The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz

Title: The Brooklyn Nine
Author: Alan Gratz
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Rating: Adore
Alerts/Warnings: A mild instance of dealing with alcohol.
Premise: Baseball is in the Schneider family blood. Each member of this family, from family founder Felix Schneider in the 1800s to Snider Flint in the present day, has a strong tie to the game and to Brooklyn. Through the years this family has dodged bullets on a battlefield, pitched perfect games, and dealt with the devastating loss of family and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Nine innings—nine generations. One game—one family. Through it all, one thing remains true: the bonds of family are as strong as a love of the game.(goodreads.com)

Opinions: Do you like baseball? I do. In fact, I am such a Red Sox fan, that I would not have read this book if it had been the "Yankee Nine". I'm just sayin'. Baseball is that American sport that gets in your blood and once you get it, you can't give it up. "The Brooklyn Nine" is a story told in 9 sections (like 9 innings) about 9 generations of one family. All of them are connected to baseball in different ways. You get an interesting look at history and the evolution of baseball and life. Gratz masterfully gives you short vinettes into the lives of these men and woman who are so connected by blood to each other and baseball. Some of the stories are uplifting. Others and sad and heartwrenching. But Gratz gives you a taste of the time period and the characters so very quickly yet effectively. I really liked the way that it was different from so many other stories out there. The format was great and effective and the story was compelling. And even if you only have a passing or mild interest in baseball, I would recommend this book. It made me feel that if the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn I might cheer them on, (but only if they weren't playing the Red Sox. I mean a girl has to have standards, right?)