4 Great Sports Fiction Novels For Your Summer Reading List

If you’re a fan of sports fiction books then you’re probably already aware how hard it can be to find them. Or if you just like sports, sports fiction novels are another great way to read about your favorite game and celebrate being a sports fan alongside a good story. So to help you locate some great sports fiction books for your upcoming summer reading list, check these out!

The Art of Fielding By Chad Harbach

Harbach’s novel takes you through the story of five people in a small school on the shore of Lake Michigan. Young baseball star, Henry Skrimshander, seems destined for the big leagues amidst an engaging cast of highly developed supporting characters. Told through multiple perspectives as the season counts down, it is a deep and impactful look into the casts hopes, anxieties and secrets as they create stronger bonds and find their paths through life.

The Art of Fielding is considered one of the top sports novels, earning a place as one of the top 10 books from 2011. Written with intelligence, this warmhearted novel is sure to please with its story of ambitions limits, family, friendship, love and having commitment to yourself and others.

Calico JoeBy John Grisham

Set in the backdrop of Major League Baseball, this is one of the best sports fiction novelsabout fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption. Written by blockbuster writer John Grisham, it explores one of the author’s most beloved sports.

Set in 1973, Joe Castle is considered a baseball prodigy and one of the greatest rookies anyone had ever seen. He dazzles Cub fans, shattering records and earning fanfare for his polite behavior. But it isn’t long before things are put to the test as Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren threw a fastball that would change their lives forever…

Calico Joe is an insightful and moving novel that is sure to become a fan favorite.

Straight By Dick Francis

Considered by many to be the prolific mystery writer’s best book, the 28thnovel of Francis’ mystery repertoireis regarded among some of the best mystery sports fiction books.

When Derek Franklin is injured from a bad spill off his horse, the jockey learns of the death of an older and estranged brother Greville. Finding himself the sole heir and executor of his will, things quickly turn dark as Derek is mugged and his brother’s gemology firm is robbed. Suspecting that his brother’s death wasn’t an accident, the mystery takes you through not only a fantastic mystery but also a great psychological look into the characters.

While it may not have an abundance about horse racing compared to Francis’ other works it is still an outstanding novel for those who like a good mystery with their sport.

SportsFan ChroniclesBy Kurt Weichert

Kurt gives sport fans something they’ve sorely needed for a while, a solid comedic adult fiction novelabout sports and those that love them.

When Kurt and Brian, two of the wildest businessman ever to grace the Windy City win part of the lottery they do what any fan would do; they try to purchase their favorite sports team! However, if they wish to realize the shared dream of owning a part of the NFL, they’ll have to convince the other lottery winner to pool his money in with them first! With colorful characters who share an avid passion for every game from hockey to basketball, it’s a great comedy for those looking to break away from the serious tone of many sports fiction novels.

With a writing style like Entourage meets Animal House, it is sure to be a laugh-out-loud comedy that sports fiction lovers will love.