Cory Brand has done it this time! His anger and alcoholism
lands him back in his hometown of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, with
an eight-week suspension from the Denver Grizzlies and a
mandate to participate in a 12-step program. Although it
appears Cory's life is good as an eight-time MLB all-star,
it's really been spiraling out of control since before he
left Okmulgee. Cory is dealing with issues from his
childhood and his own father's anger and alcoholism.
Upon his arrival in Okmulgee, Cory is involved in a drunk-
driving accident that sends his brother to the hospital
with a broken arm and broken ribs. That's how he gets
involved with the local youth baseball team as their
substitute coach. To his surprise, the assistant coach is
the girl who was the love of his life when he was in high
school and college. Emma is now a widow and mother of a 10-
year-old boy. There's real tension between the two of them
from the first day Cory arrives at the field.
Cory follows through with attending Celebrate Recovery, a
faith-based program that helps people overcome addictions
and other hurts in their lives. But after he attends the
classes, he spends his nights drinking and wallowing in
self-pity. He thinks he's got it all under control and can
get through these eight weeks just fine. But an article in
the local newspaper brings Cory's world crashing down. A
secret is revealed and the people Cory cares most about in
life are devastated.
Travis Thrasher hits his own home run with HOME RUN.
The characters are strong and their interactions carry the
story along very well. Between chapters, Thrasher flashes
back to Cory's thoughts while growing up and gives us a
glimpse as to why he acts and reacts as he does in this
present day story. Kudos to Mr. Thrasher for highlighting
Celebrate Recovery and the great work it is doing to help
people who suffer with addictions and hurts in their lives.
HOME RUN is a must-read!
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