Library Journal
$15.95. f Probably no one uses baseball as metaphor better than Kinsella. The stories in this collection range in tone from zaniness to pathos. It's hard to choose a favorite story: maybe the bizarre ''Reports Concerning the Death of the Seattle Albatross Are Somewhat Exaggerated,'' about a mascot from outer space who really looks like a bird. Or the title story, about childhood innocence violated. Or the touching ''Valley of the Schmoon,'' told by a man who has lost everything without having the faintest idea why. Or ''K-Mart,'' about the betrayals and losses in growing up, trying to restore life as it should be and was in boyhood baseball days. Highly recommended.Marylaine Block, St. Ambrose Univ. Lib., Davenport, Ia.