Plot Summary

The Catcher Was a Spy

Nicholas Dawidoff
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The Catcher Was a Spy

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1994

Book Brief

Nicholas Dawidoff

The Catcher Was a Spy

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

455

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 1930s-1940s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The Catcher Was a Spy: The Mysterious Life of Moe Berg by Nicholas Dawidoff is a biography of Morris “Moe” Berg, a professional baseball catcher and later coach, who also served as a spy during World War II. Berg’s life is portrayed as one of conflicted identity, balancing between his Jewish heritage and the anti-Semitism he faced, his talents in baseball, academics, and espionage. After significant contributions in intelligence during the war, including missions in Japan and Europe, Berg chose not to pursue a career post-war, becoming an enigmatic figure reliant on friends and family.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Informative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

3,243 ratings

59%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Nicholas Dawidoff's The Catcher Was a Spy impresses with its meticulous research and captivating narrative about Moe Berg, blending sports, espionage, and history. Positive reviews highlight its engaging storytelling and unique subject. Criticisms focus on occasional slow pacing and dense historical detail, which may deter some readers. Overall, it's a compelling read for history and sports enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Catcher Was a Spy?

Fans of The Catcher Was a Spy by Nicholas Dawidoff will appreciate complex biographies blending sports, espionage, and history. Ideal for readers who enjoyed Moneyball by Michael Lewis and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré, this engaging narrative offers intrigue and a look into the life of Moe Berg, a fascinating but obscure figure.

3.9

3,243 ratings

59%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

455

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 1930s-1940s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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