I think whenever I read Fante, I have to realize that the first chapter will never read like the rest. I thought "Full of Life" was a lovey first baby book, and this was an all about making it to the big leagues baseball book, but it still has its funny moments and loud characters that make it short and sweet. The main character of his books all have this awkward, cowardly, but hopeful attitude that I imagine is instilled in Fante himself and love. I do I do.