The Art of Fielding

Write-up by Jennifer:

For our most recent bookclub (on June 3rd), we read the Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, hosted by Debbie.  This was quite a technological milestone because the meeting was held VIRTUALLY using a Google Hangout.  Together we crossed five time zones and about 5000 miles.  For the first twenty minutes or so we amused ourselves putting fictional tiaras and pirate patches on our faces while waiting for everyone to get set up.  We also had a special guest star, Delphine, Karen and Nino’s eight-week old baby girl!

As for the book, everyone (who read it) seemed to like it.  People thought that the characters were well developed (although some were more believable than others).  Everyone agreed that the book was not about baseball but relationships.

Many folks related it to the article about choking in What the Dog Saw.  There was some discussion of when exactly in the plot Henry changed psychologically and started to choke.

Like many other book picks like Please Take Care of Mom and The Help, there were parts of the book written in the perspective of different characters.  Some thought it was interesting that the book never included Owen’s perspective.

There was some interesting discussion about differences between men and women and competition, testosterone, grudges and anger coping styles.  During the course of conversation it was also revealed that Debbie is a member of a new bookclub!!  That’s okay, Debbie – we forgive you ;-)

Even though we could not all partake in the delicious food at Karen’s place, it was a great bookclub.  Thanks for hosting, Debbie!