Search - Last Days of Summer

This book became one of my truly unexpected favorites. I was initially hesitant about the narrative style (this book is told in the form of letters along with newspaper clipping and other miscellany from a young boy to his baseball hero) but after a few letters found that this was the perfect way to tell this story. It is a lovely book, funny and poignant at the same time.

It is essentially a coming of age story (notice the title)set in the 1940's that shows the main character Joey Margolis' relationship with an up and coming baseball star named Charlie Banks. As World War two approaches the United States, Joey remains on the home front while Charlie is shipped off to war. The story follows their initial (Reluctant on Charlie's part, enthusiastic and boyish on the part of Joey)contacts full of misspellings and tough talk and grows to encompass what becomes a brother-like dynamic.

Highly recommended! A very quick read that will linger long after the last page.

One of the first books which I've truly enjoyed start-to-finish in a long time. This is the story of Joey, a precocious Brooklyn boy, told in letters, news clippings, memoes, etc. and Charlie Banks, 3rd base, New York Giants.

Although the ending was somewhat predictable, I laughed and I cried while reading this book. What a different world Brooklyn in the 1940s must have been - this book made me feel like I was there.

This book made me laugh out loud and then cry my eyes out. Such a great tale told through letters! The characters are incredibly real and you can't wait to hear about what happens next. Great read!

Laugh out loud funny at the beginning of this stoy of a young man trying to coerce a baseball star to be his friend. Story develops through a series of hilarious letters. Anyone who has ever had a precocious child will find themselves in tears of laughter at the audacity of this kid. Countless references to baseball adds reality to the story. I liked this book well enough to order a second copy to send to my son. Because we can all use a good laugh.

Initially I saw this book at Borders and almost put it back. What a huge mistake that would have been!

This book will move you in a way you never see coming. I laughed out loud. I cried like a baby. And I totally recommend this book to everyone!

You do not have to be a baseball fan or know anything about baseball to enjoy this book. The characters are of their own ground and they will draw you in.

This book is a unique glance into a world of 12 year old boy who makes you see him and all of his wounds. It a story of how he manages to work his way into the life Charlie Banks, his hero, and trust me . . . he'll work his way into your heart in the process. You will not want to put this book down.

For me, in the end, this book represents what all good books should be . . . an experience of what blooms inside of us when we open the door the story's journey, of what we leave behind and of what we remember what we lost at the book's closure. And more importantly the feeling that I am better off having read the book in the first place.

Very enjoyable book!