Book chat

Just finished the new Michael Holley book entitled Red Sox Rule. Quick read at just over 200 pages. Book examines the forces (Grady Little) that enabled Terry Francona to be hired as Red Sox manager and the experiences (MLB dad, star player in college, injury in the majors and managing in the minors and majors) that made him the man he is today.

Personally, I have always been an admirer of Francona. He seems like a good guy that always says that right thing at the right time. Throw in the fact that he has won two World Series titles in four years and how can you not like him.

Best part of the book was his experience managing Michael Jordan in the minors and the Arizona Fall League. I won't ruin the book for those that will read it but Jordan competes in everything. Also, there is some insight into Francona's frustrating relationship with Manny. The best word to describe Manny is aloof.

Overall, a good book.

Other Red Sox books that I have read and enjoyed:

• Red Sox Century by Glenn Stout and Robert Johnson -- this is the definitive history of the franchise. Each year is documented. If you are a serious fan this is a must read.
• Feeding The Monster by Seth Mnookin -- interesting look behind the scenes of how the Sox are run. You get to know Theo very well here.
• The Teammates by David Halberstam -- for Sox fans of all ages but especially those during the Ted Williams years. I felt sad for Teddy after reading this one.
• The Science of Hitting by Ted Williams -- this is a must for people wanting to understand the complexities of hitting. Other than that avoid.
• For Red Sox Fans Only! by Richard Wolfe -- this one was disappointing. Collection of stories about people and their beloved Sox. If you heard one "Now I can die peace" story you've heard them all.
• Reversing the Curse by Dan Shaughnessy -- the best of the post 2004 World Series books. If you ever read the original, which is also very good, you must read this one. Goes along with the HBO special of the same name but more in depth.
• The Legend of Wally the Green Monster by Maxwell Carey and Marilyn Mase -- great kids book. I assume many people have bought this for a young Red Sox reader.
• Faithful by Stewart O'Nan and Stephen King -- this is so bad it is readable. Two guys with great seats at Fenway chronicle their 2004 season. King, who is that Stephen King, trades emails with an author who I have never heard of complaining about how 2004 is going to be just another year. Best part is when King totally gives up on the Sox after Game Three (19-8) of the ALCS. To hear these two struggle with being Sox fans and know the happy ending is the only thing that kept me reading.

Two books that I want to read are A Tale of Two Cities by Tony Massarotti and John Harper and the Jason Varitek and Massarotti collobaration entitled Dynasty: The inside story of how the Boston Red Sox became a baseball powerhouse.

Anyone have other suggestions for our book chat?