I love books! I read and read and read some more. In 2023, I read 45 books. 

Here, in brief, were my favorites. These are listed in the order I read the books, they aren’t ranked, except for the fact that I put the Bible first:

The Holy Bible – My goal in 2023 was to read the Bible. I did it. It is an amazing and wonderful book (of course). I learned so much. I am so glad I read the Bible. Of course, it is a very complex book and there is a great deal in there, so, in 2024, I’m reading it again. I think this will be something I do every year going forward.

Clemente by David Maraniss – I had heard great things about this biography. The book was terrific. I learned a great deal about Roberto Clemente’s life and career – and his tragic death. This book was as good as advertised.

Rickey by Howard Bryant – When he was a Yankee, I loved rooting for Rickey Henderson. (I didn’t love hin when he was on other teams helping to defeat the Yankees.) Rickey Henderson is a complex person, but was truly one of the greatest players to play the game of baseball. I enjoyed this book greatly.

Billy Bathgate by E.L. Doctorow – I saw this book on many lists as a great crime novel in the realm of The Godfather. It did not disappoint. I’ll read this again one day. I like when I can root for the title character and I wished for good to come to Billy time and again.

The Chosen (Books 1, 2 and 3) by Jerry B. Jenkins – I watched The Chosen twice in 2023. I don’t watch many TV series, or much TV at all, but I came across this series and loved it. I saw that there was a book series that went along with the programs, so I read them all as well. I can’t say enough about how good it all is. 

Twelve Caesars by Mary Beard – This was a fanatastic book that talked about how the Twelve Caesars have been depected in art over the centuries. As a former teacher of Ancient History, I enjoy a good book on Roman history every now and again. I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Mary Beard in the future. 

Kings of the Road by Cameron Stracher – I love to run (as everyone knows). This was a terrific book that highlighted how Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, and Alberto Salazar helped kick off the running boom. An inspiring book about focus, dedication, and success.

The Batboy and the Unbreakable Record by Robert Skead - This is a upper elementary level novel written by a good friend of mine. It tells the story of Johnny VanderMeer’s back-to-back nohitters. It was written for kids, but it is a book an adult would also enjoy. I found it to be excellent !

The Battle of Gettysburg by W.C. Storrick – I am writing an extensive history of the Battle of Gettysburg, a battle I have studied for decades. This was one of many books about the battle and the people there that I read in 2023. This was where I started (in earnest) my latest research, a nice, quick overview of the battle and some of the important peoplethere , and, as such, it gets the nod to be on my list.

Once A Runner by John L. Parker – It is said that this is the greatest novel that focuses on running. (I happen to be partial to Scattering the Ashes, but…) It is excellent. This book was one I had looked forward to reading for many many years. I am glad I finally did. 

Pinstripes by the Tale by Marty Appel – I loved this book; a recounting of so many great Yankees (and baseball) stories told by the great Yankee historian and writer Marty Appel. The book reads as if Marty is sitting with you telling the stories. It is so so so enjoyable!

Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale – I remember the movie, which is excellent, but the book is a million times better than the movie. This was a fun book to read. 

Jesus: A Biography From A Believer by Paul Johnson - I read this book about ten years ago and enjoyed it as much again the second time through. Paul Johnson is a gifted writer who tells the story of Jesus in expert fashion.

The Federal Case by J.B. Manheim – This book, the fourth in a outstanding series, tells a fctional story of baseball, and is so well done. Part history, part dectective story, and more! J.B. Manheim is an expert storyteller. I highly recommend all of his books. 

Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur – I also read this book years ago, but after watching The Chosen I wanted to revisit the stories of Jesus’ disciples. It was just as good the second time through.

The Wax Pack by Brad Balukian – This is a wonderful book about a man who decides to meet some of the heroes of his childhood, as all baseball players were, by opeing a random pack of baseball cards and trying to connect with each of the players in that pack. An honest and wonderful story about chasing the past, looking to the future, and how meeting one’s heroes can sometimes be very special (and other times, not so much).

Hail To The Redskins by Adam Lazarus – My favorite football fan memories center on the 1982 Redskins and their great running back, John Riggins, my favorite football player of all time. I intereviewed Adam about his latest book The Wingmen (one I’ll read this year, but I gave it to my father first) and saw he had written this as well. The book brought back great memories.

Farther Than Any Man by Martin Dugard – I read this in the last days of 2023. My son Ryan read it and recommended it. When Ryan recommends a book, I listen. It is outstanding. I had never known much about the famous Captian Cook, and found the tale of his life and adventures on the high seas fascinating.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Blood & Ink – by Joe Pompeo

On the 8th Day God Made Baseball – By Mark Littell

Watergate: A New History – by Garrett M. Graff

The Complete Peanuts (26 Volumes) – by Charles Schulz (I finished reaqding this wonderful series last year)

The 100 Most Influential Players in Baseball History by Lincoln Mitchell

Baseball’s Endangered Species – by Lee Lowenfish

General John Buford: A Military Biography by Edward G. Longacre