American Past Time
After the Cheering Stops

I finished this book some weeks ago and wanted to wait to review it, to see if the story stayed with me. So many books I initially love I don't remember much about weeks or even days later. This book held up. I've been thinking about why. It's not a hurtling read, nor is the writing so innovative yo......more

American Past Time is a sweeping novel that spans two decades in the life of one southern family. It begins in 1953 with the pivotal moment in the story—Dancer Stonemason, one step away from making the Major Leagues, is pitching in what should be his final minor league game—he’s due to pitch for the......more

Len Joy writes with great compassion for his characters. As they struggle to care for each other, Dancer, Dede, Clayton, and Jimmy emerge as fully realized individuals trying to make sense of their imperfect lives. It's sometimes difficult to read about the choices they make that drive them deeper i......more

Life is a series of choices, a series of dreams, each impacting the dynamics of relationships in complex ways. Set in the 1950s--1970s, this historical novel about a complicated family impacted by the father’s decisions and dreams is fast paced, clearly written and quite relevant. Bits of history ar......more

I really liked this book. I didn't want the story to end! I was a member of the Minnesota Twins player Gary Gaetti fanclub ("Dr. Crank") when I lived in Wisconsin in the early 1980's, and I played APBA ball, too, but I never knew the descriptions of what a pitcher does or feels until reading this bo......more