
Grisham’s entertaining yarn, told from Paul’s perspective, alternates between 1973 and the present. Although the main characters are fictional, Grisham includes many recognizable baseball players and sports figures as minor characters. He includes enough baseball statistics and history to intrigue knowledgeable fans, but not so many that a baseball illiterate would be confused or turned off. Erik Singer’s portrayal of both the 11 year old and adult Paul is particularly heartfelt. The listener can feel the despair and disappointment of the young boy and the determination and decency of the adult. He also portrays the other characters effectively, using regional accents and the effects of physical impairments to help define them.
Calico Joe is a very moving and inspirational story that deals with the reliance of the human spirit and the redemptive power of forgiveness. Sports fans will appreciate the baseball references, but all readers from young adult to senior citizen will find the characters and story line engaging. Grisham’s colorful description of rural American society and his insightful examination of family dynamics add to an already satisfying audiobook.
Calico Joe by John Grisham
Read by Erik Singer
Random House Audio, unabridged: 4.5 hours on 4 CDs