Customer Reviews

I Never Played Catch With My Father

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As we get older and mature, sometimes we come to a crossroad in our lives. This is when we start to examine all aspects of our existence. Some may call it a midlife crisis but for others it is the search for the missing puzzle piece of life. James Phalen is at that point in his life and the one thing that nags him is the fact he never played catch with his father. I NEVER PLAYED CATCH WITH MY FATHER is a loving tribute to a father who was not always able to convey his feelings with embraces and words, but who loved his children.

James Phalen is one of the richest white men in the United States. He is a savvy businessman who came from poverty and has had major monetary success. However, when his father becomes ill, he decides that all the money and material things in the world will not settle the restlessness within him until he can spend time with his father. He journeys home in hopes of understanding his father but what he discovers is more about himself.

James' father is a religious man with strong convictions who desired only the best for his three children and that meant working very hard on their farm to provide them with the necessities. However, he was a man of few words and even fewer physical demonstrations of affection, he was always serious and James doesn't remember a playful time with his father. Now it is too late to understand and rectify the situation, or is it? What James discovers while home with his ailing father is that love can be shown in many ways and we have to learn to accept it anyway it is given. He also realizes childhood perceptions can be reinterpreted when we become mature adults.

Gene Cartwright has written a very touching story of how important love is for children. I NEVER PLAYED CATCH WITH MY FATHER was not just about a moment of play, it was the epitome of what children want more than anything from their fathers; love. The story is a pleasant ride through James' life and it comes to a beautiful and emotional end. Although the author is African-American, his main character is white, which I found very unique and intriguing. Honestly, it would not have mattered what race the characters were, because the story crosses all color barriers. Even though the pace was a little slow in the beginning, the character development, the imagery and the plot will keep readers interested. The novel will appeal to everyone no matter what race or sex because it is truly a timeless story.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals

of The RAWSISTAZ ™ Reviewers

In all my fifty years, I have read no other novel that touched my heart and stirred me to action as did this emotional, inspiring novel. It forced me to audit my life, my relationship with my children.So often adults forget what it's like to be a child. We get caught up in the drive for success and forget that what children need, and most want, is our time and our love. In this wonderful novel, James Phalen, a very wealthy man, discovers his own poverty. Owing to a tragic family event, he realizes his money is unable to make things right. What he most wants and cannot buy are memories of a close, loving relationship with his father. The book is as much a story about mothers and daughters as it is about fathers and sons. Cartwright weaves a powerful story that seems more non-fiction than fiction. I loved it. It's a must read for everyone. Sylvia Walters