The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach


In The Art of Fielding, Chad Harbach uses an informal writing style throughout his novel, which I personally favor because it feels more natural. The reader gets a sense of what college life can be like and the age of the students. For instance, Pella talks in a relaxed way, using normal everyday conversation. "There's nothing to be afraid of. It doesn't, like, change your personality or anything" (419) captures this informal writing style best. Formal writing wouldn't use the word "like" and wouldn't sound so personal. Another prime example is, "He's got a hat that says Yankees and it's the real deal, yo" (150) said by Izzy on the bus ride to one of the games. I don't know of many formal writing pieces that use the word "yo" because it isn't very professional.

My favorite section in the book is the beginning of chapter 76. This is the section where Henry wakes up in the ER and Schwartz tells him about what happened and how Henry won the Championship game for them by taking a pitch to the face. This was the reason he was unconscious in the ER. "The movement was arrested by two tubes that were taped to his forearm. A bitter taste stung his mouth. Schwartz was sitting in a chair by the bed, motionless in the dark" (475) gives the reader a sense of what the room is like when Henry comes to. It creates a feeling of being trapped and hurt so the reader can imagine what Henry is going through as Schwartz starts to fill him in on what had happened.


I would recommend this novel to anybody who can stay focused and don't have to be hooked early. Not all 512 pages will have you on the edge of your seat, but the exciting points in the plot line are well spaced to keep you interested. Also, the suspenseful atmosphere he builds up with drama keeps the reader guessing whether or not the characters' lives will take a turn for better, or for worse.