Book Review: The Things He Could Have Been

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

Homeruns, humor, and heart—a playful exploration of what-ifs surrounding a baseball legend’s alternate destinies

W. Nikola-Lisa takes readers on a spirited journey beyond the diamond to uncover the untold tales of American baseball icon Babe Ruth in The Things He Could Have Been. This young adult sports biography is not your average baseball saga; it’s a delightful exploration of the off-the-field escapades that shaped the larger-than-life personality of “The Great Bambino.”

The book playfully speculates on what might have been had he not found his home on the baseball diamond. Would he have been a boxer knocking out opponents in the ring, a rancher tending to his cattle on his farm in Massachusetts, or perhaps a Hollywood star opposite the most beautiful of leading ladies? The possibilities are as diverse and captivating as Ruth’s own towering home runs.

Discovering the diverse and varied interests of Babe Ruth beyond the realm of baseball in The Things He Could Have Been is fascinating. In a world where sports legends are often remembered solely for their on-field mastery, this biography delves into the entirety of Babe Ruth’s persona. W. Nikola-Lisa peels back the layers of the “Sultan of Swing;” it paints a nuanced portrait of a truly interesting celebrity in a family-friendly style. The author asks us to reconsider Babe Ruth not merely as a sports icon but as a multifaceted individual whose impact resonates far beyond what you thought you knew about him.

The writing style is fun, easy to digest, and incredibly engaging. W. Nikola-Lisa skillfully weaves a narrative that not only educates but entertains. We are propelled through Babe Ruth’s fascinating life in less than 90 pages, illustrations included, and we learn all sorts of interesting details you won’t find in other biographies, like how singing jazz music too loud in his car made him flip it over. And newspapermen declared him dead! I can only imagine how wild a story like this could be today. There are other cool stories told in here too, like the Babe chasing after movie stardom and his penchant for other sports like golf, boxing, and football. What a fresh perspective we get here. It’s a testament to W. Nikola-Lisa’s meticulous (and engaging) research and storytelling that we get to see the human behind the legend.

The Things He Could Have Been is a fast ball, inviting readers of all ages to step to the plate and experience the multifaceted world of Babe Ruth. It’s not just a biography; it’s an way to join in the fun and uncover the surprises hidden in the life of a true American sports legend.

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