Sunday, May 25, 2008

Laura's Thoughts

Sorry. I am a bit late. I did not realize the questions were up. I thought this was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the story. I liked the very real glimpses into human nature provided by the writing style. I liked the underlying baseballness of the book. I did find the writing style a bit confusing at times, but mostly I really enjoyed it. Like Amy, I appreciated the relationship between Bruce and Henry. It was a real friendship - the kind where people drive each other crazy and have very little in common, but still would drop everything for each other. Also, I really liked the last phrase. It is an important lesson for everyone. People are mostly good, if we just let them be who they are.

Good choice.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Amy's thoughts of what she read... :)

1. The Role of baseball in this book-
Well, the more I think about it, baseball was almost like the "cure" for the disease, the balm of Gilead, if you will. When all else failed in Bruce's life, baseball, and everything that came with it (the friends, the family, etc.) was the foundation he could rely on to find happiness.

2. Wiggens as the Author-
I thought it was a natural style of writing- I guess when I say natural, I really mean basic. I liked that it was written how he would speak, but I guess that's what made it REALLY difficult for me to keep my attention- and my interest.

3.The Message-
I'm sorry, I wish I could say I had a concrete conclusion to the theme of the book, but having not finished it, I don't know. I DO believe though, that one theme is loyalty and love. It's amazing that a man can drop everything- literally- for a friend.

4.Closing phrase-
That IS a great line. It is easily understood as knowing that we are not the judges of anyone- and that there is good in everyone- all they need is a chance.

5.Learning from Bruce and Henry-
Learn to slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. And Love. Henry exemplified a love that many only hope to receive. It was a feel good book.