Almost Famous: A Novel [Paperback]

David Small (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1990

"This languid, bluesy novel tells the story of a young baseball star's emotional collapse after a car accident shatters his career. Elegantly crafted, Small's first novel is a stunning debut".--Saturday Review.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Elegantly crafted, Small's first novel is a stunning debut." -- Saturday Review --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Mr. Small is the author of two other novels, The River in Winter and Alone, both published to critical acclaim. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393306666
• ISBN-13: 978-0393306668
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,462,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest books I have read in years., November 25, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Almost Famous: A Novel (Paperback)

I picked up Almost Famous on a whim, thinking, a baseball novel? I am a reader of Anne Tyler, Jane Smiley, Anne Lamott. I have never willingly watched a game, let alone read a book about it. This novel is the story of Ward Sullivan, ferociously focused on the one thing he was born to do, play baseball. The 1960's farm leagues are evoked in sardonic detail, as we watch our hero prepare himself for greatness at the Great American Pastime. His self absorption is as immense as his talent. When one horrific car accident shatters his body and his life, forcing him back to his agonized mess of a family, he must find a new pattern for living. And what a pattern he finds. Small creates a hilariously rut bound man, carefully sticking to his compulsive repetition of a life. The detailed descriptions of Ward's car care, his family life, his version of a love life, are as hilarious as they are sad. Ward Sullivan did not die that night in the rain, but every dream he had died, and every part of the past that he valued. The story tracks his painful reawakening to life, and offers a hope of redemption for even the most human and flawed of heroes. I think this book is best appreciated by the lover of the human comedy. The baseball is integral, and important, but the real story is one of hope and endurance. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Just_Karen

5.0 out of 5 stars National Book Award nominee, August 20, 2007

By 

Ferdinand Foch "History Maven" (Brookline, Mass.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Almost Famous (Paperback)

Like all great literature, this novel takes time to get into its proper rhythm. Once it does, it leaves you amazed. Highly recommended, and you DON'T have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great story about learning to deal life after fame, September 3, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Almost Famous: A Novel (Paperback)

The story starts slowly. I didn't like the characters I was ready to stop after the first few chapters. But then, after a bit, I couldn't set it down. Why were the characters unlikable at first, because the main character didn't like himself. As he came to accept his faults, he accepted himself and those around him. I liked i