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Home Run
Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he’s spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past.
Until one moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape ... and the love he left behind.
Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God.
A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.
Until one moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape ... and the love he left behind.
Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God.
A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
62 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
About the author
Travis Thrasher
72 books419 followersNew York Times bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 75 books, from fiction in a variety of genres to memoirs and children’s books. He has collaborated with filmmakers, musicians, athletes, comedians and pastors. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 24, 2013
Do you ever read a book so amazing that you almost don’t want to see the movie? That’s how I feel about Travis Trasher’s Home Run. The book is brilliant and completely consumed me the entire time I was reading it. The movie is coming out April 19th and I can’t even imagine how it will live up to the picture in my mind (even though the book is actually based on the movie).
Initially I imagined this to be just another baseball story and in all honesty, it started out that way for me. Cory Brand is your typical baseball star who has everything money can buy. What I did not anticipate was the troubled past that caused and explains his wreckless behavior, drunken rants and total feeling of inadequacy and failure in spite of his worldly successes.
Trasher took a character that could have been easily perceived as shallow and gave him a deep spirit haunted by his abusive father that he is still trying to please even after his death. It takes a rude awakening for him to realize that he is repeating the cycle with his own son. Will he break it or is he destined to repeat history?
I fell in love with Trasher’s writing in Hurt which I read just a few months ago. I am even more impressed after reading this book in a totally different genre. He has the capability to get inside any character and make you know them, love them and hate them all at the same time.
I loved the way this book was formatted. Between each chapter is a short flash back to Cory’s past, beginning with his early childhood memories of abuse and catching up to the present by the end. It’s very reflective and introspective and gives Cory a whole new layer as a character. Equally impressive were the chapter titles. Normally this isn’t something I would notice, let alone mention. However, all forty six chapters are baseball terms that also describe the chapter in a deeper abstract way. The chapter titles alone are their own work of art.
God can heal the broken, change the unchangeable and love the unloveable. Can Cory accept that love with the help of his program and new friends, or will he let himself be dragged down by painful memories?
Home Run by Travis Trasher is going to take you inside human despair and then hope, deeper then you thought a baseball story could go. I am still left thinking on it days after completing it. You can win your own copy below. It is an absolute must read!
Initially I imagined this to be just another baseball story and in all honesty, it started out that way for me. Cory Brand is your typical baseball star who has everything money can buy. What I did not anticipate was the troubled past that caused and explains his wreckless behavior, drunken rants and total feeling of inadequacy and failure in spite of his worldly successes.
Trasher took a character that could have been easily perceived as shallow and gave him a deep spirit haunted by his abusive father that he is still trying to please even after his death. It takes a rude awakening for him to realize that he is repeating the cycle with his own son. Will he break it or is he destined to repeat history?
I fell in love with Trasher’s writing in Hurt which I read just a few months ago. I am even more impressed after reading this book in a totally different genre. He has the capability to get inside any character and make you know them, love them and hate them all at the same time.
I loved the way this book was formatted. Between each chapter is a short flash back to Cory’s past, beginning with his early childhood memories of abuse and catching up to the present by the end. It’s very reflective and introspective and gives Cory a whole new layer as a character. Equally impressive were the chapter titles. Normally this isn’t something I would notice, let alone mention. However, all forty six chapters are baseball terms that also describe the chapter in a deeper abstract way. The chapter titles alone are their own work of art.
God can heal the broken, change the unchangeable and love the unloveable. Can Cory accept that love with the help of his program and new friends, or will he let himself be dragged down by painful memories?
Home Run by Travis Trasher is going to take you inside human despair and then hope, deeper then you thought a baseball story could go. I am still left thinking on it days after completing it. You can win your own copy below. It is an absolute must read!
April 10, 2013
Home Run is the story of a man who comes to the end of himself and must reach out to God for help. While the details vary, Cory's story could be any Christian's story. It is when we come to the end of ourselves that we realize how badly we need a Savior.
Throughout most of the book, Cory is a rather unsympathetic character, which makes his conversion that much more powerful. I especially appreciated that Cory's problems didn't magically end once he cried out to God for help—he still had to face his addiction, but he didn't have to do it on his own. Celebrate Recovery (a biblically-based recovery program found in many churches throughout the country) is featured prominently throughout the book, as that's the recovery program Cory has to attend. I think that seeing how the program works might prompt some people who are leery of recovery programs to give it a try.
The narrative is incredibly compelling, and I devoured the book. The one aspect I didn't particularly appreciate was the chapter dividers, which are flashes of Cory's life. While these flashes give background, they really served to pull me out of the story, and I came to the point where I just quickly skimmed over them. But overall, I really enjoyed Home Run, and now I can't wait to watch the movie, which hits theaters April 19.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C. Cook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Throughout most of the book, Cory is a rather unsympathetic character, which makes his conversion that much more powerful. I especially appreciated that Cory's problems didn't magically end once he cried out to God for help—he still had to face his addiction, but he didn't have to do it on his own. Celebrate Recovery (a biblically-based recovery program found in many churches throughout the country) is featured prominently throughout the book, as that's the recovery program Cory has to attend. I think that seeing how the program works might prompt some people who are leery of recovery programs to give it a try.
The narrative is incredibly compelling, and I devoured the book. The one aspect I didn't particularly appreciate was the chapter dividers, which are flashes of Cory's life. While these flashes give background, they really served to pull me out of the story, and I came to the point where I just quickly skimmed over them. But overall, I really enjoyed Home Run, and now I can't wait to watch the movie, which hits theaters April 19.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C. Cook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 31, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA
No sucede a menudo, pero en ocasiones como ésta, prefiero quedarme con el libro y no ver la película.
Este libro combina escenas del pasado y presente. Ambas progresan hasta que los sucesos del pasado empatan a las del presente y todo cobra sentido.
April 15, 2013
As a rule, I don’t read Christian fiction for various reasons. One of them being my fear of such books turning into a preaching fest. Luckily this is not the case with Home Run. I haven’t yet seen the movie, so this story was one hundred percent fresh and new for me.
At first it took me some time to get used to Cory’s character and see things the way he did. I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t let go of his anger. He was stubborn, he was miserable and he kept making the same mistakes over and over again, and he continued to push away the people who cared about him the most. Cory’s self-loathing started to get on my nerves after awhile. But once I got to the last thirty percent of the book, I could see where the author was heading with Cory’s story and why he behaved the way he did. I’m not saying the story started getting predictable, because that’s one thing it is not. I’m saying that in order for Cory to come to the realization that he had to take control of his life and that only he could make the changes necessary to let go of his abusive past, he had to work through all his anger first before he could step onto the road to recovery.
Like I said before, the story wasn’t preachy at all. It focused on the theme of forgiveness and coming to terms with the things we cannot change, but also the things we have the power to change. This message was neatly packaged in a story about a man who fought every attempt made by himself and others in helping him overcome his demons. The characters are endearing and makes you feel part of their lives. Two things that stood out for me were that Cory wasn’t the only one who had to deal with events from his past and who had to make changes in his life; and the other is that – and this is what really surprised me – Cory and Emma didn’t fall into each other’s arms or followed the clichéd, predictable pattern of many love stories where the long-lost lovers have this happy reunion and make a brand new start. Instead, Emma and Cory have to deal with a lot of resentments and face up to their past actions before they can attempt being a couple again and taking responsibility for their son.
The only drawbacks for me where the flashbacks Cory had. I realize the point of these was to give the reader more insight into Cory’s past as a child and as a young adult, and for the reader to better understand where all Cory’s resentment stems from. However, it was sometimes confusing as to exactly which part of his life the flashbacks were taking me to as a few of the flashbacks were of his present day life. Also, I was sometimes confused with the dialogue and not sure which character was doing the talking. This didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the story, but it did take me some time to orientate myself again during a flashback.
And then, the ending. The beautiful, unpredictable, ending which made me cry. For that alone I highly recommend this book, but overall Home Run is a touching story which left me feeling inspired and thinking how easy it is to stay angry at someone, and how much work it is to forgive that person who did you wrong. It also showed me that forgiving someone is life changing and the burden of anger and hate, worth letting go. The author did a fantastic job with the writing and I’m happy to recommend this story to fans of the book/movie Fireproof and those who enjoy baseball.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
At first it took me some time to get used to Cory’s character and see things the way he did. I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t let go of his anger. He was stubborn, he was miserable and he kept making the same mistakes over and over again, and he continued to push away the people who cared about him the most. Cory’s self-loathing started to get on my nerves after awhile. But once I got to the last thirty percent of the book, I could see where the author was heading with Cory’s story and why he behaved the way he did. I’m not saying the story started getting predictable, because that’s one thing it is not. I’m saying that in order for Cory to come to the realization that he had to take control of his life and that only he could make the changes necessary to let go of his abusive past, he had to work through all his anger first before he could step onto the road to recovery.
Like I said before, the story wasn’t preachy at all. It focused on the theme of forgiveness and coming to terms with the things we cannot change, but also the things we have the power to change. This message was neatly packaged in a story about a man who fought every attempt made by himself and others in helping him overcome his demons. The characters are endearing and makes you feel part of their lives. Two things that stood out for me were that Cory wasn’t the only one who had to deal with events from his past and who had to make changes in his life; and the other is that – and this is what really surprised me – Cory and Emma didn’t fall into each other’s arms or followed the clichéd, predictable pattern of many love stories where the long-lost lovers have this happy reunion and make a brand new start. Instead, Emma and Cory have to deal with a lot of resentments and face up to their past actions before they can attempt being a couple again and taking responsibility for their son.
The only drawbacks for me where the flashbacks Cory had. I realize the point of these was to give the reader more insight into Cory’s past as a child and as a young adult, and for the reader to better understand where all Cory’s resentment stems from. However, it was sometimes confusing as to exactly which part of his life the flashbacks were taking me to as a few of the flashbacks were of his present day life. Also, I was sometimes confused with the dialogue and not sure which character was doing the talking. This didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the story, but it did take me some time to orientate myself again during a flashback.
And then, the ending. The beautiful, unpredictable, ending which made me cry. For that alone I highly recommend this book, but overall Home Run is a touching story which left me feeling inspired and thinking how easy it is to stay angry at someone, and how much work it is to forgive that person who did you wrong. It also showed me that forgiving someone is life changing and the burden of anger and hate, worth letting go. The author did a fantastic job with the writing and I’m happy to recommend this story to fans of the book/movie Fireproof and those who enjoy baseball.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2013
This book surprised me.
That’s because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and I’m glad I read it.
It’s a story of redemption and restoration.
Cory Brand was quite the character. His personality represents a lot of people in our world today. His pain and struggles were so real it was hard not to relate to him in some way. I loved how Travis showed the rawness and depth of an addiction and how it could deceitfully hinder a victim from sooner recovery. This story made it pretty clear what every child of God learns sooner or later: it takes grace to get past the pain of the past so that we overcome our struggles. Only then can we enjoy the gift of life He has given us.
Other characters, Emma, Clay and Karen—though I enjoyed their part in the story, their personalities were not as well developed as Cory’s and Helene. Helene was indeed very striking. You could easily shape her personality through the pages.
Also, Cory’s thought-process throughout the book was adequately filled with his pain and struggles, but I would have also loved to see his thoughts about the possibility of turning to God, build from somewhere as the story went along, so that when he finally admitted that he needed God, it didn’t seem so sudden.
Overall I found this book very engaging. I read this over-400 page work in three sittings but all the hours put together were less than 24. Seriously. I kept trying to hurry myself along so I could grab the whole story. I found myself laughing with some characters, scoffing at others and plain shaking my head, arms crossed and so annoyed with some others. Like they were real people. It was fun.
The end is not like any typical romance read, but very satisfying. That’s probably because it was novelized from a movie. And from a movie’s point of view, it was a wonderful end. It was finished with so much hope in the lives of the characters.
Any lover of Karen Kingsbury’s work, especially ‘Between Sundays’ would love this book. This book and ‘Between Sundays’ are distinct enough, but the similarities don’t go unnoticed.
That’s because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and I’m glad I read it.
It’s a story of redemption and restoration.
Cory Brand was quite the character. His personality represents a lot of people in our world today. His pain and struggles were so real it was hard not to relate to him in some way. I loved how Travis showed the rawness and depth of an addiction and how it could deceitfully hinder a victim from sooner recovery. This story made it pretty clear what every child of God learns sooner or later: it takes grace to get past the pain of the past so that we overcome our struggles. Only then can we enjoy the gift of life He has given us.
Other characters, Emma, Clay and Karen—though I enjoyed their part in the story, their personalities were not as well developed as Cory’s and Helene. Helene was indeed very striking. You could easily shape her personality through the pages.
Also, Cory’s thought-process throughout the book was adequately filled with his pain and struggles, but I would have also loved to see his thoughts about the possibility of turning to God, build from somewhere as the story went along, so that when he finally admitted that he needed God, it didn’t seem so sudden.
Overall I found this book very engaging. I read this over-400 page work in three sittings but all the hours put together were less than 24. Seriously. I kept trying to hurry myself along so I could grab the whole story. I found myself laughing with some characters, scoffing at others and plain shaking my head, arms crossed and so annoyed with some others. Like they were real people. It was fun.
The end is not like any typical romance read, but very satisfying. That’s probably because it was novelized from a movie. And from a movie’s point of view, it was a wonderful end. It was finished with so much hope in the lives of the characters.
Any lover of Karen Kingsbury’s work, especially ‘Between Sundays’ would love this book. This book and ‘Between Sundays’ are distinct enough, but the similarities don’t go unnoticed.
April 7, 2013
God works in a mysterious way...i don't know if you have come across blog posts that talk about ONE WORD where one word is chosen (through various means) as a lesson for the coming year. Last year, I strongly felt that my one word was Patience. And in August I had a very hard lesson on that as I sat by my Mom's bedside in ICU.
Friday I received Home Run. This morning, Sunday, the message was on true repentance, and I felt that God was talking to me. Drawing me closer to Him. True Repentance is accepting my own blame, and not involving others, as well as being sorry enough that this makes a change in my lifestyle or attitude. No one, least of all God, expects us to do this on our own. I feel Home Run is one of the ways God wants to use to bring this concept home to each one of us. The message is plain enough, simple enough and yet told in such a compelling way that it will dig deep into the conscious of the Christian. And yet, the title, the cover and the blurb at the back will have others picking it up as well.
Well written, in deep point of view where you not only see and hear what is happening but you also feel the emotions of the main character. The reader learns the back story through flashbacks, which are written in their own short chapter and in italics. Superbly done!
I received this book free from bookfun.org for the purpose of writing an honest review. A positive critique was not required, and the opinions stated are my own.
Friday I received Home Run. This morning, Sunday, the message was on true repentance, and I felt that God was talking to me. Drawing me closer to Him. True Repentance is accepting my own blame, and not involving others, as well as being sorry enough that this makes a change in my lifestyle or attitude. No one, least of all God, expects us to do this on our own. I feel Home Run is one of the ways God wants to use to bring this concept home to each one of us. The message is plain enough, simple enough and yet told in such a compelling way that it will dig deep into the conscious of the Christian. And yet, the title, the cover and the blurb at the back will have others picking it up as well.
Well written, in deep point of view where you not only see and hear what is happening but you also feel the emotions of the main character. The reader learns the back story through flashbacks, which are written in their own short chapter and in italics. Superbly done!
I received this book free from bookfun.org for the purpose of writing an honest review. A positive critique was not required, and the opinions stated are my own.
April 6, 2013
Home Run is a novelization based on the movie Home Run coming out in theaters April 19th. I love to read the book before the movie. This is a case where the movie was made first, then the book written.. giving some liberty to Travis Thrasher to add details and go more indepth where the movie just didn't have time. I am so excited to see the movie after reading this novel. Travis Thrasher did an excellent job with the story, one that hits home in far too many families across America.
Cory Brand, major league baseball player, troubled by his past with life of an alcoholic, abusive father. Cory is heading on the same road his father did, yet he doesn't even see it. His father lost his baseball career and turned to drinking. Cory started drinking to drown his feelings and to prevent the past thoughts from creeping in. Cory however doesn't see the addiction as a problem. He spends a great majority of his life in a drunken stupor, causing his baseball stats to plummet, and his behavior to be prominent on the news. His behavior gets him sent back 'home' to Oklahoma, for a 12 step program, on suspension from playing ball. Part of his restitution to coach the little league team where his newly adopted nephew is a team member.
Cory has all of the support he could need for a full recovery from his addiction, if he can realize his need for God, and to give up the alcohol.
Cory Brand, major league baseball player, troubled by his past with life of an alcoholic, abusive father. Cory is heading on the same road his father did, yet he doesn't even see it. His father lost his baseball career and turned to drinking. Cory started drinking to drown his feelings and to prevent the past thoughts from creeping in. Cory however doesn't see the addiction as a problem. He spends a great majority of his life in a drunken stupor, causing his baseball stats to plummet, and his behavior to be prominent on the news. His behavior gets him sent back 'home' to Oklahoma, for a 12 step program, on suspension from playing ball. Part of his restitution to coach the little league team where his newly adopted nephew is a team member.
Cory has all of the support he could need for a full recovery from his addiction, if he can realize his need for God, and to give up the alcohol.
April 25, 2013
Home Run by Travis Thrasher *****
Home Run is a suburb book. I really enjoyed it. Cory Brand is a household name. As a baseball great, he has it all. When he left home to be a star baseball player, he left behind his pregnant girlfriend and the past. He has been running ever since. Ten years later his life is falling apart. Suspended from the major leagues, he is sent back home to Okmulgee to face an uncertain future. He is fighting alcoholism and anger problems telling himself he will never be like his father. Part of his suspension is to coach a little league team and take part of Celebrate Recovery, a 12 step program. He meets his son for the first time and has to face Emma his lost love. Will he throw it all away to alcohol or will he find a way to climb out the dark hole he finds himself in? He is in for a long bumpy ride. Can he find redemption, forgiveness and God? Are second chances in his future? I am grateful to have received this book from The Book Club Network. The author Travis Thrasher did a great job portraying the what an alcoholic and their families face daily. Great job.
Home Run is a suburb book. I really enjoyed it. Cory Brand is a household name. As a baseball great, he has it all. When he left home to be a star baseball player, he left behind his pregnant girlfriend and the past. He has been running ever since. Ten years later his life is falling apart. Suspended from the major leagues, he is sent back home to Okmulgee to face an uncertain future. He is fighting alcoholism and anger problems telling himself he will never be like his father. Part of his suspension is to coach a little league team and take part of Celebrate Recovery, a 12 step program. He meets his son for the first time and has to face Emma his lost love. Will he throw it all away to alcohol or will he find a way to climb out the dark hole he finds himself in? He is in for a long bumpy ride. Can he find redemption, forgiveness and God? Are second chances in his future? I am grateful to have received this book from The Book Club Network. The author Travis Thrasher did a great job portraying the what an alcoholic and their families face daily. Great job.
April 10, 2013
Home Run is the best inspirational story I’ve read in a long time. It is a novelization of the movie by the same name. The movie isn’t out yet but, from reading the book, it is in the same vein as Sherwood’s Courageous and Fireproof which I think are great movies. It is a poignant story about a man’s struggle with addictions and his journey through them. The book alternates between present day situations and flashbacks of the main character’s childhood and early adulthood. These gradually build the case for how his addiction grew. This book has a definite Christian witness without sermonizing. All the basic elements - characters, setting, and plot – are well written and believable. I found myself wondering how they would portray his inner thoughts in the movie. Guess I need to watch it to find out. To borrow a cliché, this Home Run is “out of the park.” I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher via The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) for an honest review. I applaud David C. Cook Publishing for putting this quality of product on the market.
March 25, 2013
What a wonderful book " Home Run " by Travis Thrasher. The book is made from the movie. This is a book based on addiction. There are many addictions but this one is a story about a baseball player Cory Brand. Teams top player but he starts messing up because of his alcohol addiction. Blames his life down falls
on his father who was abusive to him and younger brother Clay growing up. Instead of turning to God he turns to a bottle. His life just keeps going down hill till he is suspended for eight weeks. His agent finds him a job coaching a little leaque baseball team. He also has to do CR. Celebrate Recovery a twelve step program to recover from addiction.. You are gonna love the book. The movie will be out April 19th. Read the book see all Cory goes through before he turns his life over to God.
on his father who was abusive to him and younger brother Clay growing up. Instead of turning to God he turns to a bottle. His life just keeps going down hill till he is suspended for eight weeks. His agent finds him a job coaching a little leaque baseball team. He also has to do CR. Celebrate Recovery a twelve step program to recover from addiction.. You are gonna love the book. The movie will be out April 19th. Read the book see all Cory goes through before he turns his life over to God.
June 13, 2013
Cory Brand wanted to go to the majors as a baseball player but his life is a disaster. Can he get it together to achieve his goal? This was a wonderfully written story of showing the need for God is ALL areas of your life. It will take a grip on your soul and you will not want to put this one down. I can't wait for the movie to come out.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honet review.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honet review.
July 31, 2015
Beautiful beautiful beautiful book!!
I'm without words! This books is utterly amazing. I loved every word and the story was truly inspiring. I'll take some time and then watch the movie.
I'm without words! This books is utterly amazing. I loved every word and the story was truly inspiring. I'll take some time and then watch the movie.
March 23, 2018
This isn’t my normal choice of genre, so my four star rating is a good indication of my appreciation for this book.
It was a highly engaging read, and despite the fact that Cory was often such a jerk, I couldn’t help liking him and hoping for his expected good outcome.
I thought the use of character’s backstories was cleverly done. However I found the final lines of the book to be weak and contradictory to the overall message of the book.
As I don’t normally read contemporary fiction I was surprised by the level of “product placement”. Music, movies and iPhones all made regular appearances, as well as Celebrate Recovery, which formed part of the key theme.
I enjoyed this book, and I can see its potential to encourage Christians to be open and honest about their brokenness and find their own healing and recovery.
It was a highly engaging read, and despite the fact that Cory was often such a jerk, I couldn’t help liking him and hoping for his expected good outcome.
I thought the use of character’s backstories was cleverly done. However I found the final lines of the book to be weak and contradictory to the overall message of the book.
As I don’t normally read contemporary fiction I was surprised by the level of “product placement”. Music, movies and iPhones all made regular appearances, as well as Celebrate Recovery, which formed part of the key theme.
I enjoyed this book, and I can see its potential to encourage Christians to be open and honest about their brokenness and find their own healing and recovery.
April 12, 2019
At first I was a little distracted by the names of the main characters- Cory & Clay. Since they are brothers who have similar names, it took me several chapters to even realize who was who.
Other than that though, this novel was amazing and inspiring. We get to follow the lows and highs of Cory (baseball superstar) and the people whose lives he affects. I absolutely loved watching the growth, healing, & transformation of Cory as he hits rock bottom & then works on focusing on one day at a time. Bravo!
Other than that though, this novel was amazing and inspiring. We get to follow the lows and highs of Cory (baseball superstar) and the people whose lives he affects. I absolutely loved watching the growth, healing, & transformation of Cory as he hits rock bottom & then works on focusing on one day at a time. Bravo!
August 15, 2017
Really liked this story. My feelings are best summed up by some lines in the After Words at the end of the book: "The unflinching honesty of Home Run resonates with a growing part of the church that rejects the assumption that once you're saved, everything is okay. And to the world outside the church that never bought the claim in the first place, Home Run is an honest and helpful message for them."
November 25, 2017
Maybe 2.5 stars. Because I am reviewing the audio version, this story was hard to follow in some parts, which may have been more clear in the print version due to using italics or page breaks to differentiate parts. However, either way this was a little too soap opera for me, though the overall message was good.
May 27, 2017
This was a great book. I loved the story and the characters. I am glad things turned out the way they did for everyone. I want to see if I can download the movie to see how much it stayed true to the book.
January 27, 2021
This book attempts to look inside the head of an alcoholic All-Star baseball player. I found it to be so poorly and awkwardly done, however, that it was a painful read. The book was adapted from a movie script: perhaps that explains the text's clumsiness.
October 22, 2025
Cory grew up with an abusive father. Cory became an all-star baseball player, and after a few things damaged his reputation, he was sent back to his hometown to complete Celebrate Recovery. He was not excited about it, but was willing to go to the meetings to do what he had to do.
February 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Aside from it being about baseball, admittedly my favorite sport to watch, it is also a story about the power of faith in God. It was refreshing to read.
August 26, 2018
Meh. I liked it ok but it was very predictable.
May 7, 2020
Loved it!
August 26, 2021
A good book which I couldn't put down. It was a realistic story in today's world. As others have mentioned, the book was inspirational without being preachy. I will definitely read it again.
October 20, 2021
great message
Well told story with a great message. I enjoyed the story very much as well as the varied characters. I will be looking for more by this author.
Well told story with a great message. I enjoyed the story very much as well as the varied characters. I will be looking for more by this author.
December 17, 2021
I story of abuse, pain, addiction and hope.
December 31, 2024
Uplifting story, but pretty cliché.
March 2, 2013
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimers:I received an electronic copy of this novel for review from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not obligated to write a good review nor am I receiving any compensation for writing this review.
An Overview of the Novel: This novel is told from the perspectives of Cory Brand, a famous baseball player who's life is spiraling out of control, his brother Clay who desperately wants to see his brother get his act together, and Emma the woman he left behind.
When Cory gets suspended from baseball and sent to his hometown for eight weeks, he is furious. His brother hopes that this might finally get Cory to change his life around, and Emma is determined to avoid him. Their relationship had been dead for dead years and she wasn't about to get involved with him again.
Cory doesn't need to change. He might be addicted to alcohol, but that's perfectly fine. He's a screw-up anyway and doesn't think he's good enough for anybody. But if Cory will just give it a shot, he'll learn about true redemption and the power of new beginnings. However, in order for that to happen, Cory has to want to change.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I went into this novel with high expectations. I don't know why but I just thought this one was going to be incredible. Maybe it's because I love reading about new beginnings or characters who embark on serious journeys of self-discovery or maybe it was because I love reading about sports (if they are done correctly, that is.)
The point is that I went in expecting this novel to be great. It exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect this novel to inspire me to change and to make me want to be better. I didn't expect to fall in love with Cory, Clay, and Emma, but I did. All of these characters felt so real to me. I felt like I really understood where each character was coming from and I loved that.
I also loved how the novel helped you understand why Cory was the jerk he was today. Cory's childhood and the belief that he would only screw-up everything he touched cut deep into his soul and helped readers understand the true battle he was waging. I just loved everything about this novel—the plot, the characters, the writing style, the overall organization of the novel, etc.
This novel does involve Christian elements, but I believe that it's an inspirational story that can cross boundaries and touch anybody who wants to change their life around. The novel centered on an athlete, but I think that even people who hate sports will love this novel.
This novel is one of the more inspiring novels I've read and one that will stick with me long past I turned the last page.
Seriously go buy this book today. You won't regret it. (Amazon Link).
So why 5 stars? In case you couldn't already tell, I loved this novel. It was inspiring. Any novel that transforms into words on a page to a story that makes me want to change automatically is one I love. The story was well-written and was engaging. It was entertaining, inspiring, and an engaging read. Rarely do I find a novel that is all of those things.
In Summary: Travis Thrasher's Home Run is just that a home run. His novel is one of the most inspirational books I've ever read, but it was also entertaining, and engaging. I loved this novel and definitely recommend it to anybody and everybody. Rarely do I read a book and want to tell all of my friends to go buy it, but with this book that's exactly what I'm doing.
The Wrap-up: Wow! I can't even begin to express how much I loved this book. It was just incredible in every aspect. This novel will be a memorable read and one that I'm seriously tempted to buy.
Love,
Danica Page
Disclaimers:I received an electronic copy of this novel for review from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not obligated to write a good review nor am I receiving any compensation for writing this review.
An Overview of the Novel: This novel is told from the perspectives of Cory Brand, a famous baseball player who's life is spiraling out of control, his brother Clay who desperately wants to see his brother get his act together, and Emma the woman he left behind.
When Cory gets suspended from baseball and sent to his hometown for eight weeks, he is furious. His brother hopes that this might finally get Cory to change his life around, and Emma is determined to avoid him. Their relationship had been dead for dead years and she wasn't about to get involved with him again.
Cory doesn't need to change. He might be addicted to alcohol, but that's perfectly fine. He's a screw-up anyway and doesn't think he's good enough for anybody. But if Cory will just give it a shot, he'll learn about true redemption and the power of new beginnings. However, in order for that to happen, Cory has to want to change.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I went into this novel with high expectations. I don't know why but I just thought this one was going to be incredible. Maybe it's because I love reading about new beginnings or characters who embark on serious journeys of self-discovery or maybe it was because I love reading about sports (if they are done correctly, that is.)
The point is that I went in expecting this novel to be great. It exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect this novel to inspire me to change and to make me want to be better. I didn't expect to fall in love with Cory, Clay, and Emma, but I did. All of these characters felt so real to me. I felt like I really understood where each character was coming from and I loved that.
I also loved how the novel helped you understand why Cory was the jerk he was today. Cory's childhood and the belief that he would only screw-up everything he touched cut deep into his soul and helped readers understand the true battle he was waging. I just loved everything about this novel—the plot, the characters, the writing style, the overall organization of the novel, etc.
This novel does involve Christian elements, but I believe that it's an inspirational story that can cross boundaries and touch anybody who wants to change their life around. The novel centered on an athlete, but I think that even people who hate sports will love this novel.
This novel is one of the more inspiring novels I've read and one that will stick with me long past I turned the last page.
Seriously go buy this book today. You won't regret it. (Amazon Link).
So why 5 stars? In case you couldn't already tell, I loved this novel. It was inspiring. Any novel that transforms into words on a page to a story that makes me want to change automatically is one I love. The story was well-written and was engaging. It was entertaining, inspiring, and an engaging read. Rarely do I find a novel that is all of those things.
In Summary: Travis Thrasher's Home Run is just that a home run. His novel is one of the most inspirational books I've ever read, but it was also entertaining, and engaging. I loved this novel and definitely recommend it to anybody and everybody. Rarely do I read a book and want to tell all of my friends to go buy it, but with this book that's exactly what I'm doing.
The Wrap-up: Wow! I can't even begin to express how much I loved this book. It was just incredible in every aspect. This novel will be a memorable read and one that I'm seriously tempted to buy.
Love,
Danica Page
June 21, 2013
I received this book free from Story Cartel. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Home Run started out with an interesting story line. Cory is the main character and the story opens with him and his brother listening to their alcoholic father hitting baseballs against the barn wall. The brothers knew what was coming. Cory had to go out and hit the baseballs that his dad threw at him in his drunken rage.
The next chapter shows Cory all grown up as a Major League Baseball Player and following in his fathers’ footsteps. He never wanted to drink. That started as a teenage dare and one sip is all it took.
Clay, the younger of the two, adopted a son (Carlos) and brought him to one of Cory’s games. But things took a turn when Cory got mad at an umpire’s ruling and Carlos was near enough that he got his nose hit with Cory’s arm. It became yet another bad news report with ESPN showing Carlos with his nose all bloody and Cory in a rage.
Helen, his agent, told him to go back home with Clay to serve out his eight week suspension. There was also another requirement; Cory had to go to a rehab program that Helen found called Celebrate Recovery.
It didn’t take long for Cory to make more bad headlines upon arriving back home. He was driving drunk and got in an auto accident and Clay had some minor injuries. Helen once again tries to make Cory look good before the cameras by stating that he will take over Clay’s coaching a Little League team until he gets well.
The story continues to develop as Cory meets up with his high school sweetheart. He hasn’t seen Emma since he moved out of town years ago to join MLB. What he didn’t know was that they shared a son, who was now ten.
This is where the story seems to get stuck. Emma wants to protect Tyler from his alcoholic father. This was short lived as the story develops into a romance novel.
I took an interest in reading this book because I had hoped it would talk more about overcoming addiction. Athletes have tendencies to abuse alcohol and drugs and, not to mention, women. But you would be hard pressed to find a male athlete reading a book filled with too much romance or the rekindling of relationships.
I loved the parts where Cory interacts with the Little League team, but the book didn’t meet my expectations of sticking to the main part of the story. Cory does get his life turned around at the end, but most of the book seemed to deal with his broken relationship with Emma rather than focusing on how athletes can overcome their addiction.
Lastly, as a side note, I’m surprised that this claims to be a “Christian” novel. References were made about zombies (see Kindle location 1241) and Harry Potter (see Kindle locations 2280-2284). I read in the Bible (Acts) where people brought their magic books to be burned! I would not feel right recommending this book and this would be one of the main reasons. I don’t condone that type of literature for anyone, let alone our youth.
Home Run started out with an interesting story line. Cory is the main character and the story opens with him and his brother listening to their alcoholic father hitting baseballs against the barn wall. The brothers knew what was coming. Cory had to go out and hit the baseballs that his dad threw at him in his drunken rage.
The next chapter shows Cory all grown up as a Major League Baseball Player and following in his fathers’ footsteps. He never wanted to drink. That started as a teenage dare and one sip is all it took.
Clay, the younger of the two, adopted a son (Carlos) and brought him to one of Cory’s games. But things took a turn when Cory got mad at an umpire’s ruling and Carlos was near enough that he got his nose hit with Cory’s arm. It became yet another bad news report with ESPN showing Carlos with his nose all bloody and Cory in a rage.
Helen, his agent, told him to go back home with Clay to serve out his eight week suspension. There was also another requirement; Cory had to go to a rehab program that Helen found called Celebrate Recovery.
It didn’t take long for Cory to make more bad headlines upon arriving back home. He was driving drunk and got in an auto accident and Clay had some minor injuries. Helen once again tries to make Cory look good before the cameras by stating that he will take over Clay’s coaching a Little League team until he gets well.
The story continues to develop as Cory meets up with his high school sweetheart. He hasn’t seen Emma since he moved out of town years ago to join MLB. What he didn’t know was that they shared a son, who was now ten.
This is where the story seems to get stuck. Emma wants to protect Tyler from his alcoholic father. This was short lived as the story develops into a romance novel.
I took an interest in reading this book because I had hoped it would talk more about overcoming addiction. Athletes have tendencies to abuse alcohol and drugs and, not to mention, women. But you would be hard pressed to find a male athlete reading a book filled with too much romance or the rekindling of relationships.
I loved the parts where Cory interacts with the Little League team, but the book didn’t meet my expectations of sticking to the main part of the story. Cory does get his life turned around at the end, but most of the book seemed to deal with his broken relationship with Emma rather than focusing on how athletes can overcome their addiction.
Lastly, as a side note, I’m surprised that this claims to be a “Christian” novel. References were made about zombies (see Kindle location 1241) and Harry Potter (see Kindle locations 2280-2284). I read in the Bible (Acts) where people brought their magic books to be burned! I would not feel right recommending this book and this would be one of the main reasons. I don’t condone that type of literature for anyone, let alone our youth.
April 14, 2013
Travis Thrasher in his new book, “Home Run” published by David C Cook brings us into the life of Cory Brand.
From the back cover: It’s Never Too Late…
Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he’s spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past.
Until one moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape … and the love he left behind.
Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God.
A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.
…Freedom Is Possible.
“Home Run” is a novelization of the original motion picture of the same name. Mr. Thrasher has taken the story and expanded the character’s roles and back story. “Home Run” is a baseball story. It is also a story of one man’s battle against alcohol addiction and the haunting memories of his childhood. Cory Brand is a talented player at the top of his game but he is suspended because of his self-absorption. So he goes home to coach Little League in Oklahoma because of an accident he caused to his brother, the real coach. Now he is given the opportunity to recover from his alcohol addiction and repair the broken relationships in his life but he cannot do any of it on his own. Not only does he need the power of God he needs to rely on others to help him. “Home Run” is a remarkable story of healing, recovery, restoration and love. It is a with real life situations that have faith-based answers. Mr. Thrasher brings incredible realism to Cory Brand and the rest of the characters that you will be sorry to see the book end. The good news is that there is a movie out there that you can go see and eventually own on DVD. I recommend it highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: It’s Never Too Late…
Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he’s spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past.
Until one moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape … and the love he left behind.
Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God.
A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.
…Freedom Is Possible.
“Home Run” is a novelization of the original motion picture of the same name. Mr. Thrasher has taken the story and expanded the character’s roles and back story. “Home Run” is a baseball story. It is also a story of one man’s battle against alcohol addiction and the haunting memories of his childhood. Cory Brand is a talented player at the top of his game but he is suspended because of his self-absorption. So he goes home to coach Little League in Oklahoma because of an accident he caused to his brother, the real coach. Now he is given the opportunity to recover from his alcohol addiction and repair the broken relationships in his life but he cannot do any of it on his own. Not only does he need the power of God he needs to rely on others to help him. “Home Run” is a remarkable story of healing, recovery, restoration and love. It is a with real life situations that have faith-based answers. Mr. Thrasher brings incredible realism to Cory Brand and the rest of the characters that you will be sorry to see the book end. The good news is that there is a movie out there that you can go see and eventually own on DVD. I recommend it highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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