Getting Blue

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Gethers's second novel (after The Dandy presents the life and times of Alex Justin, a major league baseball player searching for that elusive ``moment''the ``perfect play.'' His relationship with Patty, his childhood sweetheart, is particularly endearing, and this neatly told story, with its snappy dialogue, is populated by other memorable characters: enigmatic Dave Manning, crass ``Lump'' and Willie Trott, whose career is violently cut short by bigotry. The perceptive, compelling narrative draws us into Alex's ``secret world,'' his own version of the American Dream, in which he is convinced that potential and hard work will spell certain success. The problem is, the Dream subtly changes as Alex ages, for he learns fear. The book begins in the '50s, when Alex is an apprentice player, and ends in the '80s, when he is the manager of a jazz club. When they are 18, Willie introduces Alex to modern jazz and Charlie Parker, whose moments of ``getting blue'' are the perfect musical counterpoint to Alex's search. Alex is driven to do something great, but when his moment is realized, he discovers it is not enough, for what he strove to achieve in baseball, he continues to wish to achieve in life. (March 6)

Library Journal

A well-written, compassionate novel about America's favorite pastime, this is the tale of Alex Justinjourneyman big league outfielder, decent human being, and dreamer. Growing up in New York in the 1950s, Alex believes he's destined for baseball greatness. During the next two decades as a much-traded .260 hitter, he comes to realize that he is not the best. Still he persists and, just once, does touch greatnessmakes a great catch that wins the World Series for the Yankees. During the 1980s Alex, trading in on his moment of baseball glory, operates a jazz nightclub and eatery. By the author of The Dandy , this novel offers solid characterization, deep respect for baseball, and a mature understanding or appreciation of human weakness. Highly recommended. James B. Hemesath, Adams State Coll . Lib., Alamosa, Col.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-- Undoubtedly a master of suspense, Duncan has written a spellbinding tale of uniquely contemporary horror. Seventeen-year-old April Corrigan's life ends abruptly when she learns that her airline executive father has been working secretly undercover for the FBI. Now his testimony against a notorious drug dealer has placed the whole family in danger, and April and her family are quickly relocated under the Federal Witness Security Program. What begins as a temporary measure soon must become a way of life. April, an ace tennis player, has to stop playing tennis; her mother must give up a lucrative career as a children's author; their names are changed; and April's naive attempt to communicate with her boyfriend causes the violent death of an agent. The entire book is fast-paced and enthralling, but the conclusion will have readers on the edge of their chairs. April and her grandmother get involved a high-speed cross-country chase which culminates in the death of a hit man. Although some readers will not be able to imagine having to sever completely all ties with their past, they won't be able to put this book down. Don't Look Behind You is filled with booktalk potential. --Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Library, Tex.