
Young, raw, immature and extremely talented are not necessarily a good combination. The author was extremely successful in sucking me into the story and keeping me riveted for the full 300 odd pages. Whether you are a mad baseball fan or not - a mad sports fan or not, there is something in this book for you. It is a simple recitation of a young man's journey from teenager into adulthood and superbly written and crafted.
There are some people who might say the ending may be a trifle contrived and/or predictable, but the truth is I was ready for that ending and welcomed it. Without giving anything away, Jack seeks a way to find himself as he sinks into his own personal abyss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in baseball, sport and the rites of passage for young men. It is riveting, well written and extremely readable. I congratulate the author on his first entry into the literary world and look forward to his next contribution. Well done that man.
Paint the Black is fully deserving of the five stars I awarded it.