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If You Build It ...
If You Build It... is a funny and moving memoir about Fathers, Fate and Field of Dreams. Dwier Brown played Kevin Costner's father for five minutes at the end of the movie Field of Dreams. Despite being an actor for 35 years and performing in hundreds of other films, plays and television shows, it was those five minutes that changed his life. Since the movie's release in 1989, Brown has been recognized by dozens of fans who have told him poignant stories about their fathers and how watching the film changed their lives. Their touching stories helped Brown put into perspective his own father's unexpected death just a month before he began filming Field of Dreams.
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 11, 2016
There are many things I don't understand about myself. One of them is the attraction I have for baseball films although I am not particularly fond of watching the game in person or on TV. "Field of Dreams" is a movie about baseball but really about family and trying to fix mistakes. It is on my list of films that I watch every year or so - always in Spring.
This past week I found myself in Iowa and persuaded my husband to take me to Dyersville where the movie set has remained with a baseball diamond carved out of a cornfield. When we arrived it was snowing. We waited and the clouds soon parted and pictures were taken. There is no admission price so we went to the gift stand and bought T-shirts and a refrigerator magnet and I spotted the lone copy of this book. Couldn't resist it.
I started the book that evening and finished it around the events that brought me to Iowa and later Indiana that weekend. The author, Dwier Brown, portrayed John Kinsella in the pivotal scenes at the end of the film. He tells the story of his time on the film set, plus his own history growing up on a farm in Ohio and anecdotes about the people he has met since the film came out and the stories they have shared about how the film changed their lives.
As a farmer's daughter myself who lost my father when he was 69, I found many parallels to Dwier's own story. He writes simply and clearly. The story is interesting and engaging. It touched me. And afterward, I sat with my mom, my sister and my husband in the farmhouse where I grew up and watched "Field of Dreams" one more time.
This past week I found myself in Iowa and persuaded my husband to take me to Dyersville where the movie set has remained with a baseball diamond carved out of a cornfield. When we arrived it was snowing. We waited and the clouds soon parted and pictures were taken. There is no admission price so we went to the gift stand and bought T-shirts and a refrigerator magnet and I spotted the lone copy of this book. Couldn't resist it.
I started the book that evening and finished it around the events that brought me to Iowa and later Indiana that weekend. The author, Dwier Brown, portrayed John Kinsella in the pivotal scenes at the end of the film. He tells the story of his time on the film set, plus his own history growing up on a farm in Ohio and anecdotes about the people he has met since the film came out and the stories they have shared about how the film changed their lives.
As a farmer's daughter myself who lost my father when he was 69, I found many parallels to Dwier's own story. He writes simply and clearly. The story is interesting and engaging. It touched me. And afterward, I sat with my mom, my sister and my husband in the farmhouse where I grew up and watched "Field of Dreams" one more time.
April 3, 2021
The five star magic of this book is probably somewhat related to the two days just spent in Cooperstown,NY. Picked this up at the Hall of Fame and read the whole thing on the trip home. Great storytelling by the author who starred in the iconic role of John Kinsella, Ray’s father, in Field of Dreams. Loved the mix of tales from being on set, to his childhood memories, to the end of life stage with his own father, to his encounters with countless movie fans whose lives and fathers/son relationships were greatly impacted by those 5 minutes of movie magic. A must-read for any and all baseball fans who have soaked in that cornfield diamond moment, and especially for anyone who is or has a father.
August 31, 2016
As a fan of memoirs, baseball, and baseball movies, I really enjoyed IF YOU BUILD IT. Throughout most of the book, Brown shares stories of his relationship with his father and his experiences working on the film FIELD OF DREAMS. He also includes several stories that fans of the film have told him over the years about how the film affected their lives. Some of them are very moving.
September 12, 2019
3.5 stars. Nicely written memoir with some cool "inside baseball" parts about his "Field of Dreams" scenes. We bought this book at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va., when Mr. Brown was visiting minor league ballparks during a book tour.
August 5, 2025
Beautifully written really gets to the heart of the film and the personal experiences sweep you up!
August 13, 2019
A pleasant surprise by first time author Brown about his role in the filming of "Field of Dreams". If you have not read "Shoeless Joe" or seen the movie I will refrain from spoilers. The book is an autobiography interspersed with stories of people he met as a result of his role in the movie. It was a quick read, thoroughly enjoyable.
August 17, 2023
For my birthday this year my wife Jen made a reservation to spend a night in the Field of Dreams house in Dyersville, Iowa. It was in May '23, and the cornfields were flat and had not yet begun to grow to truly replicate what we all remember in the movie, but there was definitely still something special about that place.
As part of a gift basket for staying the night, the hosts included this book (as well as Kinsella's Shoeless Joe book because they felt bad the dvd player in the house was busted and we couldn't watch the movie!) Took me a few months after the trip but I just got around to reading both books, and a bit to my surprise I enjoyed Dwier's book a lot more than I did the Kinsella novel. He does a fantastic job weaving three threads throughout the book: part telling his experience with his part in the movie from audition through its release in theaters, part telling his experiences for years afterwards of meeting people and how they opened up to him about how his part and the movie affected them, and part autobiographical background about his relationship with his father and family over the years. He tells his story with humor and humility, and at the end of the book the only thing I thought that could have made it better was if we were in a tavern somewhere and he was telling the story over a pint or two while the rest of us in the bar sat taking it all in.
I don't often write reviews here, but after reading this book I almost felt compelled to say something about how the movie, and as extension this book, affected me. I lost my father six years ago, and in the years since have done some reflecting on our relationship. He was a good man, provided for the family the best he could along with Mom, helped put me and my brother through college. He was a coach on my little league baseball teams for seven years (just as he did for my brother) and we would make it down to Comiskey Park to see the White Sox at least once or twice a season. We never had big differences or blow ups like some fathers and sons did, but we weren't exactly close either. As I grew older and started my own career and life, I'd return home on Sunday afternoons to visit, time usually spent flipping back and forth between watching the White Sox and Tiger Woods on tv. We'd sit for hours on the couch, occasionally remarking on what we'd just seen on the tv screen, but rarely talk about much else. Mom was usually the one that drove the conversation away from the tv.
When I first walked onto the field in Dyersville I kinda wondered what it would have been like having Dad there to have a catch. Although, he would have been in his late 70s and with his bad shoulder not sure how that would have gone. Perhaps if it was later in the growing season I could have gotten his younger version walking out of the corn field. My wife stood in for him admirably, and she has a great arm tossing across the infield and outfield. But when I picked up a bat she couldn't hit the strike zone as hard as she tried, but she did try. She's awesome.
Anyway, if you got this far, thanks for reading, even if it wasn't all about the book itself. But if you liked what you just read here and haven't read the book, do yourself a favor and take the time.
And thanks, Dwier.
As part of a gift basket for staying the night, the hosts included this book (as well as Kinsella's Shoeless Joe book because they felt bad the dvd player in the house was busted and we couldn't watch the movie!) Took me a few months after the trip but I just got around to reading both books, and a bit to my surprise I enjoyed Dwier's book a lot more than I did the Kinsella novel. He does a fantastic job weaving three threads throughout the book: part telling his experience with his part in the movie from audition through its release in theaters, part telling his experiences for years afterwards of meeting people and how they opened up to him about how his part and the movie affected them, and part autobiographical background about his relationship with his father and family over the years. He tells his story with humor and humility, and at the end of the book the only thing I thought that could have made it better was if we were in a tavern somewhere and he was telling the story over a pint or two while the rest of us in the bar sat taking it all in.
I don't often write reviews here, but after reading this book I almost felt compelled to say something about how the movie, and as extension this book, affected me. I lost my father six years ago, and in the years since have done some reflecting on our relationship. He was a good man, provided for the family the best he could along with Mom, helped put me and my brother through college. He was a coach on my little league baseball teams for seven years (just as he did for my brother) and we would make it down to Comiskey Park to see the White Sox at least once or twice a season. We never had big differences or blow ups like some fathers and sons did, but we weren't exactly close either. As I grew older and started my own career and life, I'd return home on Sunday afternoons to visit, time usually spent flipping back and forth between watching the White Sox and Tiger Woods on tv. We'd sit for hours on the couch, occasionally remarking on what we'd just seen on the tv screen, but rarely talk about much else. Mom was usually the one that drove the conversation away from the tv.
When I first walked onto the field in Dyersville I kinda wondered what it would have been like having Dad there to have a catch. Although, he would have been in his late 70s and with his bad shoulder not sure how that would have gone. Perhaps if it was later in the growing season I could have gotten his younger version walking out of the corn field. My wife stood in for him admirably, and she has a great arm tossing across the infield and outfield. But when I picked up a bat she couldn't hit the strike zone as hard as she tried, but she did try. She's awesome.
Anyway, if you got this far, thanks for reading, even if it wasn't all about the book itself. But if you liked what you just read here and haven't read the book, do yourself a favor and take the time.
And thanks, Dwier.
August 17, 2014
More than thirty years ago, I had the honor of meeting Dwier Brown through summer theatre at Ashland College (now University). At the time, in the back of my mind, I'd hoped to become a writer some day. But I never thought both of us would become published authors. I justifiably hoped Dwier would become a successful actor, and followed his career in various plays, films and TV shows from afar, spotting him in all-too-small bit parts and the occasional feature film. Of course, his "big break" happened in 'Field of Dreams.'
But, as he writes, even that pivotal role in the popular baseball film didn't result in what should have been greater success. In both literary and theatre worlds, success is a strange and elusive creature. Fortunately, Brown found inspiration in his own life, his connection to the popular film, and baseball.
In this touching memoir, Brown blends the excitement of being on-set for a star-filled film with his family story and his own doubts, fears and personal victories. A single moment in a dressing room while meeting James Earl Jones leads to a memory of his father, who died just before Brown traveled to the now-famous Iowa farm.
Along with evocative descriptive passages, Brown's memoir explains the reason why such a potentially corny movie resonates with millions of people. Our collective nostalgic reverence for baseball becomes a metaphor for parenting, human kindness, and our fragile yet truly wholesome ideals.
My only critique is the use of a sans serif font for the sections where fans approach Brown to tell their personal stories of watching 'Field of Dreams.' It became hard to read the thin font type, since these sections are among the most tear-inducing!
Kudos, though, to Brown, for his innovative promotion campaign, which includes appearances at baseball events nationwide. If Dwier comes to your town, be sure to get a signed copy, and thank him for this sweet endearing book.
But, as he writes, even that pivotal role in the popular baseball film didn't result in what should have been greater success. In both literary and theatre worlds, success is a strange and elusive creature. Fortunately, Brown found inspiration in his own life, his connection to the popular film, and baseball.
In this touching memoir, Brown blends the excitement of being on-set for a star-filled film with his family story and his own doubts, fears and personal victories. A single moment in a dressing room while meeting James Earl Jones leads to a memory of his father, who died just before Brown traveled to the now-famous Iowa farm.
Along with evocative descriptive passages, Brown's memoir explains the reason why such a potentially corny movie resonates with millions of people. Our collective nostalgic reverence for baseball becomes a metaphor for parenting, human kindness, and our fragile yet truly wholesome ideals.
My only critique is the use of a sans serif font for the sections where fans approach Brown to tell their personal stories of watching 'Field of Dreams.' It became hard to read the thin font type, since these sections are among the most tear-inducing!
Kudos, though, to Brown, for his innovative promotion campaign, which includes appearances at baseball events nationwide. If Dwier comes to your town, be sure to get a signed copy, and thank him for this sweet endearing book.
July 18, 2021
I consider Field of Dreams to be one of my favorite films of all time regardless of genre. The last scene of that movie, featuring a game of catch between father and son, is one of the most emotional moments ever put on the big screen. While Kevin Costner is famously one half of that father/son duo, Dwier Brown is the other. This book is his story, both outside of and within the Field of Dreams set.
Essentially, "If You Build It..." is split into three interweaving tracts:
-Tales from Dwier while on the Lansing Farm (site of the cornfield diamond), including how that iconic final scene was conceived/film, and meeting (albeit briefly, as he is only on-screen for minutes) such legends as Costner, Ray Liotta, and James Earl Jones.
-Dwier's autobiography, of sorts, detailing his humble roots and transition to acting (through theatre productions). Predictably, much of this narrative centers upon Brown's own eccentric father, who moved the entire family to a fixer-upper farm house that required constant work.
-Stories of random individuals recognizing Brown as "Kevin Costner's Dad in that baseball movie" and explaining to him (baring their souls in the process) how much that finale scene changed their lives and relations with their own fathers/sons.
The combination of those three distinct narratives makes "If You Build It..." a compelling read for fans of baseball, the movie, or just familial relationships in general. I think that every son has a story to tell about his father, but of course Brown's is so unique because of his character's personification of that ideal. Not only that, but he does an incredible job connecting the emotional parallels between his own life and what was captured on celluloid.
Essentially, "If You Build It..." is split into three interweaving tracts:
-Tales from Dwier while on the Lansing Farm (site of the cornfield diamond), including how that iconic final scene was conceived/film, and meeting (albeit briefly, as he is only on-screen for minutes) such legends as Costner, Ray Liotta, and James Earl Jones.
-Dwier's autobiography, of sorts, detailing his humble roots and transition to acting (through theatre productions). Predictably, much of this narrative centers upon Brown's own eccentric father, who moved the entire family to a fixer-upper farm house that required constant work.
-Stories of random individuals recognizing Brown as "Kevin Costner's Dad in that baseball movie" and explaining to him (baring their souls in the process) how much that finale scene changed their lives and relations with their own fathers/sons.
The combination of those three distinct narratives makes "If You Build It..." a compelling read for fans of baseball, the movie, or just familial relationships in general. I think that every son has a story to tell about his father, but of course Brown's is so unique because of his character's personification of that ideal. Not only that, but he does an incredible job connecting the emotional parallels between his own life and what was captured on celluloid.
September 1, 2024
I stumbled upon this book when I was looking up something about one of my favorite movies (Field of Dreams). I was lucky enough to watch that movie with my Father and Grandfather on Father's Day 1989 in the theatre. I have cried everytime I have watched it. My grandfather had a dislocated shoulder. He made my Dad and I promise we would go home and have a catch. We did... it is the best memory I have of my father. I would stop talking to him 3 years later. We spoke once before he died, I apologized for all my missteps and mistakes. All I asked of him that day was for him to say he was sorry too. He said he couldn't change the past. He died in 2022 and never said he was sorry. This book made me cry so many times I could only read a little at a time. Hearing about other Father son relationships was cleansing. I finally read the last 200 pages today and cried all the way through. It was very cathartic. When I visit my family next time, I will hug my brother and his four kids. I will let them know I love them, so there are no regrets. Thank you for sharing your story Ricky, and those of the people you have met in your travels. I give this book 3 V's! As Jimmy Valvano once said: "If you can think, laugh, and cry... You've had a pretty good day!" There was plenty of all three. ~Bunk
April 3, 2020
If you never read any other book; or if you’re looking for your next great read; this is the book. It has made its way into the top 5 favorite books of all time for me. If you’re a fan of the film; you will love this book. Much like everyone else; I had a rocky relationship with my father growing up. One thing we have always agreed on is our love for this film. And in that love the game of baseball. I love the game; it’s my favorite game and just love it. Reading this book I found myself thinking of my father; and how I would like to make the pilgrimage of heading to Iowa to see the field with my father. But if nothing else; maybe you find yourself smiling at the end of this book; maybe you cry; maybe you find yourself or Maybe it strengthens your relationship with your father as the movie has done for many. I just liked hearing the first point of view from Dwier and what this film has done for many including myself...I highly recommend this book; and in the words of Lawrence Kessenich (editor of Shoeless Joe, the basis for Field of Dreams), “Dwier Brown is a great storyteller - I couldn’t put this book down! If you loved Field of Dreams, or if you just love your father - or wish you could - you’ll love this book.”
October 9, 2025
This is a great, unsung book about the impact the movie “Field of Dreams” has had on so many people. The book highlights that the movie is much more than just a baseball film—it’s a story about the challenging relationships between fathers and sons that inevitably arise as boys grow into adulthood. The book provides insight into the author’s own strained relationship and shares the author’s experiences with fans who have been emotionally impacted by the character portrayed in the movie.
This book holds a special place in my heart. My family and I were fortunate enough to attend the 25th anniversary of the “Field of Dreams” movie in Dyersville, IA, in 2014. The celebration was appropriately held over Father’s Day weekend. My family and I were able to “have a catch” on the baseball field. The author of this book, who is also the actor that played John Kinsella in the movie, was there with his book. While I was focused on watching the celebrity baseball game, my 13-year-old daughter got in line and bought me this book. Upon opening the cover, I realized that not only did Anna buy me the book, she also asked the author to sign it. It reads, “Anna is great! Happy Father’s Day. Great meeting another ‘John’. ‘Wanna have a catch?’” Signed – Dwier Brown (John Kinsella).
This book holds a special place in my heart. My family and I were fortunate enough to attend the 25th anniversary of the “Field of Dreams” movie in Dyersville, IA, in 2014. The celebration was appropriately held over Father’s Day weekend. My family and I were able to “have a catch” on the baseball field. The author of this book, who is also the actor that played John Kinsella in the movie, was there with his book. While I was focused on watching the celebrity baseball game, my 13-year-old daughter got in line and bought me this book. Upon opening the cover, I realized that not only did Anna buy me the book, she also asked the author to sign it. It reads, “Anna is great! Happy Father’s Day. Great meeting another ‘John’. ‘Wanna have a catch?’” Signed – Dwier Brown (John Kinsella).
January 28, 2020
So rarely do I say anything about the books I read, but Mr. Brown's book deserves a mention. Field of Dreams, the movie, is one of my favorites and my absolute favorite of baseball movies. I can't get through it without crying because it reminds my so much of my father, who used to take me to the Tigers' games in Detroit when I was a little girl. I was beyond shocked to find out that there are so many other people who were affected by that movie and now I don't feel so crazy when I tell people it always makes me cry. Thank you Mr. Brown for describing so many of the folks who feel like me. I would also recognize you if I saw you and be impelled to tell my little story. Your book is amazing. One of the few books I actually own and will always keep. If I get very lucky and get a ticket to the White Sox/Yankees game in August (8/13/20), I hope I get to see you and (beyond all hope) give you a hug and/or shake your hand. It would be like spending a stolen moment with my father, which is something I wish I could do with all my heart. He died in September of 1981. Thank you for your beautiful story.
February 12, 2021
If you build it…he will come. If you write it…they will read – or in this case, listen.
A memoir of the making of “Field of Dreams” would be in itself a gift to read, but Dwier Brown’s tome includes confessions from fans who have felt compelled to share their stories of their fathers with Mr. Brown when they recognize him from his role in the iconic film. These confessions add another layer of pathos that a straight retelling of on-set stories might not. I have long said that the audio versions of memoirs and autobiographies read by the author are so much more powerful than just visually reading their words. Hearing these stories read in Mr. Brown’s Mid-Western/Protestant voice, and then switch to his impersonation of Burt Lancaster, or a spot-on Dorchester/Bostonian accent would be great moments missed if I had not listened to this audiobook.
In the words of his acting coach, “Acting isn’t lying, acting is telling the truth.” Thank you, Mr. Brown for sharing the truth of your life experiences in Hollywood, on the farm and in the field of corn.
A memoir of the making of “Field of Dreams” would be in itself a gift to read, but Dwier Brown’s tome includes confessions from fans who have felt compelled to share their stories of their fathers with Mr. Brown when they recognize him from his role in the iconic film. These confessions add another layer of pathos that a straight retelling of on-set stories might not. I have long said that the audio versions of memoirs and autobiographies read by the author are so much more powerful than just visually reading their words. Hearing these stories read in Mr. Brown’s Mid-Western/Protestant voice, and then switch to his impersonation of Burt Lancaster, or a spot-on Dorchester/Bostonian accent would be great moments missed if I had not listened to this audiobook.
In the words of his acting coach, “Acting isn’t lying, acting is telling the truth.” Thank you, Mr. Brown for sharing the truth of your life experiences in Hollywood, on the farm and in the field of corn.
July 4, 2022
Field of Dreams is one of my favorite films. Having visited the Lansing farm, and listened to "Shoeless Joe", I stumbled on the recommendation of Dwier's book. I'm glad that I listened to it. He seems like a very kind person, not what I typically think about when I think about people of Hollywood. His stories from fellow fans of the film were so endearing. And I loved the rich detail he shared about his own Father/Son experience growing up on a farm in Ohio. If James Horner were to write a score for this audiobook, I doubt I could get through any of the chapters without tearing up. To anyone who would benefit from a warm and enriching recounting of a close family and the relationship between a loving but reserved father and his children as well as the impact that father had on his son Dwier, who in turn has touched so many millions of people; I kindly recommend that your read. Even better, listen to this book read by the author. And I wish all the best to Dwier in his continuing career.
August 20, 2023
Just a wonderfully touching tale of fathers, sons, and one of my all-time favorite movies. Filled with amazing stories, unlikely paths crossing, coincidences and heart-warming happenings. If this book doesn't make you smile, occasionally laugh out loud, and bring you to tears, well you might want to check your pulse. And this all came from a 5 minute scene at the end of a movie!
My quick Field of Dreams/Dad story: my father was well into his 70's when the movie came out. We'd already had the sad day when I asked him if he wanted to throw a ball around and he said he couldn't see well enough to catch it anymore. But he loved the game and had played some minor league ball with the NY Giants in the 30's. So I thought this nostalgic film would be right up his alley. I didn't watch his reaction until the "Hey Dad, wanna have a catch?" scene. I looked over, through my tear-filled eyes, and saw that he was sound asleep! Lol, not what I was hoping for, but still unforgettable. Dad only lived another four years and I miss him every day.
My quick Field of Dreams/Dad story: my father was well into his 70's when the movie came out. We'd already had the sad day when I asked him if he wanted to throw a ball around and he said he couldn't see well enough to catch it anymore. But he loved the game and had played some minor league ball with the NY Giants in the 30's. So I thought this nostalgic film would be right up his alley. I didn't watch his reaction until the "Hey Dad, wanna have a catch?" scene. I looked over, through my tear-filled eyes, and saw that he was sound asleep! Lol, not what I was hoping for, but still unforgettable. Dad only lived another four years and I miss him every day.
June 19, 2025
Field of Dreams will forever prompt men of all ages to drop all pretexts of masculine toughness and be instantaneously reduced to a blubbering child. The ending to that film will remain eternal in our hearts, no matter how many times we may have watched it or allowed the emotion to hit us in new, indescribable ways. The payoff to this fantastical tale of building a baseball field in an lowa cornfield comes with the unexpected appearance of Ray Kinsella's long-deceased father, John, and their emotional reconciliation by playing catch. Paired with a magnificent musical score, this touching closing scene has led to countless tears and allowed many to reflect on their father-son relationships. And what better witness to testify to this film's impact than the man at the center of that climatic scene: John Kinsella, played by actor Dwier Brown.
If you thought you got choked up while watching Field of Dreams for the first time (or the second, third, tenth), you have another thing coming in this memoir.
If you thought you got choked up while watching Field of Dreams for the first time (or the second, third, tenth), you have another thing coming in this memoir.
October 18, 2020
I have watched the movie over 100 times and it never gets old for me. Nor does the ending when Ray meets his father John and they share a catch with each other.I had played baseball starting in little league at the age of 7, wearing #7 to idolize my hero Mickey MantIe. I remember my Father coming to games and watch me play even though i wasnt very good with the bat, i was a better fielder. I played center field. I lost my father when i was only 8 years old. He was 50 and he never got to see me play ball as i got older. Not a day goes by that i dont think of him or all the catches we missed out on. I read this book in 2 days and cried many times throughout. Thank you Dwier for such a loving tribute to all fathers and sons. Never miss a moment spent with your dads, thier memories and legacy last forever. Truely and gratefully, Peter Kohlmann
January 9, 2022
Thank You, Dwier Brown, for writing this book! I don’t know where to begin, so I’ll start by telling you that I felt compelled to buy it when I saw it at the Baseball Hall of Fame gift shop this past August, four months after my dad passed away at the age of 87. I can’t tell you enough how much more I will appreciate “having a catch” with him when I was a kid! We never had the chance to go to the HOF together, but I know he would have enjoyed it! I loved Field of Dreams for many reasons, but reading your story about being a part of it really hit a home run with me! Jimmy Stewart was also one of my favorite actors and, believe it or not, I was also in South Pacific in High School! Again, Thank You for writing “If You Build It” and for helping me appreciate the times I had with my dad more!
August 30, 2022
An absolute terrific read. I loved the movie and this book is the perfect companion. I too lost my father when he was in his 60’s and can relate to so many things described in this book.
I was fortunate enough to attend an authors session in Cooperstown and had the chance to listen to Mr. Brown talk about his book and the journey it took him to write it. He was so gracious afterwards when I asked him to sign my book (that my stepdaughter bought me for Father’s Day) and my Field of Dreams DVD.
Thank you Mr. Brown for being so vulnerable and truthful about your experiences. So many of them really hit home for me.
This is a must read for any Field of Dreams movie fan, but also for those folks who want to get a glimpse of a son’s complicated, yet genuine and loving relationship with his father.
I was fortunate enough to attend an authors session in Cooperstown and had the chance to listen to Mr. Brown talk about his book and the journey it took him to write it. He was so gracious afterwards when I asked him to sign my book (that my stepdaughter bought me for Father’s Day) and my Field of Dreams DVD.
Thank you Mr. Brown for being so vulnerable and truthful about your experiences. So many of them really hit home for me.
This is a must read for any Field of Dreams movie fan, but also for those folks who want to get a glimpse of a son’s complicated, yet genuine and loving relationship with his father.
July 18, 2023
I met Dwier Brown the day before I started reading this book. My wife and I drove nearly four hours to see him at a minor league baseball game. Thanks to a rain out, we got to spend nearly an hour talking to him about the book and the movie “Field of Dreams.” This book is excellent. The only bad part was the fact that it had to end. Dwier is an excellent storyteller, and he shares with the reader about his experiences with fans of his most notable movie role, but he also provides a more intimate look into his family life growing up on a farm in Ohio. Meeting him was a pleasure, and he couldn’t have been nicer and more accommodating. He even spent a few minutes to “have a catch” with me. As a huge “Field of Dreams” fan, that was a dream realized. I can’t say enough about this wonderful book, but I promise you…
“If you read it, you will cry.”
“If you read it, you will cry.”
June 4, 2019
As probably happened with many others, being a fan of the movie, “Field of Dreams,” I was extremely curious to read Dwier Brown’s experience in this classic film. Having a few acting credits myself, I related to many aspects he discussed about his acting career. Also, since I teach a college course about sports films, I expected his writing would give me more to discuss in the course. Yet, the most meaningful aspects of this book come from Dwier’s discussions of his relationship with his father. I have never teared-up while reading a book - until I finished page 172 in this book. I challenge anyone to read this book without seriously considering the relationship with his/her father. The best compliment I can give to Dwier is this, “Hey Dwier, Wanna have a catch?”
July 13, 2020
If this book had been written by anyone else it would have been a very good book. The fact that Dwier Brown wrote the book, and mixed chapters between personal recollections and personal encounters, makes this an EXCEPTIONAL book. I will be the first to admit I can recall specifically my own reaction to seeing the movie and the direct effect it had on my life and the subsequent relationship with my father, however when you consider the unique position the author is in and his ability to articulate those feelings/emotions, well let's just say he has taken the words of W.P Kinsella and extended them to the next level. I have read everything I can about the Field of Dreams and as I said it had a powerful impact on me, but Dwier Brown's words, his stories, moved me like none other.
October 8, 2022
Dwier Brown hit a home run with this book! I first noticed it on a bookshelf in the living room of the farmhouse in Field of Dreams. I was there on a tour of the movie site, where I saw the house, the field, the corn and one of the Ghost Players, Frank Dardis, who said the place was magical. I believe it! This timeless story, and the movie adaptation of it, go far beyond baseball into our relationships with our fathers and, by extension, our humanity. Brown's book combines his life as an actor (with a stoic Midwestern upbringing), the sad death of his secretive father, and the aftermath of his small but pivotal role in the film. His chance encounters with people who were changed by this story are at the heart of the book, which I read in one sitting. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2023
Books get left in the lobby of our building that people are done with and someone left this one. I picked it up because my grandfather grew up in Dyersville, IA where Field of Dreams was filmed and my sister and I got to visit the farm on our way across the country in the late 90’s.
I thought it would be interesting to find out more about the filming and the town, but was so touched by this book and how it was put together. It tells the story of the filming, but also the story of the author’s relationship with his own father growing up in the Midwest. Woven throughout were the stories that random individuals have told the author over the years of their own fathers when they recognize him. It was a really touching read. Gives a little hope that things can mend.
I thought it would be interesting to find out more about the filming and the town, but was so touched by this book and how it was put together. It tells the story of the filming, but also the story of the author’s relationship with his own father growing up in the Midwest. Woven throughout were the stories that random individuals have told the author over the years of their own fathers when they recognize him. It was a really touching read. Gives a little hope that things can mend.
August 2, 2020
If you love Field of Dreams, you will thoroughly enjoy this wonderful book by Dwier Brown, the actor who played Kevin Costner's dad in the movie. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brown at Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in the summer of 2019. This entertaining, thoughtful, thought-provoking book is further confirmation of what a warm, caring, and genuine person Dwier Brown is to everyone he meets. More recently, I heard that Mr. Brown was working on the audio version of this book. Other than a second book with more incredible accounts of interactions with fans and family anecdotes, I cannot think of a better way to further your enjoyment of the Field of Dreams experience.
November 1, 2024
If you love the movie Field of Dreams, this is a must read. I’ve watched Field of Dreams many times and shared it with my kids, who loved it as much as I do.
Dwier’s book captures the heart of the story—a boy’s enduring love for a distant father, that turns out to be the central theme of both the film and the book. Dwier is a sensitive, passionate storyteller, and I read his well -penned memoir in two sittings. His narrative flows effortlessly, vividly bringing his experiences to life. I especially appreciated how he wove in stories from appreciative fans of the film, many of whom found deeper connections with their own fathers. Highly recommended, especially for fans of the movie.
Dwier’s book captures the heart of the story—a boy’s enduring love for a distant father, that turns out to be the central theme of both the film and the book. Dwier is a sensitive, passionate storyteller, and I read his well -penned memoir in two sittings. His narrative flows effortlessly, vividly bringing his experiences to life. I especially appreciated how he wove in stories from appreciative fans of the film, many of whom found deeper connections with their own fathers. Highly recommended, especially for fans of the movie.
March 26, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I picked it up. I found this to be a heartfelt memoir about growing up in rural Ohio, and the author's relationship with his father. Interspersed with his role as John Kinsella and the filming of Field of Dreams. He shared some of the recognition stories he has had over the years as the father from field of Dreams. All have shared how much the movie has meant to them when they saw it when they saw it the first time . I probably wouldn't have picked this up at the bookstore, but I was intrigued when I saw it in the Little Free Library,
July 5, 2019
I never, EVER read a book anymore....I read this in one day! Many stories of how people’s relationships with their fathers were changed after watching “Field of Dreams” and the scene with Mr. Brown. The book is wonderfully written as stories from the movie set are intertwined with both the aforementioned stories and those of Mr. Browns childhood and adolescence. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Pulaski, Va this last week. A genuine, down-to-earth man who you could see telling this story! It’s a must read!
April 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Dwier's reading of the audio book made it even more special. Field of Dreams is my favorite movie, I am a huge baseball fan. I was lucky enough to visit the Field in Dyersville, Iowa in 2013 on a cross country trip with 2 of my sons. I was overcome with emotion when I first saw the field. My son brought our gloves and we had a catch on the field. It was a special moment that I will remember forever. Thank you, Dwier Brown for writing this book and letting me relive my memories. I enjoyed hearing your story and how much the movie meant to you as well.
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