pickles and paradise: poems for pickleballers

by Kristin F. Johnson

Laughter is the best medicine.
Continue the fun of the game off court with these hilarious poems.
Give yourself -- or a pickleballer you know -- this gift of laughter and camaraderie.

Pickles and paradise includes 80 funny poems with doodle-like illustrations. This book is a light-hearted look at the addictive game of pickleball and those who play and love it.

118 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

Kristin Johnson was born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter with a business degree. Kristin has won two Minnesota State Arts Board artist initiative grants. She was a media specialist and elementary school librarian for Minneapolis Public Schools for two years and taught writing at Metropolitan State University for 12 years.

Kristin was also a host for KFAI’s Write On! Radio program. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her family and their rescue dog, a mixed breed who is mostly half Black Labrador and half Australian Shepherd.

Reviews

[Jamie Hallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been much into poetry, but I thoroughly enjoyed these poems about pickleball and have recommended this to my pickleball crew! So much fun reading these!

[Mario Ventura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't tend to reach for poetry books, but as a pickleball fan, I couldn't resist Pickles and Paradise. I’m so glad I picked it up! It captures the fun, addictive nature of the game perfectly. The 80 poems are hilarious and relatable—capturing the camaraderie and the obsession we all share for the sport. The doodle-like illustrations are the perfect touch to keep things lighthearted. If you want to continue the fun off the court, or if you're looking for a gift that will actually make a pickleballer laugh out loud, this is it.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone new to both poetry and pickleball, I found this collection especially charming. The playful tone made it a fun introduction to the author’s work.

I especially enjoyed the section called “The Wannabes,” where the author cleverly pays homage to other poets by weaving lines of their work into new poems.

If you’re a poetry lover—or even a pickleballer looking for a light, fun read between games—this collection is perfect to pick up and enjoy a few poems at a time. Lighthearted, enjoyable, and genuinely fun—I’m so glad I won a copy through the giveaway!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as part of a book award judging gig. I’m not a pickleball player but thoroughly enjoyed this volume. I’m now passing it on to a friend who does play pickleball and will probably appreciate it even more than me.