I took way too long to read The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner. It sat on my TBR shelf for a whole year! Why, oh why, did I wait?! Two sisters’ POV tell the story of an all-American family in the 1950s, a time we look back on with nostalgia. The Depression and WWII were behind them, and America is prospering. Yet this was also a time of mistrust of friends and neighbors — people are labeled as Communists and forced from society. I loved how Finkbeiner places a typical, yet unique, family into everyday life that is upended by national politics. It is eerily similar to some of the things going on in America today. That setting is an important part of the story, but it is the characters that make it. Their reactions to life in general is a special part of the overall story. One question seemed to pop up quite a bit — what would you change about your past? Past blessings and past sorrows, past hardships and past victories — they make us who we are. I guess it’s pretty good God allows us free will for our choices/responses, but doesn’t allow us to time travel. The overall plan of our lives can be trusted to a good God. I guess you can tell this book really made me think. I also fell in love with one character in particular — Flossie is an imaginative, spunky character who grows up a lot during the course of the book. I was glad Finkbeiner allowed the reader to see how she turned out, with all the influences of her past.

I highly recommend The All-American. Great story, great characters, great message. Don’t be like me. Read it now! LOL!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

In “The All-American” by Susie Finkbeiner, we’re transported to the 1950s, a time when nearly all the girls dreamed of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. But Bertha Harding has a different dream: baseball. She devours sports stories, plays ball with neighborhood boys, and even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

However, life takes an unexpected turn when Bertha’s father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small Michigan town, where the only person who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are resilient, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she’ll never forget.

“The All-American” is a coming-of-age novel that celebrates the women who broke barriers for other girls and women in baseball. The author weaves an intimate tale through the voices of Bertha and her sister, Flossie. The historical backdrop adds depth to the story. The Red Scare casts a shadow over everyone’s lives, straining relationships and fomenting fear. But amidst the turmoil, Bertha’s determination shines. The details about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League provide fascinating context, highlighting the resilience and courage of these trailblazing women.

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner is a most delightful Christian historical novel that I completely savored, never wanting it to end.
The novel is set during 1952 as we follow an all-American family of parents, two daughters and a cat. Their extended family is a married brother and sister-in-law, and an uncle. All the events are seen in the first person, alternating between eleven year old Flossie and her older sister Bertha.
The sisters are similar but different. They both have unique relationships with their father who is an author. Flossie is a bookworm – Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley are two of her favourite characters. She ‘lives’ her books, liking nothing better than an afternoon in the library.
In contrast, Bertha is a keen baseball player. Her dream is to play for the ladies Sweet Peas team. She is never happier than joining the boys at school for a baseball game.
Both girls have close relationships with their father who encourages their individual dreams.
Flossie’s love of reading and the English language is helped by her father explaining Shakespeare’s plays to her line by line.
Bertha’s baseball dream is encouraged with a personalized catcher’s mitt from her father.
The girls’ father knows just what gifts his daughters need. Likewise, our heavenly Father knows just what gifts His children need.
Parents protect their children, just as our father God protects us. “We all have our portion of the burden, but God has the lion’s share.” God never gives us more than we can handle. He walks beside us every step of the way.
We see the characters feeling empathy. Flossie has been a victim of school bullies. Therefore, when she moves to a new area, she chooses kindness over popularity.
1952 was at the height of suspicion over communists in America. The House Of Un-American Activities was in full swing. Communities shunned their own. It was just enough to be accused, never mind if there was no evidence.
The All American gave a glimpse into a bygone era – of baseball, of soda fountains, of growing up in post-war America. The whole book was warm and welcoming. I absolutely adored it. I cannot wait for more from Susie Finkbeiner.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This author is wonderful. She brings whatever topic she decides to write on to life. This book was no exception. While this isn't a book i would normally pick up (not usually super interested in baseball) she writes more about the emotions and feelings behind her characters and that means it doesn't matter so much the topic because we get all the feels that I thoroughly enjoy in a book.

Susie Finkbeiner absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one!
I loved the characters, especially Bertha and Flossie.
I found this a unique peek into family life in the 50s.
Yes, it is a baseball story, but it actually doesn't play as big a part in the story as I thought it might. Just enough to make it fun!
This book paints us a picture of how uncomplicated life and families were back in those days. Until they weren't. I never quite realized how that awful threat of Red played into normal family life. Unfounded accusations that ruined reputations of others. Now, just as back in the day, our words need to be used carefully, and we need to be aware of how damaging they can be to others.
Beautiful setting, Michigan, town life, and then also way out in the middle of nowhere somewhere.
This book really is amazing all around, and I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Susie Finkbeiner knocks it out of the park again! (Ha, was the pun intentional? That's for me to know.) Going in I knew the question wasn't going to be "Am I going to cry?" but rather, "How many times will I cry?" She always gets me where it hurts and this was no exception. I loved hanging out with Bertha and Flossie, highly recommend!

I didn't grow up a fan of baseball, but my mom did—because her grandpa loved baseball.

So when I read The All-American, I felt like I was taking a peek into the world of a great grandpa I never met. He was fiercely patriotic, opinionated about politics, and a huge fan of baseball. A bit like the secondary hero of the book: Bertha and Flossie's dad, writer William S. Harding.

The All American is a heart-rending novel with the parallel stories of two sisters who saw life so differently it took me several chapters to realize they were even related.

The history of the women's leagues is fascinating. The family dynamics are complicated. And the grief, when it came, was shattering.

Trigger Warnings: alcoholism, death.

1952. Bertha Harding is a 16-year old girl living in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan with her parents and her sister Florence (Flossie). Her married brother visits often. Bertha’s dreams do not align with most other girls her age. She dreams of baseball and of playing for the Workington Sweet Peas, a team in the All-American Girls Baseball League. Her little sister Flossie dreams of books and writing, and frequently flees bullies. Overall, though, they live a sweet life in a close-knit neighborhood. But then their father is accused of being associated with the Communist Party by the Un-American Activities Committee. Overnight, life changes drastically and their family is hounded out of the neighborhood, relocating to a small town in Northern Michigan to start over.

What a powerful look at the American dream and what it means to be All-American! This novel is so well woven, with points of view switching mostly between Bertha and Flossie, with epistolary work in the form of letters and articles adding another element to the story. That feeling of knowing for sure what your life is about and who your friends are, and then having that pulled out from under you, is a punch in the stomach that the reader will experience along with the family. The American way of rebuilding and fighting back under stress and tremendous odds is also very evident in this book. A question the reader may ask is “Who is All-American?” Is it baseball player Bertha, reader and dreamer Flossie, or their father, the author William Harding, whose very patriotism has been challenged? The answer is all of the above. Richly layered, beautifully written, and oh, so American, this one shouldn’t be missed.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This book was unlike other historical fiction books I’ve read — in the best way. I loved the story, the characters, the writing. It was interesting and easy to read, and I kept wanting to know more.

My favorite Susie Finkbeiner book yet!!

What an intriguing and captivating story! I enjoyed learning more about the two impactful issues during this time period. The communism scare and women's baseball.

With a lovable cast of characters, I enjoyed them all from a spitfire youngest sister, a baseball loving older sister, an English Mam, a father who is an author, a beloved older brother, a reclusive uncle, and some good friends made this an unforgettable story. I highly recommend The All-American!

I was so invested in all the characters, that I wish the epilogue would have included updates on them all!

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an ecopy. All opinions are my own.

This was really eye opening and the first historical fiction book that I have read about this subject which makes it really unique and a stand out.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction!

The writing flowed and easily kept my attention. The characters were easy to get behind. And I learned things I never knew.

Loved this one!

A wonderful sister story about a non-traditional (at the time) American dream. You'll love following this unexpected adventure!

The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner is a brilliant work of historical fiction. I’m not sure that there is another author alive today that is able to embody his or her books with such raw, authentic emotion. This author consistently touches my heart with her books and often makes me cry. This book is a rare look at life in the 50s, including women’s roles and communist accusations. I loved learning about the women’s professional baseball leagues. This book will quickly draw you in and you will feel engrossed in this time period. I cannot recommend this book enough. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

AMAZING! I loved this book! I love the look at the inner workings of this family. I love the step back in time. I love looking at the prejudices of the times. What a super book that was really written well!

I look forward to reading Susie Finkbeiner's novels because I know they will transport me to another time in history. Her writing style, which is deceptively simple and very thought-provoking, shines in her latest book The All-American. The story originated when Ms. Finkbeiner imagined combining one of the most American activities (baseball) with something very unAmerican (Communism).

This Cold War Era coming-of-age story is set in 1952 in a Detroit suburb and features the Harding family, specifically 11-year-old Flossie who loves books and 16-year-old Bertha who'd much rather play baseball than assume the traditional roles of women in her era. The chapters alternate from their points of view and reflect their ages and personalities. When their father, a writer, is accused of engaging in Communist activities, the implications impact the entire family.

The author immerses readers in the history of time and place by weaving facts into the lives of genuine characters you'd meet in any small Midwestern town. It was so interesting to learn about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (think A League of Their Own) as well as McCarthyism. There's also a plot thread about a librarian who refuses to engage in book banning, which is sadly relevant today. Bits of humor and elements of faith help readers move through a plot that deals with heavy topics.

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. It is unlike most stories I have read and I really liked it. Written in the 1950s it showcases just what it is like to be a girl who loves baseball in a society that doesn’t really rally around that. I loved the two viewpoints between the sisters Bertha and Flossie. Watching the events of their lives unfold from two different perspectives made the story fuller and vibrant, like watching it all unfold before you. This story surprised me in so many ways and really made me think about life. I truly enjoyed reading it. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very different sort of novel, easy to read, yet filled with emotion.

It's almost like two diaries that switch back and forth between 11-year-old and 16-year-old sisters perspectives. You get to read their honest feelings as life moves forward, filled with struggle and moments of happiness, as well as tragedy. There is unexpected foreshadowing that took me by surprise until I was smacked in the face with it. I wont give it away, but because I have and still walk in those shoes I balled my eyes out.

The Lord makes everyone different and if you're a mom of more than one kid, you know how true that is. Flossie is 'that' kid; born self-absorbed, and attention seeking her entire life. But, she's also smart as a whip. I don't think she's for everyone, but heck, nobody is. In fact, there are a lot of personality types in this book. I absolutely loved the brief interaction with elderly Mrs. McFadden and her never-ending support of the Sweet Peas Baseball gals. The town librarian was another gem.

A couple of things that bugged me: the author repeatedly calls Cracker Jack (TM) Cracker Jacks which is an absolute pet peeve. She also does not include Bertha in the epilog (only Flossie). I think she did that on purpose, because so many time Flossie would complain when a book did not end right or wrap-up well. I have to agree with Flossie.

It was really incredible what people went through during "The Red Scare", when neighbors were encouraged to turn in each other for suspected communist ties. Fear and government pressure persuaded people to lie. I think of the Jews in Hitler's day; same thing. And recently in my own time when some American towns were pressuring people to turn in neighbors for not masking and social distancing during the height of Covid. There were even 800#s you could call and anonymously report in. Government officials throughout history have tried to divide us. It's a very sad thing when the people allow it.

Overall, I recommend this book. It makes you stop and think, step back in time and it feels real.

4⭐= Very Good

I was sent this eBook by NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher, Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 73 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023

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Susie Finkbeiner never disappoints! This story was such a delight. I loved both sisters, and the baseball story was fascinating.

I’ve long adored the story of women’s baseball in the movie A League of Their Own. When I saw there was a novel highlighting the very same sport, it was easily a must-read for this sports-loving heart.

I loved that this story was told through the eyes of a pair of school-aged sisters. One had the hopes of joining the nearby women’s baseball team, while the other was a voracious reader dealing with some mean bullies.

Underscoring their personal struggles and goals was the Red Scare and communism trials. This was such a fascinating aspect of the story. I love reading about the Cold War, but this was an angle I hadn’t before seen in Christian fiction. It was written superbly and in as non-politically-focused way possible.

Other things I enjoyed about this story were…
• the sweet high-school romance
• the fact that the librarian was nice
• the quirky uncle
• the heart-wrenching emotional twist—totally should have seen it coming but didn’t—such masterful foreshadowing!
• That the girls were growing up in the 1950s—my favorite decade

One disappointing thing and the reason for the docked star was that the humor was crude in certain moments. I don’t appreciate “loo humor,” as one character called it, as it’s immature and inappropriate.

Content: crude nicknames and humor, alcohol, rumors, replacement profanity, replacement expletives, expletives, tobacco