The Last Days of Summer

The Last Days of Summer follows Joey Margolis, a 12-year-old Jewish boy in 1940s Brooklyn who initiates a correspondence with New York Giants third baseman Charlie Banks through persistent letters. Joey claims to be a newspaper reporter to get Banks' attention, leading to an unexpected pen-pal relationship between the unlikely pair. The novel is presented entirely through letters, newspaper clippings, Western Union telegrams, report cards, and other documents that trace their growing friendship. As World War II looms in the background, Joey navigates challenges at school and home while Banks becomes an increasingly important figure in his life. The story chronicles how their bond develops from fan and reluctant idol to something deeper, touching on themes of father figures, growing up, and finding connection in unexpected places. Through their written exchanges, both characters reveal their vulnerabilities and hopes while maintaining humor throughout their correspondence. This epistolary novel examines the transformative power of friendship and the ways people can impact each other's lives through small acts of kindness and persistence. Its historical setting provides context for larger themes about family, identity, and the role of heroes both on and off the baseball field.

Readers consistently highlight the book's humor, emotional depth, and unique epistolary format told through letters, telegrams, and newspaper clippings. Many note they both laughed and cried while reading. What readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of 1940s baseball culture - Character development, especially Joey and Charlie - Balance of comedy and serious themes - Quick, engaging pace - Jewish representation What readers disliked: - Some found the letter format difficult to follow - A few readers thought the ending felt rushed - Some questioned the realism of Joey's voice/writing style Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,300+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "I've read it 12 times and cry every time" - Goodreads reviewer "The format takes getting used to but the story is worth it" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect blend of humor and heart" - Goodreads reviewer

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📚 The book is written entirely in letters, newspaper clippings, telegrams, and other documents, never using traditional narrative prose. ⚾ Author Steve Kluger drew inspiration from his lifelong love of baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers, which began when he was eight years old. ✉️ The main character Joey's letter-writing campaign was inspired by Kluger's own childhood experience of writing to baseball players and receiving responses. 🎭 Before becoming a novelist, Kluger wrote several plays that were produced off-Broadway, including "Café 50's" and "After Dark." 📅 Though set in 1940s Brooklyn during World War II, the book wasn't published until 1998 and has since become popular as both an adult and young adult novel.