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37 pages 1 hour read

Shoeless Joe

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982

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Book Brief

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W.P. Kinsella

Shoeless Joe

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Iowa • 1980s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

1020L

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Super Short Summary

In Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella, Ray Kinsella, prompted by an enigmatic voice, builds a baseball field in his Iowa cornfield, which draws Shoeless Joe Jackson and other players banned after the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. Ray then seeks out reclusive author J.D. Salinger and embarks on a quest involving long-lost major leaguer Moonlight Graham, ultimately confronting his past and reuniting with estranged family members.

Nostalgic

Fantastical

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

17,836 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella is a heartwarming tale blending magical realism and Americana. Critics praise its evocative narrative and emotional depth, celebrating its themes of dreams and redemption. However, some note its pacing issues and occasional sentimentality. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved exploration of baseball and personal fulfillment.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shoeless Joe?

Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella captivates readers who cherish the magic of baseball, nostalgia, and fantastical realism. Fans of The Natural by Bernard Malamud or Field of Dreams will appreciate its poignant exploration of dreams and redemption. Ideal for those who delight in literary works with a deep emotional core.

4.3

17,836 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Ray Kinsella

An imaginative dreamer who buys a farm in Iowa and builds a magical baseball field, despite financial difficulties and familial misunderstandings.

A reclusive author who, in this fictional portrayal, reluctantly joins Ray on a journey to reignite a passion for baseball and creativity.

A legendary baseball player banned from the game, whose spirit is drawn to the baseball field Ray constructs.

Ray's late father, who shared his love for baseball and appears on the field as a young catcher, continuing their connection after death.

Ray's estranged twin brother, who reconnects with the family and learns to see the magic of the baseball field.

Ray's practical and ambitious brother-in-law, who seeks to modernize Ray's farm but is thwarted by the field's new popularity.

Also known as Moonlight Graham, a character who transitions between his roles as an old, beloved doctor and a young baseball player eager for a game.

Ray's supportive and loving wife, who encourages his dreams despite the family's financial struggles.

An elderly friend of Ray, whose passion for baseball leads him to realize his dream of playing for the Chicago Cubs on Ray's field.

Ray's imaginative young daughter, naturally attuned to the mystical events taking place at the farm's baseball field.

Business partner of Mark, involved in plans to acquire and develop Ray's farm.

Richard Kinsella's girlfriend, with a vibrant personality that allows her to appreciate the wonders of the baseball field.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Iowa • 1980s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

1020L

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