Calico Joe

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Erik Singer

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A surprising and moving novel of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption, set in the world of Major League Baseball…

“Grisham knocks it out of the park.”—The Washington Post

It’s the summer of 1973, and Joe Castle is the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone has ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas, dazzles Chicago Cubs fans as he hits home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shatters all rookie records. Calico Joe quickly becomes the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing New York Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faces Calico Joe, Paul is in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his dad. Then Warren throws a fastball that will change their lives forever.

Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!

©2012 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Grisham knocks it out of the park.” (The Washington Post)

“An enjoyable, heartwarming read that’s not just for baseball fans.” (USA Today)

“Grisham has hit a home run.... Calico Joe is a great read, a lyrical ode to baseball, small-town America, youthful innocence and a young boy’s search for heroes.” (The Buffalo News)

A Different Kind of Grisham

This was a surprisingly different type of book than what I am accustomed to with John Grisham. But it did not disappoint.

At first I thought that the narrator, Erik Singer, was boring and flat. However, as the story progressed, I understood why and appreciated how his tone fit the character for the story line. It was a sad story but unfortunately, real life stories are not always happy. Still, although somewhat predicable, it held my interest to the very end.

What I appreciated the most was the element of forgiveness. It was good to know that Joe Castle had forgiven Warren long before Warren even thought to ask for it. As for Warren's character, it was sad that it took the circumstances in his life to finally confront Joe.

We should all use Joe Castle's ability to forgive as a real life guide.

Thank you John Grisham and Erik Singer. Well done!

Great Read or Audio

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book to an avid reader... The story line was clean and smooth, great ending, good moral to the story.

What does Erik Singer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great tone and smooth voice, without a lot of silly accents and voices.

Could you see Calico Joe being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

James McAvoy

Any additional comments?

Not much of a baseball fan but the story was as good as Field of Dreams.

Really enjoyable!

What made the experience of listening to Calico Joe the most enjoyable?

Growing up a baseball fan during that era really brought me back to those days.

What did you like best about this story?

The accuracy and connection to baseball history.

What about Erik Singer’s performance did you like?

Smoothly and clearly transitioned between voices.

Be baseball ready!

We are a baseball family and this book reminded us of the movie "For the love of the game."

Loved it

In the cold months between the World Series and Spring Training I sat down beside my fire place and read Calico Joe. Alas, I wish it could have lasted until spring, but couldn't put it down until I had read through to the last page....Great story I highly recommend it!

So very good!

What made the experience of listening to Calico Joe the most enjoyable?

Narration is very good and Grisham again is excellent. A very quick and heartwarming and heartbreaking read

I loved the story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Calico Joe to be better than the print version?

I'm not a huge sports fan, but I found this story fresh, different and engaging. Although I have not read the print version, this was a really good listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Calico Joe?

Tracy's apology was unforgettable for me. Here is a man that lived life on his terms and then close to death find a conscience. This awakening brought a mix of emotions to me that is really hard to describe.

Have you listened to any of Erik Singer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first listen to Erik, but I will look for him in the future. I like a performance that makes me forget that I am listening to someone telling a story and the transparency of this reading is amazing.

If you could rename Calico Joe, what would you call it?

My Dad Was NOT Like Your Dad

Any additional comments?

If you automatically turn up your nose at a sports story pass this by. If you like to discover something new and different, try this book.

Excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A great story - Wll done by reader

What did you like best about this story?

greater insight about father and son relationships

Which character ??? as performed by Erik Singer ??? was your favorite?

Erik Singer my favorite reader

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His father meeting Joe

Great Baseball Story

I don't know if there was a player called Joe Castle....but that story is one that needs to be told.

Enjoyed

Would you consider the audio edition of Calico Joe to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Calico Joe?

When the boy was growing up having a baseball player dad, interesting.

Have you listened to any of Erik Singer???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Very Good

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Baseball!

Any additional comments?

Good story, kept me at the peek of interest through out the whole book.