Double Play Book

A fun book in many ways. As a historical novel, a mystery, a hard-boiled/noir story, and memoir.

This is the story of Burke - a man scarred by war.

It is also the story of Jackie Robinson - a man fighting against racism to make a difference not just for himself, but for all those like him.

But, it is also the story of little Bobby Parker who was 15 when Jackie broke the color barrier.

One of the neat things that Robert B Parker does in this book is interpose his own memories between the chapters.

I love stories about old time baseball and though this isn't really old time baseball it is baseball history and doesn't disappoint.

It is also a story about race. (Well, it would have to be.) In a way, I'm glad I didn't read this when I first purchased it. Back then, I believed that racism - real racism - was dead. I don't mean that I didn't believe there weren't people like the KKK and the Aryan Brotherhood around. I guess what I'm saying was that I didn't believe the days when a cop could pull over a black man and kill him just because his taillight was out were still with us.

Now, when I read about how Jackie had to be careful what he said or did and how he had to be careful what he did around white women, my mind is always thinking about the horrible events of this past year.

Did I remember to say it was a good read?