[.ca] Words of the Pitcher (ISBN 1585710148)

breaking the rules:
Kei Swanson seamlessly weaves Japanese culture and the world of baseball into the romance between Kentaro and Claire. Kentaro is a dark hero who respects his heritage but loves American Claire, and Claire pushes herself out of her comfort zone to help Kentaro learn English and become independent.I love baseball, and I love teacher/student storylines. This book really satisfies!

Refreshingly Interesting Romance Novel:
I read this several years ago and I loved it. Romance novels can become extremely run of the mill, from the same old story to the same old lines, so it is always nice to read something original. This was a very original, sweet romance. Kentaro and Claire have great chemistry. It shows the problems that exist when involved in an interracial relationship, but even so than usual since Kentaro is Japanese and has problems just understanding American customs. This is definitely worth a read.

Novel Idea, Fresh Voice, Plus My Hometown Baseball Team!:
An author is halfway home with me when she sets her story in my hometown and has the characters go to all my favorite local hangouts. This was also a very fresh idea of a Japanese hero, who is a baseball pitcher for our nationally renowned team, and his female interpreter from our local university. I learned a lot about the problems a Japanese person carries around from his heritage regarding picking a spouse. An American does not have the same problems. Nevertheless, this novel is a bit rough around the edges and falls into romantic cliché traps here and there, especially with the overly innocent, virginal heroine. This is a new author, however, trying to open up a whole new area of interracial romance and she succeeds more than she doesn't. I wish there were a 3.5 star category because that is more precisely where this novel ranks with a grade. This would probably make a very popular movie.

A unique story of love.:
"Words of the Pitcher," by Kei Swanson, is a unique story of love, culture, and acceptance. Ms. Swanson has written a wonderful novel that addresses the mindset of the Japanese and the obstacles they face when entering the United States to live. Her vibrant details of the hero and heroine spark an undeniable attraction that is destined to flame into love.