Review of "Touch Football," by John V. Brumbach

Review of

Touch Football, by John V. Brumbach

Five out of five stars

 The author was a lieutenant colonel in the U. S. army when this book was written in 1942. Given his position and the fact that the United States was at war with Germany, Italy and Japan at the time, his advocacy of touch football seems at first glance to be odd. Furthermore, the opening line is, “There is abundant evidence that football like war is as old as history.”

 However, when you read further you understand why an officer would be stressing and setting down a set of rules to make one of the roughest of games less so. All is made clear when he describes the popularity of the sport, the fact that only one item of equipment is needed (ball) and the injury rate when fit young men play football. It is a game that can be played on any flat surface in almost any conditions and is a great morale booster and energy burner.

 Other than the manner of calling a player stopped and restrictions regarding blocking, there are few differences in the rules from regular football. Therefore, all that is necessary is that a few minutes be taken before the start to inform the players.

 This is an interesting look back at one way in which the American war effort was furthered, by having the men at play tone it down a bit to reduce the level of injury.

Review of "Second Time Around Rookie," by C. Paul Jackson

Review of

Second Time Around Rookie, by C. Paul Jackson

Four out of five stars

 Denny Shawn won his fame in high school as a pitcher, but he also demonstrated considerable skills as a hitter. Once he entered the pros, it was clear that he would never make the major leagues as a pitcher, he simply did not have the requisite level of skills. Old pro coaches were impressed enough with his hitting to give him another chance as a position player.

 Denny was generally a failure in the first position they put him in, which was right field. Not willing to give up on him yet, they shifted him once again, this time to first base. After some initial reluctance and unwillingness to work hard, Denny decides to give first base his all and he manages to make it back to the majors.

 While the story is told very well, it is not original by any means, the reader understands very early that Denny will ultimately be a success. There is not a great deal of tension and it ends with a climactic play that is the rarest one in baseball.

 This is a fun, easy read. It is the type that you take with you to a doctor’s office, it is so light that you can read it while listening for your name to be called and pick up the story in seconds later.

Review of "Paintings of the American West from the Eiteljorg Museum 24 Full-Color Postcards"

Review of

Paintings of the American West from the Eiteljorg Museum 24 Full-Color Postcards ISBN 0486278190

Five out of five stars

 This is an unusual and practical book. It contains high quality reproductions of 24 paintings in the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art. While several different situations are depicted, most are of Native Americans. A few depict action, the majority appear to be posed or are scenes.

 All the images have perforated edges and the proper markings so that they can be removed and used as postcards. Each has a caption giving the name of the artist, a few pages of explanation and the name of the person that donated it to the museum. If you want to keep some unique artwork in book form or want to send some unusual postcards, this is a book you will enjoy.