"Oprah Wants You On Her Show."

PASADENA, Calif. - June 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Oprah's impact on publishing and the lives of authors is undeniable. Thanks, Oprah. When Gene Cartwright's first novel, 'I Never Played Catch With My Father', was published in 1995, it was years ahead of its time. It points a laser-focus on parents and children, regardless of social status, and does so from page one. Most importantly, it gained the attention of Oprah Winfrey and led to Gene's invitation to her show. He knew why: the story struck a chord about love and family that was close to her heart.

It begins: "On the day I turned seven, my world became a different place..."

There are no insignificant events in the lives of children.

Twenty Years later, ‘I Never Played Catch With My Father’ still reads like real life; it spans generations, and is so fresh and timeless, it may well have been released yesterday. In fact, the Special 20 Year Anniversary Edition was released this week.

'I Never Played Catch With My Father'  enjoys amazing print and eBook sales worldwide. It is read by fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and purchased worldwide. This first of Gene's now ten books remains one of his and Falcon Creek Books' biggest sellers.

While the title suggests this novel is about a son and his father, it is so much more; it is also about mothers and daughters, about parents and children. This heart-touching, inspiring saga reveals that there are no insignificant events in the life of a child.

"When fame and fortune are not enough."

A Texas-born billionaire's love of baseball provides him with cherished memories in a childhood otherwise without a close heart and soul connection with his strict father. He learns there is no amount of success and fame that can purchase memories of things that never were.

This surprisingly 'controversial' novel not only landed an Oprah invitation, but sparked an unprecedented three-year coast-to-coast book tour. Gene appeared in countless Barnes & Noble bookstores, independent stores, libraries, numerous appearances on national and local TV talk shows, radio networks, including NPR, where he appeared with Dr. Drew Pinsky discussing parenting. He still hold events where audiences demand this novel is front and center.

So, what is this remarkable story about, and why do so many confuse it for non-fiction?  It is about building heart-and-soul connections between parents and children—connections that last a lifetime.

A child’s job is to play!

A Texas-born, billionaire baby boomer's life-long love of baseball, and an emptiness he still feels, shapes his adulthood. James Phalen is a Wall Street icon; his advice sought by presidents, he speaks and the financial world listens.

However, James Phalen's enormous success fails to erase memories of a childhood missing a 'heart and soul' relationship with his now ailing father—a church elder in his north-central Texas birthplace. His billions can purchase many things but not the memory of things that never were. With time slipping away, he catches 'the last train home.'

Baseball is really a metaphor for real life.

It is an object lesson for us all. We are reminded of what is truly important, and that time passes all too quickly. Embrace and love your children; build a solid and lasting foundation from day one. We are a short time here, and a long time gone. Live!

Share this timeless story. The book autographed by the author when purchased at http://GeneCartwright.com, and includes a free eBook version in any format, and is shipped free. Also available new at Amazon (2-Day Prime also), Barnes& Noble, iTunes and all online resellers.

Bulk purchases are available for corporations, sports teams, groups and organizations.

Film Option: Available. 40-page screen tTreatment available.

For the author's personal appearances, please contact publicist Nancy Eddy: 415.883.0174

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!