Ghost

In Barsocchini's remarkable fiction debut, basketball star Ghost Galvin is one of three people determined to fill the gaps in their pasts. Ghost has led the Lakers to a title, but he feels he's through. Before leaving L.A. for respite, however, he meets reporter Rebecca Blesser, who's writing about Ghost's late father. Her interest in the famous senator and vice-presidential candidate is far more personal than professional, but Ghost doesn't learn the truth about her quest until after he befriends Radio--an 11-year-old boy thumbing his way to prison to meet the man he thinks is his father. Ghost agrees to drive him, and during the ride he has time to dwell on Rebecca's deeply personal questions concerning his father's death. Despite his misgivings, however, Ghost begins to trust Rebecca--who's homing in on some powerfully guarded realities. What she and the others learn about their pasts is gripping and compelling. Taken together, their stories are a triumph of self-discovery. Barsocchini, who ghosted Merv Griffin's autobiography, is a talented writer. (Apr.)