Calico Joe

John Grisham was born in Mississippi and grew up playing the game of baseball. Grisham definitely knows the game of baseball since he played for Delta State University until he was cut by coach Boo Ferriss. Although Grisham never made it to the big leagues, he definitely knows how to write a good book. Grisham has written many other novels, but Calico Joe is his first about baseball. According to Grisham, Warren is the main instigator, or antagonist, in the book while Joe and Paul are protagonists.
In the book Calico Joe, Grisham points out the arrogance and jealousy of Warren. Warren was a bad father. He constantly yelled at Paul after baseball games, and he even hit him several times. After the Mets would play, Warren would be drunk and would not come home for a day or two. Warren was self-centered; he thought everyone should respect him since he played major league baseball. Fatherly figures do not need to be selfish, arrogant, or abusive. Warren is a bad example of how to rear children or show good sportsmanship. He intentionally hit Joe Castle in the head and then claimed that it was an accident. Joe, on the other hand, showed good sportsmanship throughout his short baseball career. He was not extremely cocky or proud, and he dominated on the baseball field. His stats were very impressive, unlike Warren’s. Joe played minor league baseball before he was moved to the majors. Since he was so successful many people envied his success, including Warren. He was idolized by many including Paul. In the book, Paul does not take after his father Warren. Instead, he seems to be more mature and wants to seek an arranged meeting between Warren and Joe. Paul disliked his father throughout the book, but looked up to Joe as an example. The...

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On a scale of one to ten, this book would be an eight since the ending was somewhat slower than the rest of the book. The book is relevant to society today because it explains the difficulties families can face when one member is self absorbed. Warren’s actions caused Paul and many Cubs fans to hate him. Paul could hardly say his name in Calico Rock since he was afraid of what might happen. The book is different from today’s society, however, since baseball records are difficult to break. Many records that stand today are old and new stars to baseball usually do not enter their prime as a rookie. The book can relate well to readers who play sports and understand the game of baseball. Baseball statistics and home runs may bore other people since they have no interest in the subject. All in all, Grisham wrote a great book about baseball and family issues.