It had to happen sooner or later, I suppose.

Each generation tends to produce at least one or two good coming-of-age novels. The settings and plots of the better ones not only reflect their particular social history, but also repeat some eternal verities.

For the first phase of Baby Boomers, those born in the first five years or so after World War II, Flatbellies nicely fills that niche. Although the adventures of an Oklahoma high school golf team serve as the framing device, the book’s actual themes go far beyond the basic sports story.

Alan Hollingsworth, an Oklahoma surgeon, wrote this first-time novel, and he was born in 1949. For those of us with siblings that age, it’s not hard to figure out that the story may be a lightly fictionalized memoir.

The story centers around Kyle "Chipper" DeHart, a doctor’s son, growing up in the little town of El Viento, Oklahoma. His best friends are all members of the school golf team, playing all summer long in Madras shorts and nothing else on a dusty little 9-hole country club.

Chipper is the No. 4 golfer on the team, but is otherwise recognized throughout the high school as a real leader among all the teens. Just the same, DeHart has some lessons to learn about fidelity, duty, tolerance, class differences, and the fact that not all wisdom is gained at school.

The team has a simple goal. Take two strokes per man off their scoring averages, and they’ll have a chance to win the state championship in their senior year. With the help of an old club member with his own mysterious past, the group stumbles and lurches along toward developing their skills, camaraderie, and sense of teamwork.

On the other hand, there are some obstacles to overcome.

Chipper’s best friend, Jay, a doctor’s son as well, is in deep lust with his girlfriend, Kelly. DeHart is concerned that the distractions of love may be too much for the No. 1 golfer. Kelly’s friend Amy is not only sweet on Chipper, but may also be a better golfer, much to his confusion. Adding to the puzzle is the return of an old flame.

Peachy Waterman’s golf technique is a horrifying combination of swing tips and mechanical contortions that sometimes works. The boys discover the benefits of brand-new technology, tape cassettes, in developing a better swing for the perennial No. 5 golfer. Waterman’s father has no obvious means of income, and there’s no sign of Peach’s mother, both of which might explain the false confidence that dominates Peach’s approach to life.

L. K. Taylor owns a booming drive and a deep sense of shame about his family, amplified by his father’s brooding presence when he returns from work at the nearby Federal prison. Chipper depends on L.K., the team's big man, for help with the inevitable hazing ritual that all new letterman must undergo. He learns not to lean too hard on his assumptions.

Buster Nelson’s local reputation as a killer boxer adds to the sense of menace that his temper brings forth on the golf course. It also impedes the development of deeper friendships with the rest of the team. On the other hand, his blossoming romance with a cute girl who’s a few years younger than Buster has his buddies deeply intrigued.

As the story unfolds, Hollingsworth touches upon some fond and deep memories about life in the mid-1960s in Middle America.

The music of the era plays a critical role, from the Platters to the Beach Boys. Owning (or at least riding in) the right kind of car, seeing and being seen at the local hang-out, and wearing the true badges of honor such as varsity letter jackets are all properly attended to throughout the story.

Hollingsworth’s prose also rang true as he describes the teenagers’ first faltering steps towards love and romance. Their assumptions and actions stand in stark contrast to the social milieu recently described about today’s college scene, of hooking up or hanging out.

The book’s not completely serious, thankfully. Some of the boys’ escapades made me laugh out loud, especially in the climactic scenes of the state championship in their senior year.

There’s much else to enjoy in this engaging new novel. I could visualize the characters, scenes, and locations as I read it. The overall plot line may have been a bit predictable, but that didn’t take away any of the pleasure of reliving that era.

Review Date: August 10, 2001

Hole By Hole's
Recommendation For:

Flatbellies

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