Title: The Backwards K
Author: J.J. Hebert
Publisher: Mindstir Media
ISBN: 978-0999387245
Pages: 226
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Presenting readers with a stunning narrative, which spans a gamut of emotions, author J.J. Hebert’s The Backwards K portrays, the captivating story of a once heralded baseball great’s fall from grace and his poignant journey to his better self. Once at the pinnacle of his career baseball great Jet Brine, was beloved and admired by baseball fans everywhere, until a twist of fate caused his downfall. During a crucial moment, for both himself and his teammates, he struck out, essentially experiencing a backwards K moment; which ultimately meant more than just losing the all-important World Series for his team. Ergo, it became an irreversible instance, which catalyzed the collapse of life as he knew it, leaving him with only the embittering memories that will haunt him for years to come.
As a result, years later, Jet Brine’s life turns into a lonesome, and financially strapped affair as he’s forced to reconcile himself with no longer being a wealthy superstar. Jet needs to earn money to live, by selling his memorabilia, which does not fare well. Although, he finds he still has some die-hard fans, the memories of his once fabulous career were, on the other hand, severely diminished with other baseball fans, who held fast to that one past event, reviling him for losing the World Series for his team. His experiences of those stinging moments, the salt in the proverbial wounds, draws sympathy as you realize how hard his life became, particularly as he vies to sell his past with other older sports greats who struggle just like him.
Yet, his failed career was not the only element that made Jet’s life unmistakably unhappy; it was also the guilt rendered by his wife’s passing and his painful estrangement from his only child, a son. However, with them, it was his own character weaknesses that caused those losses. A self-centered man with a gambling problem, selfishly focused on being a baseball star, brought him to that unhappy juncture within his own family dynamic. Consequently, Jet’s fall from superstar to an average guy needing a regular job, was pointedly more difficult. Albeit, he longs for a happier life, especially a family, he finds it difficult to fit into lay society, until he meets Linda, who brings some hope back into his life. However, the budding relationship with her precipitates the necessity for Jet to confront the demons of his past in order to achieve the life he desires.
Overall, The Backwards K was an excellent read which I found wholly entertaining and enjoyable. Author J.J. Hebert is a well-honed storyteller, who did a superb job of creating a narrative that instantly draws the reader into the emotion-ridden world of Jet Brine. Hebert espouses a crisp and articulate writing style, which keeps you affected, engaged and curious about Jet’s journey that was both palpable and realistic. This narrative proved to be an engaging, evocative, insightful and inspirational read, fraught with those intense moments, which will draw a tear, as well as make you cheer. I enthusiastically recommend this book as it is well worth the read.
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