Cory Brand has done it this time! His anger and alcoholism lands him back in his hometown of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, with an eight-week suspension from the Denver Grizzlies and a mandate to participate in a 12-step program. Although it appears Cory's life is good as an eight-time MLB all-star, it's really been spiraling out of control since before he left Okmulgee. Cory is dealing with issues from his childhood and his own father's anger and alcoholism.

Upon his arrival in Okmulgee, Cory is involved in a drunk- driving accident that sends his brother to the hospital with a broken arm and broken ribs. That's how he gets involved with the local youth baseball team as their substitute coach. To his surprise, the assistant coach is the girl who was the love of his life when he was in high school and college. Emma is now a widow and mother of a 10- year-old boy. There's real tension between the two of them from the first day Cory arrives at the field.

Cory follows through with attending Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based program that helps people overcome addictions and other hurts in their lives. But after he attends the classes, he spends his nights drinking and wallowing in self-pity. He thinks he's got it all under control and can get through these eight weeks just fine. But an article in the local newspaper brings Cory's world crashing down. A secret is revealed and the people Cory cares most about in life are devastated.

Travis Thrasher hits his own home run with HOME RUN. The characters are strong and their interactions carry the story along very well. Between chapters, Thrasher flashes back to Cory's thoughts while growing up and gives us a glimpse as to why he acts and reacts as he does in this present day story. Kudos to Mr. Thrasher for highlighting Celebrate Recovery and the great work it is doing to help people who suffer with addictions and hurts in their lives. HOME RUN is a must-read!

Book Summary

The Story of a Man Who Runs Away . . . All the Way Home

Major League baseball player Cory Brand excels at hitting home runs—but he's striking out in his personal life. After years of hard partying and reckless living, a DUI and team suspension land him back in the Oklahoma town where he started.

Forced to coach the local Little League team and spend eight weeks in Celebrate Recovery©, the only twelve–step program in town, Cory must face the memories of an abusive father—and the love Cory left behind. What he doesn't realize is that the road to recovery will take him through the childhood pain he longs to forget and into a freedom he's never known before.