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The Longshot: A Novel (2009)

by Katie Kitamura(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1439107521 (ISBN13: 9781439107522)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Free Press

review 1: Cal and his trainer arrive in Mexico for the rematch that could make or break Cal's career as an MMA fighter. But throughout the three days before the fight, the two men experience various stages of doubt as to whether or not even going through with the fight is a good idea. Kitamura's sparsely written narrative is reminiscent of Hemingway in that the writing and dialogue are extremelty taut. There's a lot going on there; you just have to look for it.I must admit that this book combines two things I am a big fan of -- Asian American authors and MMA fighting. I had to read this quickly for a class assignment but I plan on reading it over again as soon as this class is over so I can really sit with the text and truly enjoy it.Another note: This book is a 2010 Alex Award... more nominee for best adult books for young adults from the American Library Association. I can definitely see middle and high school boys really enjoying this book, although I think it is more appropriate for high schoolers.
review 2: I was not as capitvated by this novel as others have been. Kitamura had my attention for the first 20 pages and the last 30 pages, but I became very bored in the middle. I do find Kitamura's narrative style to be effective. It is pared down to the minimum, and it is oddly emotional in that form. However, I just found two guys sitting in Mexico worrying about an upcoming fight for three days to be dull. The actual arc of the story came right at the end, and there wasn't enough movement before that to keep me interested. I read about 4 books while I was reading this one, which is unusual for me. less

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