Review: No Hitter by Donna Marsh

Print Length: 354 pages

Publisher: Donna Marsh (November 30, 2015)

From Goodreads.com: For Atlee, every day is about flying under the radar of his father who flies Apache helicopters. When a chance to pitch for the high school baseball team makes crossing the mine field of interaction with Chief Warrant Officer Jackson necessary, Atlee has no option but to "soldier up" and ask permission. The result of that simple question sends Atlee's world into a vicious spiral of simply trying to survive and ultimately embracing the very thing that has made his world violent. 

High school freshman Corey Cooper knows something is going on with her new friend, the quiet kid from Mississippi, but she can't figure it out. When she discovers what Atlee is experiencing at home and offers help, Corey does not understand why he refuses her efforts to keep him safe. Worse yet, Corey sees her friend changing and knows he is well on his way to becoming the thing he despises. She is tough enough to be a high school catcher, but is she strong enough to help her friend? 

Told in first person through Atlee's point of view, this dark novel explores family, friendship, survival, and the effects of family dysfunction. 

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My Rating: 5 stars out of 5

No Hitter is one of those rare stories that grips you by the heartstrings, pulls you in and takes you on one heck of a ride. The subject matter isn't easy, but the author manages to handle it in a way that is beautifully (if tragically) realistic. You find yourself pitched straight into Atlee's world, into the anger that lurks around every corner, and into the fight not only to survive, but to protect those you love as well. 

One of the things I most enjoyed was the way the author was able to blend the truth about the cycle of abuse in a way that makes sense (and brings to light the harsh reality of abuse). As you watch Atlee's world collapse around him, you realize that he begins to show mannerisms and other "signs" of becoming the thing he hates the most, and he doesn't even realize it. Thankfully, Atlee has Corey, the only person who seems to be able to pull him back from the dark places his mind sometimes goes to. 

Speaking of Corey, she was my favorite in the story next to Atlee. She stood up to him, and in some ways, for him when she didn't have to. She could have just as easily given up and walked away. Yet, she tried to help. All of the characters in this story were wonderfully complex, whether you loved them or hated them - they were as real as they come.  No Hitter also makes you realize that sometimes people are fighting battles we know nothing about, which should make you more aware of how you personally treat the people you interact with. 

No Hitter does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger, and I would very much like to see more of Atlee's story. Does he mange to break the cycle? 

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a gripping, edge of your seat story. I would definitely read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                                     No Hitter is available from Amazon.com