Title: The Art of Fielding
Author: Chad Harbach
Narrator: Holter Graham
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 528
Audio: 16 hours
Year: 2011
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Source: Library
Book Rating: 5/5
Audio Rating: 5/5
Summary:
When Henry Scrimshander meets Mike Schwartz, his life changes forever. With Mike’s help, Henry becomes a star shortstop at Westish College and dreams of going pro. While at Westish, Henry meets Owen Dunne, who becomes involved with Guert Affenlight, the school’s president. Meanwhile, Pella Affenlight, his daughter, returns home to start over. These characters become so intertwined that one mistake on Henry’s part sends all of their lives off course.
My Thoughts:
I have fallen in book love. This book was so good. Go read it. For a book that is focused on errors, this book has very few itself.
The characters make the book. The level of empathy I felt for them was pretty incredible, particularly with Henry (who isn’t necessarily always a likable character). When he suffered, I suffered. The story slowed at times, but the character development was always there.
I am a baseball fan, but I don’t think you have to be a baseball fan to enjoy The Art of Fielding. It was a fun way to kick off the season though.
Audiobook Thoughts:
It is a satisfying length for an audiobook: long without feeling long. Holter Graham was excellent. He captured each character, from Henry’s innocence to Mike’s gruffness.
I would recommend the audiobook not only for the superb narration but because the story does slow at times and I always feel audio is the best way to keep that forward momentum going in slower books.
Make sure you check out the other Audiobook Week discussion posts and audiobook reviews over at Devourer of Books.
my books. my life. 
I have this book in print, but now I’m wishing I’d have waited and gotten it on audio. It IS longish, which always lends itself to listening with me. Everyone seems to love this book…need to make it a priority!
LikeLike
Just because you have it in audio doesn’t mean you can’t read the audio anyway…
LikeLike
I’ve had no interest in this book, really, but you’re making me reconsider (in audio, at least).
LikeLike
It’s really good. I promise.
LikeLike
I’ve heard so many great things about this book but I haven’t read it because I don’t like baseball and it’s soooo long. But a lot of people say you don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it. And even though I know the length of a book has nothing to do with your enjoyment of it, I keep procrastinating on this. I’ll just have to pick it up and start reading, then hopefully get sucked right in! Glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t think you need to like baseball. It’s baseball heavy in the beginning but then it becomes more about the story/characters.
LikeLike
I listened to about half of this on audio and then got sort of bored with it… I think it’s more an audio issue for me, though, and think I might have gotten bored with any book. I need to return to it!
LikeLike
That’s too bad. It did drag a little in the middle but it was worth it.
LikeLike
This just sounds so wonderful!
LikeLike