Listen up, folks! We've got a captivating audiobook on our hands, narrated by the one and only Julie Pearl. This one's been penned by Linda Sue Park, and let me tell you, it's a real diamond in the rough. Now, hold on to your seats because I'm about to give you the lowdown on this audio adventure.
The story revolves around Maggie Fortini and her brother, Joey-Mick. Now, get this, they are both named after none other than the legendary Joe DiMaggio. But here's the twist: while Joey-Mick is all about hitting home runs, Maggie is more of a die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fan. She eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball, my friends. You won't find a stat she doesn't know or a game she can't analyze with razor-sharp precision. This girl is the real deal.
But here's where things get interesting. Along comes Jim Maine, a Giants fan. Gasp! Yet, against all odds, he becomes Maggie's unlikely ally. Jim takes it upon himself to teach Maggie the art of scoring a baseball game. And boy, does she soak it all in like a sponge. Every play, every inning, Maggie records it all with her trusty pencil. It's not just about being a fan anymore; she feels like she's a part of the team, making a difference in her own unique way.
But life is a tough game, my friends. And just when things seem to be looking up, Jim gets drafted into the army and sent off to Korea. Maggie keeps the flame alive by writing to him, hoping for some kind of response. But disappointment follows disappointment, as Maggie faces the harsh reality of supporting the Brooklyn Dodgers in the early 1950s. Heartbreak after heartbreak, year after year, dashed hopes and near misses. It's enough to make even the toughest fans want to throw in the towel.
But let me tell you, Maggie doesn't give up that easily. She's a fighter, an unyielding force of determination. And when she learns that Jim needs help too, she makes up her mind to be there for him. Now, here's where things really get interesting, my friends. Set against the backdrop of major league baseball and the Korean War, Maggie embarks on a quest to make a difference. And you better believe she finds a way to do just that.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "Baseball? Not my cup of tea." But hold your horses, ladies and gentlemen. Linda Sue Park weaves a tale so mesmerizing, so captivating, that even if you've never swung a bat in your life, you'll be drawn into this world of loyal fans and unbreakable spirit. It's a story that hits home, whether you're keeping score or not.
So there you have it, folks. Julie Pearl brings Linda Sue Park's masterpiece to life in this audiobook adventure. Weighing in at 4 hours and 35 minutes, it may not be the longest game in the league, but let me tell you, it's jam-packed with heart, soul, and more than a few surprises. Buckle up, because you're in for the ride of your life. Batter up!
