Customer Reviews

The Legend of Mickey Tussler

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been a huge fan of author Frank Nappi ever since I read his inspiring, heart-breaking debut novel Echoes from the Infantry: A Novel," a WWII story of a young soldier who returned from the war a changed man. Nappi wrote about the soldier's post-war family life and his relationship with his wife and son. It moved me deeply and was my favorite debut novel of 2005.

When I reviewed Nappi's "Echoes," I predicted he would be a "force to be reckoned with in the literary field," and in writing another brilliant novel he is proving me right.

I was delighted to learn that Nappi had written another powerful novel,The Legend of Mickey Tussler, and couldn't wait to read it. This is another masterpiece, the story of Arthur Murphy, manager of a local baseball team, and Mickey Tussler, an autistic seventeen-year-old boy with a "fearsome fast-ball." When Murph signs the boy for his team, he soon realizes, as another reviewer aptly describes it, that Mickey "comes with a blessing and a curse": the blessing is his caring mother, the curse, his abusive father.

In the 1940's timeline of this novel, this disability was unknown and misunderstood; those suffering this affliction were thought of as "slow," and called "retarded" by less sensitive people, including Mickey's father.

I was hooked from the first page and couldn't wait to learn how the game of baseball helped young Mickey Tussler come to terms with and overcome his disability, despite his father and jealous teammates undermining the boy's confidence, hindering his progress.

This book is "Terrific" because Nappi builds his two heroes so realistically I feel like I know them. I really care what happens to them and other characters. When Murph and Mickey's mother Molly become close, the tension adds another realistic depth to this only too human story.

This book is "Timely" because with more and more people being diagnosed with autism every day, Nappi is on the "cutting-edge" of the trend to educate people in an entertaining format. Most people will relate to Mickey because he could be someone they know, a beloved family member or a dear friend.

And The Legend of Mickey Tussler is "Tense" due to Nappi's awesome writing skills and near-perfect pacing that keeps the reader enthralled to the end, waiting to find out if Mickey will win against the odds...in life and in baseball.

Will Mickey win? Will Murph be able to help him? Could something as American as baseball be the answer? Will his baseball genius overcome his obstacles? What price does Mickey have to pay to become a legend?

But the big question is: will readers get the subtle, underlying message and learn how to live their own lives better?

Though not written specifically for young adults, I recommend this book to them and to everyone who enjoys a heart-warming, inspirational story. This is not only baseball fiction at its best, it's an all-around good story written from the heart and soul of a wordsmith who's mastered the fine art of storytelling.

Mickey Tussler's journey won my heart. Long after I closed the book, I found myself thinking of this special young man and of Arthur Murphy, the man who made it happen.

End-note: I just learned that a screenplay is being made from this novel. When it hits the big screen, I'll be first in line to see it. (Dare I say, "I told you so?")

Reviewed by Betty Dravis, December 2008

While reading The Legends of Mickey Tussler I never wanted to put it down. It's one of those books that you need to know whats going to happen to the characters, or what is going to happen next. Nappi's story about how a 17 year old with autism is brought into the game of baseball is exciting, but a little sad at times. Just picturing how this boy is able to pitch the way he does is incredible. I am not a big fan of baseball, but this story made me more interested in the sport by the end of the book. As I was reading the book I was able picture what was happening with Mickey on and off the baseball field. By the end of the story made me want to read more, and keep following Mickey's story. This is definately a great book, and everyone should read it at some point.

-Shannon Cooke (or Shannona)

The Legend of Mickey Tussler is no doubt the best baseball novel I have ever read. Actually, it may be the best book I have read across the board. Author Frank Nappi creates a wonderful scenario for the reader, placing a 17 year old autistic boy in the baseball spotlight. The story follows the path of this unlikely hero, and along the way, we are treated to a colorful host of characters all placed carefully and with great artful precision in a well crafted plot. This man really knows how to tell a story. The language is beautiful and the action on and off the field very entertaining. One can only hope that there is a sequel in the making. When you get to the end of the book, you'll know what I mean.

A most unusual, well written, thought provoking tale of an autistic athlete in the 1940's. Set in Milwaukee, the story takes the reader through the improbable rise of one Michael Thomas Tussler, "Mickey," as he comes to terms with a world that is really not ready for someone like him. It is a story that will entertain you as well as inspire many thoughts and emotions.

I like to keep a little baseball in my life, and when a wonderful book like The Legend of Mickey Tussler comes along just brimming with baseball action, it's the perfect antidote to winter doldrums -- OR the perfect complement to the sandlot-and-stadium season. Author Frank Nappi has given us a lot to think about in this book, and the game action furthers the characterization and builds the drama.

The story is set in Milwaukee in 1948. Arthur Murphy is the manager of the minor-league Brewers, stuck in a going-nowhere career path. Driving through farm country on a scouting assignment for the team, he stops at the Tussler farm and is astonished to find big, slow Mickey firing apples into a bucket of pig slop. Never mind his awkward demeanor and his unusual delivery, the boy can PITCH! Arthur persuades Mickey's parents to let him take the boy to the team. Arthur's known for bringing in odd-balls for the team but Mickey's the oddest of all.

Mickey, of course, is autistic, though the nature of his condition isn't named or elaborated on. He recites poetry when stressed and knows how many pitches each member of the rotation threw in each of their games; but he knows nothing of social encounters, girls, jealousy, or the world in general. When his stunning fastball makes him the new team ace, there is no shortage of enemies from rival teams and even among the Brewers' pitching cadre.

Nappi's style showcases the characters, some just a little too good, some unremittingly mean. Arthur Murphy's yearnings to protect Mickey and to bring it all together for the team are tested by the inevitable troubles that rock the end of the season; the last pages of the book (no spoilers) are both shocking and inspiring.

Baseball is only one of the metaphors that Nappi could have chosen to tell this story of trouble, commitment and hope. MICKEY TUSSLER isn't really about baseball, but framing the story in this time and place provides a structure and an atmosphere that reminded me of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men--but with a kinder fate ruling the ending. Though the book wears its heart on its sleeve, the writing has real depth; it would be a particularly good choice for young readers with an interest in baseball.

Linda Bulger, 2009

I wrote a book review for The Legend of Mickey Tussler for the online magazine onmilwaukee.com. In that review I describe how Frank Nappi, the author, has a firm grasp on bringing forth a magical history through his novel, weaving in a sense of how a baseball team in the high minor leagues confronts its challenges throughout the season and how history played a part in the development of this story.

A thorough reading of this story reveals much more. Make no mistake, this is a novel of fine proportions. I found the story telling compelling, and the notions surrounding its evolution to be true to the game of baseball. Nappi presents this tale within a context which is exciting, without resorting to gimmickry. It's honest and true writing which belies the author's familiarity with the intricacies of diamond action, to say the least.

The historical aspect of the story is kept in perspective, but it's also a story with a lesson in dealing with people who are different from the status quo. The central character, Mickey Tussler, starts his career as a humble farm boy who knows nothing of the outside world, but quickly learns to adapt to it, for better or for worse. He is not painted as a hero but more as a tragic figure who confronts difficult adversities and rises above those challenges.

Nappi's story contains examples of baseball writing which captivated me. Throughout the story I felt this was the best baseball fiction I'd read.

Nappi does not overwork the baseball angle. His careful interweaving of subplot says a lot about his talent as a storyteller. He stays true to the game but balances his approach by including issues of a more personal nature. Therein lies the beauty of this story.

As a baseball historian I had bones to pick with Nappi's handling of the old Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association. There were times when I felt more historical detail could have enhanced the story. For example, giving the readers a better sense of what type of ballpark Borchert Field was could have improved the story. Then again, historical details were not the central issue of this novel and the story line could have been diminished with an abundance of secondary information.

Critics might take Nappi to task for being less faithful to the historical angle, but, in so doing, might miss the point of the story. There were times when I lost my sense of place, but I tempered my expectations by realizing this was a tale told to highlight the nature of the challenges involving the main character, and the effects of those issues. They are challenges which are confronted daily by those who do not seem to fit in with their peers and which affect us all on a human level.

Nappi does a wonderful job of bringing those challenges to the fore within the context of baseball. Whether as a baseball fan or as someone who simply enjoys the pretext of sports action, you will not be disappointed by the telling of this poignant and relevant tale.

Please see my review of this book at http://onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/fnappi.html

And if you enjoy non-fictional baseball history, please visit my website at www.americanassociationalmanac.com or my blog at www.almanacpark.blogspot.com

the young man in this book overcame so many obstacles and truly you felt what the author was getting at. this Book is one of those books you just can't put down until you finish reading everything. a Must read.

Not being a baseball fan or even knowing much about the game or the cheering throngs who have made the sport part of the definition of 'America', this reader approached this novel with some hesitation, believing that if Frank Nappi could write so powerfully in ECHOES FROM THE INFANTRY, then surely this book deserves reading. And, once again, Frank Nappi has demonstrated his polished skills as a writer. Yes, the story is about baseball with all the excitement, romance, and obsession that sport engenders, but it is so much more. This story is about overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds of physical afflictions that will serve as a comforting and challenging guide to readers familiar with those struggling with autism among other differences.

Arthur Murphy is our baseball manager guide through this 1940s tale of the rise of Mickey Tussler, a Wisconsin farm boy of only 17 years of age whose problems with autism produced abusive reactions not only form his father but form nearly everyone with whom he came into contact. That is, until Arthur Murphy discovers his natural gifts as a pitcher extraordinaire and places him on the mound with the Milwaukee Brewers - and a legend is born. This could have been the end-all as a success story in other writers' hands, but Nappi fleshes out this tale with all manner of intrigue, love affairs, and examples of human behavior run amuck in the presence of one person with 'differences'. His characters are three dimensional, credible and stay with us as Nappi spins his story to conclusion.

Frank Nappi has now demonstrated how authoritatively he can write about war and about sports. We can only imagine the source of inspiration for his next novel - and await its appearance, hopefully soon. Recommended. Grady Harp, January 09

If you share your world with a young adult, there is perhaps no better novel in recent years to read together than Frank Nappi's "The Legend of Mickey Tussler". The story of a young man fighting autism who lands a spot on the Milwaukee Brewers team in 1948, Tussler is crack read. This is not specifically a young adult novel, but like books with a very straightforward plot and a handle on people, this one will win over kids and parents alike. Read it together one summer (or this holiday), between ball games and on a family vacation.

"The Legend of Mickey Tussler" is the story of world-weary scout Arthur Murphy. Murph, as he's known, is trying desperately to dig up a great ballplayer, and wondering if his time with this often cruel sport is nearing an end. He discovers the eponymous boy pitching apples at a barrel and can't believe his eyes--the kid is good. Unfortunately, the kid comes with both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is a wonderful mother by the name of Molly, and the curse is personified by an abusive father named Clarence. Clarence isn't interested in his "retard" son playing ball, until Murph waves some dollar bills in his face, and the boy is off to the Brewers.

What emerges is a story that resembles "The Natural", but with a pair of heroes we can relate to and root for. It is an ideal novel for a young person to wrestle with together with a happy parent. "Mickey Tussler" has some surprisingly dark turns and its vague ending is perfect, leaving one to imagine where Mickey and Murph and Molly will end up next. "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" will have you pondering love, bigotry, and best of all baseball. Who could ask for more?

Baseball fan or not, this story of an autistic baseball pitcher in the 1940's will move you in ways that are unimaginable. The story is filled with colorful characters and tense moments both on and off the field. The writing is first rate. You will find yourself rooting for young Tussler throughout the story and long after you have finished the book as well.