Reviews
5 Stars Review from Literary Titan
Sour Apples is a charming and nostalgic tale that immerses readers in the adventurous and often precarious life of young Jimmy Hamilton. Set in the small town of Walnut Creek, the story follows Jimmy’s escapades, from near-falls out of his beloved tree fort to navigating new friendships and the trials of Little League baseball. With a keen eye for detail and a heartwarming portrayal of childhood, Jantzen crafts a world where imagination reigns, and the simple joys and fears of youth are vividly brought to life.
One of the most striking aspects of Jantzen’s writing is his ability to capture the innocence and boundless creativity of childhood. From Jimmy’s vivid daydreams of pitching in the major leagues to his spirited efforts to defend his fort from imagined enemies, the narrative is infused with a sense of wonder and excitement. The author’s detailed descriptions of Jimmy’s tree fort—a sanctuary built around an old walnut tree—serve as a poignant symbol of the protagonist’s desire for independence and adventure. This setting becomes a central character in its own right, anchoring many of the story’s pivotal moments. The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Jimmy, whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. Jantzen’s portrayal of Jimmy’s relationship with his mother adds a layer of complexity to the story. The tension between Jimmy’s yearning for freedom and his mother’s protective instincts is palpable, reflecting the universal parent-child dynamic. The scenes where Jimmy’s imagination takes flight—such as when he envisions himself pitching in a circus—are both humorous and touching, showcasing Jantzen’s skill in blending fantasy with reality. The friendship between Kevin and Jimmy is a central theme, reflecting the importance of companionship and loyalty during childhood. Kevin’s presence also helps to illustrate Jimmy’s growth as he learns to navigate conflicts and develop empathy. Through their interactions, readers witness how the boys support each other, whether it’s Kevin covering for Jimmy at school or Jimmy helping Kevin feel welcome in a new town.
Sour Apples is a delightful read that captures the essence of childhood with warmth and authenticity. Paul Jantzen’s narrative invites readers to reminisce about their own youthful adventures and the timeless thrill of simple pleasures. This book is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories and anyone looking to relive the magical moments of their youth. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic fiction or seeking a heartwarming tale to share with younger readers, this book is a sweet and satisfying choice.
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers’ Favorite
Sour Apples by Paul Jantzen transports us to 1975 Walnut Creek. Here we meet 11-year-old Jimmy Hamilton. Jimmy has fought many battles—both real and imaginary. But nothing compares to when he battled to protect his tree fort. It is over fifteen feet up an old tree, and to reach the door, one has to dangle 12 feet in the air. It makes Jimmy feel important—in fact, he just might be a king. Through his wild imagination and weaponry (plastic swords and stick guns), Jimmy has fought and subdued all the monsters who tried to take his tree fort. Let's take on bigger, more urgent problems. Baseball season will be here soon enough, and he needs to be a great pitcher—he needs to be a champion. Then there's that girl, Cindy, from school. Why does life seem very much like biting into a sour apple?
Whether you're 12 or 70, nothing stops you from enjoying Sour Apples. It's captivating and nostalgic. Thrilling escapades kick off within the first few minutes and grip your attention with exciting characters and immediate action. Paul Jantzen's descriptions are so vivid that you can almost see the boys sprint across the forest floor against a foggy background and smell Mom's pancakes wafting across the dining room. Jantzen's brilliant storytelling, combined with rich and detailed depictions of scenes, takes your mind to the suspense and adventures that very often lead to hilarious situations. Enchanting lighthearted moments carry you through this vibrant world of young characters and action until everything comes to a bittersweet knot that promises us more of Jimmy. The message in the narrative is sure to inspire young minds to soar with imagination and creativity. Most importantly, the themes encourage resilience, hope, and determination. Dive right in!
Sour Apples is a book that keeps you engaged from start to finish, where mischief and wit collide in a whirlwind of laughter and adventure! Jimmy is a clever young boy with a knack for outsmarting even the trickiest situations as he embarks on an unforgettable journey that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Paul Jantzen's debut novel is not just a story; it's an exhilarating escapade that captures the essence of youthful curiosity and the thrill of daring exploits.
As you flip through the pages, you'll immerse yourself in Jimmy's world—where every twist and turn are packed with humor and heart.
For adventure seekers, Jimmy's antics are a perfect reminder of the joy of unexpected experiences and the thrill of the unknown. So, why not imagine your legendary escapades inspired by Jimmy's story? You'll be on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the next unexpected turn in Jimmy's journey.~Suzie Housley Midwest Book Review
I think some readers might be tempted to wonder if they'd wandered into a kid's book in the opening page or two of Sour Apples, but that would be kind of like saying Catcher in the Rye or Tom Sawyer is a book for children. This story is outstanding at evoking nostalgia. I went back to the mid-seventies, the years of my childhood and adolescence when we learned about courage, loyalty, the value of making mistakes and then making things right again. This story is takes us back to our first big bike wreck and that scar we still rub fondly, our homework schomework times, our being so far outside our parents' eyes that every hike seemed like high adventure, our first clumsy kiss that still tastes like strawberries. This is a beautiful story, evocative and lingering. Well done.~ David Williams
On the Humorous Misadventures of the Likable, But Woefully Misunderstood, Jimmy Hamilton, ca1970s:
There’s something nostalgic and wonderful in Paul Jantzen’s SOUR APPLES (“A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read”) that jumpstarts memories of every desire, hope, or dream you struck out to attain.
Maybe you’re a teenage girl hoping to understand why boys behave so peevishly, maybe you’re nostalgic for the sandlot baseball you played with your buddies in the 1970s, or maybe you always wanted a treehouse but were thwarted by safety-conscious parents.
In Jimmy Hamilton’s 11th summer, he’s about to prove himself on the pitchers mound in his small town, make an unlikely friend who coaches him like a pro, and kiss a girl he’d considered icky until he fell for her sports prowess and “chocolate eyes.” But first—there’s the matter of replacing the treehouse his mom deemed unsafe, and the dutiful reading of library books she deems important. As Jimmy ponders lots of life’s coming-of-age questions, none is more ironic than the one he wonders about books: “If reading is so great, then why are all the books at the library free?”
For debut author Paul Jantzen, “A Christmas Story” was the spark that inspired him to write. SOUR APPLES is a baseball story—a sweet, humorous YA novel of summertime misadventures with unintended consequences, starring a boy with Ralphie Parker’s eternal appeal. ~Jann Alexander author of Unspoken.
Reminiscent of classic films such as "The Sandlot" and "The Goonies"
Sour Apples by Paul Jantzen provides a charming glimpse into the boyhood of simpler times, when tree forts vastly outnumbered video games. During that era, the most cherished memories were forged in the rugged and adventure-filled outdoors, seemingly limitless and bound only by the expanses of young imaginations. Reminiscent of classic films such as "The Sandlot" and "The Goonies," this series of entertaining coming-of-age stories offers a nostalgic must-read account of childhood. It encapsulates the essence of that bygone era, complete with the inevitable bruised shins, hearts, and egos that accompany the journey to adulthood.
~Troy Hollan, author of Clucked
A marvelous coming-of-age tale!
Equal parts nostalgia, smooth prose, and good, old-fashioned story-telling! Author Paul Jantzen channels the mind of a ten-year-old boy, giving his adventures substance and emotional weight. A marvelous coming-of-age tale!
~Brian Kaufman, author of A PERSISTENT ECHO.
Hilarious Coming-of-Age Tale with A Christmas Story Vibe
If A Christmas Story was a novel written in the third person, set in the summer of 1975, and with a slightly older protagonist, this would be it.
Ten-year-old Jimmy Hamilton had a few modest goals for his summer: have his eleventh birthday party with no girls; hang out with his friends in his treehouse where they could escape girls and their cooties, mothers, and trips to the library; and become the world’s greatest Little League pitcher.
Unfortunately, life had a way of intruding on such plans, as we’re led through a hilarious series of adventures that include a new friend, the demise of a treehouse, a new clubhouse, spooky twin girls with a crush on him, good and bad outings on the mound for the mighty Wildcats, a trip to the mall, unexpected kindness toward a smelly bum, who turns out to be a terrific pitching coach, and his even smellier dog, and a first (and second) kiss.
Thoroughly enjoyable, it's a rollicking tale of the adventures and misadventures of an engaging boy perched precariously on the threshold of adolescence. You’ll be hard-pressed not to draw parallels between Sour Apples and A Christmas Story.
~Bill Schweitzer author of Doves In A Tempest
A Grand Slice of Americana
Paul Jantzen’s Sour Apples is everything a boy’s tale should be – adventurous, romantic, earthy, at times poignant, and relentlessly funny. The novel captures a memorable summer of 11-year-old Jimmy, one filled with baseball games, romps in the woods, and skirmishes both physical and psychological. The work gains a nostalgic resonance through its small-town 1975 world, in a time without cell phones and video games where a child would spend most of his long days outside wandering, exploring, and imagining; and in a time when parents thought it very natural for their children to find their own path forward. Not that Jimmy’s mother is unconcerned with her boy: she makes sure he frequents two groan-inducing institutions – the library and the church.
Jimmy’s obsessions for the summer focus on his pitching skills and his fort. His hot temper and his independent spirit get him into trouble, especially with his buddies, but Jimmy’s tendency to take risks also offers great rewards. His slowly flowering relationship with Cindy and his furtive friendship with the “bum” Patch demonstrate a maturity and a sophisticated awareness beyond his years. What gives the novel such strength is Jantzen’s clear-eyed depiction of Jimmy, who can be mean and violent, even though his better angels often prevail.
Jimmy’s explorations with the other boys lead to amusing encounters with snakes, squirrels, skunks, cats, the turtle Erwin, and a combative groundhog. Jimmy’s rambunctious friends provide a constant source of amusement, including the neighbor Kevin who spends the early part of the novel suffering unfortunate mishaps, Dave who has the most remarkable ability to speak to girls, and clumsy Chad who has impressive olfactory skills. Pranks and humor abound particularly with those animals and in memorable scenes involving his mischievous father, his tough mother who is usually three steps ahead of Jimmy, the dolled-up twins Jessica and Erica, a frilly fort makeover, and limburger cheese. Through these encounters and especially through his relationship with Patch, Jimmy continues to grow in ways that do not seem possible at the story’s opening.
Evocative and blessed with the spirit of Tom Sawyer, Sour Apples is a coming-of-age novel that is both a wonderful read and a rich evocation of an earlier, not-so-simple time.
~Michael Hartnett author of Windmill Bluff
“Equal parts nostalgia, smooth prose, and good, old-fashioned story-telling!”