His mother abandoned him. His best friend is gone. And now, after a sudden and painful illness, his favorite teacher and mentor has died.
When William Jennings determines he can no longer remain behind the secure walls of St. Mary's, he embarks on a journey in which he discovers the cruelty of society from which he once was protected. As he struggles to find his place in the world, he begins to piece together bits of information that can help him uncover his hidden past.
Along the way, he encounters titans of the nation's pastime, giving him a front-row seat to witness their tenacity and offering hope that he also can emerge from setback and failure.
During dinner that evening, rumors of the pugilists’ punishment were circulating around the dining hall.
“No ball for a full month!” Congo whispered in excitement.
“They’ll miss the games next week,” George added. “They were two of our best.”
Congo looked at nothing in particular, just staring ahead, and sighed. “We’re sure to lose without them. Brother Matthias says the team from the Methodist school is one of the best in New York.”
George, who normally devoured his meal and bargained with other boys to share some of their food with him, had taken two small bites of bread. He hadn’t touched the potatoes, nor had he cut into the flat steak. He sat with his elbows on the table, his head rested in the cup of his hands. “A keystone and a pitcher,” he said softly, “and both good hitters.”
“I play keystone,” William said quietly. “I pitch.”
Congo and George exchanged glances as if saying, “You want to be the one to tell him?”
But William needed no explanation. He understood why neither of his two friends would consider him a possible replacement for the two pugilists. William was a year younger than Congo, two years younger than George, and he had yet to play on the Big Field with the older boys. Sure, he was one of the better players on the Little Field, but that was because he was playing with other children of his age and stature. George and Congo were special, the youngest members on St. Mary’s all-star team. George was only eleven years old, and Congo was ten, but each had special skills and was tall and strong, and they could hit far and throw fast.
“Look, kid,” George started.
But William held up his hand, signaling his friend to stop. “My fielding is golden,” William proclaimed. “A keystone rarely needs a strong arm, so what of my lack of strength?”
Again, George and Congo exchanged glances, but this time they looked surprised. William was unsure if he had shocked them with his confidence or if perhaps he was swaying their opinion.
“And I may not have the fastest straight ball,” William continued, “but my curve is the best on the Little Field. Even George can’t hit it. Use me one or two innings, between the hard-throwing southpaw and the hard-throwing righty, and I’d be sure to mess up the Methodist boys’ timing.”
"Thoroughly well-researched and carefully
crafted..."
-IndieReader
"A brilliantly observed sports drama that plumbs life's unplanned encounters. Forcey's text blossoms under his loving attention to detail, enhancing atmosphere while also emphasizing his characters' authentic interaction."
-The BookLife Prize
-----------------------------------------------------
January 25, 2025
Fall of the mighty is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of power, betrayal, and the human spirit. With rich character development and a compelling narrative, the story delves into the rise and fall of those who once seemed untouchable. Perfect for fans of literary fiction that weaves emotion and depth into every page. A thought-provoking and unforgettable read!
November 1, 2024
Fall of the Mighty is an intense and moving novel that takes the reader on the difficult journey of growth of William Jennings. Through painful losses and moments of loneliness, William discovers the harsh reality of the world, but also the strength and hope that resides within him. This book offers a profound exploration of human connections and resilience, with extraordinary characters and a narrative that moves until the last page. A powerful journey towards self-discovery.
October 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this
book. It’s got the perfect mix of sports, friendship, and mystery
that kept me hooked from the start. Watching the main character
grow and push himself, both on and off the field, felt super
relatable. CHP 2 1908 is awesome! The deeper storyline about him
searching for answers about his past added another layer that kept
me invested. The way the story balanced action and emotion made it
an enjoyable read, and I found myself rooting for him every step of
the way. Definitely a solid pick if you’re into character-driven
stories with a touch of intrigue!
October 24, 2024
This book somehow invoked serious nostalgia in me even though I was not alive and it is nothing like my life.