An in-depth biography of Pete Rose. The author goes into great, documented detail on Rose's gambling activities, information even serious baseball fans don't know. It's an enlightening well-written book.

Keith O'Brien did the research for this one and interviewed a lot of people on the record specifically for this book. My favorite sections dealt with the time period in the late 1980s when Rose was battling with Giamatti and Vincent as well as all of the details of Rose's circle of friends and acquaintances.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Pantheon as well as NetGalley for the ARC.

"Charlie Hustle" by Keith O'Brien is a captivating exploration of the life and career of baseball legend Pete Rose. O'Brien skillfully weaves together Rose's journey from a small-town kid with an unmatched work ethic to his rise as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The book not only delves into Rose's on-field achievements but also sheds light on the controversies that surrounded his career, particularly the infamous gambling scandal that led to his banishment from baseball.

O'Brien's writing is both informative and engaging, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of Rose's complex personality and the challenges he faced. The author seamlessly blends sports history with personal anecdotes, creating a well-rounded portrait of a man who became both a hero and a pariah in the world of baseball. "Charlie Hustle" is a must-read for baseball enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the intersection of talent, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices in the pursuit of greatness. O'Brien's meticulous research and compelling narrative make this biography a standout contribution to the literature on America's pastime.