Short but worth at least 2 credits

Would you consider the audio edition of Calico Joe to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but the audio could hardly have been better.

What other book might you compare Calico Joe to and why?

I've never read a book quite like it

What about Erik Singer’s performance did you like?

I can't put a finger on it. He just seemed perfect for the story. I have no idea how he would have done if he had to impersonate many characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A story of baseball and redemption (though the word redemption might give too much away)

Any additional comments?

A wonderful story in every way. Suitable for all ages and tastes.

16 people found this helpful

IN ORDER TO BE FAIR

What disappointed you about Calico Joe?

In order to be fair I will have to go back and rate many of Grisham's previous books as all five stars; but this one was terrible. It was shallow, predictable, grossly overpriced for a four hour book - and to a true baseball fan completely unbelievable.

Would you ever listen to anything by John Grisham again?

Sure; he is a great writer who had a bad at bat.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, it was slow and boring too.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Calico Joe?

Everything after the title. It had promise.

Any additional comments?

My son played John Grisham's son Ty in a baseball game in Jacksonville in the early 90s. He clearly loves the game, and has done a lot of good things with his money for kids in general and sports in particular.

He is a wonderful man, an excellent author. . .this book is beneath him.

55 people found this helpful

Baseball fans only

What did you like best about Calico Joe? What did you like least?

There is lots of baseball memorabilia with play by play descriptions. Not recommended for those who are not interested in the sport.

Would you ever listen to anything by John Grisham again?

Yes

Have you listened to any of Erik Singer???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was Calico Joe worth the listening time?

No

16 people found this helpful

Baseball legend PLUS,

A MUST READ for all baseball fans!!! Brings back memories from your own favorite teams---- Cincinnitti pitcher hitting Cardinal's Pujols on his broken wrist last year---remembrance for me. We all love our teams and players!! I happened to finish this book on Friday, April13, when the Cubs beat my Cardinals 8-5, when one of our great pitchers, Wainright, pitched on comeback from Tommy John's surgery. I so wanted him to do great! So, we all have our great memories!!

Hitting on the head-----terrible. Really enjoyed hearing ( I listened on Audible) this story of a great player I had not heard about, but so glad I have now. Once again, personal memories. The Cardinals new manager is the youngest rookie manager in the National League. And why is he still not playing the game---head concussions!!

BUT-- this book is also great as a father-son relationship book. Best one I've read since Pat Conroy's "The Great Santini"!! Children are not the only bullies that need to STOP BULLING!! Kids have dreams that often get destroyed by their parents bullying! This book shows the results of that in a wonderfully, emotionally, literary story! Thanks, John Grisham!

7 people found this helpful

Certainly Not Your Usual Grisham!

This is a baseball story, but it is, mainly, a 'people' story. It brings together very different individuals, including the young, & impressionable, boy who idolizes Calico Joe, the young ball player just breaking into the big time. This boy is, also, the son of a Major League pitcher, who loves his son in his own way, but tries to instil his own values and beliefs into his son, through the use of force and strict discipline.
The boy's idol, Calico Joe, and the boy's father, are bound to cross paths, with their respective teams, during the Major League baseball season.
These three people are the main characters of the story, which takes place during one fateful summer, but actually unfolds over a period of years.

I found this a good listen, but be sure you are aware this is not the law-and-order Grisham writing.

5 people found this helpful

Started ok, slowed way down by the end

This is a sweet story and the first two thirds of the book are a pleasant listen. I was invested in the characters, I was was interested in hearing how it ended. Then things slowed way down and came to a coughing, grinding halt at the end. In the past, I have appreciated Grisham's non-traditional endings, but this one seemed like he needed to put a little more effort into it.

4 people found this helpful

Great Baseball Read

Wonderful blend of factual names, places in a fictional story. A great read for anyone who' played the game or just loves baseball.

4 people found this helpful

Not my kind of book. It was sad and depressing.

But it was well done if you like this genre. Most of the book has me thinking about the terrible tragedy of a young baseball star Joe who was injured with permanent brain damage. This was done on purpose by a malicious pitcher who wanted to hurt Joe. The publisher’s summary mentions forgiveness and redemption, so I confirm that this happens. But it didn’t feel good to me. It felt too-little-too-late. There are many readers who will enjoy this, but it’s not for me. The author has done some great entertainment in the past, but this book is not entertaining. It’s introspective.

I’ve always loved Grisham for his character creation. And I liked seeing the creation of Warren the pitcher. Warren was a self-absorbed, philandering, wife-beating drunk. He was mean. He hurt his children. I liked reading about him because I’ve seen and known men like this. I liked the acknowledgment that they exist. Confirmation provides comfort somehow.

The narrator Erik Singer was excellent. This book is shorter than a typical novel - maybe a third the length.

Genre: tragedy and relationships fiction.

10 people found this helpful

Great story but it is coming a life long Cub fan

Grisham has done it again, a non-legal novel that is really good. I do like John's legal work but have found his other books even more interesting. The ending is outstanding. There is good in all men.

6 people found this helpful

John Grisham has done it again1

Would you listen to Calico Joe again? Why?

As I have listened to Skipping Christmas many times, I will listen to Calico Joe again. I loved it. It is a departure from lawyer books.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was between the two ball players

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

It is never to late to do the right thing

5 people found this helpful