Rounding Third

A timely story of teen bullying and young men finding the courage in themselves and each other to fight back.

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 that 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.

Praise for Rounding Third:

“Rounding Third is the amazing tale of Rob and Josh. 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." – Noël Alumit, Lambda Literary Awarding winning author of "Letters to Montgomery Clift"

"Walter Meyer has written a moving and powerful story. 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”

“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

"Rounding Third" is definitely a page-turner. It gripped my heart with its profound expression of young 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. I've already given the book to a 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.

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.

"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