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The Legend of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi
The Legend of Mickey Tussler
written by Frank Nappi
published by Sky Pony Press
find it here: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Goodreads
Why did I pick this book: I had participated in the blog tour hosted by Tribute Books in January of this year. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
Did I enjoy this book: I really enjoyed this book. I read it every free chance I had. It was endearing, sweet, and totally engrossing.
The scene was set beautifully by Mr. Nappi. I was there…I could smell the dirt of the infield. I could smell the grass of the outfield. I could smell the summer breeze. I could see the crowd and the players. I was there. It was a reading experience that I rarely have, but Mr. Nappi put me in the game.
Mickey is such an amazing individual as is Arthur Murphy for taking a chance on such an exceptional person. I loved Mickey. But I think I loved Arthur more. He took a big chance and I admire him for that. Arthur also helped Mickey’s mother, Molly, come out of her shell and begin to rediscover herself despite her overbearing husband, Clarence.
My other favorite character was Boxcar. He was like the big brother/father-figure on the team. He was there for his fellow Brewers. Boxcar cared and kept everyone in line. The way he accepted Mickey and helped him was wonderful. PeeWee was another teammate that accepted Mickey completely and watched out for him.
All of the characters that Mr. Nappi wrote were fantastic. You really got to know each of them. You rooted for some, you were happy with others, and there were a few you just could not get behind.
Bottom line: I loved this book.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book to anyone…especially baseball fans and those who love the feel good books about people dealing with or overcoming adversity.
Will I read it again: I just might.
About the book: In the late 1940s, the minor league Milwaukee Brewers are foundering yet again and manager Arthur Murphy is desperate. When he sees seventeen-year old Mickey Tussler throwing apples into a barrel, he knows he has found the next pitching phenom. But not everyone is so hopeful. Mickey’s autism—a disorder still not truly understood even today—has alienated the boy from the world, and he is berated by other players and fans. Mickey faces immense trials in the harsh and competitive world of baseball while coping with the challenges inherent to his disorder. An honest and knowledgeable book about overcoming adversity, and the basis for the television movie A Mile in His Shoes, Mickey’s powerful story shows that with support and determination anyone can be triumphant, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Read an excerpt from Chapter 1 here.
About the author: Frank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, Echoes From The Infantry, received national attention, including MWSA’s silver medal for outstanding fiction. His follow-up novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, garnered rave reviews as well, including a movie adaptation of the touching story “A Mile in His Shoes” starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder. Frank continues to produce quality work, including Sophomore Campaign, the intriguing sequel to the much heralded original story, and is presently at work on a third installment of the unique series. Frank lives on Long Island with his wife Julia and their two sons, Nicholas and Anthony.
Find Mr. Nappi here: web, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads
Happy reading wherever you are and whenever you get a free chance!!!
