Week 12 Prompt: Dynastic, Bombastic, Fantastic

Turbow, Jason. (2017). Dynastic, Bombastic, Fantastic: Reggie, Rollie, Catifsh, and Charlie Finley’s Swingin’ A’s. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

A mix. The book chronicles the Oakland A’s from their building in the late 60s through their dismantling in an epic fire sale in the mid 70s. While the book has a strong narrative it has many elements devoted to baseball statistics which, while they take you out of the narrative, are essential to the story.

2. What is the subject of the book?

The subject of the book is the somehow overlooked Oakland A’s baseball team that won three straight World Series from 1972-1974. The book tells the story of the team and the individual players & front office members such as Charles Finley, Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers, and many more.

3. What type of book is it?

It is a sports history.

4. Articulate appeal

* What is the pacing of the book?

Similar to a 162 game baseball season, the book has high points and low points. The majority of the book is engrossing but there are other parts that drag a bit.

* Describe the characters of the book.

Every baseball fan recognizes the names Charles Finley, Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers. These were outspoken, larger-than-life men who dominated the world of baseball in the 1970s and eventually made the Hall of Fame. They are essential to the story of Dynastic, Bombastic, Fantastic. But the book equally focuses on some of the other A’s. Some were All Stars and borderline HoF candidates like Joe Rudi and Vida Blue and some were good major league players like Sal Bando and Bert Campanaris. All the players get their due.

* How does the story feel?

Nostalgic, funny, entertaining, authoritative, comprehensive, informative

* What is the intent of the author?

The intent of the author is to chronicle this amazing baseball team that somehow has been overshadowed by other baseball dynasties.

* What is the focus of the story?

The focus of the story is on the team as a whole as well as the individual players and front office figures.

* Does the language matter?

Yes.

* Is the setting important and well described?

Yes.

* Are there details, and if so, of what?

Oh yes! The book is full of all kinds of baseball statistics.

* Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials?

There are none.

* Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or expression?

No.

5. Why would a reader enjoy? (Rank appeal)

            1. The Focus

            2. The Details

            3. The Characters