James Preller's SIX INNINGS is a wonderful book that takes place over the course of a little league baseball championship game. It tells many stories well. It captures, beautifully and simply, compelling moments in a meaningful game. And Preller weaves in, gracefully, over the course of that game, portraits of friendship, family, and growing up. The structure of the book is just about perfect. I have only one complaint. I enjoyed the prologue less than I enjoyed the rest of the book. But I often dislike the beginnings of books. I suppose I need time to adjust to new worlds. Regardless, if you too conclude that you don't love the four-page prologue of SIX INNINGS, please keep going. It's worth it. The frame of the story is a little league baseball that lasts six innings. As the game is played though we learn about the lives of the boys of Earl Gubb's Pool Supplies. Add a star or two if you are a boy and/or know something about baseball. It was a good story. One problem with it was I don't know a lot about baseball. I am sure a baseball fan would find the story much more interesting. The other problem was at the begining it was hard to keep all the characters staight. The author like Les Mes keeps switiching the point of view. After a while though I got use to it and was able to keep the characters straight. Especially as I figured out who was important to remember and who was not.The author does try to provide memory clues for the reader.Held my intrest even though I am not a sports fan. I am sure a sports fan would enjoy the book even more. Added plus the book falls into the realistic genere.
What do You think about Six Innings (2008)?
It's a tad boring for me but I still liked it
—melissatbh
