One of the good things about having a Kindle or Nook is the ability to read sample of a book before buying. Makes sense; if you were at a bookstore, you’d probably leaf through at least a few pages (although I once read an entire book over the course of a few lunch hours. That’s probably why Borders went out of business).
So here are a few quick takes on some the baseball titles I’ve sampled on the Kindle. Bear in mind the quality and length of the individual samples vary, so some don’t give a real good idea. On the other hand, that lack of consideration for their prospective consumers might tell you something.
Also frequently telling: the source of the book. I have indicated the publisher so you can see where the project comes from. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to self-publish and, quite frankly, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. That’s not to say that every self-published is behind in the count, so to speak. But there is something to be said about working with a team to minimize typos, inaccuracies, discuss ideas, etc.
* Play Zen-Sational Baseball, by David Ranney (Non-fiction; $9.95 vs. $16.95 paperback; 95 “pages”). The sample offers the table of contents and a lengthy introduction by the author, who goes on and on about his accomplishments on the tennis court and as a teacher of that sport. I suppose there are similar characteristics that apply to both tennis and baseball, but having never read a sports “self-help” book, I wouldn’t swear to its contribution. I thought this would be something more akin to The Tao of Baseball, by Go. (Published by Night Lotus Books)
* Pirate for Life, by Steve Blass with Erik Sherman ($14.29 Kindle vs. $15.28 hardcover; shouldn’t there be a larger difference between print and e-books editions? After all, it costs almost nothing — or least comprably little — to produce them. Just sayin’). Blass, a pretty pair country pitcher for Pittsburgh in the “We are Family” days, suddenly and all at once lost his ability to throw strikes. Currently a broadcaster for his former team, Blass pulls no punches as he discuses the wrenching experience. (Published by Triumph Books)
* Major League Encounters: One hundred personal stories of the select group of men who make their living playing a game, by Larry LaRue ($3.99 vs. $11.95 paperback; now that’s what I’m talkin’ about). A nice collection of anecdotes told by a long-time Seattle Mariners’ beat reporter from the Tacoma News Tribune. The title is technically inaccurate, since many of the players no longer “make” their living at baseball (in fact, some, such as Kirby Puckett, are no longer with us). I guess you could include the chapter on Tiger Woods, since he does make his living at a game; it’s just that the game isn’t baseball. The only player offered as a sample, following LaRue’s lengthy and informative intro is Jim Abbot, and it’s not even the whole chapter. But if the other 99 items are similar, Major League Encounters would make for a pleasant read. (Published at readerpublishing.com)
is available on Amazon.com,
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