Berlin Wall Quote: “I’ve Got a Wrecking Ball in a Summer Dress”

“Wrecking Ball” by Barbara BENNETT is the third in the Batting Beauties series, a fun and humorous exploration of fashion. In this book, we return to the idea of the “wrecking ball,” as this is referenced in the first two novels. In fact, Benneti does an excellent job of making the ball a part of everyday fashion, even for a summer dress! Whether you are at a tennis tournament or just out for an afternoon walk, I highly recommend checking out “Wrecking Ball” – it is a quick and enjoyable read.

The main character, Max, is an unemployed welder. One day, while looking through the paper for an employment opportunity, he comes across an ad for “Wrecking Ball in a Summer Dress.” Immediately wanting to apply, Max gets to work on his project, digging foolishly through the trash in order to find the volleyball, which he promptly tosses into the trashcan – causing the ball to go airborne. After doing a few repairs, he throws it back over the trashcan, and it bursts open, sending debris and everyone in the vicinity cowering. Max makes his way home, where he proudly shows off his new invention to his friends, but when he goes to show it to his grandmother, she says that she has heard of the wrecking ball and that she would like one too…

The next day, Max is stuck at home, so he decides to visit his friend Deb, who lives in a gated community. When Max arrives, he tries to explain to her about the volleyball, but she is preoccupied with something in the nearby bushes and is missing half of her face. Quickly realizing what is going on, Max retrieves his “wrecking ball” and goes out to play with his friends once again. But when his accident occurs again, this time with another game’s referee (an African-American lady), Max is devastated. Before he can ask for the lady’s name, the referee bangs her on the head and asks that she vacate the court so that he can confer with her, and then he storms off in a rage.