The US Review of Books applauds “Jimmy” by Donald Provance Jr. because the book’s “baseball theme emphasizes teamwork and fair play, correct and incorrect ways to play sports, as well as how to live life”

The US Review of Books’ Carolyn Davis acclaimed Donald Provance Jr., the author,”… contrasts Lew with other characters. For instance, Lew, who cannot forgive himself for supposedly “ruining his son’s life,” cannot see “the game” through. However, Jimmy, Sally, and their friends can deal with life, as they’re grounded in situations and their feelings for one another.”

Donald Provance Jr., the author, has lived in the Missouri Ozarks his entire life, and he and his wife, Susan, currently remain there. Laura, Jana, and Michael are their three children, while Jackson and Camryn are their two grandkids. Don spends most of his leisure time in the region outdoors, whether it’s at the lake, rafting down the James, or trekking through one of the region’s forests. The majority of his stories are inspired by his visits to these natural locales. 

“Jimmy” is a fantastic narrative told primarily in baseball jargon and ethics. Jimmy, the primary character, is Lew and Sally’s kid. He has a great recall and takes the reader on a vivid journey that starts with his birth. In terms of being on the home field, he explains his experiences of learning to breathe, bonding with his mother, and receiving food as early as a few minutes after birth. 

Jimmy tries to collect a ball that has fallen beneath the family’s vehicle when he was a small child. He is so focused on catching the ball that he remains under the vehicle even after the motor is turned on. Lew vanishes for nine years after Sally takes her son to the hospital. Jimmy is able to walk and play competitive Little League after his recovery. Jimmy’s father returns in 1969, when he is twelve years old, after serving two terms in Vietnam and then wandering for three years. 

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“The baseball theme emphasizes teamwork and fair play, correct and incorrect ways to play sports, as well as how to live life. For example, when Lew reappears, the confusion that everyone feels is mitigated by Jimmy’s coach (Sally’s love interest), who encourages the divorced couple to examine how they feel about each other. The teaching continues as the coach explains to Jimmy that he doesn’t want to “win” Sally by default. Whatever is to happen, it should be real and earned fairly. Friends, mostly teammates plus some significant others, fill out this truly enjoyable tale of a boy’s life. The author also contrasts Lew with other characters. For instance, Lew, who cannot forgive himself for supposedly “ruining his son’s life,” cannot see “the game” through. However, Jimmy, Sally, and their friends can deal with life, as they’re grounded in situations and their feelings for one another.”