Still more praise from readers:
First let me say that: 1. I am female 2. I am English and 3. I know nothing about baseball. Having said that I love the characters of the
boys, your writing and your story. Well done and I wish you the best of luck with it. -- Phyllis Burton
I just finished reading your new book rounding third...I was so wrapped up in this story that I read the book all in one sitting. I am looking
forward to the next book in this series. This book has helped me to realize that our life's not always a bed of roses and that these things
really do happen to us. I want to thank you for this book and shedding a little bit of light on what gay kids go through in high school and the
struggle that each of us goes through in discovering our own sexuality. -- Matthew Lake
Walter Meyer's clear and precise writing pulled me in from the first page. The lead characters, Rob and Josh, are familiar and
heartbreaking. They challenged me. I found myself wishing the story had been set in the '50s or '60s because Mr. Meyer reveals through
Rob and Josh, the baseball team, the high school characters and Rob's parents, how little has changed with the passage of time when
two boys are attracted to each other in high school. Rounding Third is a timely must read, because one thing hasn't changed, the power
of love and laughter. -- David H. Campbell
WOW. This book took me back 25 years to when I was the age of these characters 16 to 18.
I don't want to give anything away but I will say it captured all the emotions, thoughts, dreams, that I went through. It is a timeless story
about love. Ahhh first loves. Anyone who was a teen or is a teen now needs to read this book. It was close to reading my own story. It
really brought back the emotions I felt with my first love. I am still not over it to this day. -- James Robinson
I did enjoy your book very much. The plays were real and exciting and I liked the characters. It’s a good read. -- Luke Terpstra
I recommend Rounding Third! Poignant and sensitive! And for me, a real eye-opener! It is a very compelling story. There were parts that
were uncomfortable for me as a heterosexual, but then I imagine that you experience that in the reverse. I also found it heart-wrenching,
know that those things do happen to people and it makes me just sick. Thank you for having the strength to tell the story. I look forward to
the sequel. - Sharon Wiederrich Miller Odden
When is your next one coming out? I REALLY did like your first one i have probably read like 50 at least young adult books dealing with
that subject matter and truthfully yours is one of the two or three best of them all. One of the best young adult type that i have read...have
read so many since yours and now use yours for comparison. - Trey D.
First let me say that: 1. I am female 2. I am English and 3. I know nothing about baseball. Having said that I love the characters of the
boys, your writing and your story. Well done and I wish you the best of luck with it. -- Phyllis Burton
I just finished reading your new book rounding third...I was so wrapped up in this story that I read the book all in one sitting. I am looking
forward to the next book in this series. This book has helped me to realize that our life's not always a bed of roses and that these things
really do happen to us. I want to thank you for this book and shedding a little bit of light on what gay kids go through in high school and the
struggle that each of us goes through in discovering our own sexuality. -- Matthew Lake
Walter Meyer's clear and precise writing pulled me in from the first page. The lead characters, Rob and Josh, are familiar and
heartbreaking. They challenged me. I found myself wishing the story had been set in the '50s or '60s because Mr. Meyer reveals through
Rob and Josh, the baseball team, the high school characters and Rob's parents, how little has changed with the passage of time when
two boys are attracted to each other in high school. Rounding Third is a timely must read, because one thing hasn't changed, the power
of love and laughter. -- David H. Campbell
WOW. This book took me back 25 years to when I was the age of these characters 16 to 18.
I don't want to give anything away but I will say it captured all the emotions, thoughts, dreams, that I went through. It is a timeless story
about love. Ahhh first loves. Anyone who was a teen or is a teen now needs to read this book. It was close to reading my own story. It
really brought back the emotions I felt with my first love. I am still not over it to this day. -- James Robinson
I did enjoy your book very much. The plays were real and exciting and I liked the characters. It’s a good read. -- Luke Terpstra
I recommend Rounding Third! Poignant and sensitive! And for me, a real eye-opener! It is a very compelling story. There were parts that
were uncomfortable for me as a heterosexual, but then I imagine that you experience that in the reverse. I also found it heart-wrenching,
know that those things do happen to people and it makes me just sick. Thank you for having the strength to tell the story. I look forward to
the sequel. - Sharon Wiederrich Miller Odden
When is your next one coming out? I REALLY did like your first one i have probably read like 50 at least young adult books dealing with
that subject matter and truthfully yours is one of the two or three best of them all. One of the best young adult type that i have read...have
read so many since yours and now use yours for comparison. - Trey D.
| Walt's critically acclaimed and award-winning novel Rounding Third deals powerfully with the timely topic of teen bullying and suicide is available from online booksellers and on Kindle and as an e-book. (Links at left) or at Proud Bookstore in Rehoboth Beach, DE for a signed copy, contact walt@waltergmeyer.com |
"Walter Meyer has written a moving and powerful story of intense love between
two young jocks. Rounding Third is a page turner and I couldn't put it down once I
started reading. You find yourself deeply caring for the fate of the characters and
moved by their struggle to find themselves and each other. A unique, well written
and wonderful novel."-- David Mixner, author of “Stranger Among Friends”
two young jocks. Rounding Third is a page turner and I couldn't put it down once I
started reading. You find yourself deeply caring for the fate of the characters and
moved by their struggle to find themselves and each other. A unique, well written
and wonderful novel."-- David Mixner, author of “Stranger Among Friends”
"I started reading Rounding Third yesterday and got to chapter 35 and woke up this morning just
having to pick up and continue reading. I'm so hooked! Your writing makes you feel like you are
right there and like me, I'm sure many people can relate in some way. I can't wait to finish the
book tonight. Thanks for such great work and letting me 'hang out with Rob and Josh' for awhile.
Seriously, this story needs to be made into a movie." - Justin Sanchez
having to pick up and continue reading. I'm so hooked! Your writing makes you feel like you are
right there and like me, I'm sure many people can relate in some way. I can't wait to finish the
book tonight. Thanks for such great work and letting me 'hang out with Rob and Josh' for awhile.
Seriously, this story needs to be made into a movie." - Justin Sanchez
| Noted sports writer Dan Woog had this to say about Rounding Third for his syndicated column: "The story follows two 17-year-olds in a small Ohio town. One is a benchwarmer; the other, a star pitcher. But their lives intersect both lyrically and ominously, with twists and turns seldom found in a typical baseball novel." Read the full column in: The Outfield |
“Rounding Third is the amazing tale of Rob and Josh, two boys in love. I found myself rooting for these
young men, wishing that I could enter the book and save them. Their journey is filled with hope,
sorrow, joy--first love was never tackled like this." – Noël Alumit, Lambda Literary Awarding winning
author of "Letters to Montgomery Clift"
young men, wishing that I could enter the book and save them. Their journey is filled with hope,
sorrow, joy--first love was never tackled like this." – Noël Alumit, Lambda Literary Awarding winning
author of "Letters to Montgomery Clift"
“From the opening sentence, “Rounding Third” resonates with readers. All will find something to relate to, and learn from, in this
compelling and important story.” -- Dan Woog, author of the “Jocks” series and syndicated GLBT sports columnist (“The OutField”)
compelling and important story.” -- Dan Woog, author of the “Jocks” series and syndicated GLBT sports columnist (“The OutField”)
"Another solid addition to the growing canon of gay teen lit. I've been wondering when someone
would write a book about the gay teen experience for athletes--a sort of TAKE ME OUT for gay teens.
This just may be it!" -- Brent Hartinger, author of “Geography Club” and “The Order of the Poison Oak”
would write a book about the gay teen experience for athletes--a sort of TAKE ME OUT for gay teens.
This just may be it!" -- Brent Hartinger, author of “Geography Club” and “The Order of the Poison Oak”
I was actually cursing you as I read it, because I really couldn't put it
down! I read it in 24 hours. Great job. - Lynne Margolis, Freelance writer
down! I read it in 24 hours. Great job. - Lynne Margolis, Freelance writer
More Praise for Rounding Third from men and women of all ages and orientations:
A long, in-depth interview with Walt about Rounding Third in the San Diego news magazine Zengers
but SPOILER ALERT--it covers lots of details of the story, so if you want to be stunned by the
surprising developments in Rounding Third, read the book before you read the interview!
but SPOILER ALERT--it covers lots of details of the story, so if you want to be stunned by the
surprising developments in Rounding Third, read the book before you read the interview!
A write up of Rounding Third, this one in the award-winning East County Magazine
Click here to end audio:
"Rounding Third" is definitely a page-turner. It gripped my heart with its profound expression of
young love, gay love, family life in both its grotesquely abusive and ultimately supportive forms. After
getting to know Rob and Josh, the awful irony of love leading to hate crimes just because its
between two boys cannot be lost on the reader. I've already given the book to a gay teacher in Ohio,
who's been dealing in-vivo with all these issues for decades. I'd like all my family and friends to read
this book. And everyone else I can think of! It's a great read and very important work. Thanks to
Walter Meyer for so truly and powerfully telling this story, on so many levels, of so many. --Jamie Z.
young love, gay love, family life in both its grotesquely abusive and ultimately supportive forms. After
getting to know Rob and Josh, the awful irony of love leading to hate crimes just because its
between two boys cannot be lost on the reader. I've already given the book to a gay teacher in Ohio,
who's been dealing in-vivo with all these issues for decades. I'd like all my family and friends to read
this book. And everyone else I can think of! It's a great read and very important work. Thanks to
Walter Meyer for so truly and powerfully telling this story, on so many levels, of so many. --Jamie Z.
Go to the BOOKS page to read the opening chapter of Rounding Third, read about his other books and
learn about the sequel to Rounding Third. The plot of Rounding Third:
Rob Wardell is a seventeen-year old who feels like he doesn't quite fit in anywhere--not at home, not at school and not on the
baseball field. The small, shy boy stays on the high school baseball team only to please his father since he knows he will never get to
play. He’s living his life alone until he finds himself drawn into a friendship with the team’s new star pitcher, Josh Schlagel. The two
boys hit it off instantly; maybe it's because Josh isn't exactly welcomed by the team either. But as Rob and Josh grow closer and start
spending more time together away from the field, Rob realizes this his friend is hiding something. The bruises on Josh's body and
his reluctance to let Rob know about certain parts of his life have Rob suspicious. When Josh's secrets are finally revealed and
become life threatening, Rob and his family must step up to the plate.
learn about the sequel to Rounding Third. The plot of Rounding Third:
Rob Wardell is a seventeen-year old who feels like he doesn't quite fit in anywhere--not at home, not at school and not on the
baseball field. The small, shy boy stays on the high school baseball team only to please his father since he knows he will never get to
play. He’s living his life alone until he finds himself drawn into a friendship with the team’s new star pitcher, Josh Schlagel. The two
boys hit it off instantly; maybe it's because Josh isn't exactly welcomed by the team either. But as Rob and Josh grow closer and start
spending more time together away from the field, Rob realizes this his friend is hiding something. The bruises on Josh's body and
his reluctance to let Rob know about certain parts of his life have Rob suspicious. When Josh's secrets are finally revealed and
become life threatening, Rob and his family must step up to the plate.
The latest great review posted on Amazon:
The first time I read this book, I finished it in a matter of days (and it would have been sooner had it not been for life's other callings).
Meyer's gift for storytelling and his attention to detail immediately pull the reader into the world that is Rounding Third; his vibrant and
precise writing brings the characters to life. As such, the characters in this story are very relatable.
The second time I read this book, it took me a little longer because I read it more carefully. As a sociology instructor, I can see myself
using this book in a course to explore issues of masculinity, sexuality, and family structure among others. Rounding Third is an
unfortunate timeless story in many regards. This book is important because it brings to light the untold experiences of many
adolescents in the U.S.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, and to anyone interested in issues of masculinity and sexuality. -- R.
Pacheco-McEvoy
The first time I read this book, I finished it in a matter of days (and it would have been sooner had it not been for life's other callings).
Meyer's gift for storytelling and his attention to detail immediately pull the reader into the world that is Rounding Third; his vibrant and
precise writing brings the characters to life. As such, the characters in this story are very relatable.
The second time I read this book, it took me a little longer because I read it more carefully. As a sociology instructor, I can see myself
using this book in a course to explore issues of masculinity, sexuality, and family structure among others. Rounding Third is an
unfortunate timeless story in many regards. This book is important because it brings to light the untold experiences of many
adolescents in the U.S.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, and to anyone interested in issues of masculinity and sexuality. -- R.
Pacheco-McEvoy
Walter Meyer
I found time last night to read "Rounding Third". Once I started, I could not put it down. While I am not an avid
reader, I do not recall ever reading any book straight through. Whatever your background, life experiences or
sexual orientation, this book is a story that needs to be told over and over again. Every living soul has to one
degree or another faced the challenges of youth, feeling different and sense of not belonging anywhere. It is a
must read!! Thank you for sharing this with the world. -- Bill Kelly
reader, I do not recall ever reading any book straight through. Whatever your background, life experiences or
sexual orientation, this book is a story that needs to be told over and over again. Every living soul has to one
degree or another faced the challenges of youth, feeling different and sense of not belonging anywhere. It is a
must read!! Thank you for sharing this with the world. -- Bill Kelly
I have to tell you that I am not really a big reader of fiction, however, I
recently picked up your book after buying it at least two months ago. I began
to read and absolutely fell into a trance with reading it. I smiled, I cried and I
laughed! Truly a brilliant read! Thanks for sharing your art! Angela P.
recently picked up your book after buying it at least two months ago. I began
to read and absolutely fell into a trance with reading it. I smiled, I cried and I
laughed! Truly a brilliant read! Thanks for sharing your art! Angela P.
From Ronni Sanlo, Author of "The Purple Golf Cart" and who helped found numerous LGBT Centers at
universities across the US, so coming from her, this is high praise indeed:
I just finished reading Rounding Third. Thank you for sharing your powerful book with me. It clearly
describes what young gay men experience in any school around the country, even today. The detail,
the horror, the reality, along with the resilience and the loving intentions of good people create a
story that touches the heart, eliciting many emotions. This is an important contribution to the
understanding of the lives of our young LGBT people. Thank you for pulling no punches. I hope
PFLAG and youth support organizations pick this up.
universities across the US, so coming from her, this is high praise indeed:
I just finished reading Rounding Third. Thank you for sharing your powerful book with me. It clearly
describes what young gay men experience in any school around the country, even today. The detail,
the horror, the reality, along with the resilience and the loving intentions of good people create a
story that touches the heart, eliciting many emotions. This is an important contribution to the
understanding of the lives of our young LGBT people. Thank you for pulling no punches. I hope
PFLAG and youth support organizations pick this up.
| Welcome to the web home of Walter G. Meyer There is lots to read. Stop back often for updates! Walt has just booked several more radio interviews about Rounding Third and bullying, so watch this space for more details. |
I just wanted to say, I just finished your novel " Rounding Third" and I was so moved by it! Recently, I
have been trying to find a Gay Youth group to volunteer for and I have been having a difficult time
finding one! After reading your book, I am more determined than ever to find a place to volunteer. I
also just read the first chapters of your new book "Unassisted Triple Play" and I can't wait till it is
available to buy! Do you know when it will be available? I can't wait to see what happens to these
characters! Again, great novel!! I can't wait to read the new one. Sincerely, Paul Meyers
have been trying to find a Gay Youth group to volunteer for and I have been having a difficult time
finding one! After reading your book, I am more determined than ever to find a place to volunteer. I
also just read the first chapters of your new book "Unassisted Triple Play" and I can't wait till it is
available to buy! Do you know when it will be available? I can't wait to see what happens to these
characters! Again, great novel!! I can't wait to read the new one. Sincerely, Paul Meyers
Another great review of Rounding Third:
Once I began reading 'Rounding Third' I started to sing the song 'It Gets Better, Better, Better' to Bobby and
Josh, since it seemed their lives just kept getting worse and worse and worse. I kept thinking, Where's the
cavalry? Why don't these poor boys have more support during this insanity? Surely things have got to turn
around soon! Finally, about midway through the book, help arrives. It may sound as if I didn't appreciate
'Rounding Third', but nothing could be further from the truth. I was profoundly affected. At times I read with
tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat and my heart pounding. I was so terribly angry, yet I simply had to know
what would happen next even though the future seemed dismal.
I was especially impressed by Bobby and how he chose to face up to the abuse rather than letting it rule his
life. He worked to incorporate his uniqueness, rather than reject it and listen to the inexcusable messages
of distain bestowed upon him for being different.
My heart went out to Josh. He lacked Bobby's self confidence and nurturing, therefore, he had no compass
to follow. He wasn't able to defend himself and it almost destroyed him. Unlike Rob who was able to slide
roughly, but safely home, poor Josh had struck out before he even got up to bat.
'Rounding Third' is definitely not for casual reading; it's intense and very worthwhile. Its bold message broke
my heart, but perhaps that's what's needed. Maybe more hearts need to be broken. More people need to be
unsettled because that's what it will take for things to change. Although it will be most appreciated by young
gay men, anyone could benefit from reading 'Rounding Third'. It's my sincere hope that many people do.
- Lena Grey, Queer Magazine Online
Once I began reading 'Rounding Third' I started to sing the song 'It Gets Better, Better, Better' to Bobby and
Josh, since it seemed their lives just kept getting worse and worse and worse. I kept thinking, Where's the
cavalry? Why don't these poor boys have more support during this insanity? Surely things have got to turn
around soon! Finally, about midway through the book, help arrives. It may sound as if I didn't appreciate
'Rounding Third', but nothing could be further from the truth. I was profoundly affected. At times I read with
tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat and my heart pounding. I was so terribly angry, yet I simply had to know
what would happen next even though the future seemed dismal.
I was especially impressed by Bobby and how he chose to face up to the abuse rather than letting it rule his
life. He worked to incorporate his uniqueness, rather than reject it and listen to the inexcusable messages
of distain bestowed upon him for being different.
My heart went out to Josh. He lacked Bobby's self confidence and nurturing, therefore, he had no compass
to follow. He wasn't able to defend himself and it almost destroyed him. Unlike Rob who was able to slide
roughly, but safely home, poor Josh had struck out before he even got up to bat.
'Rounding Third' is definitely not for casual reading; it's intense and very worthwhile. Its bold message broke
my heart, but perhaps that's what's needed. Maybe more hearts need to be broken. More people need to be
unsettled because that's what it will take for things to change. Although it will be most appreciated by young
gay men, anyone could benefit from reading 'Rounding Third'. It's my sincere hope that many people do.
- Lena Grey, Queer Magazine Online
I finished the book from Walter Meyer and would love to get his second book. It’s called Unassisted Triple Play. Let me
know how I can get it Thank you!!! I just loved his book Rounding Third. He is an AWESOME writer. - Connie Binkley
know how I can get it Thank you!!! I just loved his book Rounding Third. He is an AWESOME writer. - Connie Binkley
| Walt Meyer speaking at Sony in San Diego. |
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A reprint in a Venango County (PA) blog of an interview about Rounding Third
And a recommendation of Rounding Third as a good summer read in the Dallas Voice.
| Walt is preparing to launch his next book project. Visit his new site for more information: The Good from the Grief: kindness and generosity in the aftermath of Sept. 11 |
Video of Walt, School Board Member Kevin Beiser, and City
Councilmember Todd Gloria discuss bullying at event Walt
coordinated. Coverage courtesy of That's So Gay Live
Councilmember Todd Gloria discuss bullying at event Walt
coordinated. Coverage courtesy of That's So Gay Live
| Walt appearing on "Young Perspective" radio show. |