By age 23, Johnny Goodman (1909–1970) rose to the top of the golf world; in 1933, he became the last amateur to win the U.S. Open, and five years later made the cover of Time
. Blaine's storytelling gifts (Desperate Season
; The Midnight Band of Mercy
) have imbued Goodman's life with casual naturalism. The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Goodman grew up in Omaha's slaughterhouse district. Abandoned by his father after his mother died when he was 14, the Omaha orphan practiced his swings while working as a caddy at the local Field Club. By 19, he was the city's best golfer, and in 1929 he traveled to Pebble Beach, where he made sports headlines by beating the defending champ, the legendary Bobby Jones. Blaine is an avid golfer himself, and his insights into the game are evident in his re-creations of matches, and he paints a vibrant 1920s backdrop. Contrasting Jones's profitable endorsements and movie deals with Goodman's idealism and desire to maintain his amateur status, Blaine breathes life into this compelling Depression-era tale of fame and obscurity. 8-page photo insert not seen by PW
. (June 5)
