immaKulate: a perfect inning - an imperfect life

by John A. Marble

Spence Taylor was a highly-recruited Division-I pitching prospect back in 1991. Having committed to play baseball at a major university in a Power-5 conference, he once had a future that was full of promise. Unfortunately, the evening that followed his last day of class changed his life forever.

Set in 2003, “immaKulate” opens in a rundown trailer on the southwestern side of Jackson, Mississippi. Spence, now a 30 year-old alcoholic, is depressed, suicidal, and terrorized by hallucinations in the form of random appearances from a well-dressed stranger. The apparition he “perceives,” however, is indeed very real, and eventually it persuades him to confront many of the decisions he’s made in the past, while also encouraging reconciliation with others in the present.

This is not just some story about a drunk trying to be a better person though. At the heart of the matter is an even bigger mystery that ultimately unfolds into a divergent reality, complete with all the same players - only in this universe his life is considerably different as a professional athlete. And the stakes? Well, let’s just say they are much higher.

With a love story also woven into its fabric, this book is sure to tug at the heartstrings of readers and take them on a ride they never see coming.

Genres: Baseball

256 pages, ebook

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

John Marble lives in Southeast Louisiana with his wife and three boys, where he works as a nurse-anesthetist. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, he’s a big Mississippi State fan and a long-time baseball enthusiast. He spends most of his weekends traveling to different cities and watching his kids play the sport that he absolutely loves.

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even the best athletes at their craft can have demons that haunt them in their careers and their lives. That is certainly the case for Spence Taylor, the main character of this very good baseball novel by John A. Marble. The title comes from the rare pitching feat that Taylor is trying to accomplish at different times in the book.

In 2003, Taylor and best friend and former high school baseball rival Joshua Waters are star players for the Boston Red Sox. Waters is an infielder and Taylor is team’s closer, but they were involved in an incident that has haunted Taylor since it happened 12 years ago. How it affected Taylor’s life and the depths he sunk to are great, and how he overcomes them makes an excellent story.

While reading this, I had difficulty at first determine who the current Spence Taylor was - was it the Hall of Fame worthy fireballer or the person in the broken down trailers who let his health and life deteriorate? However, once it is understood how the story unfolds and Taylor’s story is clear, it’s hard to put the book down.

I really enjoyed the baseball passages, which were told through either the Red Sox broadcast crew or from coaches and managers. The latter is especially true for the high school sections. While one should be a baseball fan to truly enjoy the book, anyone who reads this story of love (but not a romance) and redemption (but not a self-help book) will put down fully satisfied after finishing.

I wish to that Mr. Marble for providing a copy of the book. The views expressed are strictly my own.

https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I sometimes forget why I want to read a book if I don't read it soon after reading the synopsis. After reading a couple of chapters of this book, I was asking myself why I had wanted to read it. Then, it got super interesting!

As someone who grew up watching the Orioles play in Memorial Stadium, I loved baseball. This novel brought back that love. Going from the hypnosis alternate reality, the current reality, and the historical reality, this novel tells the story of two best friends that play baseball together on the Boston Red Sox. Spence and Joshua end up as friends when Spence beans Joshua in the head, with a fast ball, during a high school game. Ending up on the same major league team, Spence is a future Hall of Famer closer.

Until he beans another player on a cold night in Boston, 12 years into his major league career. Spence gets a bad, bad case of the yips. It's the first time he's hit a batter since hitting Joshua in high school. The story tells of how those yips are overcome, but it’s not a pretty story overcoming them.

The characters are very well written. You feel like you really get to know them. The baseball games are incredibly written. I could hear the announcers in my head. Mr. Marble truly catches the reality of watching and listening to the game. He has hit it out of the park with his first novel! #GoodreadsGiveaway

[Alicia Inmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid baseball fan I really enjoyed this book and the intricacies of the in-game “reporting”. I downloaded this book months ago but it took me a few tries to get through the first couple chapters and into the heart of the book. For a first novel, I feel like the author did an incredible job with jumping timelines and alternate storylines.

[Zita Whitmarsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

immaKulate

I totally enjoyed this book. The author made the character s in this book come alive for me. I was hooked from the first and read the book all the way through. I can't wait for the authors next book to come out!

[Susie Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming

This is such a great story and takes you on a wonderful adventure of passion for baseball, addiction, addressing fears, love, loyalty and so much more. You will not regret it!

[Linda Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

intrigued!

What a great story, although I’m not a baseball fan every page was so interesting and engaging that I felt felt like I was there. I would definitely recommend this book— I liked the twists and turns of the story. Highly recommend.

[Megan Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! The author did a great job painting the picture and making you truly feel the emotions. I love the story & characters. It’s a plus that I also love the baseball aspect of it. I highly recommend this book!!

[Mickey Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. It kept me engrossed from the beginning until the end. I could imagine every single thing the author described in this book. I’m f I could possibly give it 10+ stars, I would. Well done John A Marble, well done!!!

[Ashley George · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique and entertaining book! I loved the author’s first book about Anesthesia, so I had to read this. I really loved the characters.. made me laugh, cry, and get the warm fuzzies. I know nothing about baseball, but mental health enthralls me. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[Peggy Fortenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. I don’t know a lot about baseball but I really enjoyed the play by play action. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to get into the suspenseful storyline. Can’t wait for the next book by John Marble.

[Pam Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable

I purchased the book because the title caught my attention. I had no idea it was about baseball. I don't know much about baseball but my lack of knowledge did not interfere with enjoying the story.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book, especially for a first novel.
Baseball, tragedy, redemption. I found it quite emotional at times.
Well written, the characters are real. I'm glad I got the chance to
read it. Recommended!

[Amber Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOOO Good!

I am also a nurse anesthetist and wanted to read a book authored by a fellow CRNA. Not only did this not disappoint, but it was wonderful!!! I’m going to encourage my husband to read it next!

[Koni Maat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling story line

This book definitely held my attention even though I’m not a baseball fan. I was rooting for Spencer the whole time!

[GW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immaculate -

This was an enjoyable read. It bounced around a bit until I got used to what was taking place. A little corny at times but in the end, a good book.