A Season of Miracles: A Novel

Rusty Whitener
Kregel Publications (2010)
ISBN 9780825441912
Reviewed by Tiffany Schlarman for Reader Views (09/10)

 

At some point in our life we all go through a period of time that changes us, molding us into whom we are and who we will be. Throughout the rest of our life from that point on we are able to recall this time period and replay its significance. In the summer of 1971 Zack Ross had this remarkable life-changing moment in time. “A Season of Miracles” is Zack’s reflection of his 1971 little league season and the events of the summer that changed his life, challenging him to stand out from the crowd, decide for himself, and learn from others. When Zack meets Rafer, a sweet boy whose differences are apparent to all, he takes the first step towards his summer of change and is ultimately given a gift of friendship in its rarest form.

This novel had a spark of enthusiasm mixed with great story, childhood memories, inspiration and, of course, baseball that caught my attention from the first page. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t stop. The author writes with such heartfelt zeal and enthusiasm that it makes the reader feel they are living through the story too. I was amazed at how quickly I became entranced with this novel. It was laugh-out-loud funny at one moment and sweet or tearful at others. I traveled through many emotions while reading “A Season of Miracles” which made the novel even better, in my opinion. The author does an amazing job of writing with clarity. I was able to completely understand the thoughts and feelings of Zack and his teammates. Even though I have never been a 12-year-old boy, I felt like I was able to identify with him through the author’s writing.

This book was moving, entertaining and inspirational; I could not give a high enough recommendation for it. When I sat down to read this I did not expect what I was about to receive. I wasn’t reading just a novel; I was reading a story with wisdom, love and fondness. I was witnessing that moment in life when you realize life is bigger than your current situation. For Zack and his teammates the lesson was learned through baseball and their friend Rafer. “A Season of Miracles” is a must read. It is not just a story of baseball, it is so much more. This novel will be part of my permanent library and I will read it again. I am quite sure I will learn something different each time I re-read this novel. It was a wonderful, highly recommended read.

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