The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a prime example (for me) about how previous ambivalence towards a book can change years after reading it for the first time. I’m not sure when I first read this book but I do remember the impressions it left. One - that it was all about baseball (I’m not a huge fan of books that feature sports) and two - that it wasn’t up to the standard that I expect from King at his greatest. This is the story of a young girl called Trisha who is on a hike in a remote area with her mother, recently divorced and her older brother, Pete. Trisha leaves the safety of the trail to go to the toilet and as her brother and mother are too busy bickering, they don’t notice she is gone. After a while, Trisha becomes completely lost in the woods and has to try and find her way back to civilisation. The rest of the book follows Trisha’s incredible journey as she meets with injury, attempts to find something safe to eat and drink and learns to survive when night closes in. Keeping her company and maintaining her sanity is her trusty Walkman where she can listen to the radio, specifically the Boston Red Sox and her beloved favourite player, Tom Gordon. However, something is out there with Trisha. And it’s getting closer. I’m so glad I read this book with my #keeperofkingbookclub as I was so surprised how much I enjoyed it on the re-read. Is it the best thing King has ever written? Well no, but it’s certainly moved from one of my least favourites to books that I would recommend if you’re looking for a quick, engrossing read. Trisha is a beautiful character, drawn perfectly by the author and it wasn’t long before I found myself genuinely caring about what may happen to her. I’m delighted that I had a more fulfilling reading experience with this novel the second time around! Four solid stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 #bookstagram #scottishbookstagrammer #readingbooksofinstagram #reviewingbooksonthegram #stephenkingsuperfan #thegirlwholovedtomgordon #booksthatarebetterreadatnight #rereadingbooksisfun #giveabookasecondchance https://www.instagram.com/p/CnplUM7rXuH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
