Sunday Money: A Novel

I fell in love with the narrator of this novel, Claire, whose first-person voice is circumspect, affecting, tough, endearing. The novel reads like a diary, and I was with Claire and her ups and downs throughout. I thoroughly admired her disarming charm, quiet strength, and her her unflinching honesty about her family and its trials and tribulations. Through Claire's story the author excavates the lives of marginal working class New Yorkers of the 1970s - or of any time - with great subtlety. We feel the struggles they confront, the dangers, and the narrow possibilities afforded them as Claire tries to navigate her own growing up. The descriptions of basketball, and how playing gives release from this oppressive background, are simply breathtaking. She writes "These men, these athletic men, are not just playing basketball.They are like great big whales in the ocean, diving for the pure joy of it, coming up and spraying water out of their blowholes, then twirling back down." This is a novel to treasure and would make a perfect gift for any young person starting out in life.

I loved this book! Great story about life in the 70’s and family relationships, grit, determination, resilience and so much more…. I was captivated by the story of family dynamics and the heartwarming relationship between Claire aka, Little Miss, and her brother John, so well written and such an enjoyable read!!!

I read Sunday Money at the perfect time: during this year’s NBA play-ins and play-offs. Although Maggie Hill’s story hearkens back to a very different era and atmosphere, the basketball themes and familiar terms transcend time and add a level of depth to this coming-of-age story about sibling relationships and domestic strife. A well-written and engrossing read. I hope we see more fiction from this author.

As someone who’s closely followed the rise of women’s basketball, Sunday Money struck a deep personal chord with me. The novel is heartfelt and holds your attention throughout, as Hill expertly mines complicated family dynamics and past wounds. The basketball narrative adds an extra layer of depth and connection for readers who are passionate about the game and the broader cultural significance of women’s sports. Hill captures the grit, determination, and camaraderie that define the sport, making it more than just a backdrop—it’s a vital part of the characters’ growth. The novel also succeeds at leavening heavy themes with moments of warmth and humor. Hill’s writing effortlessly pulls you into the characters’ worlds, making you care about their journeys. I found myself deeply inspired.

What a beautiful and moving coming of age story! Basketball is the anchor for Claire as she navigates family issues, social pressures and the changing ways of life in Brooklyn and the world in the late 60s and early70s. Beautifully written. Once you start reading, you’ll never want to put this book down. This should be made into a movie!

I just finished this book for the second time and loved it even more I hope somebody grabs it and turns it into a movie I can already see who the players could be- excellent book

The cover art is what first drew me in. A basketball story about a girl passionate about her sport at a time when there were few opportunities for girls to play at a competitive level. Also very much a family story, it reminded me of Angela's Ashes in terms of the Catholicism, the tragedy substance abuse wreaks on a family, the fierce love between siblings and between parents and children regardless..

Heartfelt book - great read and writing. Claire, Little Miss, is a great character, one you really want to succeed in all her basketball dreams and one you want to protect from her distressful home life.