Please note: This review was drafted on September 22, 2023 but was held back from being posted in solidarity with the ongoing WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike. This choice was made erring on the side of caution so as not to accidentally cross the picket line.
In 1992, a new film portraying a fictionalized account of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League hit movie theaters. A League of Their Own was both a critical and commercial success and continues to live in the cultural zeitgeist to this day, even inspiring a short-lived series of the same name. Though not an explicitly queer film, it is highly regarded as one of the biggest queer icons in the history of film.
With reverence and understanding, author Erin Carlson provides an inside look into the journey that led to the production of A League of Their Own, from its inception to its lasting legacy. Filled with stories and quotes from various cast, crew, and fans, Carlson does a deep dive into this beloved film that taught young girls (and the world) that “throwing like a girl” is not the insult that people think it is.
This book leaves the reader feeling like they were a part of the production, providing insights and behind the scenes information from insiders. It feels like a sitting down with a friend and having a chat about your favorite film, taking slight detours to dive into the creatives behind the film such as director Penny Marshall. Not once does it feel like an info dump (as some nonfiction works can) and I found myself thoroughly entertained and engaged throughout and wanting to rewatch the movie (and start the series) as soon as possible.
NO CRYING IN BASEBALL by Erin Carlson is available now and you can pick up a copy for yourself (or the A League of Their Own fanatic in your life) here.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review. If you purchase a copy using my Bookshop affiliate link above, not only will I receive a small commission (which will fuel my coffee and tea addiction and help to keep me up all night reading more books to recommend to you), but you will be supporting indie bookstores as well! If you prefer Amazon, visit my Amazon storefront and click on the list titled "2023 Book Recommendations."
