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A Season of Daring Greatly
Eighteen-year-old Jill Cafferty just made history. Her high school’s star pitcher, she is now the first woman drafted by a major league baseball team. Only days after her high school graduation, she’ll join the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Class A Short Season team . . . but not everyone is happy to have her there.
On top of the pressure heaped on every pitcher, Jill must deal with defying conventions and living up to impossible expectations, all while living away from home for the first time. She’ll go head-to-head against those who are determined to keep baseball an all-male sport. Despite the reassurance of coaches and managers alike, a few of her teammates are giving her trouble. The media presence following her at each game is inescapable. And to top it all off, Jill is struggling with the responsibilities of being a national hero and a role model for young women everywhere. How can she be a role model when she’s not even sure she made the right choice for herself? Didn’t baseball used to be fun?
This literary and engrossing story of a young woman trying to mark out a place for herself in a male-dominated world will captivate fans of Friday Night Lights, The Art of Fielding, John Corey Whaley, and Laurie Halse Anderson.
On top of the pressure heaped on every pitcher, Jill must deal with defying conventions and living up to impossible expectations, all while living away from home for the first time. She’ll go head-to-head against those who are determined to keep baseball an all-male sport. Despite the reassurance of coaches and managers alike, a few of her teammates are giving her trouble. The media presence following her at each game is inescapable. And to top it all off, Jill is struggling with the responsibilities of being a national hero and a role model for young women everywhere. How can she be a role model when she’s not even sure she made the right choice for herself? Didn’t baseball used to be fun?
This literary and engrossing story of a young woman trying to mark out a place for herself in a male-dominated world will captivate fans of Friday Night Lights, The Art of Fielding, John Corey Whaley, and Laurie Halse Anderson.
Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2017
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About the author
Ellen Emerson White
37 books242 followersThis talented writer attended Tufts University (and published her first book, Friends for Life, while a senior there) and currently lives in New York City. Ms. White grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Many of her novels feature characters who reside in or around Boston and are fans of the Boston Red Sox (as is Ms. White). In addition to novels, Ms. White has published several biographies. She also writes under the pseudonym Zack Emerson (taking the name Zack from the name of her shepherd dog) and under the pseudonym Nicholas Edwards (Santa Paws series).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
February 14, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a YA contemporary story about a girl playing for a major-league baseball team.
Jill was an okay character, and she seemed to take things in her stride pretty well. She also didn’t let fame get to her, and came across as generally a nice person.
The storyline in this was about Jill becoming the first woman to play major-league baseball, and all the pressures and problems that came along with it. I did find a lot of the baseball terms a bit confusing though (I have never even watched a baseball game before), and I did lose interest in the story once it became apparent that the whole book was about baseball and very little else.
The ending to this was okay, and it was good that Jill was able to prove her worth.
6 out of 10
This was a YA contemporary story about a girl playing for a major-league baseball team.
Jill was an okay character, and she seemed to take things in her stride pretty well. She also didn’t let fame get to her, and came across as generally a nice person.
The storyline in this was about Jill becoming the first woman to play major-league baseball, and all the pressures and problems that came along with it. I did find a lot of the baseball terms a bit confusing though (I have never even watched a baseball game before), and I did lose interest in the story once it became apparent that the whole book was about baseball and very little else.
The ending to this was okay, and it was good that Jill was able to prove her worth.
6 out of 10
December 21, 2017
So me and this author go way back. Way back as in I first read her when I was thirteen or fourteen…and I was enamored and hooked and in book hangover mode for years. When I think of her “President’s Daughter” series or “Life Without Friends”, I STILL have a strong emotional connection and remember the lead characters, Meg and Beverly, as if they were people I actually knew.
Her books had the unique distinction of dealing with complex and often dark subject matter while not being patronizing to a teen audience at all not to mention the sophisticated vocabulary she used. The characters, dialogue, and in-depth details were always presented in an interesting and realistic way and made her books practically living beings. I reread her books so often they nearly fell apart. I. Loved. Them.
One staple of Ellen Emerson White is that she has a way of making her lead heroines hardcore AF while still being vulnerable and relatable human beings. She puts her leads through the wringer and we get to see how strong a teenage girl can be which, for me, was always inspiring. This book, “A Season of Daring Greatly” is no different.
This time, White takes us into the world of professional minor league baseball where, for the first time in history, a young woman is drafted into the previously all male league as a pitcher. If anyone is familiar with Ellen Emerson White, then they know that she’s a huge fan of baseball and the Boston Red Sox in real life, so much so that her characters often are fans, as well. It’s clear she’s transferred her love of the sport into this book.
Jill is fresh out of high school and chooses to take her once in a lifetime opportunity in the professional minor leagues, putting off college. Again, White strikes a delicate balance here of making Jill strong and confident but not cocky or invincible. She suffers from the anxiety and uncertainties one would expect ANY person drafted into the minor leagues to experience.
The author doesn’t shy away from the misogyny or sexual harassment that most likely would occur in the real world and, instead of handling issues of suicide, depression, abuse, shame, near death scenarios, or political scrutiny that her other characters have experienced, Jill’s gauntlet is managing life as a sportswoman, away from home for the first time, and attempting to bond with a team that may not even want her while also being thrust into the public eye. It’s a lot to manage!
We get the story from Jill's point of view and, luckily, she is an extremely likable character with an intense work ethic, a strong sense of empathy, and even better sense of humor. It’s clear she’s earned her position partly through genetics but mostly through her hard work and commitment to the sport.
The details of baseball White brings to the page makes the sport itself its own character. It’s in no way boring or tedious and me, as a complete non-follower of the sport, was able to take it in well enough.
Since this is a “first woman breaking a glass ceiling” type of book, other writers may go into this subject matter wielding a hammer but White allows for nuance for her characters and situations. You’d think a book like this might be predictable but know it is not. Also, don’t think that this is a male bashing book. It’s not at all. Overall, the read felt very true to life.
I’d say this book does land in the YA genre but it also straddles the New Adult genre, too. There’s no sex or violence but the sexual harassment and swear words dropped here and there lend it a more mature edge. A reader of any age would enjoy this book especially true baseball fans.
One disclaimer, I generally read lesfic nowadays and Jill is not lesbian. There is ethnic diversity, disability diversity, and LGBT diversity seen in the supporting cast, though. White writes this in a way that’s really natural to the narrative so it doesn’t feel forced or inserted just because.
This book made the fourteen year old heart in me go pitter pat and now, as a forty one year old, I STILL had to reach for the dictionary every so often. I just really love this writer.
I most definitely recommend the read.
Her books had the unique distinction of dealing with complex and often dark subject matter while not being patronizing to a teen audience at all not to mention the sophisticated vocabulary she used. The characters, dialogue, and in-depth details were always presented in an interesting and realistic way and made her books practically living beings. I reread her books so often they nearly fell apart. I. Loved. Them.
One staple of Ellen Emerson White is that she has a way of making her lead heroines hardcore AF while still being vulnerable and relatable human beings. She puts her leads through the wringer and we get to see how strong a teenage girl can be which, for me, was always inspiring. This book, “A Season of Daring Greatly” is no different.
This time, White takes us into the world of professional minor league baseball where, for the first time in history, a young woman is drafted into the previously all male league as a pitcher. If anyone is familiar with Ellen Emerson White, then they know that she’s a huge fan of baseball and the Boston Red Sox in real life, so much so that her characters often are fans, as well. It’s clear she’s transferred her love of the sport into this book.
Jill is fresh out of high school and chooses to take her once in a lifetime opportunity in the professional minor leagues, putting off college. Again, White strikes a delicate balance here of making Jill strong and confident but not cocky or invincible. She suffers from the anxiety and uncertainties one would expect ANY person drafted into the minor leagues to experience.
The author doesn’t shy away from the misogyny or sexual harassment that most likely would occur in the real world and, instead of handling issues of suicide, depression, abuse, shame, near death scenarios, or political scrutiny that her other characters have experienced, Jill’s gauntlet is managing life as a sportswoman, away from home for the first time, and attempting to bond with a team that may not even want her while also being thrust into the public eye. It’s a lot to manage!
We get the story from Jill's point of view and, luckily, she is an extremely likable character with an intense work ethic, a strong sense of empathy, and even better sense of humor. It’s clear she’s earned her position partly through genetics but mostly through her hard work and commitment to the sport.
The details of baseball White brings to the page makes the sport itself its own character. It’s in no way boring or tedious and me, as a complete non-follower of the sport, was able to take it in well enough.
Since this is a “first woman breaking a glass ceiling” type of book, other writers may go into this subject matter wielding a hammer but White allows for nuance for her characters and situations. You’d think a book like this might be predictable but know it is not. Also, don’t think that this is a male bashing book. It’s not at all. Overall, the read felt very true to life.
I’d say this book does land in the YA genre but it also straddles the New Adult genre, too. There’s no sex or violence but the sexual harassment and swear words dropped here and there lend it a more mature edge. A reader of any age would enjoy this book especially true baseball fans.
One disclaimer, I generally read lesfic nowadays and Jill is not lesbian. There is ethnic diversity, disability diversity, and LGBT diversity seen in the supporting cast, though. White writes this in a way that’s really natural to the narrative so it doesn’t feel forced or inserted just because.
This book made the fourteen year old heart in me go pitter pat and now, as a forty one year old, I STILL had to reach for the dictionary every so often. I just really love this writer.
I most definitely recommend the read.
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 4, 2019
Jill Cafferty is good at baseball. Not just for a girl—she's good, period. And when scouts start sniffing around, Jill decides that if she's drafted before round ten and the team doesn't just want her for a gimmick but to actually play, she'll set aside her scholarship to Stanford and do it. Then she's selected in round three...and everything breaks loose.
I absolutely loved this book.
It's definitely not for everyone. White's writing style is, um, interesting, with lots of sentences broken by hyphens and italics. However, I've lot her since The Road Home, which is one of my all-time favorite books. I just love her characters: deeply sarcastic and intelligent New England women who just don't quite fit in yet are very competent at their jobs...and surrounded by men who are dickheads.
And Jill fits this entirely. Does she act like a typical 2019 teen? Eh...no, probably more one that would be better suited for a novel in the 1980s, but still she's a great character. Driven, multi-talented and yet has focus weakness that is a mile wide, particularly when it comes to certain types of critics. I did like her many, many doubts about going into professional baseball, and her questioning of whether this was the right course for her. Also, I liked that she was so big and tall and heterosexual, defying a stereotype of women athletes (although there is some lesbian—and gay—rep too in the book, just not with Jill) and repping tall, buff girls (mild spoiler: in a much, much healthier way than that godawful movie Tall Girl).
I especially loved her mother, who supported her and yet didn't give a hoot for baseball at all (e.g., in between Jill actually playing she would grade papers or read a book while sipping wine, because the only thing that mattered was her daughter playing not the game itself).
And I did like the teammates that became her friends, and the support staff that had her back and backed her plays.
And Marcus, who is probably the best catcher and den mother a team could ever ask for. The man might not be the best batter, but he really did look out for his pitchers and teammates, and always knew what was best for them. He was so, so precious.
In between the rounds of harassment and discrimination Jill faces—because this book shies away from none of that—there are moments of hilarity and friendship. I nearly died of the adorableness during The Lego Movie scene, which was just too cute and precious. Of course, Jill goes through hell in finding her place, finding her focus, and doing it at at 18. I'm so happy that despite her maturity, the adults in the room realize how young she is and generally take that into consideration, and know that despite the massive amount of pressure she's under she's still a kid and a young ball player with lots of skill.
Anywho, a definite read if you're looking for a book about women athletes that has no romance (there is mild romantic leanings but nothing happens or comes of it).
I absolutely loved this book.
It's definitely not for everyone. White's writing style is, um, interesting, with lots of sentences broken by hyphens and italics. However, I've lot her since The Road Home, which is one of my all-time favorite books. I just love her characters: deeply sarcastic and intelligent New England women who just don't quite fit in yet are very competent at their jobs...and surrounded by men who are dickheads.
And Jill fits this entirely. Does she act like a typical 2019 teen? Eh...no, probably more one that would be better suited for a novel in the 1980s, but still she's a great character. Driven, multi-talented and yet has focus weakness that is a mile wide, particularly when it comes to certain types of critics. I did like her many, many doubts about going into professional baseball, and her questioning of whether this was the right course for her. Also, I liked that she was so big and tall and heterosexual, defying a stereotype of women athletes (although there is some lesbian—and gay—rep too in the book, just not with Jill) and repping tall, buff girls (mild spoiler: in a much, much healthier way than that godawful movie Tall Girl).
I especially loved her mother, who supported her and yet didn't give a hoot for baseball at all (e.g., in between Jill actually playing she would grade papers or read a book while sipping wine, because the only thing that mattered was her daughter playing not the game itself).
And I did like the teammates that became her friends, and the support staff that had her back and backed her plays.
And Marcus, who is probably the best catcher and den mother a team could ever ask for. The man might not be the best batter, but he really did look out for his pitchers and teammates, and always knew what was best for them. He was so, so precious.
In between the rounds of harassment and discrimination Jill faces—because this book shies away from none of that—there are moments of hilarity and friendship. I nearly died of the adorableness during The Lego Movie scene, which was just too cute and precious. Of course, Jill goes through hell in finding her place, finding her focus, and doing it at at 18. I'm so happy that despite her maturity, the adults in the room realize how young she is and generally take that into consideration, and know that despite the massive amount of pressure she's under she's still a kid and a young ball player with lots of skill.
Anywho, a definite read if you're looking for a book about women athletes that has no romance (there is mild romantic leanings but nothing happens or comes of it).
February 14, 2017
Originally reviewed here @ Angieville
I think by now you're all familiar with my love for Ellen Emerson White's books. So you'll have no trouble understanding the level of excitement I've been living with ever since I heard she was writing a contemporary YA about the first girl to be drafted by a Major League Baseball team. Wild horses were having trouble keeping my anticipation within any sort of manageable proportions. It's difficult to believe that the release day has finally arrived, but it has, and I'm here to tell you you need to rush and grab your copy. Featuring White's trademark wit and understated class, this book is in—you'll forgive the pun—a league of its own.
Jill Cafferty is pretty sure she'll go. Yes, she's accepted a scholarship to play baseball for Stanford. And, yes, she's assured her mother that if she doesn't go early in the draft she'll head off to college and accept her fate. But. She's pretty sure she'll go. What she isn't sure is which team it will be and what in the world she'll do when it actually comes time to say goodbye to her mother and older brother and go live and work with a bunch of guys. Guys who will more than likely be none too pleased to have her around. But baseball is sort of it for Jill. Her entire life has led to this point, even if the realities of being the first girl to go pro induce a level of blind panic she's wholly unfond of. But if she doesn't try now, how will she ever know if she could really go all the way?
A Season of Daring Greatly is just everything I wanted it to be. I mean, every ounce of it. It resides in that unique space where young adult meets new adult, as Jill is eighteen years old and on her way to college (or the minor leagues) when our tale begins. If you've read even one of Ms. White's other books, you'll have an inkling of the kind of main character you're in for, which is to say the kind of girl who is simply more in all the ways that matter. Jill is smart, driven, determined, and self-exacting. She's private, though quite open with her two closest friends. She has a healthy, if quirky sense of humor. And while she has a truly gratifying confidence and pride in her abilities, she is not without a corollary set of very real fears, doubts, and concerns. In fact, where her confidence and skills meet the pressures and fears of actually playing professional ball is where this novel shines. Like Jill herself, the book feels almost shockingly natural—as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans, despite its unprecedented setup. Jill may be the first of her kind (and she is 100 percent/24-hours-a-day aware of that and the expectations, both fair and unfair, that come with it), but she has made a commitment. And, come hell or high water, she will see it through to its finish,whether it be in ignominious defeat or in the breaking of barriers. She's really not certain from day to day which it will be.
This reading experience is very much focused on the day-to-day journey with Jill and her internal struggle with the internal and external ramifications of the life she's chosen. Watching her learn (and be forced) to balance her lifelong love of the game with the new and painful trappings of fame, league politics, team machinations, and the realities of sexism and gender stereotypes on every level is fascinating and timely. These deeper questions are balanced with that excellent humor and with Jill's determined, but shy forays into friendship on her team. I was particularly enamored of her relationship with her veteran catcher. A favorite scene (taken from my uncorrected ARC):
I'm still grinning over that exchange. Because I am just am so fond of Jill and the team she sets on its ear. The team that also finds itself stretching enough to take her in and give her a new fabric and viewpoint from which to feel out and examine her life. While you won't be at all displeased where this novel lands, it's virtually impossible not to feel an immediate thirst for more. Please.
I think by now you're all familiar with my love for Ellen Emerson White's books. So you'll have no trouble understanding the level of excitement I've been living with ever since I heard she was writing a contemporary YA about the first girl to be drafted by a Major League Baseball team. Wild horses were having trouble keeping my anticipation within any sort of manageable proportions. It's difficult to believe that the release day has finally arrived, but it has, and I'm here to tell you you need to rush and grab your copy. Featuring White's trademark wit and understated class, this book is in—you'll forgive the pun—a league of its own.
Jill Cafferty is pretty sure she'll go. Yes, she's accepted a scholarship to play baseball for Stanford. And, yes, she's assured her mother that if she doesn't go early in the draft she'll head off to college and accept her fate. But. She's pretty sure she'll go. What she isn't sure is which team it will be and what in the world she'll do when it actually comes time to say goodbye to her mother and older brother and go live and work with a bunch of guys. Guys who will more than likely be none too pleased to have her around. But baseball is sort of it for Jill. Her entire life has led to this point, even if the realities of being the first girl to go pro induce a level of blind panic she's wholly unfond of. But if she doesn't try now, how will she ever know if she could really go all the way?
A Season of Daring Greatly is just everything I wanted it to be. I mean, every ounce of it. It resides in that unique space where young adult meets new adult, as Jill is eighteen years old and on her way to college (or the minor leagues) when our tale begins. If you've read even one of Ms. White's other books, you'll have an inkling of the kind of main character you're in for, which is to say the kind of girl who is simply more in all the ways that matter. Jill is smart, driven, determined, and self-exacting. She's private, though quite open with her two closest friends. She has a healthy, if quirky sense of humor. And while she has a truly gratifying confidence and pride in her abilities, she is not without a corollary set of very real fears, doubts, and concerns. In fact, where her confidence and skills meet the pressures and fears of actually playing professional ball is where this novel shines. Like Jill herself, the book feels almost shockingly natural—as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans, despite its unprecedented setup. Jill may be the first of her kind (and she is 100 percent/24-hours-a-day aware of that and the expectations, both fair and unfair, that come with it), but she has made a commitment. And, come hell or high water, she will see it through to its finish,whether it be in ignominious defeat or in the breaking of barriers. She's really not certain from day to day which it will be.
This reading experience is very much focused on the day-to-day journey with Jill and her internal struggle with the internal and external ramifications of the life she's chosen. Watching her learn (and be forced) to balance her lifelong love of the game with the new and painful trappings of fame, league politics, team machinations, and the realities of sexism and gender stereotypes on every level is fascinating and timely. These deeper questions are balanced with that excellent humor and with Jill's determined, but shy forays into friendship on her team. I was particularly enamored of her relationship with her veteran catcher. A favorite scene (taken from my uncorrected ARC):
She managed to throw a strike—a good one, sneaky fast, right on the inside corner—so, the batter swung at the next pitch, and sent a sharp grounder up the middle, which she didn't manage to get anywhere near.
Terrific. That meant two runs, and—except the shy second baseman streaked over, flicked it backhanded from his glove to Raffy without missing a beat, and that was the third out.
What a great play! And he'd made it look easy.
She was so relieved that she intercepted him on his way off the field and couldn't stop herself from giving him a truly heartfelt hug.
He looked horrified, and extricated himself, speaking so rapidly in Spanish that she only managed to catch a few phrases, most of which were along the lines of "Holy Mother of God!"
So, she backed away from him raising her hands apologetically—but, still, that had been a big league play. She was practically in love with him, for making that play. Deeply in love.
It felt as though a huge weight had lifted from her shoulders, and she suddenly felt so cheerful, that she almost wanted to bounce into the dugout.
She paused in front of Adler, waiting for his reaction.
He looked at her for a few seconds, with about eight expressions moving across his face, before settling on a small frown.
"Don't hug the infielders," he said. "They hate that."
Seemed that way, yeah.
I'm still grinning over that exchange. Because I am just am so fond of Jill and the team she sets on its ear. The team that also finds itself stretching enough to take her in and give her a new fabric and viewpoint from which to feel out and examine her life. While you won't be at all displeased where this novel lands, it's virtually impossible not to feel an immediate thirst for more. Please.
September 19, 2016
Being the first person to review the book on Goodreads is a big deal because if you end up not loving the story, others might think it's not worth their time either.
I was super excited about A Season of Daring Greatly mostly because I can't wait for Pitch to premiere on Fox and because I love books about women playing sports. I knew I was going to read it the moment I read the blurb and I'm still glad I did but I sadly didn't love it.
To me, the book lacked that drive which usually makes me cheer for characters. I wanted her to succeed but I wasn't terribly invested.
I was super excited about A Season of Daring Greatly mostly because I can't wait for Pitch to premiere on Fox and because I love books about women playing sports. I knew I was going to read it the moment I read the blurb and I'm still glad I did but I sadly didn't love it.
To me, the book lacked that drive which usually makes me cheer for characters. I wanted her to succeed but I wasn't terribly invested.
February 18, 2017
This was very good and solid. I really appreciated that the book dealt with the fact that the first female baseball player isn't just going to have to be good at baseball, she's going to have to be good at dealing with the pressure. And Jill and the people around her were very aware of it.
It was also just a good BASEBALL book. The struggle of the minors, the fact that most of the people in the low minors aren't going to make it.
I want more books!
It was also just a good BASEBALL book. The struggle of the minors, the fact that most of the people in the low minors aren't going to make it.
I want more books!
Read
May 8, 2017Jill's at the end of her high school baseball career and being chased by both big, impressive colleges and the major leagues. So when she's a third round draft pick, she knows that she's in it for the big leagues, and more, she's making history as the first woman in professional baseball. This is a story about her experiences navigating the tricky terrain of "bro world" sports and being herself, when she isn't the sort of happy-go-lucky, stereotypical female people want or expect her to be. Throughout the story, she sees and feels the sort of pressure of being The Girl and being The Idol while also trying to remain true to herself and her needs. It's a wonderful, complex story about the girl who isn't necessarily "likable" being true to herself, even when everyone around her expects her to be someone she's not...OR when they're treating her as a sub-person because she's a girl in the boys' club.
Well-written, engaging, with great pacing, this one will appeal to readers who love sports stories, who love interesting female characters, who dig books by Sarah Dessen or Siobhan Vivian or Miranda Kenneally but wish for something with maybe less romance (there is virtually none here -- just a tiny bit at the end), and those who might want to read a story written in the (seemingly rare) third person POV in YA. It works fantastically here.
I've never read EEW's books before this one, but I'll be going back to her backlist, for sure.
Well-written, engaging, with great pacing, this one will appeal to readers who love sports stories, who love interesting female characters, who dig books by Sarah Dessen or Siobhan Vivian or Miranda Kenneally but wish for something with maybe less romance (there is virtually none here -- just a tiny bit at the end), and those who might want to read a story written in the (seemingly rare) third person POV in YA. It works fantastically here.
I've never read EEW's books before this one, but I'll be going back to her backlist, for sure.
February 12, 2017
Sometimes a particular book is JUST what you need at that particular time and that was the case with A Season of Daring Greatly for me. I'm a fan of baseball and also baseball books. I love an underdog story and a story with an engaging ensemble cast. I think I needed a book where a woman came out ahead in a male-dominated field. I got all these things and a huge amount of sheer enjoyment in A Season of Daring Greatly.
Jill Cafferty is 6'2" tall, strong, disciplined, has a 90 mph fast ball and wicked curve. Awarded a scholarship to Stanford, Jill enters the baseball draft mostly to see what would happen. When she is drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, she decides to postpone college and give professional baseball a try - knowing full well the weight of her decision - the first woman to play men's professional baseball. She is sent to a minor league farm club in New York state and the bulk of the story follows Jill's experiences in the first part of the season.
A look at the awful weight of media attention and the incredible responsibility of being a landmark historic first are important themes well explored. There is also heart, humor, a great cast of engaging characters and an inside look at a minor league locker room. Jill has "military family" manners and is unfailing polite but White cleverly provides Jill's internal thoughts which greatly enhances our understanding of her experiences while also providing a lot of fun. The baseball felt really authentic and the game play by play was a part of the story I especially enjoyed.
I was just completely engaged by this book and had an awful time putting it down. I rooted for Jill from page one, through some appalling discrimination, ordinary rookie learning-curve struggles, and the heavy weight of always being "exemplary." Her evolving friendships with teammates, development as a pitcher and wonderfully depicted relationships with her family and hometown friends rounded Jill out as a character I truly cared about.
The ending is satisfying but open-ended and I hope VERY much to have another installment!
Jill Cafferty is 6'2" tall, strong, disciplined, has a 90 mph fast ball and wicked curve. Awarded a scholarship to Stanford, Jill enters the baseball draft mostly to see what would happen. When she is drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, she decides to postpone college and give professional baseball a try - knowing full well the weight of her decision - the first woman to play men's professional baseball. She is sent to a minor league farm club in New York state and the bulk of the story follows Jill's experiences in the first part of the season.
A look at the awful weight of media attention and the incredible responsibility of being a landmark historic first are important themes well explored. There is also heart, humor, a great cast of engaging characters and an inside look at a minor league locker room. Jill has "military family" manners and is unfailing polite but White cleverly provides Jill's internal thoughts which greatly enhances our understanding of her experiences while also providing a lot of fun. The baseball felt really authentic and the game play by play was a part of the story I especially enjoyed.
I was just completely engaged by this book and had an awful time putting it down. I rooted for Jill from page one, through some appalling discrimination, ordinary rookie learning-curve struggles, and the heavy weight of always being "exemplary." Her evolving friendships with teammates, development as a pitcher and wonderfully depicted relationships with her family and hometown friends rounded Jill out as a character I truly cared about.
The ending is satisfying but open-ended and I hope VERY much to have another installment!
September 22, 2016
This is a review of an ARC from Edelweiss.
3.5 stars
Jill Cafferty is a 17-year-old pitching phenom from Rhode Island. In another world, she'd be taking her scholarship to Stanford and enjoying life on the west coast for a few years. But then the long shot comes in - and she gets drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sent to a minor league team in Albany, Jill has to make all the adjustments that any new player deals with, while making history.
This was an interesting one. I went in expecting this to be mostly about the gender factor. And there is some of that, as Jill deals with fans, competitors, and teammates who don't want a girl anywhere near baseball. There's not actually all that much plot - Jill signs with the team, moves to Albany, meets her new teammates and plays a few games, finally getting her groove, and leaving you hopeful that she might make it up to the Show one day. There's a hint of romance, but it's brushed past. And Jill is such a quiet character that she just seems to float along with the story.
But I think that's because at its heart this isn't a book about girls in baseball, it's a book about baseball . There are long passages devoted to pitching mechanics and practice strategies; and the nowhere-near glamorous life of minor league players. That does make it a bit hard to pitch to kids - only a true baseball fan is going to find all of that interesting. If you are one though, the writing is perfect. Reading this reminded me of watching a late summer afternoon game - it had the same languid, relaxed feel.
3.5 stars
Jill Cafferty is a 17-year-old pitching phenom from Rhode Island. In another world, she'd be taking her scholarship to Stanford and enjoying life on the west coast for a few years. But then the long shot comes in - and she gets drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sent to a minor league team in Albany, Jill has to make all the adjustments that any new player deals with, while making history.
This was an interesting one. I went in expecting this to be mostly about the gender factor. And there is some of that, as Jill deals with fans, competitors, and teammates who don't want a girl anywhere near baseball. There's not actually all that much plot - Jill signs with the team, moves to Albany, meets her new teammates and plays a few games, finally getting her groove, and leaving you hopeful that she might make it up to the Show one day. There's a hint of romance, but it's brushed past. And Jill is such a quiet character that she just seems to float along with the story.
But I think that's because at its heart this isn't a book about girls in baseball, it's a book about baseball . There are long passages devoted to pitching mechanics and practice strategies; and the nowhere-near glamorous life of minor league players. That does make it a bit hard to pitch to kids - only a true baseball fan is going to find all of that interesting. If you are one though, the writing is perfect. Reading this reminded me of watching a late summer afternoon game - it had the same languid, relaxed feel.
February 20, 2017
Such a treat to immerse myself in an Ellen Emerson White world. Yes, EEW's heroines have the same intellect + grit + show tunes knowledge, and her supporting characters are equally familiar. But I always fall in love with these characters, so that is more than fine with me. I raced through this and expect to re-read it soon.
I enjoyed and appreciated the details of life in the minor leagues. As I was describing the story to my boyfriend, he thought I was describing a non-fiction book and that he had somehow missed out on news about the first female MiLB player.
Although Jill is mature and poised, I liked the reminders that 18 is pretty darn young and that moving away from home is still a big deal. Marcus seemed perhaps a bit too wise for his years, but it was impossible not to adore him. I especially liked the brief exchange about being exemplary, and how EEW did not overexplain it.
My limited baseball knowledge and enthusiasm did not diminish my pleasure in reading this. But if you happen to be both a baseball and an EEW fan, you are in great luck.
I enjoyed and appreciated the details of life in the minor leagues. As I was describing the story to my boyfriend, he thought I was describing a non-fiction book and that he had somehow missed out on news about the first female MiLB player.
Although Jill is mature and poised, I liked the reminders that 18 is pretty darn young and that moving away from home is still a big deal. Marcus seemed perhaps a bit too wise for his years, but it was impossible not to adore him. I especially liked the brief exchange about being exemplary, and how EEW did not overexplain it.
My limited baseball knowledge and enthusiasm did not diminish my pleasure in reading this. But if you happen to be both a baseball and an EEW fan, you are in great luck.
October 5, 2016
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. Hoping some of the technical issues I had with it (POV, formatting, italics in weird spots, random capitalized letters) will be fixed in the finished copy. The story just didn't click for me. Jill was *okay* but I never truly connected with her. And for someone who wants to be a professional pitcher she didn't always act like it. I did like Marcus and Scott though. I wish more could've been developed with their relationships.
April 9, 2017
(I read the ARC version of this, even though it's been out for a bit, so some things may be different in the final version?)
I'm not a baseball person. I don't particularly care about the sport and find it tedious to watch, so this book holding my interest for hours is kind of a big deal. Jill Cafferty, 18, is the first woman to get drafted for a minor league team. Jill has to deal with a whole media circus as well as animosity from fans of the game and also the people she brushes up against in her new career.
My issue with the story was that things happened, but you didn't feel them very acutely. I'm not really one to push for a first-person POV but I think the story would've been strengthened if we were in Jill's head a little better. She is a straight-laced, polite, "media relations' dream" who is white, daughter of a man who died in military duty, and whose only "controversial" comments lean towards the feminist. She isn't flawed much. The author could've written her with a bigger ego, with a big mouth, with a chip on her shoulder, with depression, with a little more fight in her, and we'd have more of a story. Instead, this is the ins-and-outs of a couple of months of her life as she pitches and gets to know teammates.
Additionally, there isn't a lot of conflict. Yes, she deals with unhappy fans of the sport who tell her to go home -- but then they're escorted away. One person does something awful to her locker, but the administration deal with him and her teammates rally around her. If there'd been a more nuanced response to a female joining the team, I think it would've been better. Everyone seemed quick to jump to Jill's defense when something happened, and I don't think that's how everyone reacts in a group. Some people don't say anything. Some people may agree with the perpetrator of terrible acts but not say anything aloud, just let it stew. Basically, I felt like everyone was just too nice, and the bad guys were just simple and easily dealt with.
And I know this is a thing about baseball teams in general, but there were too many characters. I couldn't keep up with who was who, and stopped caring because they were generic. Only a few stood out to me: the PT, the "den mother" Marcus, the Japanese guy who spoke no English, and, like, who else? Hector the beautiful. There are like 50 people in this book who all have names and yet don't have a lot to do.
I'm not a baseball person. I don't particularly care about the sport and find it tedious to watch, so this book holding my interest for hours is kind of a big deal. Jill Cafferty, 18, is the first woman to get drafted for a minor league team. Jill has to deal with a whole media circus as well as animosity from fans of the game and also the people she brushes up against in her new career.
My issue with the story was that things happened, but you didn't feel them very acutely. I'm not really one to push for a first-person POV but I think the story would've been strengthened if we were in Jill's head a little better. She is a straight-laced, polite, "media relations' dream" who is white, daughter of a man who died in military duty, and whose only "controversial" comments lean towards the feminist. She isn't flawed much. The author could've written her with a bigger ego, with a big mouth, with a chip on her shoulder, with depression, with a little more fight in her, and we'd have more of a story. Instead, this is the ins-and-outs of a couple of months of her life as she pitches and gets to know teammates.
Additionally, there isn't a lot of conflict. Yes, she deals with unhappy fans of the sport who tell her to go home -- but then they're escorted away. One person does something awful to her locker, but the administration deal with him and her teammates rally around her. If there'd been a more nuanced response to a female joining the team, I think it would've been better. Everyone seemed quick to jump to Jill's defense when something happened, and I don't think that's how everyone reacts in a group. Some people don't say anything. Some people may agree with the perpetrator of terrible acts but not say anything aloud, just let it stew. Basically, I felt like everyone was just too nice, and the bad guys were just simple and easily dealt with.
And I know this is a thing about baseball teams in general, but there were too many characters. I couldn't keep up with who was who, and stopped caring because they were generic. Only a few stood out to me: the PT, the "den mother" Marcus, the Japanese guy who spoke no English, and, like, who else? Hector the beautiful. There are like 50 people in this book who all have names and yet don't have a lot to do.
April 9, 2017
I really liked this! It was lacking that little bit to bump it up to five stars, but this is a very good book - and on the off chance EEW plans on adding to this universe, an even better first book. (I don't mean this in a bad way. It's a very nice standalone novel, but there's also the potential for a lot more of Jill's journey and I would personally really love to see that.)
I really liked how much this captured the real uncertainties of the minor leagues, where the reality is that most players will never see a single day in the majors. Aside from a few minor gripes (mostly agent-related), this book does right by minor league baseball. I really enjoyed the cast of characters too. Would recommend, especially to my fellow baseball fans and fans of Pitch, although this takes a different approach than Pitch does because it focuses on the minors instead of the majors.
I really liked how much this captured the real uncertainties of the minor leagues, where the reality is that most players will never see a single day in the majors. Aside from a few minor gripes (mostly agent-related), this book does right by minor league baseball. I really enjoyed the cast of characters too. Would recommend, especially to my fellow baseball fans and fans of Pitch, although this takes a different approach than Pitch does because it focuses on the minors instead of the majors.
February 20, 2022
Baseball. There is baseball in this book, more specifically there is a woman playing baseball. PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL.
I actually have no idea if this is how minor league baseball works. I mean, obviously some of it is correct, for example getting sent up/down in the minors and stuff like that, but for all the behind the scene stuff? I have no idea. I realize I sound totally incredulous when I say this; I think it's a good idea to trust that the author does in fact know what she's doing and that she did her research.
All this being said, I do think that you need to be a baseball fan in order to enjoy this book. There is a LOT of baseball terminology and a lot of game play by plays. If you don't care about how each pitch that Jill throws pans out, and you don't care how much time she spends exercising and throwing bullpen sessions, you probably won't enjoy this book.
I actually have no idea if this is how minor league baseball works. I mean, obviously some of it is correct, for example getting sent up/down in the minors and stuff like that, but for all the behind the scene stuff? I have no idea. I realize I sound totally incredulous when I say this; I think it's a good idea to trust that the author does in fact know what she's doing and that she did her research.
All this being said, I do think that you need to be a baseball fan in order to enjoy this book. There is a LOT of baseball terminology and a lot of game play by plays. If you don't care about how each pitch that Jill throws pans out, and you don't care how much time she spends exercising and throwing bullpen sessions, you probably won't enjoy this book.
September 13, 2019
A great book for anyone who liked the TV show Pitch, about a female baseball pitcher.
November 10, 2019
ACTUAL: 4.25
Really cute read. Finished in about 24 hours. Loved the sports aspects, the humour, and the maturity of the topics discussed. Great for sports and contemporary fans! Not very much romance though, I was expecting a bit more.
Really cute read. Finished in about 24 hours. Loved the sports aspects, the humour, and the maturity of the topics discussed. Great for sports and contemporary fans! Not very much romance though, I was expecting a bit more.
July 3, 2020
4.5 stars
"You have intellect, and courage, and command. Play your own game, and don't worry about what anyone else is doing. That is what's going to give you a shot at making it. Comparing yourself to anyone else will just drive you crazy."
Cafferty is an extremely good baseball player, theirs only one problem. She's a young woman going into a male-dominated world that isn't known for playing nicely to each other let alone a young women. Women and baseball have never been treated properly. In the '40s when the men went off to war and the women did get a chance to play they were seen as less than and while it was still a popular game they were constantly insulted or being catcalled. So for Cafferty to now 60+ years later now taking the field alone it's a big undertaking for her and her family.
At 18 she has to make the tough decision to go to college and pitch for a few years and take the risk of her arm giving out or to go ahead and go pro while her arm is still good enough. With the help of her mom, brother, and best friends Greg and Lauren she makes this decision and has there support which becomes vital for her.
"It's still baseball Cafferty. And were supposed to treat you like--look, you have to tune out all of the static. Focus on baseball."
Once she's gotten through all of the entry-level things and is actually placed on a minor team she now has a whole new world to deal with. Minor league is tough, it's not for the faint of heart, because everyone on the team is trying to make it up to the majors or just trying to convince themselves they still have the ability to play professionally.
Cafferty really struggles not only with living with a host family, but the huge expectations that have been placed on her by everyone, and how exactly she will fit in with the team. If she didn't have catcher Marcus known as 'mother' by the team I don't know if she could have made it. Marcus not only helps her find ways to deal with the things that are happening on the field, but also puts a stop to the drama in the locker room with a help of a few other teammates.
I don't want to say too much more about what happens here and how the team reacts because that's part of the good things that happen in the book.
"They all want me to be this perfect role model. You know, the ideal of what a female baseball player is supposed to be. That I have to be exemplary, in every possible way."
Being the first women in baseball isn't going to be easy, and to the first women who has the ability to do so. I hope you have an amazing support system that isn't just family, but friends as well. Friends who let you vent, but then still tell you how it is and don't let you get to in over your head. Family that has taught you to be a duck and to let the comments and criticism from others roll off your back as if they were water. I also hope you really enjoy the game and that being the first women in baseball doesn't end up making you hate it. Most of all though I hope you love the game no matter if you win or lose and always have fun!
Overall I really enjoyed and loved this book. Not only did it address the pressure that the first women in baseball would face, but also the harsh criticism from everyone that would most likely happen. The struggles that the baseball teams would have with a woman being in baseball and how they would handle locker rooms, showers, etc. The real struggles of the minors were also shown and of course, the annoying attitude that some players have that gets extremely annoying.
Having said that though, this book felt so real to me, like this is something that could actually happen for young woman someday soon. Which also means that I need more books with this type of topic and maybe possibly this one having a companion novel? Just so we can see if she is able to make it up to the pro teams and how things are when she makes it.
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"You have intellect, and courage, and command. Play your own game, and don't worry about what anyone else is doing. That is what's going to give you a shot at making it. Comparing yourself to anyone else will just drive you crazy."
Cafferty is an extremely good baseball player, theirs only one problem. She's a young woman going into a male-dominated world that isn't known for playing nicely to each other let alone a young women. Women and baseball have never been treated properly. In the '40s when the men went off to war and the women did get a chance to play they were seen as less than and while it was still a popular game they were constantly insulted or being catcalled. So for Cafferty to now 60+ years later now taking the field alone it's a big undertaking for her and her family.
At 18 she has to make the tough decision to go to college and pitch for a few years and take the risk of her arm giving out or to go ahead and go pro while her arm is still good enough. With the help of her mom, brother, and best friends Greg and Lauren she makes this decision and has there support which becomes vital for her.
"It's still baseball Cafferty. And were supposed to treat you like--look, you have to tune out all of the static. Focus on baseball."
Once she's gotten through all of the entry-level things and is actually placed on a minor team she now has a whole new world to deal with. Minor league is tough, it's not for the faint of heart, because everyone on the team is trying to make it up to the majors or just trying to convince themselves they still have the ability to play professionally.
Cafferty really struggles not only with living with a host family, but the huge expectations that have been placed on her by everyone, and how exactly she will fit in with the team. If she didn't have catcher Marcus known as 'mother' by the team I don't know if she could have made it. Marcus not only helps her find ways to deal with the things that are happening on the field, but also puts a stop to the drama in the locker room with a help of a few other teammates.
I don't want to say too much more about what happens here and how the team reacts because that's part of the good things that happen in the book.
"They all want me to be this perfect role model. You know, the ideal of what a female baseball player is supposed to be. That I have to be exemplary, in every possible way."
Being the first women in baseball isn't going to be easy, and to the first women who has the ability to do so. I hope you have an amazing support system that isn't just family, but friends as well. Friends who let you vent, but then still tell you how it is and don't let you get to in over your head. Family that has taught you to be a duck and to let the comments and criticism from others roll off your back as if they were water. I also hope you really enjoy the game and that being the first women in baseball doesn't end up making you hate it. Most of all though I hope you love the game no matter if you win or lose and always have fun!
Overall I really enjoyed and loved this book. Not only did it address the pressure that the first women in baseball would face, but also the harsh criticism from everyone that would most likely happen. The struggles that the baseball teams would have with a woman being in baseball and how they would handle locker rooms, showers, etc. The real struggles of the minors were also shown and of course, the annoying attitude that some players have that gets extremely annoying.
Having said that though, this book felt so real to me, like this is something that could actually happen for young woman someday soon. Which also means that I need more books with this type of topic and maybe possibly this one having a companion novel? Just so we can see if she is able to make it up to the pro teams and how things are when she makes it.
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March 4, 2017
I've never seen so many comma splices in a book.
December 29, 2016
Jill is just about to graduate high school when she's drafted to the Pirates and heads off to the minors. At first, this was exactly what I wanted Pitch to be--funny, smart, showing the nitty gritty of how to build up to the majors. (By the end of the season, Pitch was exactly what I wanted it to be, too, though.) Then I got so caught up in the story and its own track that all comparisons went out the window. I loved Jill and her family, and her friendships, and how everyone felt like fully rounded out characters. It was all the details that really got me hooked, though--of negotiations, of contracts, of what accommodations she'd need in the clubhouse and with her uniform, the settling in and navigating relationships in the team when they 1, are all competing with each other to make it to the majors and 2, know that she's getting more attention and more everything because she's the first woman. And also because some of the players are absolute assholes. I liked the tension with Hector and Marcus, as well, and how it all played into having to be exemplary due to being the first. As always, love the author's way with words and sense of humor. My only complaint is that it feels like it ended a few chapters too soon, at the very least. There needs to be a sequel, not just because I want more from these characters, but because the story felt unfinished in a frustrating way.
March 6, 2020
(3/15/17) Fans of Ellen Emerson White will know and love Jill from the very first page. Fierce discipline, personally competitive, quiet wit, and an introvert's gentle charm. I am not a baseball fan, but the process nerd in me loved every last page of Jill's training, mental game, and team building. I watched half a season of Pitch, despite its flaws, only to have A Season of Daring Greatly show me how this premise could have been executed with greatness. This snippet of Jill's life is wholly engrossing but no where near enough. I want more, I will daydream about more, and I am going to haunt the internet every day until White puts me out of my misery.
(2/5/18) Reading this after watching Pitch, it’s impossible not to daydream about how much this is the story I want to see on the screen, big or little. This is just the start of Jill’s story, and getting more of her journey is definitely on my top ten.
(4/12/19) I am not a jock, have never nor will I ever be a jock, but I’ll be damned if I don’t love, love, love sitting on Jill’s shoulder while she trains, plays, and navigates the incredibly tricky and rewarding process of becoming part of her new team. Also, Jill’s inner monologue is *life*.
(2/5/18) Reading this after watching Pitch, it’s impossible not to daydream about how much this is the story I want to see on the screen, big or little. This is just the start of Jill’s story, and getting more of her journey is definitely on my top ten.
(4/12/19) I am not a jock, have never nor will I ever be a jock, but I’ll be damned if I don’t love, love, love sitting on Jill’s shoulder while she trains, plays, and navigates the incredibly tricky and rewarding process of becoming part of her new team. Also, Jill’s inner monologue is *life*.
January 25, 2018
The book was fine for me, but I think someone who actually knows/cares about baseball would like it a lot more. There were some things where I was like, okay, I know what all those words mean independently, but somehow when they are put together into this sentence I have no idea what is even going on. How does drafting work? What on earth is a pitch count? What are all these numbered seams? Four seamer? Two seamed? Is this something to do with the seams of the baseball? Do you use a different baseball with different numbers of seams for different pitches, like golf clubs? If these questions are making you laugh at how ignorant I am, then you might love this book!
I also thought that while the book works as a stand-alone, and it doesn't end on a cliff-hanger or anything like that, I felt that some things were thematically unfinished, if that makes sense. So I hope that there's another book coming along about Jill, because I want to know if she figures out some of these internal conflicts.
I also thought that while the book works as a stand-alone, and it doesn't end on a cliff-hanger or anything like that, I felt that some things were thematically unfinished, if that makes sense. So I hope that there's another book coming along about Jill, because I want to know if she figures out some of these internal conflicts.
February 23, 2017
Another great read from White, about the first woman pitching for MLB and her rookie season in a farm team. You don't need to be a die-hard sports fan to enjoy this book, as the characters are well-developed and the human angle to the story is ever-present. I didn't want it to end.
January 21, 2018
As if I wasn’t already missing baseball and wanting the season to start.
I really enjoyed following Jill and the other players—their varying backgrounds and stories—were overwhelmingly good, too.
(“Mother” really stood out there.)
I loved the Williamsport details, too. They were accurate and it was nice to have a nod to that history.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the ending but it also felt a little too open to me. Hopefully that means more of this world, but even without it, I enjoyed spending my time here.
I really enjoyed following Jill and the other players—their varying backgrounds and stories—were overwhelmingly good, too.
(“Mother” really stood out there.)
I loved the Williamsport details, too. They were accurate and it was nice to have a nod to that history.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the ending but it also felt a little too open to me. Hopefully that means more of this world, but even without it, I enjoyed spending my time here.
May 12, 2017
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. The writing style is not my favorite - lots and lots of italics, and way too much description about the mechanics of practices and pitching and getting dressed for games.
December 7, 2017
Great book for young adults! Inspirational, real, solid, and a must read for girls. Empowering. Authentic. If I had a daughter I would save it for her to read as a teen.
July 8, 2020
This book has a very niche readership I think because it's so technically heavy in terms of baseball, but for us girls who like baseball it's pretty great. Perfect ending.
May 22, 2017
Short Summary: Jill Cafferty becomes the first female to be drafted to the MLB as a pitcher right out of high school. She deals with the trials and tribulations of becoming a new recruit with the added pressures of making history for her gender.
What I liked: I really enjoyed Jill as a main character. She was well spoken, she was a great advocator for women in general without assuming that she spoke for all women. Her fears were real, her strength was real, I was totally enamoured with her story and the humour that she displayed in the face of adversity.
The book was very baseball focussed. I’m not a huge baseball fan myself – so even if you don’t love the game, this book is still worth picking up, as it does open your eyes to a world that I didn’t know that much about. It made me wish very much that this story was true.
I also loved that there was absolutely no romance. This book was about baseball, and how the main character survived throughout her beginnings in the MLB. It was really nice to see the book so strongly focus on that element as it really didn’t need the romance to feel complete.
What I didn’t: As the book was drawing to a close, the ending felt very aloof. I would have appreciated a stronger story arch, with a clear conclusion rather than something that felt a little open ended.
Recommendation: Baseball fans, this is your book. The in-depth descriptions of life on the road, the baseball game, the way of life would appeal to any sports fan. Its books like this that give the world hope that women will one day be given the opportunity to try.
What I liked: I really enjoyed Jill as a main character. She was well spoken, she was a great advocator for women in general without assuming that she spoke for all women. Her fears were real, her strength was real, I was totally enamoured with her story and the humour that she displayed in the face of adversity.
The book was very baseball focussed. I’m not a huge baseball fan myself – so even if you don’t love the game, this book is still worth picking up, as it does open your eyes to a world that I didn’t know that much about. It made me wish very much that this story was true.
I also loved that there was absolutely no romance. This book was about baseball, and how the main character survived throughout her beginnings in the MLB. It was really nice to see the book so strongly focus on that element as it really didn’t need the romance to feel complete.
What I didn’t: As the book was drawing to a close, the ending felt very aloof. I would have appreciated a stronger story arch, with a clear conclusion rather than something that felt a little open ended.
Recommendation: Baseball fans, this is your book. The in-depth descriptions of life on the road, the baseball game, the way of life would appeal to any sports fan. Its books like this that give the world hope that women will one day be given the opportunity to try.
August 23, 2024
This was a little different as what I thought it would be but I really enjoyed it. The book follows Jill Cafferty who is the first woman who signed a contract with the MLB. It is a fictive story from 2017 but reads a little bit like an autobiography.
The story is written in great details. Starting how the scouts are following her, the negotiation of the contract, practicing before games, autograph signings, press conference etc. The author describes every little step and while I usually don't like repetitions too much, here it fits the story perfectly. I really felt like I was along with Jill the whole time. I cheered with her and I also got upset in certain situations.
While the author describes all the extra hoops and conflicts that Jill has to go through because of her unique situation -and some people are nicer then others-, it also gave great insight into the life of a professional baseball player including all the things that go on in the background when the players are not on the field playing.
Honestly this book is probably not for everybody. But if you are interested in professional sports especially baseball and like the narrative of the story by all means pick it up.
Also beautiful cover and while reading it, I did some research and a couple years ago the first woman has actually signed a contract with the MLB and plays professional baseball among the guys.
The story is written in great details. Starting how the scouts are following her, the negotiation of the contract, practicing before games, autograph signings, press conference etc. The author describes every little step and while I usually don't like repetitions too much, here it fits the story perfectly. I really felt like I was along with Jill the whole time. I cheered with her and I also got upset in certain situations.
While the author describes all the extra hoops and conflicts that Jill has to go through because of her unique situation -and some people are nicer then others-, it also gave great insight into the life of a professional baseball player including all the things that go on in the background when the players are not on the field playing.
Honestly this book is probably not for everybody. But if you are interested in professional sports especially baseball and like the narrative of the story by all means pick it up.
Also beautiful cover and while reading it, I did some research and a couple years ago the first woman has actually signed a contract with the MLB and plays professional baseball among the guys.
July 9, 2017
What a great, inspirational story! Jill Cafferty is remarkable. Her story seemed absolutely realistic in such an unlikely scenario. I've never been a big baseball fan, but I already know I'd be obsessed with this kind of situation in real life. Jill, you're a rockstar and you absolutely MUST go into politics when you retire from professional sports!
This book was a feminist manifesto hidden behind a fun and inspirational story. It brings up public perception, prejudice, and a myriad of other challenges. There's so much pressure involved in representing not just yourself, but an entire group of people. And nobody's perfect. It reminds me a lot of Rachel Lindsay, the current bachelorette, who happens to be the first African-American lead since the series' inception. If the world were a less judgmental place, we'd all be better off for it.
Would a romance have made this story better? To be honest, I was hoping for some Jill-and-Scott cuteness. Hector was fine I guess, and Marcus helped handle that situation gracefully.
But at the end of the day, this is the story of someone remarkable who's going on to do the things she loves and excels at. I eagerly anticipate the day this happens in real life, whether it be in baseball or somewhere else (hockey? A girl can dream!).
This book was a feminist manifesto hidden behind a fun and inspirational story. It brings up public perception, prejudice, and a myriad of other challenges. There's so much pressure involved in representing not just yourself, but an entire group of people. And nobody's perfect. It reminds me a lot of Rachel Lindsay, the current bachelorette, who happens to be the first African-American lead since the series' inception. If the world were a less judgmental place, we'd all be better off for it.
Would a romance have made this story better? To be honest, I was hoping for some Jill-and-Scott cuteness. Hector was fine I guess, and Marcus helped handle that situation gracefully.
But at the end of the day, this is the story of someone remarkable who's going on to do the things she loves and excels at. I eagerly anticipate the day this happens in real life, whether it be in baseball or somewhere else (hockey? A girl can dream!).
June 3, 2017
I loved this book SO much. It was so good. I grew up going to minor league baseball games so this gave me the warm fuzzies. Be warned if you aren't a baseball fan you may not enjoy this. I thought it was excellent!
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