Publisher: Sourebooks Fire
Pages: 245
From Goodreads: "Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.
After a scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back."
When I was presented the opportunity to read and review this book I jumped at the chance to do so (despite never having read "Catching Jordan"- yet), as it came so highly recommended to me (in fact, some of my friends who had read it had trumpeted author Miranda Kenneally as the next Stephanie Perkins and those of you who know me know that I LOVE Stephanie Perkins). Therefore, you could say that I had extremely high expectations- expectations which were not met in any way, shape, or form.
When I first started this book I felt that there was something off about the writing, something that I can't put on my finger on- I don't know if I found the writing to be too simplistic or juvenile or if I found that Parker's perspective was too jumpy and erratic- and it just spiraled downward from there. Admittedly, Parker rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go, I found her to be so superficial, selfish (for all but that one instance at the very end of the book), and the likes of- she possessed essentially every characteristic that I despise in a female character. I lost track of the number of times that she referred to herself as "hot", talked about how many boys liked her, described her tangly hair, and painted her nails (all but describing the entire process).
As my opinion of Parker was as such I had an extremely difficult time connecting to her, in fact, I had an extremely difficult time connecting to any character and the story line itself (admittedly, I also had quite a difficult time writing this review, because, in all honesty, I cared so little for this book to really be bothered to form a solid opinion of it). While I did quite like Brian in the beginning of the novel my opinion of him quickly soured as his true character was revealed. Additionally, while I did like Corndog a fair bit, I wish that he had been a bit more complex. Drew, Parker's best friend, was the brightest moment of the story for me, however my opinion of him was tarnished a fair bit by the assumptions that he made towards the end of the novel. Additionally, I had a bit of a difficult time with the religious aspect of this novel- while I withhold judgement about other's religions, I, at times, felt that this novel was a bit too "preachy"- barely a page passed without some mention of it.
All in all, while I personally was not a fan of this novel I believe that fans of Kenneally's "Chasing Jordan" will love this novel. Furthermore, despite said complaints I do intend to read Kenneally's other books, hopefully in doing so will allow me to reconsider my opinion of this book!
Rating: 2/5
I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review.
Oh shoot! I thought this one sounded like a contemp I would enjoy. I don't read many of those and I think I may pass on this one. I still may read Chasing Jordan just to see what the fuss is about. ;)
ReplyDelete*sobs* You make me so sadddd!
ReplyDeleteNo really, I get it. =b Obviously I am such a picky reader that I totally understand that not everyone can like a book.
I think I like the fact that Miranda's characters are so flawed, and yet I find there's a goodness to them, and relatability (is this even a word??), either when it comes to self-esteem issues or wanting to fit in. Obviously some of Parker's attitudes are completely ridiculous, yet I can still understand why she would have crazy reactions, considering how people viewed her and her family (even if some of it was in her head).