*keep in mind I say 'rivals' here for lack of a better term. The two MCs fall out of touch in college and upon coming back in contact years later Gene our MC is just a bit salty about how all that went down. He is kinda over hearing about Luis' semi successful career. Any 'rivalry' is totally one-sided is what I mean lol

I know for sure if I actually cared even a smidge about baseball this book would've completely knocked my socks off. Alas I am decidedly not a baseball fan - BUT this was still such a good read! On audio the baseball parts reminded me of listening to games on the radio as a child. I just kinda let the baseball parts wash over me lol [also note the audio narration is by a trans narrator!]

This book is also set in Portland area (where I live) in like an alternate reality where pdx has a MLB team and a minor league team. It was nice to read a reality in which a trans person is out and playing baseball (and there is not too much pushback about that). Gene and Luis are just two sweethearts and I love them so much. The representation in this book is just so well done. These are characters with so much depth and nuance, which made them feel supremely real. What a fantastic debut novel! I will def be looking for more from this author!