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The All-American
It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys--she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.
Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong.
When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.
Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
59 people are currently reading
6951 people want to read
About the author
Susie Finkbeiner
10 books1,000 followersSusie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American, All Manner of Things, and A Cup of Dust. She lives in West Michigan with her husband and three children.
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July 11, 2023
That ending. My heart. 😭
About this book:
“It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys--she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.”
Series: As of now, no. A stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Church going; Talks about God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Bertha wonders if it’s okay to bother God with silly prayers as she heard in a sermon not to do that, but also remembers the Scripture about casting out cares on Him; Bertha’s father believes in God and reads his Bible, but dislikes the socializing and singing part of church so he times it where he avoids those; Mentions of God; Mentions of praying, prayers, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, sermons, hymns, & Sunday school classes; Mentions of different denominations & a Jewish synagogue; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of Easter Sunday; A few mentions of blessings; A few mentions of sins; A couple mentions of thanking God; A couple mentions of Bible & Bible reading; A couple mentions of Christians; A mention of getting right with God; A mention of it being said that a birthmark is where an angel kissed the baby;
*Note: A few mentions of reading tea leaves, palm reading, crystal balls, & tarot cards. (in terms of someone not putting much stock in that kind of thing); A couple mentions of ghosts & witches (in terms of types of monsters/scary things); A couple mentions of some people believing toads have a gem in their head that has magical powers; A mention of the green earth that God made (used in the way of the phrase “no way on God’s green earth…”); A mention of an “ungodly” hour; A mention of a bad word being “sinful” (in Flossie’s eyes); A mention of a rumor of a woman being a wicked witch and turning into a spider (a rumor from a group of children); A mention of a haunted house; A mention of a goddess of chaos.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘Geeze Louise’, an unfinished ‘hell’, a ‘nuts’, a ‘what in Sam Hill’, two forms of ‘idiot’, two ‘shucks’s, three ‘drat’s, four ‘dumb’s, five ‘darn’s, five ‘shoot’s, six ‘stupid’s, eight ‘heck’s, nine ‘gosh’s, ten ‘golly’s, and twelve forms of ‘doggone’; Mentions of curses & mentions of profanity in books (In one classic book, Flossie thinks that “it was probably the very worst word someone could say other than taking the Lord’s name in vain” but then whispers the word to herself so she can know “what it felt like to say something so wicked” and knows that her Sunday school teacher would be disappointed in her but her curiosity got the better of her; She asks her mother what it means and is told that it means she’s too young to read or say it, so she asks her mother what would happen if she said it and her mother didn’t hear her to which her mother says not to test her; Her mother implies that Flossie is told not to read it, but she continues the book anyway; A bit later, Flossie reads another book with cursing and tries to hide it); Eye rolling; Pain & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Bertha’s family are accused of being communists (they are not); Flossie is teased, bullied, chased by bullies, & also pushes a bully when she’s mean (up to semi-detailed); Bertha’s father helps her sneak out passed her mother to go try-out for a baseball team (her mother told her to wait to tryouts; Bertha knows that her mother will be livid, but goes anyway with the help of her father); Flossie is excited to receive two quarters for herself & decides not to tell her mother about it; *Major Spoiler* ; Many mentions of communism, communists, & Stalinist sympathies (Bertha’s father used to know some and calls them “good people with good intentions” and that they wanted things to be better and had some funny ideas on how to do that); Mentions of the Great Depression & wars; Mentions of vandalism neighborhood boys fighting; Mentions of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of rumor of a principal paddling naughty children & how the story has grown dramatically (that the paddle has been made to leave welts, a boy peeing himself because of it, etc.); Mentions of bullies & their mean teasing (including Flossie wetting herself from being scared & another group of bullies picking on a girl for her scar); Mentions of a group of children singing a song about hanging a communist (Flossie is scared at one point that they may actually do that to her); Mentions of alcohol, mixed drinks, drinking, & Bertha’s father swearing off of alcohol when he became a father (including a mention that some men can stop at one or two drinks, but he couldn’t so he drinks a lot of coffee now instead; He does have a drink to celebrate something and her mother is upset about it since he promised not to touch it; Bertha recalls when her father drank a lot after the death of a loved one and how that earned him a lot of nights locked out of the house; A mention of a man saying he can drink alcohol because he’s an adult); Mentions of smoking & cigarettes (both Bertha’s father and uncle smoke); Mentions of lies/fibs, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of grief (for a son/brother, in a book for a brother, & a couple families for their husband/father leaving them or passing away); Mentions of bathroom humor & using the bathroom (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of being very upset about a death in a book (Of Mice and Men); A few mentions of possibly poisoning others & having to hide the bodies (in a book); A few mentions of slaves & slavery to the Vikings (family history); A few mentions of a father leaving his family; A few mentions of taxidermy; A couple mentions of mobs & gangs; A couple mentions of threats of burning a family’s home down; A couple mentions of Flossie slapping another student for her mean tease; A couple mentions of a female teacher who is rumored to have a drinking problem; A couple mentions of boys excluding girls from their baseball games; A couple mentions of a butcher & skinned animals (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a note telling someone to die; A mention of a death in a fire (fictional); A mention of Flossie doing another student’s homework a couple times to become friends with her; A mention of a cow dying after being hit by a baseball;
*Note: Many mentions of books, authors, & fictional characters (including some quotes from books); Many mentions of brand names (Crisco, Levi’s, Tootsie Rolls, Lucky Strike cigarettes, Cracker Jacks, Coke, Charleston Chews, Doublemint gum, Lifebuoy soap, Aqua Velva, Oscar Mayers, Charles Chips, See-Em-Walk dog toy, Mary Janes, Wonder Bread, Buster Browns, Vernor’s, Old Spice, Encyclopedia Britannica, & Merriam-Webster); Mentions of a young girl (who’s implied has a clef lip and palate) wishing she was normal & crying because of people treating her differently; Mentions of movies, actors, & actresses; Mentions of singers & songs; Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a baby suddenly passing away in the night; A few mentions of a teacher not allowing Flossie to read a book as it’s about war since “books about war were for boys” (so Flossie goes to the library to check it out); A couple mentions of the Boy Scouts; A mention of Girl Scouts; A mention of zombies; A mention of Frankenstein; A mention of Halloween; A mention of Norman Rockwell.
Sexual Content- A not-detailed kiss; A bit of Hand holding, Butterflies, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to hold hands (once, barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Flossie is eleven and wears a full face of makeup & stuffed her shirt with toilet paper to “make up for her lack” and to look older (she is sent to the principal’s office because of it and when she needs a tissue, she grabs one of her “toilet paper bosom” for her tears); An arrogant guy asks a girl if she’s sweet on Bertha since he was turned down for a date with her (no, obviously, neither girl liked his attitude); Mentions of kisses, kissing, married couples kissing, & parents showing affection (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a dance, dates, & dating; A couple mentions of girls making eyes at some boys; A mention of a couple having to get married (implied she’s expecting); A mention of newlyweds needing privacy & the wife turning bright red when it’s mentioned; A mention of seeing a couple kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a first kiss; A mention of the k-i-s-s-i-n-g song; A mention of swooning; A mention of a woman being called a ‘broad’; Being friends with a guy & possibly being more someday;
*Note: A guy rudely teases Bertha for playing baseball on a boys’ team (pandering and asks another teammate if it’s because she’s plain and wants to be a man instead of a woman); Mentions of the expectations of a wife and mother (have a clean kitchen, have dinner on the table when her husband wants it, and chasing a toddler while wearing high-heels) & a woman believing that All-American girls are “at their best when living a life of married domesticity”; Mentions of bikinis (one girl at school says her mother will allow her to wear one and Flossie thinks about her mother telling her that she “might as well just sit around in my underwear because it covered more than a bikini would”, so Flossie is jealous about the other girl being allowed to wear one); Mentions of brassieres, strapless ones, & getting a new one to give a girl “a little more shape”; A couple mentions of a strapless dress; A mention of stuffing a bra; A mention of Flossie being teased about her flat chest (from another female student); A mention of a teacher being called “Old Wigglebottom” (her last name is Higginbottom); A mention of some boys wiggling their behinds when batting; A mention of a woman swinging her hips; A mention of Flossie thinking about Gilbert Blythe and getting weak in the knees over him; A mention of a man heckling a female baseball player that she should “pursue a barefoot and pregnant life”.
-Bertha Harding, age 16
-Florence “Flossie” Harding, age 11
1st person P.O.V. of Bertha & Flossie switches between them
Set in 1952 (Epilogue in 1968)
340 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
The ending wrecked me more than I ever expected in a book I thought was mainly about baseball.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s discuss other parts first.
Baseball. It’s the only sport I personally like and it’s a sport I rarely see in Christian Fiction, which is a crying shame, in my opinion. I was instantly interested in this book because of that and it being set in the 1950s since it sounded like a book I would enjoy.
However, this book is more about family than baseball, I would say, in general. The family content and the importance of family in this book was so lovely and heartwarming. They weren’t a perfect family, but they did their best for the others and loved each other a lot. It was so precious. I really enjoyed the characters and writing style so much. I couldn’t help but cheer for Bertha and her baseball dreams and then Flossie is just something else, I’ll say. I really liked both of them and never felt disappointed when the chapter would switch and change point of views. I really appreciate that while Bertha loves baseball and isn’t good at cooking or all the normal “girl” things, this book didn’t ever come across as belittling or making light of those who do choose to be housewives and raise a family. Bertha is grateful for her mother doing all of that and it’s never written off, which I really appreciate seeing because this book could have had a totally different view on it.
How did this book feel so nostalgic? Is it the vintage charm? It perfectly felt like the 1950s and added such a neat charm to the story.
I will say that the faith content was light and I think there could have been more naturally added at certain parts throughout the book. The back-cover synopsis gave more than I think it should…it took a bit over hundred pages to get to the accusations and another hundred to get to the adventure. Sometimes I would forget what would be coming and just enjoy the story where it was at, but I did find myself anticipating the adventure and future events at times.
The ending and twist. My heart. I needed that last chapter to go on a little bit longer—just a little bit—because I was sniffing back tears. My heart is aching right now as I sit here after finishing this book, I’ll be honest.
I see why so many of my book friends have raved about this author’s books…this was my first one by her but definitely not my last.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.
About this book:
“It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys--she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.”
Series: As of now, no. A stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Church going; Talks about God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Bertha wonders if it’s okay to bother God with silly prayers as she heard in a sermon not to do that, but also remembers the Scripture about casting out cares on Him; Bertha’s father believes in God and reads his Bible, but dislikes the socializing and singing part of church so he times it where he avoids those; Mentions of God; Mentions of praying, prayers, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, sermons, hymns, & Sunday school classes; Mentions of different denominations & a Jewish synagogue; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of Easter Sunday; A few mentions of blessings; A few mentions of sins; A couple mentions of thanking God; A couple mentions of Bible & Bible reading; A couple mentions of Christians; A mention of getting right with God; A mention of it being said that a birthmark is where an angel kissed the baby;
*Note: A few mentions of reading tea leaves, palm reading, crystal balls, & tarot cards. (in terms of someone not putting much stock in that kind of thing); A couple mentions of ghosts & witches (in terms of types of monsters/scary things); A couple mentions of some people believing toads have a gem in their head that has magical powers; A mention of the green earth that God made (used in the way of the phrase “no way on God’s green earth…”); A mention of an “ungodly” hour; A mention of a bad word being “sinful” (in Flossie’s eyes); A mention of a rumor of a woman being a wicked witch and turning into a spider (a rumor from a group of children); A mention of a haunted house; A mention of a goddess of chaos.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘Geeze Louise’, an unfinished ‘hell’, a ‘nuts’, a ‘what in Sam Hill’, two forms of ‘idiot’, two ‘shucks’s, three ‘drat’s, four ‘dumb’s, five ‘darn’s, five ‘shoot’s, six ‘stupid’s, eight ‘heck’s, nine ‘gosh’s, ten ‘golly’s, and twelve forms of ‘doggone’; Mentions of curses & mentions of profanity in books (In one classic book, Flossie thinks that “it was probably the very worst word someone could say other than taking the Lord’s name in vain” but then whispers the word to herself so she can know “what it felt like to say something so wicked” and knows that her Sunday school teacher would be disappointed in her but her curiosity got the better of her; She asks her mother what it means and is told that it means she’s too young to read or say it, so she asks her mother what would happen if she said it and her mother didn’t hear her to which her mother says not to test her; Her mother implies that Flossie is told not to read it, but she continues the book anyway; A bit later, Flossie reads another book with cursing and tries to hide it); Eye rolling; Pain & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Bertha’s family are accused of being communists (they are not); Flossie is teased, bullied, chased by bullies, & also pushes a bully when she’s mean (up to semi-detailed); Bertha’s father helps her sneak out passed her mother to go try-out for a baseball team (her mother told her to wait to tryouts; Bertha knows that her mother will be livid, but goes anyway with the help of her father); Flossie is excited to receive two quarters for herself & decides not to tell her mother about it; *Major Spoiler* ; Many mentions of communism, communists, & Stalinist sympathies (Bertha’s father used to know some and calls them “good people with good intentions” and that they wanted things to be better and had some funny ideas on how to do that); Mentions of the Great Depression & wars; Mentions of vandalism neighborhood boys fighting; Mentions of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of rumor of a principal paddling naughty children & how the story has grown dramatically (that the paddle has been made to leave welts, a boy peeing himself because of it, etc.); Mentions of bullies & their mean teasing (including Flossie wetting herself from being scared & another group of bullies picking on a girl for her scar); Mentions of a group of children singing a song about hanging a communist (Flossie is scared at one point that they may actually do that to her); Mentions of alcohol, mixed drinks, drinking, & Bertha’s father swearing off of alcohol when he became a father (including a mention that some men can stop at one or two drinks, but he couldn’t so he drinks a lot of coffee now instead; He does have a drink to celebrate something and her mother is upset about it since he promised not to touch it; Bertha recalls when her father drank a lot after the death of a loved one and how that earned him a lot of nights locked out of the house; A mention of a man saying he can drink alcohol because he’s an adult); Mentions of smoking & cigarettes (both Bertha’s father and uncle smoke); Mentions of lies/fibs, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of grief (for a son/brother, in a book for a brother, & a couple families for their husband/father leaving them or passing away); Mentions of bathroom humor & using the bathroom (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of being very upset about a death in a book (Of Mice and Men); A few mentions of possibly poisoning others & having to hide the bodies (in a book); A few mentions of slaves & slavery to the Vikings (family history); A few mentions of a father leaving his family; A few mentions of taxidermy; A couple mentions of mobs & gangs; A couple mentions of threats of burning a family’s home down; A couple mentions of Flossie slapping another student for her mean tease; A couple mentions of a female teacher who is rumored to have a drinking problem; A couple mentions of boys excluding girls from their baseball games; A couple mentions of a butcher & skinned animals (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a note telling someone to die; A mention of a death in a fire (fictional); A mention of Flossie doing another student’s homework a couple times to become friends with her; A mention of a cow dying after being hit by a baseball;
*Note: Many mentions of books, authors, & fictional characters (including some quotes from books); Many mentions of brand names (Crisco, Levi’s, Tootsie Rolls, Lucky Strike cigarettes, Cracker Jacks, Coke, Charleston Chews, Doublemint gum, Lifebuoy soap, Aqua Velva, Oscar Mayers, Charles Chips, See-Em-Walk dog toy, Mary Janes, Wonder Bread, Buster Browns, Vernor’s, Old Spice, Encyclopedia Britannica, & Merriam-Webster); Mentions of a young girl (who’s implied has a clef lip and palate) wishing she was normal & crying because of people treating her differently; Mentions of movies, actors, & actresses; Mentions of singers & songs; Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a baby suddenly passing away in the night; A few mentions of a teacher not allowing Flossie to read a book as it’s about war since “books about war were for boys” (so Flossie goes to the library to check it out); A couple mentions of the Boy Scouts; A mention of Girl Scouts; A mention of zombies; A mention of Frankenstein; A mention of Halloween; A mention of Norman Rockwell.
Sexual Content- A not-detailed kiss; A bit of Hand holding, Butterflies, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to hold hands (once, barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Flossie is eleven and wears a full face of makeup & stuffed her shirt with toilet paper to “make up for her lack” and to look older (she is sent to the principal’s office because of it and when she needs a tissue, she grabs one of her “toilet paper bosom” for her tears); An arrogant guy asks a girl if she’s sweet on Bertha since he was turned down for a date with her (no, obviously, neither girl liked his attitude); Mentions of kisses, kissing, married couples kissing, & parents showing affection (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a dance, dates, & dating; A couple mentions of girls making eyes at some boys; A mention of a couple having to get married (implied she’s expecting); A mention of newlyweds needing privacy & the wife turning bright red when it’s mentioned; A mention of seeing a couple kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a first kiss; A mention of the k-i-s-s-i-n-g song; A mention of swooning; A mention of a woman being called a ‘broad’; Being friends with a guy & possibly being more someday;
*Note: A guy rudely teases Bertha for playing baseball on a boys’ team (pandering and asks another teammate if it’s because she’s plain and wants to be a man instead of a woman); Mentions of the expectations of a wife and mother (have a clean kitchen, have dinner on the table when her husband wants it, and chasing a toddler while wearing high-heels) & a woman believing that All-American girls are “at their best when living a life of married domesticity”; Mentions of bikinis (one girl at school says her mother will allow her to wear one and Flossie thinks about her mother telling her that she “might as well just sit around in my underwear because it covered more than a bikini would”, so Flossie is jealous about the other girl being allowed to wear one); Mentions of brassieres, strapless ones, & getting a new one to give a girl “a little more shape”; A couple mentions of a strapless dress; A mention of stuffing a bra; A mention of Flossie being teased about her flat chest (from another female student); A mention of a teacher being called “Old Wigglebottom” (her last name is Higginbottom); A mention of some boys wiggling their behinds when batting; A mention of a woman swinging her hips; A mention of Flossie thinking about Gilbert Blythe and getting weak in the knees over him; A mention of a man heckling a female baseball player that she should “pursue a barefoot and pregnant life”.
-Bertha Harding, age 16
-Florence “Flossie” Harding, age 11
1st person P.O.V. of Bertha & Flossie switches between them
Set in 1952 (Epilogue in 1968)
340 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
The ending wrecked me more than I ever expected in a book I thought was mainly about baseball.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s discuss other parts first.
Baseball. It’s the only sport I personally like and it’s a sport I rarely see in Christian Fiction, which is a crying shame, in my opinion. I was instantly interested in this book because of that and it being set in the 1950s since it sounded like a book I would enjoy.
However, this book is more about family than baseball, I would say, in general. The family content and the importance of family in this book was so lovely and heartwarming. They weren’t a perfect family, but they did their best for the others and loved each other a lot. It was so precious. I really enjoyed the characters and writing style so much. I couldn’t help but cheer for Bertha and her baseball dreams and then Flossie is just something else, I’ll say. I really liked both of them and never felt disappointed when the chapter would switch and change point of views. I really appreciate that while Bertha loves baseball and isn’t good at cooking or all the normal “girl” things, this book didn’t ever come across as belittling or making light of those who do choose to be housewives and raise a family. Bertha is grateful for her mother doing all of that and it’s never written off, which I really appreciate seeing because this book could have had a totally different view on it.
How did this book feel so nostalgic? Is it the vintage charm? It perfectly felt like the 1950s and added such a neat charm to the story.
I will say that the faith content was light and I think there could have been more naturally added at certain parts throughout the book. The back-cover synopsis gave more than I think it should…it took a bit over hundred pages to get to the accusations and another hundred to get to the adventure. Sometimes I would forget what would be coming and just enjoy the story where it was at, but I did find myself anticipating the adventure and future events at times.
The ending and twist. My heart. I needed that last chapter to go on a little bit longer—just a little bit—because I was sniffing back tears. My heart is aching right now as I sit here after finishing this book, I’ll be honest.
I see why so many of my book friends have raved about this author’s books…this was my first one by her but definitely not my last.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.
December 15, 2022
The All-American stopped me in my tracks. The voices of the two sisters were pitch perfect and hooked me right away so that I couldn't put this story down. I loved the era, the lessons, the baseball...everything! This is Susie Finkbeiner's best one yet. If you enjoy fiction that makes you think and makes you feel, this book is for you.
January 2, 2024
1952. Bertha Harding is a 16-year old girl living in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan with her parents and her sister Florence (Flossie). Her married brother visits often. Bertha’s dreams do not align with most other girls her age. She dreams of baseball and of playing for the Workington Sweet Peas, a team in the All-American Girls Baseball League. Her little sister Flossie dreams of books and writing, and frequently flees bullies. Overall, though, they live a sweet life in a close-knit neighborhood. But then their father is accused of being associated with the Communist Party by the Un-American Activities Committee. Overnight, life changes drastically and their family is hounded out of the neighborhood, relocating to a small town in Northern Michigan to start over.
What a powerful look at the American dream and what it means to be All-American! This novel is so well woven, with points of view switching mostly between Bertha and Flossie, with epistolary work in the form of letters and articles adding another element to the story. That feeling of knowing for sure what your life is about and who your friends are, and then having that pulled out from under you, is a punch in the stomach that the reader will experience along with the family. The American way of rebuilding and fighting back under stress and tremendous odds is also very evident in this book. A question the reader may ask is “Who is All-American?” Is it baseball player Bertha, reader and dreamer Flossie, or their father, the author William Harding, whose very patriotism has been challenged? The answer is all of the above. Richly layered, beautifully written, and oh, so American, this one shouldn’t be missed.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
What a powerful look at the American dream and what it means to be All-American! This novel is so well woven, with points of view switching mostly between Bertha and Flossie, with epistolary work in the form of letters and articles adding another element to the story. That feeling of knowing for sure what your life is about and who your friends are, and then having that pulled out from under you, is a punch in the stomach that the reader will experience along with the family. The American way of rebuilding and fighting back under stress and tremendous odds is also very evident in this book. A question the reader may ask is “Who is All-American?” Is it baseball player Bertha, reader and dreamer Flossie, or their father, the author William Harding, whose very patriotism has been challenged? The answer is all of the above. Richly layered, beautifully written, and oh, so American, this one shouldn’t be missed.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
July 8, 2023
Michigan 1952
Home run! The All-American has a superb cast of characters in an engaging tale of family dynamics, baseball, growing up and more.
Sassy Flossie was my favorite. She's a preteen with no filter and tons of curiosity. Every other chapter is told from her perspective. So many grins and giggles as I saw the world through Flossie's eyes. Huge nod to the librarians out there that feed hope and love to young readers.
Flossie's older sister, Bertha, shares her point of view when Flossie takes a breather. Bertha is a high school student and deeply loves baseball. This puts her outside of the norm in a time when most young ladies are preparing to care for a husband, home and children shortly after graduation. In particular, I adored the support Bertha received from multiple male characters in the pages.
Perhaps the most complex characters is Bertha and Flossie's father, a best selling author, and their reclusive uncle. Both were a little quirky with hearts of gold.
Beautifully written novel with descriptive time period details.
My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Home run! The All-American has a superb cast of characters in an engaging tale of family dynamics, baseball, growing up and more.
Sassy Flossie was my favorite. She's a preteen with no filter and tons of curiosity. Every other chapter is told from her perspective. So many grins and giggles as I saw the world through Flossie's eyes. Huge nod to the librarians out there that feed hope and love to young readers.
Flossie's older sister, Bertha, shares her point of view when Flossie takes a breather. Bertha is a high school student and deeply loves baseball. This puts her outside of the norm in a time when most young ladies are preparing to care for a husband, home and children shortly after graduation. In particular, I adored the support Bertha received from multiple male characters in the pages.
Perhaps the most complex characters is Bertha and Flossie's father, a best selling author, and their reclusive uncle. Both were a little quirky with hearts of gold.
Beautifully written novel with descriptive time period details.
My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2023
This is in my top 5 reads for this year!
Oh my goodness, if this gem isn't on your TBR pile (To be Read Pile) then you'll want to add it STAT.
What a delight. Although this is Bertha's story, I rapidly fell head over heels in love with Florance, her younger sister. Or Flossie, as I call her. Goodness, what a feisty and precious character.
This is a tender, wonderfully woven story that will stay in your heart for a long time, as will those characters. Not all HEA's (happily ever afters) look the same.
Finkbeiner brings to life the social climate of the times and nails it.
I could go on gushing about this book, but I'll let you discover this absolute treasure for yourself! Go on, go get your copy!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and my opinion is my own.
Oh my goodness, if this gem isn't on your TBR pile (To be Read Pile) then you'll want to add it STAT.
What a delight. Although this is Bertha's story, I rapidly fell head over heels in love with Florance, her younger sister. Or Flossie, as I call her. Goodness, what a feisty and precious character.
This is a tender, wonderfully woven story that will stay in your heart for a long time, as will those characters. Not all HEA's (happily ever afters) look the same.
Finkbeiner brings to life the social climate of the times and nails it.
I could go on gushing about this book, but I'll let you discover this absolute treasure for yourself! Go on, go get your copy!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and my opinion is my own.
July 9, 2023
*4.5 stars rounded up. This is my first taste of Susie Finkbeiner's writing and I am totally hooked. Her latest story is set in the Detroit suburbs in 1952 and features the Hardings, a warm, loving, close-knit family. William, the father, is a successful author, often compared to Steinbeck. The mother, Louisa, is an English immigrant who keeps the family and household humming along. They have three kids: the oldest, Patrick, is married to Peggy; then there's Bertha whose big dream is to play baseball; and finally there's Florence, who is 12, a big reader, and quite the outspoken chatterbox. Is that why she has few friends? She is that kid who gets picked on in school.
The story is told by Bert and Flossie, in alternating chapters. Things begin to fall apart rapidly for the family when their father is named as a Communist party member by a neighbor. When the very safety of the family is threatened, they move to live with Uncle Matt in northern Michigan.
The term 'all-American' can have many meanings. What comes to mind immediately is the jingle 'baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet' but Finkbeiner explores other meanings in her rich and evocative story. The Red Scare was a dark moment in our country's history which brought out the worst in some people. Finkbeiner's characters are so real, as are the misfortunes that come their way but their faith and love seem to help them cope.
This was a trip down memory lane for me. Having grown up in a Detroit suburb in that era myself, I felt right at home with these characters. They could have been my own neighbors but I hope we wouldn't have treated them so badly. I was a big Tigers baseball fan and all the neighborhood kids played ball together on a vacant lot--no sexual discrimination there! And most of the books Flossie reads and enjoys, such as Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, Little Women, and of course, Nancy Drew, were my very own favorites. So many sweet memories!
I received an arc of this new novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. I'll look forward to reading more of this author's work.
The story is told by Bert and Flossie, in alternating chapters. Things begin to fall apart rapidly for the family when their father is named as a Communist party member by a neighbor. When the very safety of the family is threatened, they move to live with Uncle Matt in northern Michigan.
The term 'all-American' can have many meanings. What comes to mind immediately is the jingle 'baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet' but Finkbeiner explores other meanings in her rich and evocative story. The Red Scare was a dark moment in our country's history which brought out the worst in some people. Finkbeiner's characters are so real, as are the misfortunes that come their way but their faith and love seem to help them cope.
This was a trip down memory lane for me. Having grown up in a Detroit suburb in that era myself, I felt right at home with these characters. They could have been my own neighbors but I hope we wouldn't have treated them so badly. I was a big Tigers baseball fan and all the neighborhood kids played ball together on a vacant lot--no sexual discrimination there! And most of the books Flossie reads and enjoys, such as Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, Little Women, and of course, Nancy Drew, were my very own favorites. So many sweet memories!
I received an arc of this new novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. I'll look forward to reading more of this author's work.
October 28, 2025
Another heartwarming although kind of bittersweet in a sense story. It was a slice of life from 1952 at the hype of communist fear and of anyone thought to be involved. It was character driven with two sisters as the main story tellers from their perspectives. The family was such a typical perhaps but a loving one indeed with their relationships; the younger child Flossie being such an insightful as well quite upfront, spunky yet endearing.
It was the type of book to be engrossed with and wanting to keep reading in a pleasurable ,relaxed manner and realistic enough as per Susie's charming writing style. It had sprinkled Christian and sweet spiritual references throughout, mentions of their church attendance, Bible verses, and Sunday school etc.
This is certainly one to recommend as a feel good, cozy wholesome read!
It was the type of book to be engrossed with and wanting to keep reading in a pleasurable ,relaxed manner and realistic enough as per Susie's charming writing style. It had sprinkled Christian and sweet spiritual references throughout, mentions of their church attendance, Bible verses, and Sunday school etc.
This is certainly one to recommend as a feel good, cozy wholesome read!
July 9, 2023
Oh. My. Goodness. Susie Finkbeiner is a master. Gorgeously written 1950s era family story of finding your place and holding on to those you love.
November 20, 2023
This was my 5-star prediction for the Historathon 4.0 November reading challenge on YT, and yes, it was a full 5 stars, no hesitation.
⚾Partway through, I wasn't sure, because I felt like it was going to be issue-laden, and I was definitely not in the mood for that sort of thing. And maybe it still was a little, but the story picked up enough and I loved the characters enough that either the issues faded to the background or they weren't really there in the story. (By issues, I mostly mean politically-heavy thematic material, in this case censorship and political parties.)
⚾If you're not into baseball (like me), don't worry, because it's not too much about baseball. There is way more to the story than that, and it doesn't go into great detail about the games the MC plays.
⚾The family in the story is a wonderful family, very realistically written with flaws and failures but also genuine warm and loving relationships, like a real family! They go through a lot together, and they are made stronger as they go.
⚾The story is about the whole family, but centers on the two daughters, Bertha and Flossie. Bertha is the baseball player, and Flossie is the bratty younger sister who totally steals the show. You grow to love every single one of them through the perspectives of these two sisters.
⚾The plot contrasts two things: Communism (un-American) and baseball (very American). But along the way, a lot is explored about loving your neighbors even when viewpoints differ, and what it really means, anyway, to be "American" and is that good or bad. That last part, thankfully, is very gently probed so it's not a painful experience! Overall, the primary theme that I saw was that we are all flawed and imperfect in some way or another, but we work together as a team. And what we are individually is part of what makes us successful as a team, so we need to love each other and work together in spite of our various flaws and idiosyncracies. But it's not preachy at all.
It made me cry and it made me laugh - that's a good book!
⚾Partway through, I wasn't sure, because I felt like it was going to be issue-laden, and I was definitely not in the mood for that sort of thing. And maybe it still was a little, but the story picked up enough and I loved the characters enough that either the issues faded to the background or they weren't really there in the story. (By issues, I mostly mean politically-heavy thematic material, in this case censorship and political parties.)
⚾If you're not into baseball (like me), don't worry, because it's not too much about baseball. There is way more to the story than that, and it doesn't go into great detail about the games the MC plays.
⚾The family in the story is a wonderful family, very realistically written with flaws and failures but also genuine warm and loving relationships, like a real family! They go through a lot together, and they are made stronger as they go.
⚾The story is about the whole family, but centers on the two daughters, Bertha and Flossie. Bertha is the baseball player, and Flossie is the bratty younger sister who totally steals the show. You grow to love every single one of them through the perspectives of these two sisters.
⚾The plot contrasts two things: Communism (un-American) and baseball (very American). But along the way, a lot is explored about loving your neighbors even when viewpoints differ, and what it really means, anyway, to be "American" and is that good or bad. That last part, thankfully, is very gently probed so it's not a painful experience! Overall, the primary theme that I saw was that we are all flawed and imperfect in some way or another, but we work together as a team. And what we are individually is part of what makes us successful as a team, so we need to love each other and work together in spite of our various flaws and idiosyncracies. But it's not preachy at all.
It made me cry and it made me laugh - that's a good book!
November 18, 2023
The All-American had heart, grit and realness- and I loved it!
Bertha and Flossie were very likeable characters (Flossie will make you snort and grin with some of her comments!) and it was fun to see Bertha chase her dream of playing baseball for the Sweet Peas.
This book made me smile and had me all-in! The ending also brought on the tears, since I've been through a similar thing. And overall it made me glad for family and people who got your back!
This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last! An absolutely wonderful book!
Bertha and Flossie were very likeable characters (Flossie will make you snort and grin with some of her comments!) and it was fun to see Bertha chase her dream of playing baseball for the Sweet Peas.
This book made me smile and had me all-in! The ending also brought on the tears, since I've been through a similar thing. And overall it made me glad for family and people who got your back!
This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last! An absolutely wonderful book!
July 12, 2023
Once again, Susie Finkbeiner has written an absorbing story with characters who feel like family by the end. Kid sister Flossie faces the trials of life with irrepressible spunk, and older sister Bertha will reignite your hope that chasing your dreams is worth the heartache. You can't help but root for both sisters as they discover who they were meant to be beyond the veil of fear.
August 25, 2023
I don't know if anyone creates authentic characters and storylines quite like Susie Finkbeiner. This book sucked me in. It had me cheering and crying and turning the pages as fast as a ballplayer rounds the bases. Loved it!
April 13, 2023
I’ve wanted to read a book by Susie Finkbeiner for awhile. They all sound so good! But since romance is the genre I read most, I hadn’t gotten around to picking up one of hers yet. Until this tour, when I learned one of the main characters in The All-American plays baseball. I jumped at the chance to read it, and now I’m wondering why I waited so long to pick up one of Susie Finkbeiner’s books!
The All-American is an incredible 1950s read. It tugged me back the decades, to two teen women facing a challenging world and what it means to be American. This book not only mixed in baseball, but authoring as well. It was the perfect blend and I felt for the characters all the way. And the ending … I can’t give anything away, but it’s a satisfying, tug-at-your-heartstrings kind of ending that will leave you thinking about the book for days.
I highly recommend reading The All-American. It is an incredible story.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
The All-American is an incredible 1950s read. It tugged me back the decades, to two teen women facing a challenging world and what it means to be American. This book not only mixed in baseball, but authoring as well. It was the perfect blend and I felt for the characters all the way. And the ending … I can’t give anything away, but it’s a satisfying, tug-at-your-heartstrings kind of ending that will leave you thinking about the book for days.
I highly recommend reading The All-American. It is an incredible story.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
July 10, 2023
Susie Finkbeiner made me fall in love with baseball!
A truly charming story about a girl growing up in the 50s who wants to be a part of America's greatest pasttime. This story is more than just good times and rock and roll. At once both humorous and heart breaking this story will take you on an American family adventure.
The characters are lovable and so relatable. I could feel the characters emotions at every turn and wanted to laugh and cry with them.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review.
A truly charming story about a girl growing up in the 50s who wants to be a part of America's greatest pasttime. This story is more than just good times and rock and roll. At once both humorous and heart breaking this story will take you on an American family adventure.
The characters are lovable and so relatable. I could feel the characters emotions at every turn and wanted to laugh and cry with them.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review.
August 3, 2023
I had several conflicting thoughts while reading this book. While I found the storyline and cast original, the plot was quite predictable and boring. It reads almost as if the author tried too hard, which I say in the nicest way possible because I know how much authors put into their stories.
It’s very clean and almost has the feeling of a grown-up, young-adult novel. I’d recommend this one to younger readers, even if they’re likely to miss the more subtle themes.
It’s very clean and almost has the feeling of a grown-up, young-adult novel. I’d recommend this one to younger readers, even if they’re likely to miss the more subtle themes.
March 13, 2023
Baseball is a sport that follows a wonderful pattern. Innings, balls and strikes, outs and runs. It is very predictable with twists and turns throughout the whole game. It is the same while being very different. Susie Finkbeiner took America’s sport a and used it as the back drop to give us a story about life.
Bertha has loved baseball as long as she can remember. She dreams of playing for the Sweet Peas a local professional women’s baseball team. Her younger sister Flossie is the exact opposite, in fact she finds baseball boring.
Finkbeiner weaves a story that when you innocently start you believe is just going to be a story of sister and baseball. I just forgot that Finkbeiner doesn’t write stories that wrap into a lovely little present. She writes books that are real. She will rip your heart out because you fall in love with these two feisty sisters and when life hits them, you find yourself crying for them.
A read that will stick with you long after you close the last page. A story of family, lies and surviving.
Bertha has loved baseball as long as she can remember. She dreams of playing for the Sweet Peas a local professional women’s baseball team. Her younger sister Flossie is the exact opposite, in fact she finds baseball boring.
Finkbeiner weaves a story that when you innocently start you believe is just going to be a story of sister and baseball. I just forgot that Finkbeiner doesn’t write stories that wrap into a lovely little present. She writes books that are real. She will rip your heart out because you fall in love with these two feisty sisters and when life hits them, you find yourself crying for them.
A read that will stick with you long after you close the last page. A story of family, lies and surviving.
September 18, 2023
Having recently finished “The All-American” by Susie Finkbeiner, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Revell.
For me, this book was all about the baseball glove on the cover, initially. It quickly became a coming of age story of sisters, their interests, their dad, and the changes their tight-knit family endured during a tumultuous time.
Each of the five parts of the story began with a memorable excerpt from one of their dad's novels. Such a unique and powerful way to connect his stories and wisdom to theirs. And, all the daisies! They were fun to find scattered throughout this heart-warming story, from the dedication, straight through to the final pitch.
🌼❤️🌼
"Maybe it was more important to be a good daughter than a good American."
For me, this book was all about the baseball glove on the cover, initially. It quickly became a coming of age story of sisters, their interests, their dad, and the changes their tight-knit family endured during a tumultuous time.
Each of the five parts of the story began with a memorable excerpt from one of their dad's novels. Such a unique and powerful way to connect his stories and wisdom to theirs. And, all the daisies! They were fun to find scattered throughout this heart-warming story, from the dedication, straight through to the final pitch.
🌼❤️🌼
"Maybe it was more important to be a good daughter than a good American."
January 19, 2023
Susie Finkbeiner has mastered the art of writing family stories that tenderly balance heartbreak and hope. The All-American will draw you into the lives of the Harding family, and you won’t be able to help rooting for them at every turn—whether it be the woes familiar to coming of age or those of historical significance. This story will remain wrapped around your heart long after the final page is read, and you’ll wish you could call up Flossie and Bertha and ask them to be your best friends forever.
April 20, 2024
Loved the characters in this book! There wasn't a character I didn't like. All of the characters were well developed. I also appreciated that the baseball references and scenes fit right into the story line. This book was out of my comfort zone because I do not like sports, but although the story centered around baseball, it was well balanced with the other threads of the story.
Until I was around the 75% mark, I felt like the story was just warming up. And then something shifts, and then something suddenly happens, and the book was over. The ending left quite a bit up in the air. As did the epilogue. The epilogue only mentioned one of the main characters, which really surprised me and left me quite disappointed. As much as I loved the characters and each character had depth, the story itself seemed to lack the depth I kept waiting to find and never did. There were a lot of missing pieces and unanswered questions when I finished the book.
Until I was around the 75% mark, I felt like the story was just warming up. And then something shifts, and then something suddenly happens, and the book was over. The ending left quite a bit up in the air. As did the epilogue. The epilogue only mentioned one of the main characters, which really surprised me and left me quite disappointed. As much as I loved the characters and each character had depth, the story itself seemed to lack the depth I kept waiting to find and never did. There were a lot of missing pieces and unanswered questions when I finished the book.
July 19, 2023
I had a lot of laughs while reading this book! This is up there with one of my favorite books this year. I will definitely be purchasing a copy to reread again. I loved the POV’s of the two sisters and their differences with love of baseball and reading. This story definitely kept me turning the pages to learn more about this sweet family.
July 15, 2023
I have no words. I’m sitting here just crying but I just wanna hug this book. This might be my favorite Susie Finkbeiner book. It had me laughing from page 1 and crying at the end and all the different emotions in between. 10 stars😭🤍
July 24, 2023
The All-American was pure pull on your heartstrings enjoyment! It’s my first novel by Susie Finkbeiner and won’t be my last. She completely drew me into 1950’s Michigan when baseball was king and the Red Scare was at its height. Through the delightful narration of the two young Harding sisters, we experience their highs and lows in this heartfelt coming of age story.
Sixteen year old Bertha Harding’s classmates all dream of dating and marrying, but Bertha loves baseball. She plays with the boys and writes to a famous pitcher for the Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Softball League. When her friend Leo begins to take an interest in her, she begins to awaken to the idea of first love.
Flossie’s eleven years old going on twelve, a bit small for her age, and a complete bookworm. As she struggles to find friends who appreciate her intelligence and wit, she finds comfort in her family and books. When her famous writer father is accused by a neighbor of being part of the Communist Party during the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, the whole family’s world is turned upside down.
Facing threats, ostracism, and financial ruin, the family moves to the small town of Bear Run and stays with shy, Uncle Matthew. It’s the opportunity for second chances, new friends, and a tryout for the Sweet Peas softball team. But, when tragedy strikes, will their dreams survive?
I absolutely adored Bertha and Flossie! Their POV’s were so fun to read. I highly recommend the audiobook because the narrators do a fantastic job bringing both of these girls to life. The Harding sisters and their family are so charming from their proper English mother to the creative, fun-loving father, and caring older brother Chip. I loved getting to know them all including the quiet Uncle Matthew. Also loved Bertha’s loyal friend Leo.
Bertha shares her nostalgic view of 1950’s American baseball complete with CrackerJacks, Coca-Cola, and hotdogs. Flo shares her love of classic literature including Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and even the Catcher in the Rye. I loved her take on Shakespeare.
It’s a fantastic juxtaposition of what it is to be quintessentially American with the Salem Witch Trial-like atmosphere of the Red Scare. The ending was at once tragic and hopeful. I loved the inspirational messages of faith subtly woven throughout the story. Definitely recommend to historical and Christian fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.
Sixteen year old Bertha Harding’s classmates all dream of dating and marrying, but Bertha loves baseball. She plays with the boys and writes to a famous pitcher for the Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Softball League. When her friend Leo begins to take an interest in her, she begins to awaken to the idea of first love.
Flossie’s eleven years old going on twelve, a bit small for her age, and a complete bookworm. As she struggles to find friends who appreciate her intelligence and wit, she finds comfort in her family and books. When her famous writer father is accused by a neighbor of being part of the Communist Party during the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, the whole family’s world is turned upside down.
Facing threats, ostracism, and financial ruin, the family moves to the small town of Bear Run and stays with shy, Uncle Matthew. It’s the opportunity for second chances, new friends, and a tryout for the Sweet Peas softball team. But, when tragedy strikes, will their dreams survive?
I absolutely adored Bertha and Flossie! Their POV’s were so fun to read. I highly recommend the audiobook because the narrators do a fantastic job bringing both of these girls to life. The Harding sisters and their family are so charming from their proper English mother to the creative, fun-loving father, and caring older brother Chip. I loved getting to know them all including the quiet Uncle Matthew. Also loved Bertha’s loyal friend Leo.
Bertha shares her nostalgic view of 1950’s American baseball complete with CrackerJacks, Coca-Cola, and hotdogs. Flo shares her love of classic literature including Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and even the Catcher in the Rye. I loved her take on Shakespeare.
It’s a fantastic juxtaposition of what it is to be quintessentially American with the Salem Witch Trial-like atmosphere of the Red Scare. The ending was at once tragic and hopeful. I loved the inspirational messages of faith subtly woven throughout the story. Definitely recommend to historical and Christian fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.
July 29, 2023
“I can’t change the pain, but I can fight to remember the good in everything.”
I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a while. That ending! *sobs* My heart hurts.❤️😭
There are so many things I loved about this book. I loved that it’s told from the perspective of two young girls growing up in the 1950s. I loved that it was emotional (I teared up more than once) and that it was also funny (I laughed out loud several times. These girls had the best humor!)
I love that Bertha is a bit like Jo March and Flossie is a mix between Anne Shirley and Amy March.
I absolutely loved the family dynamics in this book and that family truly is the heart of this story. I loved the sister relationship portrayed in this book and I LOVED the father-daughter relationships in this book. It was so beautifully written. Goodness, my heart.❤️
I absolutely adored the 1950s setting! I loved every one of the characters (except for the not so likable ones, of course.) I loved Bertha and Flossie, Mam and their dad, Chippy and Peggy, Uncle Matthew and Lizzie… oh and I loved Leo too! I loved the friendship Leo and Bertha had (I really wish I knew what became of them!) Honestly every one of the characters felt real to me and I found all of them interesting.
The author wrote from the perspective of a preteen and a teen so, so well. It didn’t feel juvenile at all. It felt authentic. From page one, Bertha and Flossie came alive for me and I enjoyed every minute of their story.
This book broke my heart and put it back together. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It was beautifully written! I can honestly say I haven’t read a book I’ve enjoyed so much in a long while. This was my first book to read by this author but it definitely won’t be my last!
If you’re a fan of the 1950s, baseball, and historical fiction that comes alive, I think you’ll love this book!
I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a while. That ending! *sobs* My heart hurts.❤️😭
There are so many things I loved about this book. I loved that it’s told from the perspective of two young girls growing up in the 1950s. I loved that it was emotional (I teared up more than once) and that it was also funny (I laughed out loud several times. These girls had the best humor!)
I love that Bertha is a bit like Jo March and Flossie is a mix between Anne Shirley and Amy March.
I absolutely loved the family dynamics in this book and that family truly is the heart of this story. I loved the sister relationship portrayed in this book and I LOVED the father-daughter relationships in this book. It was so beautifully written. Goodness, my heart.❤️
I absolutely adored the 1950s setting! I loved every one of the characters (except for the not so likable ones, of course.) I loved Bertha and Flossie, Mam and their dad, Chippy and Peggy, Uncle Matthew and Lizzie… oh and I loved Leo too! I loved the friendship Leo and Bertha had (I really wish I knew what became of them!) Honestly every one of the characters felt real to me and I found all of them interesting.
The author wrote from the perspective of a preteen and a teen so, so well. It didn’t feel juvenile at all. It felt authentic. From page one, Bertha and Flossie came alive for me and I enjoyed every minute of their story.
This book broke my heart and put it back together. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It was beautifully written! I can honestly say I haven’t read a book I’ve enjoyed so much in a long while. This was my first book to read by this author but it definitely won’t be my last!
If you’re a fan of the 1950s, baseball, and historical fiction that comes alive, I think you’ll love this book!
June 7, 2023
This is my first book by Susie Finkbeiner. THE ALL-AMERICAN was an easy five out of five stars. What a slice of Americana—the good and ugly. Baseball, multi-features at the cinema, Communism, and a family that ran the bases of life with passion.
Set in the 1950s, Finkbeiner captured the last grip of an age of innocence as fear and hubris sought to loosen its grasp. With this juxtaposition, she brought a page-turning, exquisitely written story. I laughed out loud as much as shed tears.
The story focuses on two sisters, Bertha and her younger sister, Flossie.
Bertha is very athletic with the dexterity necessary to be a phenomenal baseball player and dreams of playing for the Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL).
Flossie is the antithesis—always in her head or reading a book beyond her years.
Truly, I couldn’t figure out who was the real protagonist—Bertha or Flossie. If I were to choose, it would be Flossie. Flossie was the emotional narrator of the story. Her view of life was funny and authentic and most times morbid—in an over-the-top charming way.
With a surprising ending and themes that hit homeruns in my heart, I can highly recommend The All-American and will be reading more books by Susie Finkbeiner.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
Set in the 1950s, Finkbeiner captured the last grip of an age of innocence as fear and hubris sought to loosen its grasp. With this juxtaposition, she brought a page-turning, exquisitely written story. I laughed out loud as much as shed tears.
The story focuses on two sisters, Bertha and her younger sister, Flossie.
Bertha is very athletic with the dexterity necessary to be a phenomenal baseball player and dreams of playing for the Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL).
Flossie is the antithesis—always in her head or reading a book beyond her years.
Truly, I couldn’t figure out who was the real protagonist—Bertha or Flossie. If I were to choose, it would be Flossie. Flossie was the emotional narrator of the story. Her view of life was funny and authentic and most times morbid—in an over-the-top charming way.
With a surprising ending and themes that hit homeruns in my heart, I can highly recommend The All-American and will be reading more books by Susie Finkbeiner.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
November 25, 2024
What took me so long to read this book? I've had it since it came out, and I just read it. My most sincere apologies to the author for not reading it immediately!
So first, the cover grabbed my attention right away. Who doesn't love a bright cover? And red? Be still, my heart!
Only judging by the cover, I assumed it was similar to that movie A League of Their Own, which I loved way back when I saw it. I won't mention that I saw it in theaters when it first came out; you might figure out my age!
But this book is so much more than that. I absolutely loved the points of view from each sister. I'm not sure that I've read a book like that before, and it was so unique. I laughed out loud quite a few times. So I was NOT prepared for what happened.
I was listening to the audiobook (the narrators did an AMAZING job) and bawling as I was driving. Bawling. And I was almost to my destination, but didn't want to get there with red eyes and tears on my cheeks. Quite the dilemma, I tell ya!
Oh. This review is getting quite long; I'll wrap up. I LOVED this book. Loved it. And while it isn't a happy ever after, it ends just the way it should.
So first, the cover grabbed my attention right away. Who doesn't love a bright cover? And red? Be still, my heart!
Only judging by the cover, I assumed it was similar to that movie A League of Their Own, which I loved way back when I saw it. I won't mention that I saw it in theaters when it first came out; you might figure out my age!
But this book is so much more than that. I absolutely loved the points of view from each sister. I'm not sure that I've read a book like that before, and it was so unique. I laughed out loud quite a few times. So I was NOT prepared for what happened.
I was listening to the audiobook (the narrators did an AMAZING job) and bawling as I was driving. Bawling. And I was almost to my destination, but didn't want to get there with red eyes and tears on my cheeks. Quite the dilemma, I tell ya!
Oh. This review is getting quite long; I'll wrap up. I LOVED this book. Loved it. And while it isn't a happy ever after, it ends just the way it should.
September 18, 2023
Oh my word! Let me attempt to compose my thoughts on this delightful novel.
First off it’s a 4.75 due to the drinking and almost cuss word, but that is easily looked past.
My heart loves these characters. My head could connect to them in such an easy way. The writing was wonderful and don’t get me started on Bertha.
I have loved baseball for a while. And this reminded so much of that love. And seeing little Flossie read was adorable. She had such interesting reactions that were realistic. But that ending, oh my. It made me feel it all. I also teared up a bit. The faith content was also light, but natural. And one question before I go, what happens to Bertha? Did I miss something?
Overall, a very endearing story
First off it’s a 4.75 due to the drinking and almost cuss word, but that is easily looked past.
My heart loves these characters. My head could connect to them in such an easy way. The writing was wonderful and don’t get me started on Bertha.
I have loved baseball for a while. And this reminded so much of that love. And seeing little Flossie read was adorable. She had such interesting reactions that were realistic. But that ending, oh my. It made me feel it all. I also teared up a bit. The faith content was also light, but natural. And one question before I go, what happens to Bertha? Did I miss something?
Overall, a very endearing story
February 22, 2024
Turėjau pasitikslint ar nesumaišiau žanro: adult, christian? Na, aš taip tikrai neklasifikuočiau… Krikščioniška tik tiek, kad veikėjai sekmadieniais ėjo į bažnyčią, o dėl amžiaus, tai, kai dvi pasakotojos 9 ir 16 metų, tokiam amžiui knyga labiausiai ir tiktų. Kitas, mane sutrikdęs dalykas - knygos pradžia, gal tik skyrius ar du, bet vis tiek, kažkaip atitrūkę nuo likusios knygos.
Patraukus tuos du dalykus, knyga nebloga: apie patyčias, bandymą pritapti, šeimynines negandas ir netektis. Man gal kiek per amerikietiška, ypač vietos apie beisbolą (viena pagrindinių veikėjų buvo profesionalė).
Patraukus tuos du dalykus, knyga nebloga: apie patyčias, bandymą pritapti, šeimynines negandas ir netektis. Man gal kiek per amerikietiška, ypač vietos apie beisbolą (viena pagrindinių veikėjų buvo profesionalė).
June 29, 2025
This was my first book by this author, and I can most assuredly say it will not be the last I read of hers!
Oh. My. Heart. This book was incredible. I laughed, I cried, I absolutely fell in love with the characters. I was not ready to say goodbye!
The only tiny little issue I had is that I wish the epilogue had been a bit longer ~ there was a *major* plot twist that hit near the end of the book and I was really hoping for more of an update on each character in the epilogue.
But, overall this book was so masterfully written and is an incredibly beautiful work! I borrowed it from my local library but am thinking I may need to get my own copy to keep 😉.
5/5 stars for sure!
Oh. My. Heart. This book was incredible. I laughed, I cried, I absolutely fell in love with the characters. I was not ready to say goodbye!
The only tiny little issue I had is that I wish the epilogue had been a bit longer ~ there was a *major* plot twist that hit near the end of the book and I was really hoping for more of an update on each character in the epilogue.
But, overall this book was so masterfully written and is an incredibly beautiful work! I borrowed it from my local library but am thinking I may need to get my own copy to keep 😉.
5/5 stars for sure!
August 18, 2024
What a phenomenal book! I love reading cozy historical fiction books once in a while, and this one did not disappoint.
As a young girl, I would always beg to play baseball with my dad and brothers, and while I wasn't a good player, I still enjoyed playing.
And as someone who just moved to Michigan, I enjoyed how this book took place in said state.
Reading this book made me laugh, cry, and overall, just have a cozy feeling while reading it.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction and baseball! ⚾️
As a young girl, I would always beg to play baseball with my dad and brothers, and while I wasn't a good player, I still enjoyed playing.
And as someone who just moved to Michigan, I enjoyed how this book took place in said state.
Reading this book made me laugh, cry, and overall, just have a cozy feeling while reading it.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction and baseball! ⚾️
January 19, 2024
For sure a book that made me laugh and cry. Somehow Finkbeiner writes the normal life stories that teach you a little about that time period. I loved the relationships of the various family members in here, and especially the Uncle (who was so much like Matthew Cuthbert).
Beware of death in this book. But it's very touching. Highly recommend!
Beware of death in this book. But it's very touching. Highly recommend!
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