. Sign the petition, send the publisher an email, drop them a letter in the mail. But most of all: do SOMETHING. Pride has his challenge. Now this is ours.

A wonderful horse story! The plot was a bit far-fetched, but it was still an amazing read. A classic girl-and-her-horse story. I really loved it! I wouldn't reccommend it to readers much under eleven, as they might not fully understand it. However, Peyton's work is so excellant, that I should think adults might love it too! Destined to be a classic, Blind Beauty has earned a spot among such giants as Misty of Chincoteague and Black Beauty.

This book is called Blind Beauty by K. M. Peyton. This book is about a girl named Tessa who, when she was young went with her mom to live in England. By taking Tessa away, Tessa's mother separated Tessa from her drinking father and horse Shiner. Being separated from Shiner made Tessa so upset that no one could cheer her up and she started smoking and doing terribly in school on purpose. Tessa and her new stepfather hate each other. Her stepfather sends Tessa off to work at Sparrow Wyck after being expelled again from school. There she meets Buffoon, Shiner's baby, that Tessa will do anything to be with. Shiner gave birth to Buffoon in Tessa's Dad's stable, but Buffoon was ugly, so eventually he was sold at an auction and then taken to England where Tessa finds him. Tessa rides Buffoon and shows everyone that he has talent to race long distance races and isn't lazy all the time. Then she meets Tom, another jockey who agrees to ride Buffoon and can get Buffoon to do his best. Tessa really likes Tom and looks up to him. That's when things get worse and Tessa's stepfather ruins Buffoon's chance of winning the Grand National by stealing Buffoon's buddy Lucky. Tessa stabs her stepfather and is sent away to a rehabilitation place. While she is gone Buffoon is sold and Tessa doesn't want to get better. So now Tessa has to somehow shape up and find Buffoon. Read the book to find out what happens!
I thought that this book was good. I liked how there was always something exciting going on in each chapter that made it hard to put the book down. It often felt like I was Tessa, angry at her stepfather or talking to Buffoon. The main conflict kept me interested in finishing the book to see how everything turned out. The main character, Tessa, had a rough beginning which explained some of her behavior for most of the book. By the end she had grown up a little bit more and had figured out who she wanted to be and what she wanted to do. The characters were so realistic that they could just pop out of the book and be in real life. I think that this book could be made into a movie it was a really good story. The beginning was really quick in getting into what was happening and what was going on, so it didn't take too much time explaining stuff. I also liked the ending, it was just the way that I thought that it should turn out.
K. M. Peyton wrote the book like it was in Tessa's mind. The book had what Tessa was thinking most of the time but every now and then it had what one of the other characters was thinking about Tessa or what was going on. K. M. Peyton had a few tough words but otherwise there weren't many difficult vocabulary words. The author would end every chapter with a statement that made you want to read on to the next chapter and made it difficult to put the book down. The author also described every new thing entering the book so that you could picture it clearly. The dialogue in the story went smoothly with what was going on and the mood of the current situation in the book. The tone was upset, angry or cold a lot but there were some happy and a lot of exciting parts. I really liked how the author kept the book moving at a nice pace and didn't slow it down with too many descriptions. I've read a couple of books where the author explains and describes to much that the reader loses interest.
I would rate this book at a seven out of ten compared to other books I have read. The book was good and well written but it wasn't as exciting or page turning as others that I have read. It also didn't have as an exciting plot and climax as other books I have read. I would recommend this book to people who like horses and are over the age of eleven. Younger children might not understand some of the things that happen in the book and people not interested in horses might get bored with the book or not understand some parts.
I thought that this was a good book. Some parts were heartwarming while other parts were disastrous. It was weird how nobody could get through to Tessa except for Tom and how Tessa looked up to him of all people. Also, I think It was weird how Tessa's father didn't try to help or find Tessa after seeing her at one of the races. He did get drunk a lot but he still should have a least visited Tessa. This book was also kind of emotional because of Tessa changing out of her old ways and people getting hurt. I liked how Tessa liked Buffoon and Shiner not because they were pretty (which they weren't) but because of their personalities. Overall I think the book was very well written and exciting to read. If you want to read a book on horses then you should read Blind Beauty.

When I first picked up Blind Beauty, a book by K M Peyton, I wasn't expecting much of it, it was just going to be another silly horse book I'd read to pass the time. I couldn't have been any more wrong. Blind Beauty is a story of a girl and a horse that don't fit in and have troubled lives. They find each other by destiny, and develop an undying bond of love. The girl, Tessa, has always loved horses, and finds peace and serenity in riding her cherished horse, Buffoon, through the rolling green hills of a steeplechase farm called Sparrows Wyck. Through experience, she becomes a skilled rider and begins to dream of riding in the Grand National. Blind Beauty is a story of love, hope, and dreams that stay true through whatever life throws at you, and I highly recommend it.
By Maggie

from the glossy, smooth cover and beuatiful illustration, to it's descriptive words, everything about this book is perfect. Now, I know that there is no such thing as a perfect book, but while reading this, i realize, there is. As i am writing, I am holding this wonderful book in my hand. I am in the middle right now, so am not fully done with it yet, but i can already tell that this is going to be one of my favorites. I HIGHLY!!!!!!!!!! reccomend this book to all people, horse lovers or just book luvers!!!

HURRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You simply MUST read this book! So quickly, gallop over to your favorite bookstore, and don't whinny if it's not in stock, you can order it on amazon! Once you are done reading it, you will simply neigh with happiness!!!!!

Wonder and Ashleigh make the best team in the world. Wonder is such a great filly who loves to race and win. It waz really great that Ashleigh got to ride Wonder in th Breeders Cup Classic due to Jilly's injury but Wonder couldnt have done it without Ashligh. Wonder runs like she is flying with wings. I really hated when Jennings and Brad tried to ruin Wonders chances in the race, but luckily they never harmed another horse, well Jennings. I give this book 5 stars cauz this is the last book where Wonder is the star and she sure showed she was one in this book. Wonder races in the Kentucky Derby and wins but loses in the Preakness Stakes cauz she was bumped and won the Belmon Stakes and Breeders Cup Classic with Ashleigh in the saddle. If it wasnt for her being bumped, Wonder would have been a Tripple Crown winner. But she still made us all proud except for Brad. Im sure Ashliegh was overwelmed when Clay Townsend gave her half intrest in Wonder and her offsprings. If that was me getting half intrest in Wonder, I would be bouncing off the walls. If u want to read a book of a lost filly almost loosing her chances in being a champion and a girl's dreams over flow, read Wonders Victory and u will just get your story. If u want to talk Thoroughbred, u can reach me at Blades60@aol.com

This is by far, the best Thoroughbred book. I actully think the first four Thoroughbred books are better than the rest, because they include Wonder, my favorite horse charector. I have almost the whole series and never get tired of reading: A Horse Called Wonder, Wonder's Promise, Wonder's First Race, Wonder's Victory and the Ashleigh series which come before the Thoroughbred series and take place before Ashleigh (Wonder's groom and half owner) and her family are still living at Edgardale (where they lived before Townsend Acres.)Definatly read the series and especially this book. GO WONDER!

This book is AWESOME! You should definatly read this book. I think this is the best Thoroughbred book there is. I have almost the whole series, and I never get tired of it. When Wonder's jockey is injured, who will ride Wonder? This book is filled with excitement and fun great for all horse-lovers.GO WONDER!
(and Jilly)

This book follows Ashleigh and Wonder as they make their way to the Breeder's Cup Classic. Beyond the fact that this world is well written and engrossing, probably the best part of this book is reading about Ashleigh and Mike's growing relationship. We finally see our self-consicous, horse crazy, fashion despising Ash fall for Mike. It's really great to see this side of Ash; the side that isn't always in control and doesn't always know what to do. I also found the "mystery" surrounding Wonder's freakish behavior before races to be really interesting. The conclusion of this book is just, well, wonderful...
This book is the perfect example of how you close a story and give the reader a sense of closure and satisfaction. It ends perfectly. After reading these great, old generation TB books, I'm even more saddened at the fact that the publisher, Harper Collins is planning on terminating the series abruptly after book #72. Please HELP SAVE THOROUGHBRED! Go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out more. I would hope that Harper will listen to the faithful readers of this series and give us the closure that we deserve. Don't end TB like this! We found out how it ended for Ash and Wonder, let us find out about Mel, Chris, Allie, and Sammy's twins too! Please SAVE TB!

This is one of my favorite Thoroughbred books ever. Everyone who ever doubted will see that she is a champion in this book. Wonder wins the Belmont and Breeders Cup Classic in a breeze. Ashleigh Wonder's favorite person rode her in the Breeders Cup Classic at the age of 15! The youngest ever I'm sure. Wonder proves to the world that she is a champion and that she is the best horse out there. This is the best book about Wonder ever written. Can't wait to see what her foals do.

This book is good, easier to understand, the author did a good job in explaining techniques and tips. Highly recommended!

i got this book just yesterday, read a few chapters, and already see and feel results in my day-to-day commute. don't be fooled into thinking that the information in this book can only be used on the race track. there is a lot of information here that is useful for driving in general. other than driving at the limit (i.e. redline), everything is practical for better day to day driving. already today on my usual drive to get errands, i found myself more focused, remembering certain instructions and guidelines. when to downshift, how soon, how abrupt, how to feel the car, how to turn, how to steer...these are basics covered in two chapters that made my commute around town that much more enjoyable, safer, and smarter. this book is definitely a keeper.

only complaint is that it is short, but it is 1 in a series of many books of the same title.

i recommend the full length textbook by Danny Sullivan, "Going Faster" as the main course book and this book as a cliff-notes or just a reminder handbook to keep in the car with you.

Precious information to any one who practice or simply want to understand the technical side of motor sports.

I read this book upon a recommendation of another book titled "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" which describes how people can begin racing. The author of that book explains that it's purpose is to provide people the necessary guidance needed to get into racing (which it does a fantastic job of), and recommends a couple of other books that discuss driving techniques. One of the books "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" recommended is Speed Secrets. Both books are very well written and provided me everything I need to get started in racing.

I really enjoyed how Speed Secrets was written and made me feel like the author Ross was coaching me in person. Great gook and well worth the money.

Read the book over vacation, the info it gives you is great but a lot of it only works if you actually drive a Formula or Sport Racer Vehicle. Lots of info about tracks and courses, how to get the ideal line in an apex, and how to drive smoothly and fast gain control, then it repeats itself again, so this makes an illusion that there are a lot of secrets even though he is just repeating it using different verbiage. This is a great book for advanced racers that understand the concept and terminology of F1 type races and it helps you prepare for a F1 race too but for an average driver trying to learn the ropes this book might be to hard and doesn't help much with everyday driving since a lot of the techniques is for driving above 150mph and plus F1 has totally different suspension systems and steering systems then regular sport cars so if you try it it might feel weird. You learn the heal toe move which I have been trying to get for a while, very detailed and lots of graphs, data charts, and drawings. I personally had to skip some chapters because I was not interested tracks, officials, and what they do with the flags, and some more stuff because a lot of it does not apply to me as I do not own a formula car or race professionally in such a track they described, but I did read about perfect turning and control plus weight transfer and how to keep that center of gravity which helps me in the real world of driving on the streets. I feel that I am going a lot faster in my car by being able to turn safely yet not slowing my car down to much where it would take longer to accelerate plus I have been able to drive fast yet so smooth that my mom fell asleep the whole time as I drove her. So i was really happy with that info. I am a mechanic and I test race clients vehicles at the track, my average speed is 140mph so you know my point of view

I felt like I was sitting in Ronda Rich's living room and she was talking only to me as I read this book. It's so personal, warm, inviting and irresistible. There are no startling revelations in this book, except perhaps Dale Earnhardt's reaction to a race track incident with Bill Elliott, and I, for one, am thankful for that. I'm happy to see people who are heroes portrayed that way and not torn apart. This book is written in a way that I got the impression that if the author had crossed paths with bad people, she just didn't write that. Instead, she wrote of the good in people. Bless her for that. My 13-year-old son is a race fan and I have given him this book to read. I think he needs to know of the good that still lies in many people.

My wife bought this book, read it and kept bragging on it. I was reluctant to read because I'm not a big reader and I just didn't think I'd enjoy it that much. One day, I picked up the book and read the chapter about the late champion Alan Kulwicki. That did it. I then had to read the entire book. I enjoyed it very much. It shows the human side of a sport that is becoming so slick and so polished that it's easy to forget that the drivers are often regular guys with problems and struggles just like the rest of us. This book reflects on many of the heroes and legends who made the sport like Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and others. There are places, like where she talks about her friendship with and the death of Tim Richmond, that really put a lump in my throat. As in the case of Kulwicki, who is displayed here to be a serious loner who saw too much death in his young life, his mother included, that shaped his life and personality, you are shown an inside to the sport that is seldom seen. The men in this book are true heroes and the author is to be commended for writing it in a way that we feel we are being treated to VIP look at these guys.

I was pleasantly surprised by the spell binding content of this book. I read everything I can on NASCAR and just added this book to my collection as a matter of course. I ordered four books at the same time but read this one last. I should have read it first. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. The author has a way of pulling you into the story in such an interesting way. I stayed up until 4 a.m. in the morning until I had finished every word. This is the first book about NASCAR that I ever read that shows such an emotional intimate inside look. Be ready -- you'll laugh, cry, laugh, cry. It's an emotional rollcoaster but very, very fulfilling. Without a doubt, it's the best NASCAR book in the world and I think I'm qualified to say that since I have read them all.

I couldn't really get into this book. While I chuckled at some of the stories (like the muffler bearings story), other times I thought the book delved into the sugary-sweet. As an example the two and a half pages taken up to spin the tale of her date with a present day driver. Another time she writes how dressing femininely works for you in business dealings. Huh? This book seems to be an extension of What Southern Women Know with Nascar thrown in. I don't think we're getting a good picture of life in the pits. There is Ms. Rich's side of pit life, and there is the grease under your fingernails and a motor roaring in your ears side. I would've liked a view from both sides. Perhaps it is because I've read Dale Jr's and Tony Stewart's books that Ms. Rich's book is a bit of a disappointment.

I got this book for Christmas and could not stop reading it. Just as someone else has already said, when you are done reading it, you will wish there was more. I am an aspiring motorsports public relations lady, and Ronda's book is hands-down the most insightful book about the "inside" of this sport that I have read. Her point of view is different from most writers, in a very refreshing way! If you are new to the sport, or a fan for life, this book will turn you on to the sport, or let you in on a special side of the lifestyle you already know and love. I want to thank Ronda for being so helpful to me, and sending some much needed advice my way. I would recommend this book to anyone that has ever wanted to experience "life in the pits."

What a great book! I don't think it could have been written any better! I wish Pride's career didn't have to end, but it all worked out. I almost cried at the end, thinking that there was no more racing Pride to look foreward to. Pride did have an amazing career, and it came together in one amazing book!

Pride runs in the Breeder's Cup Classic and beats Lord Ainsley, Brad Townsend's horse. Just about to begin his racing season as a 5-year old, Pride almost dies because of complications from colic and is retired.

Will Pride have another great year? Wonders Pride has had the greatest year of his life. He has been winning big steak races all over the country. But deadly illiness are wating. First, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reesse, owner of Whitebrook Farm get married but not everything turns out right. Wonder has had her second foal, Townsend Princess. But on Ashleigh and Mikes wedding party, Charlie Burke, head trainer at Whitebrook Farm, who has helped Ashleigh and Samantha Mclean train Ashleighs Wonder, one of Townsend Acres best horses in her racing days and now a great broodmare. Wonders Pride, Wonders first foal. Pride has had a great racing career soo far, but can he keep it up?, Fleet Goddess, Ashleighs special mare. Won many stake races in her racing days. Everyone is devistated about Charlie's chances. If it wasnt for him, Ashleigh would have never been a great jockey and the first female to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. But Charlies death leads to more terrible things. Second Mr.Townsend wants Pride to be put as a stallion, but Ashleigh and Samantha convince him not to but Pride comes down with colic. A terrible disease that kills more horses than any other disease. Pride is rushed to the clinic where the doctor say Pride might not last the night. But Samantha wants Pride to live more than anything. So Samantha sleeps in Prides stall all night to keep him company and help him if he needs it. But when samantha wakes she scared, she wasnt with Pride. Read this book to find out if Pride made it or not. U can find me at Blades60@aol.com

Im soo happy Pride didnt die and Im also glad he wont be over raced no more and lives at Whitebrook. Pride is a great horse. How he wins and tries his hardest in his races and fights through the colic. He is one of Wonders best offsprings I know. He really has Wonders heart to win and please the ones he loves. I kinda wish he would still race but this will be best 4 him after he had a great racing career.[...]

This is a truly rare book in children's fiction; a well-written equestrian adventure that takes you into the fast-paced world of horse racing. There are parts of this book that will move you to tears, others will have you cheering on the edge your seat - even if that seat is an armchair. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. Go to www.whitebrookfarm.com and join the effort.

I was quite pleased with this book, especially the expanded edition, which includes information about his offspring. I wish it had more photos, but the photos that are there are choice. Wolfe did his research. And interesting read and a must have if you're a fan of Secretariat.

This book is great and chock full of beautiful, rich, and colorful photos; Secretariat almost looks real in some of them. It has just as much accurate information as Bill Nack's "The Making of a Champion," but doesn't go into the tedious detail of related bloodlines and the syndicate deal made for Secretariat. I found this book to be better than Nack's because of that, the pacing, and the gorgeous photos.

This book is a beautiful book, with great photos to supplement the text. It will be of interest to all.

I bought this book as a Secretariat and general thoroughbred racing fan. I discovered it in a book store in St. Petersburg, FL a couple of years ago, and just recently purchased it for my very own through Amazon. At that time, I remember seeing it on the shelf and with wide-eyes, removing it to sit on the floor cross-legged and look at the beautiful array of photographs. I couldn't believe that a coffee table book had been put together about my favorite champion.

And that's still how I feel. If one is looking for photos and photos and more photos of this red legend, this book is the one to own. I am just now getting around to the text, as I have read two Secretariat biographies already, but that is also well written and captures major and interesting details about this horse's life.

Thank you Raymond G. Woolfe Jr. for composing a book that is worthy of our 1973 hero.

On Oct. 4, 1989 the evening news shows carried the story that Secretariat had been euthanized. I cried my heart out. Called in sick to work the next day. My personal hero had left us. The current generation of Barbaro-worshippers can't understand what it was like to watch The Red run. You knew you were watching history unfold, as much as when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. Secretariat lifted up an entire nation, kissed it and put it back down. We were sick of Vietnam, sick of Watergate, sick of being the trashcan the world kicks down the street. Secretariat, the most magnificent assemblage of bone, muscle, brain and heart walked out in front of us and said, "watch me." Simple and to the point. Bred in America. Homegrown and hardworking. And setting the gold standard for perfection. This book simply reminds everyone how he was and how he made us feel. Nearly 20 years later I still cry my heart out on October 4th. But I look at his photos and read the stories about him and I am grateful to have been a witness to something that defies description.

I loved this book! If you want a cool {get it? She lives in Alaska} author to come to your scool,get Shelley Gill! I loved Kiana's Iditarod because it told me a lot of things.

I like this book because it is funny and makes me learn about dogs and cool places and how to do it in a dog race.I did not know you had 13 dogs. How can you feed them. I wish I had won the dog race but that would not happen.

I like this book. This book reminds me of snow. This is a cool book. I like you. This is very very interesting

I liked this book because it has excitement.I also liked this book because of the colorful pictures.I liked the part when they were in the iditarod near the finish line.

This book was a good book but I think it didn't really tell that much about the Iditarod. It was about a musher and the dogs. She's doing the Iditarod and she goes around mountains and peaks. I would recommend this book because it has good illustrations and is about a lead dog.

I enjoyed the book very much but not as much as my 18 month old grandson whould have if he could read. He is all Jeff even looks like him. This is not only my opinion but a lot of other people as well. Everything in his room is Jeff Gordan. He even has a Jeff uniform and wore it for hallowween. Took Third. If I had an address I would send a picture of my grandson Levi. He watches just about all your races with his mother as he doesn't have a male role model, just me. A race car enthusiast from Sioux Falls, SD

This is a great book not only for the pictures but the text is also very great. It's just an all around great book!

this was one of the best books that i have read on Jeff and i'm reading it over and over. I only wish it was bigger and that i was in it.

I am a big fan of Gordon i have mostly ever thing of Gordon. If you are a racing fan these sould be your first book!

I am a huge Jeff Gordon fan and I will be the first to tell you that this is a wonderful book! I have been a fan for a little over 4 years and this book goes into detail about everything that you would ever want to know! Very well written...if you are a Jeff Gordon fan this is the book for you!

Baseball fan or not, this story of an autistic baseball pitcher in the 1940's will move you in ways that are unimaginable. The story is filled with colorful characters and tense moments both on and off the field. The writing is first rate. You will find yourself rooting for young Tussler throughout the story and long after you have finished the book as well.

The Legend of Mickey Tussler is no doubt the best baseball novel I have ever read. Actually, it may be the best book I have read across the board. Author Frank Nappi creates a wonderful scenario for the reader, placing a 17 year old autistic boy in the baseball spotlight. The story follows the path of this unlikely hero, and along the way, we are treated to a colorful host of characters all placed carefully and with great artful precision in a well crafted plot. This man really knows how to tell a story. The language is beautiful and the action on and off the field very entertaining. One can only hope that there is a sequel in the making. When you get to the end of the book, you'll know what I mean.

A most unusual, well written, thought provoking tale of an autistic athlete in the 1940's. Set in Milwaukee, the story takes the reader through the improbable rise of one Michael Thomas Tussler, "Mickey," as he comes to terms with a world that is really not ready for someone like him. It is a story that will entertain you as well as inspire many thoughts and emotions.

I really enjoyed this book. The author has an incredible command of the english language and a obvious passion for the game of baseball. He weaves a wonderful tale of old time baseball complete with characters you really want to cheer for. His in-game narration is thoughtful and beautifully visual. I really felt as though I were right there in the game!

If you're a baseball fan or if you just like to cheer on the underdog you'll do well to check out this book. I hope the story of Mickey, Arthur, Molly, Boxcar and the other Brewers continues. Well done!
A great summertime read.

I wrote a book review for The Legend of Mickey Tussler for the online magazine onmilwaukee.com. In that review I describe how Frank Nappi, the author, has a firm grasp on bringing forth a magical history through his novel, weaving in a sense of how a baseball team in the high minor leagues confronts its challenges throughout the season and how history played a part in the development of this story.

A thorough reading of this story reveals much more. Make no mistake, this is a novel of fine proportions. I found the story telling compelling, and the notions surrounding its evolution to be true to the game of baseball. Nappi presents this tale within a context which is exciting, without resorting to gimmickry. It's honest and true writing which belies the author's familiarity with the intricacies of diamond action, to say the least.

The historical aspect of the story is kept in perspective, but it's also a story with a lesson in dealing with people who are different from the status quo. The central character, Mickey Tussler, starts his career as a humble farm boy who knows nothing of the outside world, but quickly learns to adapt to it, for better or for worse. He is not painted as a hero but more as a tragic figure who confronts difficult adversities and rises above those challenges.

Nappi's story contains examples of baseball writing which captivated me. Throughout the story I felt this was the best baseball fiction I'd read.

Nappi does not overwork the baseball angle. His careful interweaving of subplot says a lot about his talent as a storyteller. He stays true to the game but balances his approach by including issues of a more personal nature. Therein lies the beauty of this story.

As a baseball historian I had bones to pick with Nappi's handling of the old Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association. There were times when I felt more historical detail could have enhanced the story. For example, giving the readers a better sense of what type of ballpark Borchert Field was could have improved the story. Then again, historical details were not the central issue of this novel and the story line could have been diminished with an abundance of secondary information.

Critics might take Nappi to task for being less faithful to the historical angle, but, in so doing, might miss the point of the story. There were times when I lost my sense of place, but I tempered my expectations by realizing this was a tale told to highlight the nature of the challenges involving the main character, and the effects of those issues. They are challenges which are confronted daily by those who do not seem to fit in with their peers and which affect us all on a human level.

Nappi does a wonderful job of bringing those challenges to the fore within the context of baseball. Whether as a baseball fan or as someone who simply enjoys the pretext of sports action, you will not be disappointed by the telling of this poignant and relevant tale.

Please see my review of this book at http://onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/fnappi.html

And if you enjoy non-fictional baseball history, please visit my website at www.americanassociationalmanac.com or my blog at www.almanacpark.blogspot.com