The Heart of Pickleball: Personal stories that helped create the pickleball craze | Book Review

The Heart of Pickleball invites readers into the joyful, quirky, and inspiring world of pickleball.

The book weaves heartwarming stories with insightful pickleball facts and advice, even offering creative ideas for pickleball-themed parties with food and cocktails. This book captures the essence of pickleball’s addictive charm.

While celebrating the sport itself, The Heart of Pickleball also shines a well-deserved light on the people who make up its community, adding depth to the game's social and emotional appeal.

Fran and Eve met on the pickleball court and both wondered what was fueling the incredible popularity of pickleball.  They were able to skillfully intertwine their personal experiences with those of others, making room for a range of excited voices that resonate with pickleball lovers everywhere. 

This isn’t just a book for seasoned players; it’s a welcoming read for anyone curious about why pickleball has captivated millions of players of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Chapter 5: Our Hearts Belong to Pickleball

We were eager to find out why pickleball appeared to be more than just the latest sports fad. We felt that pickleball seemed to touch our hearts, and we wanted to know, “What is it about the sport that keeps us coming back to play?” 

Everyone we asked mentioned that they would continue to play because it was fun and they liked the social aspect of the game. Close behind those two reasons were that playing pickleball was good exercise and a great way to meet new people. Many players love the sport because it was easy to learn lots of folks said that it was an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Some really loved the competition of the sport. Quite a few players said that it was easy to feel competent quickly. For many, it was a great way to spend time with their spouse, partner, or family. Pickleball was clearly quality time together for them.

All of these reasons emphasize the emotional aspect of pickleball and how it fills your soul and leads to a yearning to return for more.

Joann’s Chilly Tale

During the first days of having our community outdoor courts, the weather was particularly cold.  The pickleball community was about thirty people in all at that time.  Many nights we played in parkas with wool hats and could see our breath because it was so cold.  But we still continued to play every night.  It was so cold that the balls would crack!  We did not care, we just wanted to play.

How to Order The Heart of Pickleball

You can find The Heart of Pickleball on BookBaby (use code THEDINK to save 25%) and Amazon.

Buy it on Amazon

About the Authors

Fran Scharf is a financial advisor with a lifelong interest in wellness. She has been married for nearly 40 years and divides her time between Connecticut and North Carolina with her husband, Larry. A devoted grandmother, Fran finds joy in both pickleball and family.

Eve Hanna, a retired MD, spent years practicing Emergency Medicine before transitioning to Occupation Medicine with an emphasis on Wellness.  With an appreciation for the arts and a science background, she brings a unique perspective to this pickleball adventure.  Married for 38 years and living in South Carolina, she loves spoiling her first grandchild. She’s also excited to introduce her to pickleball soon.

Driven by their love of pickleball and mutual passion for wellness, Fran and Eve show us whether it’s an individual rediscovering their zest for life or a family bonding over friendly matches, pickleball is a powerful source of joy, connection, and community.

If you’re searching for a special gift for the pickleball enthusiast in your life or simply want an uplifting, feel-good read,  The Heart of Pickleball deserves a place on your shelf.