Review Detail

Reader reviewed by bookworm9

As a baseball fan, I looked forward to reading this book, and was thoroughly disappointed. The story revolves around a girl named Ryan, who is still dealing with her dad's death several years ago. Her dad was a huge Cubs fan, and they'd go to games together, so she skips school to see the Cubs opener. There she meets Nick, a new boy at school, and avid Cubs fan. Eventually, they become friends-- and more-- despite the fact that Ryan has to deal with the fact that she may lose Nick, who has cancer.

The love story is so-so. The characters never felt quite real to me. Worst yet, though, is the baseball part. Smith talks down to her readers at times, as though assuming they know nothing about baseball. Also, despite the fact that there are numerous scenes revolving around Cubs games, there are never any real details, players' names, etc. The book is set during the 2008 season, and at first I thought Smith's vagueness might have to do with the fact that she was planning a specific ending... but that ending never came. I really don't get why she had to specifically mention it was set in 2008 (OK, I sort of know what she was going for, what with the vague ending and all, but it really didn't work. At all). Why not make it some future "any year"? Or set it in 2007, and actually use real details, names, etc. It just was not working for me.

But, go Cubs!