John Grisham Books Baseball

John Grisham Books & Baseball: A Winning Combination

Introduction:

Are you a fan of both John Grisham’s legal thrillers and the electrifying world of baseball? Then you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide dives deep into the fascinating intersection of these two seemingly disparate worlds, exploring how the beloved author weaves baseball into his narratives, the symbolism it represents, and the specific books where the sport takes center stage. We'll analyze the subtle and overt references, unravel the deeper meanings, and ultimately reveal why baseball serves as such a powerful and resonant element in Grisham's captivating storytelling. Get ready to step up to the plate and discover a whole new appreciation for both the author and America's pastime!


1. Baseball as a Microcosm of Society in Grisham's Novels:

John Grisham often uses baseball as more than just a backdrop; he employs it as a microcosm of American society. The inherent structure of the game – with its rules, teamwork, individual performance, and inherent drama – mirrors the complexities of the legal system and the human condition. The intense competition, the pressure to perform under scrutiny, and the ethical dilemmas faced by players frequently parallel the challenges faced by lawyers in Grisham's novels. The triumphs and failures on the diamond become metaphors for success and failure in life and in the courtroom. Consider the parallels between a carefully planned legal strategy and a perfectly executed baseball play. Both require meticulous planning, teamwork, and a degree of calculated risk.

2. The All-American Symbolism of Baseball in Grisham's Works:

Baseball, deeply ingrained in American culture, represents ideals such as fair play, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Grisham leverages this potent symbolism to enrich his narratives. The nostalgia associated with the game allows him to evoke a sense of simpler times, contrasting it with the often corrupt and cynical realities he portrays in the legal world. This juxtaposition strengthens the themes of justice, morality, and the struggle against powerful forces. The clean imagery of a baseball game acts as a stark counterpoint to the often morally ambiguous world Grisham depicts.

3. Specific John Grisham Books Featuring Prominent Baseball Elements:

While baseball isn't always the central plot point, several of Grisham's books feature the sport in significant ways, either as a recurring motif or a crucial element to character development. These books often use baseball to reveal aspects of the protagonist's personality or to provide a glimpse into the societal context of the story. These books often showcase the struggles of ordinary people against overwhelming odds. Analyzing these appearances reveals Grisham's clever utilization of baseball to enrich and deepen his storytelling.

4. Baseball as a Character Development Tool:

Grisham utilizes baseball to flesh out his characters' personalities and motivations. A character's love for the game, their skill level, or even their reaction to baseball events can reveal key aspects of their temperament, values, and past experiences. The way a character interacts with the game – be it as a player, a fan, or someone peripherally involved – can provide crucial insights into their worldview and their place within the narrative. The game often acts as a mirror, reflecting the internal struggles of Grisham's protagonists.

5. Thematic Connections Between Baseball and the Legal World:

The parallels between baseball and the legal world are extensive and often subtle. The meticulous planning and strategic thinking required in both fields are explored, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and anticipation. Grisham often highlights the pressure-cooker environments found in both sports and the law, where decisions must be made under duress. The emphasis on fair play in both is crucial. The author often uses the unfairness in baseball scenarios as an echo of the larger societal and legal injustices he frequently portrays.

6. The Use of Baseball Metaphors and Imagery:

Grisham skillfully incorporates baseball metaphors and imagery into his narratives, enriching the reading experience and providing layers of meaning. These metaphors and imagery reinforce the themes discussed earlier, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement with the story. A well-placed baseball metaphor can encapsulate a complex situation concisely, adding to the narrative's dramatic impact.

7. Baseball's Role in Creating Atmosphere and Setting:

Baseball's powerful ability to set the scene and mood is effectively exploited. The sounds, smells, and visual cues associated with baseball stadiums and games are skillfully used to immerse the reader in the setting, making it feel tangible and real. The environment of a ballpark can mirror the tension and drama of the courtroom, creating a sense of anticipation.


Book Analysis: A Hypothetical Example – "The Case of the Crooked Catcher"

This is a fictional example to illustrate how baseball could be integrated into a Grisham novel.

Outline:

Introduction: Introduces Jake "Fingers" Malone, a washed-up minor league catcher with a gambling problem, who stumbles upon a major conspiracy involving a powerful baseball executive.
Main Chapters:
Malone's life as a struggling catcher and his descent into gambling.
The discovery of evidence pointing to corruption within the team’s ownership.
Malone's involvement with a tenacious young lawyer determined to expose the truth.
The legal battle against powerful figures, revealing the dark side of professional sports.
The climax, where Malone and the lawyer must decide whether to expose the truth or keep quiet and accept the consequences.
Conclusion: Explores the themes of justice, redemption, and the corrupting influence of power, using the resolution of the baseball conspiracy as a metaphor for the larger societal injustices the book addresses.


Detailed Explanation of Outline Points:

Each chapter above would be expanded to create a detailed plot. The struggles of Malone (and his connection to the gambling underworld) would parallel the challenges faced by those fighting against powerful interests in the legal world. The lawyer would be modeled similarly to Grisham's common protagonists – those with a moral compass, fighting against those with the advantages of wealth and power. The baseball setting would be meticulously described, creating a vivid atmosphere, and mirroring the procedural elements found in many of Grisham’s legal thrillers.



FAQs:

1. Does John Grisham play baseball? There's no public information suggesting John Grisham plays baseball competitively.
2. Are there any biographies of John Grisham that mention his interest in baseball? While his personal life is generally kept private, such details haven't emerged prominently.
3. What is the symbolism of baseball in American culture? Baseball represents ideals of fair play, perseverance, teamwork, and Americana.
4. How does Grisham use setting to enhance his stories? Grisham masters setting to create a tangible and believable atmosphere, often reflecting the story's tone and theme.
5. What are some common themes in John Grisham's novels? Common themes include justice, injustice, corruption, the struggle against power, and moral dilemmas.
6. How does Grisham create suspense in his novels? Grisham builds suspense by escalating conflict, revealing information gradually, and using cliffhangers.
7. What is the typical structure of a Grisham novel? Generally, Grisham follows a straightforward structure with a clear plot, character development, and a satisfying resolution.
8. Are there any critical analyses of Grisham's use of baseball metaphors? While a dedicated analysis solely focused on this aspect might be limited, literary critiques of his works often mention the significance of his setting choices and symbolism.
9. Why is baseball such a fitting backdrop for a legal thriller? The parallels between the strategic planning and high-pressure environment of baseball and the courtroom make for a compelling thematic connection.


Related Articles:

1. John Grisham's Legal Thrillers: A Critical Overview: Examines recurring themes and stylistic choices in his novels.
2. The Use of Setting in John Grisham's Fiction: Focuses on the role of location in creating atmosphere and advancing the plot.
3. Character Archetypes in John Grisham Novels: Analyzes recurring character types and their functions in his narratives.
4. John Grisham's Portrayal of the American Legal System: Explores how his novels reflect the realities (and flaws) of the legal system.
5. The Evolution of John Grisham's Writing Style: Tracks changes in his writing over his career.
6. Comparing John Grisham's Novels to other Legal Thrillers: A comparative analysis of his work within the genre.
7. The Social Commentary in John Grisham's Books: Discusses the socio-political messages embedded in his novels.
8. John Grisham's Influence on the Legal Thriller Genre: Examines his contribution to and impact on the genre.
9. Adapting John Grisham Novels to Film: A comparative analysis of the books and their film adaptations.


  john grisham books baseball: Calico Joe John Grisham, 2013-03-26 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A surprising and moving novel of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption, set in the world of Major League Baseball… “Grisham knocks it out of the park.”—The Washington Post It’s the summer of 1973, and Joe Castle is the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone has ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas, dazzles Chicago Cubs fans as he hits home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shatters all rookie records. Calico Joe quickly becomes the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing New York Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faces Calico Joe, Paul is in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his dad. Then Warren throws a fastball that will change their lives forever. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: 1939, Baseball's Tipping Point Talmage Boston, 2005 Baseball has never had a more important year than 1939, when events and people came together to reshape the game like never before. The author explains why that special year proved to be absolutely pivotal for our national pastime and its greatest heroes, as baseball's golden age met its modern era.
  john grisham books baseball: Daditude Chris Erskine, 2017-04-17 Wise, wry, and witty essays on fatherhood from Chris Erskine, the beloved columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. “Charming, well written, concise, and to the point. Perfect for anyone who enjoys stories of fatherhood.” — Library Journal Life is never peaceful in Chris Erskine's house, what with the four kids, 300-pound beagle, chronically leaky roof, and long-suffering wife, Posh. And that's exactly the way he likes it, except when he doesn't. Every week in the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune (and now and then in many other papers), Erskine distills, mocks, and makes us laugh at the absurdities of suburban fatherhood. And now, he's gathered the very best of these witty and wise essays—and invited his kids (and maybe even Posh) to annotate them with updated commentary, which they promise won't be too snarky. This handsome book is the perfect gift for the father who would have everything—if he hadn't already given it all to his kids.
  john grisham books baseball: A Painted House John Grisham, 2002 Racial tension, a forbidden love affair, and murder are seen through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy in a 1950s Southern cotton-farming community
  john grisham books baseball: The Innocent Man John Grisham, 2010-03-16 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • LOOK FOR THE NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES • “Both an American tragedy and [Grisham’s] strongest legal thriller yet, all the more gripping because it happens to be true.”—Entertainment Weekly John Grisham’s first work of nonfiction: a true crime masterpiece that tells the story of small town justice gone terribly awry. In the Major League draft of 1971, the first player chosen from the state of Oklahoma was Ron Williamson. When he signed with the Oakland A’s, he said goodbye to his hometown of Ada and left to pursue his dreams of big league glory. Six years later he was back, his dreams broken by a bad arm and bad habits. He began to show signs of mental illness. Unable to keep a job, he moved in with his mother and slept twenty hours a day on her sofa. In 1982, a twenty-one-year-old cocktail waitress in Ada named Debra Sue Carter was raped and murdered, and for five years the police could not solve the crime. For reasons that were never clear, they suspected Ron Williamson and his friend Dennis Fritz. The two were finally arrested in 1987 and charged with capital murder. With no physical evidence, the prosecution’s case was built on junk science and the testimony of jailhouse snitches and convicts. Dennis Fritz was found guilty and given a life sentence. Ron Williamson was sent to death row. If you believe that in America you are innocent until proven guilty, this book will shock you. If you believe in the death penalty, this book will disturb you. If you believe the criminal justice system is fair, this book will infuriate you. Don’t miss Framed, John Grisham’s first work of nonfiction since The Innocent Man, co-authored with Centurion Ministries founder Jim McCloskey.
  john grisham books baseball: Bleachers John Grisham, 2011-12-27 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • High school all-American Neely Crenshaw was probably the best quarterback ever to play for the legendary Messina Spartans. Fifteen years have gone by since those glory days, and Neely has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake, the man who molded the Spartans into an unbeatable football dynasty. Now, as Coach Rake’s “boys” sit in the bleachers waiting for the dimming field lights to signal his passing, they replay the old games, relive the old glories, and try to decide once and for all whether they love Eddie Rake – or hate him. For Neely Crenshaw, a man who must finally forgive his coach – and himself – before he can get on with his life, the stakes are especially high. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: Sooley John Grisham, 2021-04-27 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • John Grisham takes you to a different kind of court in his first basketball novel. Samuel “Sooley” Sooleymon is a raw, young talent with big hoop dreams—and even bigger challenges off the court. “Hard to put down ... the pages turn quickly ... building to a climax that won’t leave readers doubting whether this is a John Grisham novel.” —Associated Press In the summer of his seventeenth year, Sam­uel Sooleymon gets the chance of a lifetime: a trip to the United States with his South Sudanese teammates to play in a showcase basket­ball tournament. He has never been away from home, nor has he ever been on an airplane. The opportunity to be scouted by dozens of college coaches is a dream come true. Samuel is an amazing athlete, with speed, quick­ness, and an astonishing vertical leap. The rest of his game, though, needs work, and the American coaches are less than impressed. During the tournament, Samuel receives dev­astating news from home: A civil war is raging across South Sudan, and rebel troops have ran­sacked his village. His father is dead, his sister is missing, and his mother and two younger brothers are in a refugee camp. Samuel desperately wants to go home, but it’s just not possible. Partly out of sympathy, the coach of North Carolina Central offers him a scholar­ship. Samuel moves to Durham, enrolls in classes, joins the team, and prepares to sit out his freshman season. There is plenty of more mature talent and he isn’t immediately needed. But Samuel has something no other player has: a fierce determination to succeed so he can bring his family to America. He works tirelessly on his game, shooting baskets every morning at dawn by himself in the gym, and soon he’s dominating everyone in practice. With the Central team los­ing and suffering injury after injury, Sooley, as he is nicknamed, is called off the bench. And the legend begins. But how far can Sooley take his team? And will success allow him to save his family? Gripping and moving, Sooley showcases John Grisham’s unparalleled storytelling powers in a whole new light. This is Grisham at the top of his game. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: The Appeal John Grisham, 2010-03-16 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In a crowded courtroom in Mississippi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town’s water supply, causing the worst “cancer cluster” in history. The company appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, whose nine justices will one day either approve the verdict—or reverse it. The chemical company is owned by a Wall Street predator named Carl Trudeau, and Mr. Trudeau is convinced the Court is not friendly enough to his interests. With judicial elections looming, he decides to try to purchase himself a seat on the Court. The cost is a few million dollars, a drop in the bucket for a billionaire like Mr. Trudeau. Through an intricate web of conspiracy and deceit, his political operatives recruit a young, unsuspecting candidate. They finance him, manipulate him, market him, and mold him into a potential Supreme Court justice. Their Supreme Court justice. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: Playing for Pizza John Grisham, 2010-03-16 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • After providing what is arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL, third-string quarterback Rick Dockery becomes a national laughingstock. Cut by the Cleveland Browns, and shunned by every other team, Rick insists that his agent find a team that does need him. Against enormous odds, Rick lands a job—as the starting quarterback for the Mighty Panthers ... of Parma, Italy. The Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player—any former NFL player—at their helm. And now they’ve got Rick, who knows nothing about Parma (not even where it is) and doesn’t speak a word of Italian. To say that Italy—the land of fine wines, extremely small cars, and football americano—holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: Play Ball! the Story of Little League Baseball Lance Van Auken, Robin Van Auken, 2018-06-26 Bestselling History of Little League Baseball and the Little League Baseball World Series.
  john grisham books baseball: The Rooster Bar John Grisham, 2017-10-24 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • John Grisham’s newest legal thriller takes you inside a law firm that’s on shaky ground. Mark, Todd, and Zola came to law school to change the world, to make it a better place. But now, as third-year students, these close friends realize they have been duped. They all borrowed heavily to attend a third-tier, for-profit law school so mediocre that its graduates rarely pass the bar exam, let alone get good jobs. And when they learn that their school is one of a chain owned by a shady New York hedge-fund operator who also happens to own a bank specializing in student loans, the three know they have been caught up in The Great Law School Scam. But maybe there's a way out. Maybe there’s a way to escape their crushing debt, expose the bank and the scam, and make a few bucks in the process. But to do so, they would first have to quit school. And leaving law school a few short months before graduation would be completely crazy, right? Well, yes and no ... Pull up a stool, grab a cold one, and get ready to spend some time at The Rooster Bar. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: Camino Island John Grisham, 2017-06-06 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Soak up the sun—and the intrigue—with the first novel in John Grisham’s beloved Camino series. “A happy lark [that] provides the pleasure of a leisurely jaunt periodically jolted into high gear, just for the fun and speed of it.”—The New York Times Book Review A gang of thieves stage a daring heist from a secure vault deep below Princeton University’s Firestone Library. Their loot is priceless, but Princeton has insured it for twenty-five million dollars. Bruce Cable owns a popular bookstore in the sleepy resort town of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. He makes his real money, though, as a prominent dealer in rare books. Very few people know that he occasionally dabbles in the black market of stolen books and manuscripts. Mercer Mann is a young novelist with a severe case of writer’s block who has recently been laid off from her teaching position. She is approached by an elegant, mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. A generous offer of money convinces Mercer to go undercover and infiltrate Bruce Cable’s circle of literary friends, ideally getting close enough to him to learn his secrets. But eventually Mercer learns far too much, and there’s trouble in paradise as only John Grisham can deliver it. Look for all of John Grisham’s rollicking Camino novels: Camino Island Camino Winds Camino Ghosts
  john grisham books baseball: The Chamber John Grisham, 1997
  john grisham books baseball: Sometimes You See It Coming Kevin Baker, 2009-10-13 Based in part on the life of baseball legend Ty Cobb, this book belongs in the pantheon of great baseball novels. John Barr is the kind of player who isn't supposed to exist anymore. An all-around superstar, he plays the game with a single-minded ferocity that makes his New York Mets team all but invincible. Yet Barr himself is a mystery with no past, no friends, no women, and no interests outside hitting a baseball as hard and as far as he can. Not even Ellie Jay, the jaded sportswriter who can out-think, out-drink, and out-write any man in the press box. She wants to think she admires Barr's skill on a ballfield, but suspects she might be in love with a man who isn't really there. Barr leads the Mets to one championship after another. Then chaos arrives in the person of new manager Charli Stanzi, well-known psychopath. Under Stanzi's tutelage, the team simply falls apart. Then Barr himself inexplicably starts to unravel. For the first time in his life, his formidable skills fail him, and only Ellie Jay and another can help - if he will let them. Hanging in the balance are his sanity, the World Series, and true love.
  john grisham books baseball: Paradise Alley Kevin Baker, 2009-03-17 They came by boat from a starving land—and by the Underground Railroad from Southern chains—seeking refuge in a crowded, filthy corner of hell at the bottom of a great metropolis. But in the terrible July of 1863, the poor and desperate of Paradise Alley would face a new catastrophe—as flames from the war that was tearing America in two reached out to set their city on fire.
  john grisham books baseball: A Time for Mercy John Grisham, 2020-10-13 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Jake Brigance is back! The hero of A Time to Kill, one of the most popular novels of our time, returns in a courtroom drama that The New York Times says is riveting and suspenseful. Clanton, Mississippi. 1990. Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid sixteen-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy. Many in Clanton want a swift trial and the death penalty, but Brigance digs in and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Jake’s fierce commitment to saving Drew from the gas chamber puts his career, his financial security, and the safety of his family on the line. In what may be the most personal and accomplished legal thriller of John Grisham’s storied career, we deepen our acquaintance with the iconic Southern town of Clanton and the vivid cast of characters that so many readers know and cherish. The result is a richly rewarding novel that is both timely and timeless, full of wit, drama, and—most of all—heart. Bursting with all the courthouse scheming, small-town intrigue, and stunning plot twists that have become the hallmarks of the master of the legal thriller, A Time for Mercy is John Grisham’s most powerful courtroom drama yet. There is a time to kill and a time for justice. Now comes A Time for Mercy. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: Witness to a Trial John Grisham, 2016-09-27 A startling and original courtroom drama from New York Times #1 Best Seller John Grisham that is the prequel to his newest legal thriller, The Whistler. An Original E-Short. A judge’s first murder trial. A defense attorney in over his head. A prosecutor out for blood and glory. The accused, who is possibly innocent. And the killer, who may have just committed the perfect crime. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: The Judge's List John Grisham, 2021-10-19 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Investigator Lacy Stoltz follows the trail of a serial killer, and closes in on a shocking suspect—a sitting judge—in “one of the best crime reads of the year.... Bristling with high-tech detail and shivering with suspense.... Worth staying up all night to finish” (Wall Street Journal). In The Whistler, Lacy Stoltz investigated a corrupt judge who was taking millions in bribes from a crime syndicate. She put the criminals away, but only after being attacked and nearly killed. Three years later, and approaching forty, she is tired of her work for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct and ready for a change. Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims. Suspicions are easy enough, but proof seems impossible. The man is brilliant, patient, and always one step ahead of law enforcement. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law. He is a judge, in Florida—under Lacy’s jurisdiction. He has a list, with the names of his victims and targets, all unsuspecting people unlucky enough to have crossed his path and wronged him in some way. How can Lacy pursue him, without becoming the next name on his list? The Judge’s List is by any measure John Grisham’s most surprising, chilling novel yet. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: Wait Till Next Year Doris Kearns Goodwin, 2009-11-24 By the award-winning author of Team of Rivals and The Bully Pulpit, Wait Till Next Year is Doris Kearns Goodwin’s touching memoir of growing up in love with her family and baseball. Set in the suburbs of New York in the 1950s, Wait Till Next Year re-creates the postwar era, when the corner store was a place to share stories and neighborhoods were equally divided between Dodger, Giant, and Yankee fans. We meet the people who most influenced Goodwin’s early life: her mother, who taught her the joy of books but whose debilitating illness left her housebound: and her father, who taught her the joy of baseball and to root for the Dodgers of Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, and Gil Hodges. Most important, Goodwin describes with eloquence how the Dodgers’ leaving Brooklyn in 1957, and the death of her mother soon after, marked both the end of an era and, for her, the end of childhood.
  john grisham books baseball: Heart of a Champion Carl Deuker, 2009-05-01 Jimmy Winter is a born star on the baseball field, and Seth Barnam can only dream of being as talented. Still, the two baseball fanatics have the kind of friendship that should last forever. But when Seth experiences an unthinkable loss, he's forced to find his own personal strength--on and off the field. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults An ALA Best Book for Reluctant Readers A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Book of the Year
  john grisham books baseball: Marine Tom Clancy, 1996-11-01 An in-depth look at the United States Marine Corps-in the New York Times bestselling tradition of Submarine, Armored Cav, and Fighter Wing Only the best of the best can be Marines. And only Tom Clancy can tell their story--the fascinating real-life facts more compelling than any fiction. Clancy presents a unique insider's look at the most hallowed branch of the Armed Forces, and the men and women who serve on America's front lines. Marine includes: An interview with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles Chuck Krulak The tools and technology of the Marine Expeditionary Unit The role of the Marines in the present and future world An in-depth look at recruitment and training Exclusive photographs, illustrations, and diagrams
  john grisham books baseball: The Clockwork Dynasty Daniel H. Wilson, 2017-08-01 An ingenious thriller that follows a race of human-like machines that have been hiding among us for untold centuries—from the New York Times bestselling author of Robopocalypse. [A] fantastic hybrid of Highlander and The Terminator…. It reads like classic steampunk on steroids. —Ernest Cline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ready Player Two Present day: When a young anthropologist specializing in ancient technology uncovers a terrible secret concealed in the workings of a three-hundred-year-old mechanical doll, she is thrown into a hidden world that lurks just under the surface of our own. With her career and her life at stake, June Stefanov will ally with a remarkable traveler who exposes her to a reality she never imagined, as they embark on an around-the-world adventure and discover breathtaking secrets of the past… Russia, 1725: In the depths of the Kremlin, the tsar’s loyal mechanician brings to life two astonishingly humanlike mechanical beings. Peter and Elena are a brother and sister fallen out of time, possessed with uncanny power, and destined to serve great empires. Struggling to blend into pre-Victorian society, they are pulled into a legendary war that has raged for centuries. The Clockwork Dynasty seamlessly interweaves past and present, exploring a race of beings designed to live by ironclad principles, yet constantly searching for meaning. As June plunges deeper into their world, her choices will ultimately determine their survival or extermination. Richly-imagined and heart-pounding, Daniel H. Wilson’s novel expertly draws on his robotics and science background, combining exquisitely drawn characters with visionary technology—and riveting action.
  john grisham books baseball: The Whistler John Grisham, 2017-07-11 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A high-stakes thrill ride through the darkest corners of the Sunshine State, from the author hailed as “the best thriller writer alive” by Ken Follett We expect our judges to be honest and wise. Their integrity is the bedrock of the entire judicial system. We trust them to ensure fair trials, to protect the rights of all litigants, to punish those who do wrong, and to oversee the flow of justice. But what happens when a judge bends the law or takes a bribe? Lacy Stoltz is an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. It is her job to respond to complaints dealing with judicial misconduct. After nine years with the Board, she knows that most problems are caused by incompetence, not corruption. But a corruption case eventually crosses her desk. A previously disbarred lawyer is back in business, and he claims to know of a Florida judge who has stolen more money than all other crooked judges combined. And not just crooked judges in Florida. All judges, from all states, and throughout United States history. And now he wants to put a stop to it. His only client is a person who knows the truth and wants to blow the whistle and collect millions under Florida law. When the case is assigned to Lacy, she immediately suspects that this one could be dangerous. Dangerous is one thing. Deadly is something else. “[A] main character [who’s] a seriously appealing woman . . . a whistle-blower who secretly calls attention to corruption . . . a strong and frightening sense of place . . . [John Grisham’s] on his game.”—Janet Maslin, The New York Times “[John Grisham is] our guide to the byways and backwaters of our legal system, superb in particular at ferreting out its vulnerabilities and dramatizing their abuse in gripping style.”—USA Today “Riveting . . . an elaborate conspiracy.”—The New York Times Book Review Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM, coming soon!
  john grisham books baseball: The Rainmaker John Grisham, 2010-03-16 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A taut and terrific page-turner” (Entertainment Weekly) from the master of the courtroom thriller “Great fun to read . . . The complex plotting is Grisham’s major accomplishment.”—Los Angeles Times In development as a USA Network series starring John Slattery It’s summer in Memphis. The sweat is sticking to Rudy Baylor’s shirt and creditors are nipping at his heels. Once he had aspirations of breezing through law school and punching his ticket to the good life. Now he doesn’t have a job or a prayer—except for one: an insurance dispute that leaves a family devastated and opens the door for a lawsuit, if Rudy can find a way to file it. By the time Rudy gets to court, a heavyweight corporate defense team is there to meet him. And suddenly he’s in over his head, plunged into a nightmare of lies and legal maneuverings. A case that started small is exploding into a thunderous million-dollar war of nerves, skill, and outright violence—a fight that could cost one young lawyer his life, or turn him into the biggest rainmaker in the land.
  john grisham books baseball: Rogue Lawyer John Grisham, 2016-07-26 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Featuring one of John Grisham’s most colorful, outrageous, and vividly drawn characters yet, Rogue Lawyer showcases the master of the legal thriller at his very best. On the right side of the law—sort of—Sebastian Rudd is not your typical street lawyer. His office is a customized bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, and fine leather chairs. He has no firm, no partners, and only one employee: his heavily armed driver, who also so happens to be his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddie. Sebastian drinks small-batch bourbon and carries a gun. He defends people other lawyers won’t go near: a drug-addled, tattooed kid rumored to be in a satanic cult; a vicious crime lord on death row; a homeowner arrested for shooting at a SWAT team that mistakenly invaded his house. Why these clients? Because Sebastian believes everyone is entitled to a fair trial—even if he has to bend the law to secure one. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM, coming soon!
  john grisham books baseball: Pennant Race Jim Brosnan, 2016-03-15 “Brosnan obviously knows his baseball, writes about it wittily, informally and with irony. He is a cynical, tough professional athlete and his book makes wonderful reading.”—New Yorker From the author of The Long Season—considered by many to be the greatest baseball book of all time—comes another classic sports memoir by legendary pitcher Jim Brosnan, which chronicles how his team, the Cincinnati Reds, went on to win the 1961 National League pennant. In Pennant Race, Brosnan—with his trademark wise-guy wit and plain-spoken practicality—once again offers a refreshingly candid alternative to hackneyed baseball mythologizing. Day by day, game by game, Brosnan reveals the real lives of professional ballplayers: their exhilaration and frustration, hope and despair, chronic worry over job security, playful camaraderie, world-weary cynicism, and boyish—if cautious—optimism. Although the Reds would ultimately lose the World Series to the Yankees, for Brosnan and his teammates, this was a winning season. Pennant Race vividly captures a remarkable year in the life of a ball club and the golden age of one of Major League Baseball’s most memorable eras.
  john grisham books baseball: The Delicate Storm Giles Blunt, 2010-08-27 Book 2 in the John Cardinal series When the dismembered corpse of an American tourist turns up half-eatenby bears near Algonquin Bay, Detective John Cardinal is assigned to thecase. Without a solid lead, and with the RCMP and CSIS involved,Cardinal is forced to band together with his nemesis, Sergeant MalcolmMusgrave, to untangle the deceit and cover-ups surrounding the case. Thena well-respected local woman is found frozen under a glaze of ice in thewoods, and Cardinal realizes that the two very different murders may well beconnected. Working closely with his trusted colleague, Detective Lise Delorme, to whomhe feels a dangerous attraction, Cardinal fights his emotions and a relentless icestorm only to uncover a knot of lies and conspiracies that go back more thanthirty years and extend to the highest reaches of Canadian intelligence.
  john grisham books baseball: For the Good of the Game Bud Selig, Phil Rogers, 2019-07-09 A New York Times bestseller Foreword by Doris Kearns Goodwin The longtime Commissioner of Major League Baseball provides an unprecedented look inside professional baseball today, focusing on how he helped bring the game into the modern age and revealing his interactions with players, managers, fellow owners, and fans nationwide. More than a century old, the game of baseball is resistant to change—owners, managers, players, and fans all hate it. Yet, now more than ever, baseball needs to evolve—to compete with other professional sports, stay relevant, and remain America’s Pastime it must adapt. Perhaps no one knows this better than Bud Selig who, as the head of MLB for more than twenty years, ushered in some of the most important, and controversial, changes in the game’s history—modernizing a sport that had remained unchanged since the 1960s. In this enlightening and surprising book, Selig goes inside the most difficult decisions and moments of his career, looking at how he worked to balance baseball’s storied history with the pressures of the twenty-first century to ensure its future. Part baseball story, part business saga, and part memoir, For the Good of the Game chronicles Selig’s career, takes fans inside locker rooms and board rooms, and offers an intimate, fascinating account of the frequently messy process involved in transforming an American institution. Featuring an all-star lineup of the biggest names from the last forty years of baseball, Selig recalls the vital games, private moments, and tense conversations he’s shared with Hall of Fame players and managers and the contentious calls he’s made. He also speaks candidly about hot-button issues the steroid scandal that threatened to destroy the game, telling his side of the story in full and for the first time. As he looks back and forward, Selig outlines the stakes for baseball’s continued transformation—and why the changes he helped usher in must only be the beginning. Illustrated with sixteen pages of photographs.
  john grisham books baseball: See You at Harry's Jo Knowles, 2012-05-08 Starting middle school brings all the usual challenges — until the unthinkable happens, and Fern and her family must find a way to heal. Twelve-year-old Fern feels invisible. It seems as though everyone in her family has better things to do than pay attention to her: Mom (when she’s not meditating) helps Dad run the family restaurant; Sarah is taking a gap year after high school; and Holden pretends that Mom and Dad and everyone else doesn’t know he’s gay, even as he fends off bullies at school. Then there’s Charlie: three years old, a “surprise” baby, the center of everyone’s world. He’s devoted to Fern, but he’s annoying, too, always getting his way, always dirty, always commanding attention. If it wasn’t for Ran, Fern’s calm and positive best friend, there’d be nowhere to turn. Ran’s mantra, “All will be well,” is soothing in a way that nothing else seems to be. And when Ran says it, Fern can almost believe it’s true. But then tragedy strikes- and Fern feels not only more alone than ever, but also responsible for the accident that has wrenched her family apart. All will not be well. Or at least all will never be the same.
  john grisham books baseball: Three Nights in August H. G. Bissinger, Buzz Bissinger, 2006 The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Friday Nights Lights chronicles a three-game series between baseball rivals Cardinals and Cubs, focusing particular attention on the stars of the game, Albert Pujols, Sammy Sosa, Mark Prior, and Scott Rolen. Reprint.
  john grisham books baseball: The Broker John Grisham, 2010-03-16 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA. It seems Backman, in his power broker heyday, may have obtained secrets that compromise the world’s most sophisticated satellite surveillance system. Backman is quietly smuggled out of the country in a military cargo plane, given a new name, a new identity, and a new home in Italy. Eventually, after he has settled into his new life, the CIA will leak his whereabouts to the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis. Then the CIA will do what it does best: sit back and watch. The question is not whether Backman will survive—there is no chance of that. The question the CIA needs answered is, who will kill him? Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: The Testament John Grisham, 2005-09-27 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In a plush Virginia office, a rich, angry old man is furiously rewriting his will. With his death just hours away, Troy Phelan wants to send a message to his children, his ex-wives, and his minions—a message that will touch off a vicious legal battle and transform dozens of lives. Because Troy Phelan’s new will names a sole surprise heir to his eleven-billion-dollar fortune: a mysterious woman named Rachel Lane, a missionary living deep in the jungles of Brazil. Enter the lawyers. Nate O’Riley is fresh out of rehab, a disgraced corporate attorney handpicked for his last job: to find Rachel Lane at any cost. As Phelan’s family circles like vultures in D.C., Nate goes crashing through the Brazilian jungle, entering a world where money means nothing, where death is just one misstep away, and where a woman—pursued by enemies and friends alike—holds a stunning surprise of her own. Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
  john grisham books baseball: K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches Tyler Kepner, 2019-04-02 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From The New York Times baseball columnist, an enchanting, enthralling history of the national pastime as told through the craft of pitching, based on years of archival research and interviews with more than three hundred people from Hall of Famers to the stars of today. The baseball is an amazing plaything. We can grip it and hold it so many different ways, and even the slightest calibration can turn an ordinary pitch into a weapon to thwart the greatest hitters in the world. Each pitch has its own history, evolving through the decades as the masters pass it down to the next generation. From the earliest days of the game, when Candy Cummings dreamed up the curveball while flinging clamshells on a Brooklyn beach, pitchers have never stopped innovating. In K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches, Tyler Kepner traces the colorful stories and fascinating folklore behind the ten major pitches. Each chapter highlights a different pitch, from the blazing fastball to the fluttering knuckleball to the slippery spitball. Infusing every page with infectious passion for the game, Kepner brings readers inside the minds of combatants sixty feet, six inches apart. Filled with priceless insights from many of the best pitchers in baseball history--from Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, and Nolan Ryan to Greg Maddux, Mariano Rivera, and Clayton Kershaw--K will be the definitive book on pitching and join such works as The Glory of Their Times and Moneyball as a classic of the genre.
  john grisham books baseball: Camino Winds John Grisham, 2021-01-07 The Sunday Times bestseller from international bestseller John Grisham. Is a Perfect Storm the Perfect Time for a Murder? 'Another gem from John Grisham' Observer When Hurricane Leo threatens Florida's Camino Island, the Governor is quick to issue an evacuation order. Most residents flee but a small group of diehards decide to ride it out. Amongst them is Bruce Cable, proprietor of Bay Books in downtown Santa Rosa. The hurricane is devastating: homes and condos are levelled, hotels and storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people are killed. One of the victims is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce's who wrote timely political thrillers. But evidence suggests that the storm wasn't the cause of Nelson's death - he had received several mysterious blows to the head. Who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed with the aftermath of the storm and in no condition to handle the case. Bruce begins to wonder if the shady characters in Nelson's novels were more fact than fiction. And somewhere on Nelson's computer is the manuscript of his new novel - could the key to the case be right there, in black and white? Bruce starts to look into it and what he finds between the lines is more shocking than any of Nelson's plot twists - and far more dangerous. Gripping, compelling and pacy, this exceptional thriller from international bestseller John Grisham is the perfect escapist read this summer. Praise for Camino Winds: 'In American icon John Grisham's new novel, Camino Winds, an odd assortment of mystery and crime authors, some of them felons themselves, discover one of their colleagues has been murdered during the fury of a massive hurricane-the perfect crime scene' Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing 'The Camino Island series, featuring trouble-prone bookseller Bruce Cable, is a perfect escapist mix of detective action, insider riffs on the literary world - and even a little romance' Mail on Sunday 'Camino Winds has all the usual Grisham hallmarks - a pacy plot and tension-filled scenes' Independent 'Another compelling read from Grisham, and will satisfy old fans and please new readers alike' Press Association 'The novel has enough plot twists to keep you engaged' The Herald 350+ million copies, 45 languages, 9 blockbuster films: NO ONE WRITES DRAMA LIKE JOHN GRISHAM
  john grisham books baseball: Soar Joan Bauer, 2016-01-05 Newbery Honor–winner Joan Bauer's newest protagonist always sees the positive side of any situation—and readers will cheer him on! Jeremiah is the world’s biggest baseball fan. He really loves baseball and he knows just about everything there is to know about his favorite sport. So when he’s told he can’t play baseball following an operation on his heart, Jeremiah decides he’ll do the next best thing and become a coach. Hillcrest, where Jeremiah and his father Walt have just moved, is a town known for its championship baseball team. But Jeremiah finds the town caught up in a scandal and about ready to give up on baseball. It’s up to Jeremiah and his can-do spirit to get the town – and the team – back in the game. Full of humor, heart, and baseball lore, Soar is Joan Bauer at her best.
  john grisham books baseball: The Secret History of Balls Josh Chetwynd, 2011-05-03 You may fancy yourself a sports fan, but chances are you don't know: A fish eyeball was used as the center of some nineteenth-century baseballs The race to make better billiard balls led to the invention of plastics The Nerf ball was originally created to be part of a board game featuring cavemen Balls are the unsung heroes of sports. They are smacked, flung, dribbled, crushed, thrown, and kicked. They're usually only the subject of scrutiny when something goes wrong: a tear, the application of an illegal foreign substance, or a dent from overuse. Nevertheless, if you're watching nearly any major sporting event from around the world, you're likely following the ball wondering where it will go next... The Secret History of Balls mines the stories and lore of sports and recreation to offer insight into 60 balls-whether they're hollow, solid, full of air, or stuffed with twine or made of leather, metal, rubber, plastic, or polyurethane-that give us joy on playing fields and in every arena from backyards to stadiums around the globe.
  john grisham books baseball: The Universal Baseball Association, Inc., J. Henry Waugh, Prop Robert Coover, 1992-01
  john grisham books baseball: Castle in The Air Donald E. Westlake, 2021-03-30 The Italian Job meets Ocean’s Eleven in “the kookiest . . . craziest” crime caper ever written by crime fiction Grandmaster Donald Westlake (New York Times). Four teams of international thieves race through Paris to steal a king’s ransom from the walls of a disassembled castle. When four groups of international heist artists team up to pull off the theft of the century—stealing an entire castle, and the treasure hidden in its walls—what could possibly go wrong? Well, consider this: none of the master thieves speak each other’s languages . . . and no one knows precisely where the loot is stashed . . . and every one of them wants to steal it all for him or herself. It’s Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Donald E. Westlake at his wildest, a breathless slapstick chase through the streets of Paris only one step ahead of the law—and each other.
  john grisham books baseball: The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship between a Boy and a Baseball Legend Sharon Robinson, 2016-01-26 The bestselling novel based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve. But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It's 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. Then it happens--Steve's new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can't wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero?
  john grisham books baseball: The Associate John Grisham, 2010-04-21 Kyle McAvoy is one of the greatest legal students of his generation. He has a brilliant mind and a glittering future ahead of him. But he has a secret from the past that threatens to destroy his entire livelihood. When this secret catches up with him in the form of a compromising video, Kyle is left with an impossible choice. He can take a job in New York at the largest law firm in the world and share the sordid secrets of its biggest trial to date. Or his past will be exposed to the masses. It's a deadly game of blackmail. And someone is making him play.