Last Days of Summer

Rating:
Summary: funny, touching - a must read
Review: This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Kluger is hysterical - at points, I even laughed out loud. This book is also quite clever and is a very touching story. You do not need to be a baseball fan to appreciate Kluger's fabulousoly developed characters. I've recommended it to all of my friends.

Rating:
Summary: A"big brother's" disdain turns to amusement and then love
Review: How often can a non-baseball type (like me) be drawn in so quickly and so effectively and so completely by a story of a "juvenile delinquent" and an apparently equally dopey but lovable big league ball player?? Klugar made this Labor day one i'll remember for a long time because the language and the feel of the "40's" was so mesmerizing and encompassing... It's so easy for readers to "see" Hazel (Charlie's glam girlfriend) and the patient/perplexed rabbi and Joey's "may it be on your head" aunt and other characters because they were drawn as accurately and lovingly as was Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird" [only with 40's dialogue, not deep down South]. Although the language is a bit raw for younger kids (in places), it's a book for all to enjoy. In fact, I am sending this as a present to my dear friends in Florida (in their young 80's) who will laugh often and with real understanding.... It truly is a "don't miss" book that will be given to friends of all ages...

Rating:
Summary: My favorite book...ever
Review: This was probably the best book that I have ever read. I think that it is amazing that this man could write such a sad book in all letters and telegrams and news clips. I did not know that it was possible to have such a good story held together by letters. I would highly suggest this book for anyone 10 or over. I am personally very impressed!!

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: This book kept my cheeks wets with tears of laughter and tears of emotions. I haven't laughed out load so much in years. The characters are warm and engaging; the relationships are developed interestingly and in an involving manner. You love everyone in this book - all the villians are "off-camera." I read it in one sitting. You will definately be recommending this to your friends. Do yourself and them a favor - read this.

Rating:
Summary: I can't say enough good about this book!
Review: I won't try to describe this book because the other reader/reviewers have done such a good job of it, but I wanted to chime in and say that LAST DAYS OF SUMMER is easily one of the best books I've read in years. I've been recommending it to all of my family and friends, and they have all loved it as much as I have. I'd give it ten stars if I could!

Rating:
Summary: Easily one of the best books I've read in years.
Review: I finished this book in no time. I laughed out loud, I cried, I related to my childhood. You don't need to love baseball to love this book (but it does make it more entertaining!).

Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Story
Review: This book is so well written, and I loved it so much that I finished it in a matter of one or two days. It made me laugh out loud, warmed my heart, and also made me cry. You get so attatched to the characters, that it seems like you have known them forever. This is a special book that I would reccommend to both teenagers and adults. It is definately worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: This book belongs in Cooperstown!
Review: I love this book: ok, how to be descriptive and keep away from cliches and convey to you how much you will love this book? Can't do it. Truly, and cross my heart, I started it last night and was up to 2:30 am to finish it. I laughed, I cried. I was in New York with Charlie and Joey, and on the road trip too. If you miss or are nostalgic for baseball when it was more fun than business, if you have a spot in your heart for American history in the late 30s-early 40s, (movies, too!) get this book! If you enjoyed Pete Hamill's Snow in August, you'll like this. Kluger knows what goes on in the hearts of boys and tough guys, and he has the skill to make you feel it. This is a gift you should give yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling!
Review: Great book for adults and kids alike. If you like baseball and history, read it. If you like good novels, read it.

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING...read it!
Review: I laughed and cried, just like everyone else...and you will too. Even thought I predicted the ending, as I'm sure everyone else did, it did not detract from this wonderfully written story about this young boy and a ballplayer. I absoutely fell in love with Charlie Banks and, of course, Joey and the rest of the characters. I read it in one sitting and experienced a whole range of emotions. One of the best books I've read in a LONG time.