The Baseball Widow By Suzanne Kamata

 When Christine, an idealistic young American teacher, meets and marries Hideki Yamada, an aspiring Japanese high school baseball coach, she believes that their love with be enough to sustain them as they deal with cultural differences. However, Hideki's duties, and the team of fit, obedient boys whom he begins to think of as a surrogate family, take up more and more of his time, just as Christine is struggling to manage the needs of their multiply-disabled daughter and their sensitive son. Things come to a head when their son is the victim of bullies. Christine begins to think that she and her children would be safer - and happier - in her native country. On a trip back to the States, she reconnects with a dangerously attractive friend from high school who, after serving and becoming wounded in Afghanistan, seems to understand her like no one else.

Meanwhile, Daisuke Uchida, a slugger with pro potential who has returned to Japan after living abroad, may be able to help propel Hideki's team to the national baseball tournament at Koshien. Not only would this be a dream come true for Hideki, but also it would secure the futures of his players, some of whom come from precarious homes. While Daisuke looks to Hideki for guidance, he is also distracted by Nana, a talented but troubled girl, whom he is trying to rescue from a life as a bar hostess (or worse). Hideki must ultimately choose between his team and his family.

The Baseball Widow explores issues of duty, disability, discrimination, violence, and forgiveness through a cross-cultural lens. Although flawed, these characters strive to advocate for fairness, goodness, and safety, while considering how their decisions have been shaped by their backgrounds. 

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                    Amazon.com: The Baseball Widow: 9781954332072: Kamata, Suzanne: Books

 Suzanne Kamata is an American, but she has lived in Japan for over half of her life. During that time, she has modeled for a textbook cover, done the voiceover for a TV commercial, and planted trees with the Emperor. She has also written many books and won many awards. Besides reading and writing, she loves chocolate, cats, and figure skating.

My Thoughts...

Who's ready for a heavy read? This was a glimpse  into the Japanese  culture and it was a very interesting read.                                                    All the topics this book touched on were so real. The Child with special needs was so enlightening.  I found this book one that I am very happy that I read.                                                                                           4 stars and I recommend this one.  The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.