Faithful

Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season

By: Stewart O'Nan, Stephen King

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Adam Grupper

“Faithful isn't just about the Red Sox. It's also about family, friendship, and what it truly means to be a baseball fan and to be—well, faithful, come hell or high water” (The Boston Globe).

“Of all the books that will examine the Boston Red Sox's stunning come-from-behind 2004 ALCS win over the Yankees and subsequent World Series victory, none will have this book's warmth, personality, or depth” (Publishers Weekly).

Early in 2004, two writers and Red Sox fans, Stewart O'Nan and Stephen King, decided to chronicle the upcoming season, one of the most hotly anticipated in baseball history. They would sit together at Fenway. They would exchange emails. They would write about the games. And, as it happened, they would witness the greatest comeback ever in sports, and the first Red Sox championship in eighty-six years. What began as a Sox-filled summer like any other is now a fan's notes for the ages.©2004 Stewart O'Nan and Stephen King; (P)2004 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Not Just For Redsox Nation

Though somewhat dated it is still a good listen. Stephen King is a true fan; somewhat limited in baseball knowledge but is a great writer. The surprise here is Stewart O'Nan. He is the more knowledgeable of the two writers and his passion for the Sox is powerful. He is less involved in the history and particularly the superstitions that King embraces. One of the irritating portions of the audio was their constant belief that they knew more about the game than the team's manager Terry Francona. Another was their angst over every loss. Yes it is a part of baseball to scoreboard watch but the level of upset due to the Yankees taking the lead in the division over the Sox; in May. Those problems aside it is an excellent listen and the readers are both excellent.

King hits another home run

Ok, I admit it, I'm not really a big baseball fan. Football is more my style as it is much more fast-paced, and there aren't generally big lulls in the action like one gets in baseball. That being said, I will admit to turning on quite a few Red Sox games and watching them play it out - especially during the playoffs - and biting my nails and cheering for this team that has been drowning in a "curse" for decades. I can relate to the mood swings of Red Sox fans since I'm from Chicago and have watched the Cubs suffer the same fate for years.

When I first started listening to this book, I felt a bit like a moron because I wasn't as educated in the sport as long-time fanatics, and I only knew a few players by name. I had a hard time keeping track of what team was doing what as the diaries of the games were being read. BUT, I didn't give up on the book, and I'm very glad I didn't. As it moved along through the season, the commentary and heartfelt excitement and anguish comes through from these two die-hard fans. A lot of it is very amusing and entertaining, and even if you're not a baseball fan, you WILL be caught up in this.

Stephen King is a master writer with a great sense of detail and a knack for coming up with the most hilarious commentary. O'Nan is a very detail oriented compliment to him in this book.

If you like sports AT ALL or if you can relate to the drama of what a sports fan can endure, you'll love this book. You may even consider watching a little baseball next summer - I know I will.

The narrators are FANTASTIC which is SO important when listening to any book. Ron McClarty is one of my faves anyway, so I was thrilled he was involved with this. Do pick up "Faithful" and forget the nasty weather that winter brings. You will smell the summer wind and hear the crack of the bat, and you will be.. faithful.

Too much O'Nan, not enough King

I'm a rabid Red Sox Fan, and also a rabid King fan, so I couldn't wait to get into this book. King is, as usual, excellent. I only wish he had done this book alone. O'Nan suffers from a malady common to many baseball fans - they think they know more about the game than anybody else, and have no problem telling you how stupid a manager or player is. He also has an annoying habit of telling you what players were thinking, as if he could read their minds. And his description of his antics at the ballpark (ie, taking a net to batting practice, and heckling opposing players) would be appropriate for a 15 year old kid, not a grown man. I finally ended up just fast forwarding through O'Nan's sections.

Faithful (Unabridged)

Gave the book 4 1/2 stars----It's an enjoyable review of a most amazing and fantastic season--Comments about New Englanders' Paranoi and Psychie were especially interesting and right on target--as well as the Authors' most candid portrayal of the Red Sox Management, Fans and those "Damn" Yankewes-- Loved the Book --Highly recommended--especially for Red Sox Nation--

Interesting book on a fantastic season

Where does Faithful rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It rank a 7 out of 10. Enjoyable listen but probably not something I will listen to again.

What other book might you compare Faithful to and why?

It is unique to any other thing I have read.

What does Ron McLarty and Adam Grupper bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Much better to listen to this book than reading it. They bring a lot to the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Miracle in Boston!