Curveball

by Eric Goodman

A star rookie pitcher is making a statement in his first major league season—but will the secret he’s been keeping derail everything he’s been working toward?“Eric Goodman’s Curveball dwells in its details in the most fascinating way—and it reaches far beyond its baseball setting to become a first-rate intergenerational drama as well as a delightful read.” —T.C. Boyle Jess Singer, pitching prodigy and son of the infamous Jewish Joe Singer—who starred on the mound for the same MLB team twenty-five years earlier—is blessed with a plus-plus curveball, possesses immense athletic abilities, and is on the fast-track to stardom. But he’s harboring perhaps the most potent secret a professional athlete can his sexual preference. In this briskly paced, highly entertaining novel following three generations of Singers during Jess’s first year in The Show, Eric Goodman imagines what life might be like for a gay baseball player. Will Jess live in a confined closet or do what no baseball player has done yet? Goodman charts Jess’s path with tremendous sensitivity and grace, while detailing a season as riveting as watching your favorite underdog take their shot at the golden ring. Written with Goodman’s usual flair, humor, and zing—not to mention his deep knowledge and love of baseball—Curveball is a feel-good love story in which virtue and a wicked curve triumph over considerable adversity.

Genres: Baseball

272 pages, Hardcover

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

MOTHER OF BOURBON is Eric Goodman's 1st historical novel and 8th overall. It is also his first collaboration.
Goodman is probably best-known for the first two books of the Singer Saga, which are multi-generational novels telling the story of a father, "Jewish Joe" Singer and his son, Jess, who both pitch for the New York Mets. IN DAYS OF AWE, which focuses on Joe's story, appeared in 1991, published by Knopf. CURVEBALL, which focuses on Jess's story (a closeted gay man with a great curve) was published in 2024 by Post Hill Press.

For many years Goodman directed the Creative Writing Program at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Reviews

[Claire Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story with a lot of heart. The book is about 3 generations of Singer men – Jack, the retiree; Joey, the former baseball star; and Jess, an upcoming player trying to make it to The Show. Over the course of approximately 8 months, it follows them and their relationships with each other and their significant (or not) others. This is a carefully constructed character study that explores the ways we fail the important people in our lives, but also the ways we can absolutely get it right and be exactly what someone else needs at the perfect time.

In the background of the struggles they have to communicate as family members, is the context of the toxic masculinity, homophobia, and anti-Semitism which shaped the older men’s lives and continues to define Jess’s experiences. While it is certainly the case, as Joe notes at one point, baseball has changed and progressed, it also the case that in 2024 we have a sporting environment in which the NHL has backtracked their support for inclusion and diversity initiatives like Pride jerseys and football players who feel entitled to make misogynist and homophobic commencement addresses to graduating college students for a second year in a row. My heart breaks for the real-life closeted players who, like the character of Jess, suffer the aching loneliness of feeling like they have to hide part of themselves away in order to be able to fulfill their career ambitions.

This is the third baseball book I’ve read in May and it definitely felt the most sports heavy. Not being a fan myself, there were sections where I felt the level of detail was unnecessary but for fans it perhaps will add some tension. Another irritant was Jess’s nickname and particularly the unnecessary apostrophe which was used the whole way through.

All in all, I enjoyed this – especially the second half of the book where the characters really come into their own and the plot picks up. Some readers (like me) may struggle with Jack’s early POV but I assure you it is worth persevering and that there are many redeeming and complex aspects to this character and his interactions with others which were not immediately evident.

Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Emmaline Savidge]

This book isn’t bad by any means I think it’s just not for me and I wasn’t in the mood for it. If you’ve seen all the baseball romance books I’ve picked up recently and instead want something more lit fic I think this will appeal to you. This is also pretty baseball heavy so if you wanted more baseball in your baseball book I think this will appeal to you.

[Seneca Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is great but I should mention the author is my father.

For an unbiased opinion I recommend reading this review of Curveball - https://www.faithandfearinflushing.co...

[Charlie and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an outstanding experience for my first ARC review. A multi-generational tale akin to a condensed version of Eugenides' Middlesex, this book follows the perspectives of the Singer patriarch: one of them gay, two of them older than your average literary protagonist, and all three Jewish. This certainly laid out a unique frame for a baseball-centric story. Not only do we experience Queerness in a hyper-masculine public spotlight, we also see complex family dynamics, realistic responses to major health diagnoses, and the soothing cradle of good support systems. I'm impressed this book was somehow able to retain a lighthearted and hopeful portrait despite its heavy topics. Not going to lie, I was totally expecting an absolute whump fest by the second chapter, but was pleasantly surprised to see the characters actually given positive experiences in such touching ways that I could feel the impact too. Did I cry? None of your business.
Unlike a baseball game, the pacing of the story was reliably energetic. Each character had their own hardships, but the rendering of their stories remained intertwined throughout. You couldn't go a page or two without our protagonists interacting with or thinking about each other. Unfortunately, the fluid switching between narrators took some time to adjust to and caused some confusion, especially in the beginning stages of the book. Though I loved the cohesiveness, I fear the mid-chapter unannounced narrator switching was a bit overzealous.
Even with my minimal knowledge or interest in baseball, I was enraptured by the grip this book had on the direction of these characters and their lives. Can’t say it’s convinced me to buy Mets tickets anytime soon, but it’s cute that it tried. The subtle insertion of Jewish culture and traditions was something that really elevated this book for me (though they were by no means especially devout- one of our mains flew in a plane during Rosh Hashanah… the chutzpah!). It was that crucial piece that bound the characters and their circumstances together, filling the gaps where time and distance between them could have created emptiness. My absolute favorite scene has the characters throwing bagel bits into the Hudson river for Tashlich to cast away their sins, a perfect setting for a heartfelt resolution. I wasn’t the only one who cried!
Fantastic release, will be keeping up with Goodman for future releases! Read this book, k bye

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love baseball. And you pretty much HAVE to love baseball to enjoy this book. A rookie pitcher making it to the show with the support of his grandfather and parents. Oh, and his dad was also a famous MLB pitcher in his day. Something happened to get him suspended and although the suspension was lifted, we never really got the full story.

And therein lies my biggest issue with this book. It was packed full of different stories. First wives who were sent to a psych facility and never came out. Some big baseball scandal 25 years ago. Cancer. An octogenarian love story. A wife with a secret that the husband doesn't want to know. A rival middle reliever. Being Jewish. And in the center is Jess. Rookie pitcher with a wicked curve ball, a legacy to continue and a closet to hide in. But almost none of them were resolved! Including death threats!

The relationships between grandfather, father and son were interesting. A lot isn't said about Joe (Jess' father) and how he was raised by Jack (Jess' grandfather), just the lingering animosity of The Scandal. Without Jess, I don't know that Joe and Jack would still have a relationship. The intergenerational play was pretty fascinating to see.

I wanted more of Jess coming to terms with his sexuality. Because he told NO ONE. And then with no warning- BAM!- he's in bed with a man floating in the afterglow. No warning, no lead up, no hints, nothing. This happened more than a few times where there was just no transition at all. Warm us up a little please.

And as I said, baseball. There is A LOT of baseball. So if you don't enjoy it- especially the math in figuring out the post season- your eyes will glaze over. I don't know how the author got permission to use real teams and real players, but I did enjoy that. But I love baseball.

So much was left undone. So much. We didn't even get an epilogue. I feel a little cheated.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Curveball” by Eric Goodman offers a compelling narrative intertwining the dreams and struggles of Jess, a talented minor league pitcher, and his catcher and best friend, Rah. Their journey, colored by Jess’s hidden sexuality and unspoken feelings for Rah, is both heartwarming and hopeful. However, while their dynamic is engaging, the book falls short in fully exploring their relationship, leaving readers yearning for more depth and insight into their connection.

The subplot involving Jess’s father, Joe, and his strained relationship with his own father, Jack, adds layers of complexity to the story. Joe’s fall from grace due to gambling accusations, juxtaposed with his unwavering silence, raises questions about loyalty and sacrifice. Yet, despite its potential, this aspect of the narrative feels underdeveloped and at times, distracting. The repeated references to Jack as “the bookie” hint at deeper intrigue, but the lack of exploration leaves readers wanting.

Moreover, the inclusion of an additional storyline centered on Jess’s father feels extraneous and detracts from the main narrative. While it hints at familial secrets, it fails to significantly impact Jess’s journey, serving as a mere distraction that slows the pacing of the book. This subplot, feels disconnected and unnecessary within the broader context of Jess’s story.

Overall, “Curveball” offers a touching portrayal of friendship, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. While it excels in depicting Jess and Rah’s bond, the narrative falters in fully capitalizing on its secondary plotlines. Despite its shortcomings, Goodman’s novel leaves readers with a sense of optimism and a desire for deeper exploration of its characters’ lives.

[Sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 38%.

This book is about three generations of jewish americans, two of which are baseball pitchers. This book was meant to be about their life as they all get older and the youngest comes out as gay.

Let me just clarify that I mean no hate to the author and that I don't even know if this is a finished version of the book. However, this book felt homophobic to read.

All of the characters felt extremely similar with almost no defining characteristics. They all seemed to want to have sex all the time and when one of the characters is around 50 and the other is around 70 it's a little weird. Especially with skimmed over but open door sex scenes throughout the bit of the book that I read. I thought that the plot point about the one character having cancer was really interesting but then I think he like bleed into his wife and I literally almost vomited. Also the gay character never actually seemed to talk about how he was attracted to men except for saying it. But suddenly when there are attractive girls around he can pin point the things that he likes about them. And then the grandfather feels bad when the grandson comes out because he'll never feel the loving touch of a woman when he literally sleeps with one like five pages later. The lack of safe sex in this book is appalling by the way. I just couldn't stomach reading through more of it. If you are going to write a gay main character at least make him a little attracted to men.

Maybe this book just wasn't for me but I thought that the writing and characterization were abysmal. If you are looking for a good baseball book or a book with good queer representation, please give this one a pass.

[Martti Orson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Curveball expecting a straightforward baseball story, but what I got was so much richer. Yes, the game is front and center Goodman clearly knows his stuff, from the intricacies of pitching mechanics to the inside politics of the clubhouse, but what really makes the novel shine is Jess Singer himself.

Jess is such a compelling character: young, gifted, and carrying the heavy legacy of his father’s reputation, while also shouldering a secret that could easily end his career before it really begins. Goodman captures that tension beautifully. There’s a constant push and pull between Jess’s love of the game, his desire to live authentically, and the pressure of being in the spotlight. I found myself rooting for him not just to win on the mound, but to find a way to be true to himself without losing everything.

What surprised me most was how heartfelt the book is. It’s not just about one season of baseball; it’s about three generations of the Singer family and how each carries their own scars, triumphs, and baggage. The father-son dynamics, in particular, felt raw and real. And while the story deals with some heavy issues identity, prejudice, family expectations it never loses its sense of humor or optimism.

By the end, I wasn’t just invested in Jess’s curveball; I was invested in Jess, period. Curveball is a sports novel, yes, but it’s also a love story, a coming-of-age tale, and a reminder that courage takes many forms. Fans of baseball will love the details, but even if you’ve never watched an inning in your life, there’s a very human, very relatable heart beating at the center of this book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Curveball" by Eric Goodman presents a sports-themed narrative centered on Jess, a minor league pitcher, and his catcher Rah. The story delves into Jess's personal journey, including his struggle with his hidden sexuality and the dynamics of his relationships, particularly with Rah and his father.

One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of the camaraderie and challenges within the sports world. Goodman captures the essence of athletic competition and the emotional highs and lows that come with it, making the sports elements of the story feel authentic and engaging.

However, while the book succeeds in creating a compelling sports backdrop, I found that certain plotlines, such as Jess's relationship with his father, could have been explored more deeply. The dynamics between Jess and Rah, although touching, could also benefit from further development to fully capitalize on their emotional complexity.

Overall, "Curveball" offers an enjoyable read for fans of sports-themed stories, with its authentic depiction of athletic life and heartfelt explorations of friendship and personal growth. I rate it 3.5-4 stars, appreciating its strengths while acknowledging areas where additional depth could have enhanced the narrative further.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this story!

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First a disclaimer I am a brit who has not got a clue about the game of Baseball, but this did not stop me enjoying this story. Following the lives of 3 generations of the Singer men, Jess the grandson, trying to make it big as a pitcher, not only had the stress of following in his father's footsteps to become a major league pitcher, but he also had to keep the secret he was gay. Jess never once let his status get to him, he was humble and hard working and even when he was up against it, he always showed he was the bigger man. The interaction with Jess and Rah showed true friendship and I enjoyed reading their journey.
Joe, Jess' dad was a retired pitcher whilst there was a story behind his retirement I would have liked to know more and whilst Jess was trying to make it big, he never once came over as a pushy parent, but by Joe's side was Fran a sportsperson in her own right and one of the strongest women I have read about in a while. She was the one to get the whole family through all the drama that occurred throughout the book.
Finally Jack, the granddad who was a bit of a player, but was Jess' biggest fan, he took no nonsense but even he had his secrets
Overall this was a good book, the story was well paced and even though I did not understand most of the baseball terminology I really enjoyed following the Singer's journey, if you are a fan, you will definitely enjoy it. As a new to me author. I am interested to read more by this author.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I read a lot of sports romance and this one has some interesting things going for it. I liked the kind of three for one storyline with grandfather Jack, dad Joe, and grandson Jess. They all have their own unique relationship with baseball which the author brings together in an entertaining way. I enjoyed the backstory from Joe and Jack’s playing days, and I would have loved some closure with Joe and his story. You get the sense of what happened but not the full picture. There is a similar issue with the romance side. I liked this couple but the author seems to rush through some key relationship moments so Jess and Rah don’t really feel like the focus either. The author does have an original and engaging writing style, it has an almost old time-y feel that makes it stands out. The characters are quirky and charming and there is a real love for baseball, fathers and sons, and New York in the writing - which I loved a lot.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Marsha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book about one baseball player’s battle to get his homosexuality accepted is only about 10% sexual excitement, 10% Judaism and 80% sports terminology. Jess Singer is a terrific pitcher and also a southpaw, both of which make him deadly to batters. But that’s about all I understood about the baseball aspect of this novel. The Judaic part is slightly more comprehensible. However, as an atheist, I didn’t pretend to understand the need to throw bread on the waters.

Page after page digs into the terminology of the game. So I considered it largely a crushing bore. I found myself falling asleep during passages (which only made it longer to finish). Thank goodness it’s not that long a book. The tender love affair between Jess and Pedro Torres Ramirez (known as Rah) isn’t enough to make me recommend it. This book is only for people who truly, madly, deeply love baseball. Everyone else should give it a miss.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Started on 11/05/2024
Finished 19/05/24

ARC provided by Netgalley.

It took me a while to really be in the story and understand the place of each characters. It was really entertainning to see how the each concept of baseball was used in this book. I love how each relationship has a different shade and meaning. I loved Jess so much. I would have loved to see more of him and Rah. I would have loved a glims of Rah's point of view. It was a beautiful story to read.

[Bill Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel has a great story, one of baseball and human connection. The story follows three generations of men and their significant others, as each man goes through their own crisis. The book touches on love, health, family, and sexuality, all with a key story of baseball. Very conservative readers might balk at one of the issues, but it's a well-written novel that kept me very interested in everyone in it.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of old school writers that tell
A story from everyone’s view point. I give it 5 stars. I do hope there is a novella or follow-up book. It sort of gave you a glimpse but no open door to the future of the characters. Great job and I definitely can tell you all it is worth the read.

[Kathy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book from the Author at the LA Times book fair purely because I am a baseball fan. Although you do not need to be a baseball fan to enjoy this book. The story has something for everyone. Once the characters were developed it was all about the story. A good read for all.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I am excited to read more. This book is really heavy on the baseball but is interesting as it follows a family of three generations of men.

[Kims.bookish.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a Story about a gay Baseball player that struggles with having to hide a part of himself with not being out.
The author did really well showing the struggle and how it is for a person to not be out and having to hide a part of yourself.
The book doesn't just follow Jess but also his Grandpa Jack and his father Joe. This is at times confusing because the POV switches mid
chapter. One moment its Jess the next it's Jack which especially at the beginning confuses you a lot as a reader.
The baseball aspect was done really well and as someone who doesn't has an in depth knowledge of it you knew a lot about baseball at
the end of the book. Overall it was an enjoyable read and i would recommend it to someone who's looking for a sports romance.