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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
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
| Rounding Third is available from online booksellers including: Amazon (and read all of the great reviews of it there) Barnes and Noble Powells or at the Obelisk Bookstore in San Diego, Proud Bookstore in Rehoboth Beach, DE or you can order a signed copy on this site. |
| "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” |
"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
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
| 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"
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"
“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”)
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”)
"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”
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”
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
really couldn't put it down! I read it in 24 hours.
Great job. - Lynne Margolis, Freelance writer
| Welcome to Walt's page. Lots of links and lots to see and read. Walt is busy booking his next speaking engagements for his novel Rounding Third, which continues to get praise from readers and reviewers, was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award and a finalist for a San Diego Book Award. And in October, his play GAM3RS will be coming back to San Diego Watch this space for more details on those and other exciting events. |
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
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.
For more information contact walt@waltergmeyer.com
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.
For more information contact walt@waltergmeyer.com
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
Walt's photo from Rounding Third
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
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.
The latest kind words about Rounding Third, these 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.
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.
Check out the Christopher Dale video for "Waitress" which Walt helped produce and direct.