logo

37 pages 1 hour read

W.P. Kinsella

Shoeless Joe

W.P. KinsellaFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
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

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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

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

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.