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Dairy Queen #3
Front and Center
After five months of sheer absolute craziness I was going back to being plain old background D.J. In photographs of course I’m always in the background...
But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior who’s keen for romance and karaoke. Not to mention Brian Nelson, who she should not be thinking about! Who she is done with, thank you very much. But who keeps showing up anyway...
Readers first fell in love with straight-talking D.J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen; they followed her ups and downs both on and off the court in The Off Season. Now D.J. steps out from behind the free-throw line in this third installment of the Dairy Queen series.
But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior who’s keen for romance and karaoke. Not to mention Brian Nelson, who she should not be thinking about! Who she is done with, thank you very much. But who keeps showing up anyway...
Readers first fell in love with straight-talking D.J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen; they followed her ups and downs both on and off the court in The Off Season. Now D.J. steps out from behind the free-throw line in this third installment of the Dairy Queen series.
254 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2009
81 people are currently reading
3704 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Gilbert Murdock
13 books815 followersI grew up in small-town Connecticut, on a tiny farm with honeybees, two adventurous goats, and a mess of Christmas trees. My sister claims we didn’t have a television, but we did, sometimes – only it was ancient, received exactly two channels, and had to be turned off after 45 minutes to cool down or else the screen would go all fuzzy. Watching (or rather, “watching”) Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds was quite the experience, because it’s hard to tell a flock of vicious crows from a field of very active static; this might be why I still can’t stand horror movies, to this day.
My sister Liz, who is now a Very Famous Writer with a large stack of books, was my primary companion, even though she was extremely cautious – she wouldn’t even try to jump off the garage roof, which involved crouching right at the edge for ten minutes working up your nerve, and then checking each time you landed to see if you’d broken anything – and she learned early on that losing at games was easier in the long run than putting up with me losing. Now, of course, she travels all over the world collecting stories and diseases, while I stay at home scowling over paint chips, and losing on purpose to my kids. So the cycle continues. (Read an New York Times article by Catherine and Liz.)
People sometimes ask if I played football in high school: no. I ran cross country and track, badly, but I have absolutely no skill whatsoever with ball or team sports. Plus my high school didn’t even have a football team. Instead, I was part of the art clique – taking extra art classes, spending my study halls and lunch periods working on my latest still life. (Please tell me this was not a unique experience.) I didn’t do much writing – my sister was the anointed writer – but I read my little eyeballs out. I was the queen of our library’s YA section.
In college I studied architectural history. The formal name was “Growth and Structure of Cities Program,” but for me, it was all about buildings. I’ve always been fascinated with the built environment – how spaces fit together, how streets work, how they read. And curiously (Warning: Life Lesson approaching), it’s paid off in the oddest ways. For example, several of us in our neighborhood recently got quite upset about a enormous building going in across the street, and while everyone agreed that they didn’t like the way it looked, I was the one who stood up at public meetings and used words like entablature and cornice line and fenestration – all this architectural jargon I’d learned back at Bryn Mawr – and sounded like I knew what I was talking about. And because of that, the building ended up getting redesigned, and – in my humble opinion – now will look much more attractive and appropriate, which is nice because I’ll be looking at it for the rest of my life. So don’t be afraid to study what you love, because you do not know now, and you may not know for twenty years, how amazingly it will pay off. But it will.
Dairy Queen was my first stab at creative writing since high school, not counting several years as a struggling screenwriter (which followed several years as a struggling scholar). I unabashedly recommend screenwriting for mastering the art of storytelling; just don’t pin any hopes on seeing your work on the big screen. But you’ll learn so much in the process that this won’t matter. I also recommend, you know, living. I've been passionate about food pretty much my whole life – first eating it, now preparing and then eating it. And so it plays a pretty big role in my writing, and adds so much flavor . . . not literally, of course, but the more you can add that's true, whether it's emotion or geography or gardening (that’s me in the picture above), then the stronger that story is.
My sister Liz, who is now a Very Famous Writer with a large stack of books, was my primary companion, even though she was extremely cautious – she wouldn’t even try to jump off the garage roof, which involved crouching right at the edge for ten minutes working up your nerve, and then checking each time you landed to see if you’d broken anything – and she learned early on that losing at games was easier in the long run than putting up with me losing. Now, of course, she travels all over the world collecting stories and diseases, while I stay at home scowling over paint chips, and losing on purpose to my kids. So the cycle continues. (Read an New York Times article by Catherine and Liz.)
People sometimes ask if I played football in high school: no. I ran cross country and track, badly, but I have absolutely no skill whatsoever with ball or team sports. Plus my high school didn’t even have a football team. Instead, I was part of the art clique – taking extra art classes, spending my study halls and lunch periods working on my latest still life. (Please tell me this was not a unique experience.) I didn’t do much writing – my sister was the anointed writer – but I read my little eyeballs out. I was the queen of our library’s YA section.
In college I studied architectural history. The formal name was “Growth and Structure of Cities Program,” but for me, it was all about buildings. I’ve always been fascinated with the built environment – how spaces fit together, how streets work, how they read. And curiously (Warning: Life Lesson approaching), it’s paid off in the oddest ways. For example, several of us in our neighborhood recently got quite upset about a enormous building going in across the street, and while everyone agreed that they didn’t like the way it looked, I was the one who stood up at public meetings and used words like entablature and cornice line and fenestration – all this architectural jargon I’d learned back at Bryn Mawr – and sounded like I knew what I was talking about. And because of that, the building ended up getting redesigned, and – in my humble opinion – now will look much more attractive and appropriate, which is nice because I’ll be looking at it for the rest of my life. So don’t be afraid to study what you love, because you do not know now, and you may not know for twenty years, how amazingly it will pay off. But it will.
Dairy Queen was my first stab at creative writing since high school, not counting several years as a struggling screenwriter (which followed several years as a struggling scholar). I unabashedly recommend screenwriting for mastering the art of storytelling; just don’t pin any hopes on seeing your work on the big screen. But you’ll learn so much in the process that this won’t matter. I also recommend, you know, living. I've been passionate about food pretty much my whole life – first eating it, now preparing and then eating it. And so it plays a pretty big role in my writing, and adds so much flavor . . . not literally, of course, but the more you can add that's true, whether it's emotion or geography or gardening (that’s me in the picture above), then the stronger that story is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 784 reviews
June 29, 2017
“Being front and center sucks.”
Do I relate so much with D.J! Because that is exactly my thought most of the time. I never wanted to be the center of attention except maybe when I was five. Like D.J., I’m happiest and most comfortable when I’m at the background blending in right along with everybody else but life doesn’t give us what we want most of the time.
Like I said on the first two books of this series, the story and every character in it are so relatable, they felt like family. I have become so at home with the Schwenk family, I feel like a part of them already. One of my good buddies mentioned the reason she loves this series so much is how it is so grounded and so real and I definitely agree with her. It’s also so funny.
“Would it kill the teachers to assign us just one book, once, that didn’t make you want to jump off a cliff?”
Right?! .
The third book is a great conclusion to the series as it gives even more focus on sports, on girls’ basketball in particular and how DJ shines (even though she does not want to) with her inherent kindness, perceptiveness and exceptional skills. I love that the third book is more about her relationship with her older brother, Win, and how in a way, they saved each others’ lives. Of course, we find out which boy D.J. finally chooses and it’s just so uncomplicatedly right. These books have been consistently real, funny and heartwarming from first book till the end and I would highly recommend this to readers of YA contemporary. ;)
Do I relate so much with D.J! Because that is exactly my thought most of the time. I never wanted to be the center of attention except maybe when I was five. Like D.J., I’m happiest and most comfortable when I’m at the background blending in right along with everybody else but life doesn’t give us what we want most of the time.
Like I said on the first two books of this series, the story and every character in it are so relatable, they felt like family. I have become so at home with the Schwenk family, I feel like a part of them already. One of my good buddies mentioned the reason she loves this series so much is how it is so grounded and so real and I definitely agree with her. It’s also so funny.
“Would it kill the teachers to assign us just one book, once, that didn’t make you want to jump off a cliff?”
Right?! .
The third book is a great conclusion to the series as it gives even more focus on sports, on girls’ basketball in particular and how DJ shines (even though she does not want to) with her inherent kindness, perceptiveness and exceptional skills. I love that the third book is more about her relationship with her older brother, Win, and how in a way, they saved each others’ lives. Of course, we find out which boy D.J. finally chooses and it’s just so uncomplicatedly right. These books have been consistently real, funny and heartwarming from first book till the end and I would highly recommend this to readers of YA contemporary. ;)
May 1, 2012
So sad it's all over! What I wouldn't give to read DJ Schwenk: The College Years.
March 24, 2013
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I just want to say, before I start this review, that if you plan to read this series, or just one book from this series, on a read-along...DON'T. I kid you not, but the Dairy Queen Series is THE WORST book you could pick for a read-along because you just cannot. Stop. Reading. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! I know because I've tried...for THREE BOOKS! It's HOPELESS! *throws hands up and stalks away*
Anyway, that being said, this is also one of those series you just HAVE to read because it is simple amazing. I love it. D.J. Schwenk is a heroine who is compelling, unique, and her voice is so relate-able, despite the fact that she lives on a farm, wakes up early morning to milk cows, and is the only girl to play football on her team. Front and Center, I can assure fans of the series, does not disappoint in terms of a conclusion at all. In fact, I found the romance to be resolved perfectly and it was heartwarming to see the full circle the Schwenk family had made since the beginning of our time with them.
BUT, I will say that out of the three books in this series, The Off Season, Book 2, is the strongest. It was heartfelt, deep, and truly brought together the bonds of the Schwenk family and D.J.'s maturity. In many ways, I still feel as if the ending of The Off Season is perfect in a bittersweet way - because, you know, I like those endings. While I still did enjoy Front and Center immensely, I do think that it failed to impress me as much as its predecessor.
For one, I have to admit to being disappointed by a certain lack of family in this story. Murdock's trilogy has been so well-loved, by me at least, because of its strong focus on the Schwenk family, their growth, development, and realistic tendencies. While I hasten to reassure readers that all this is still very much prevalent in this last novel - including some utterly heartwarming mother-daughter bonding scenes - I still came away unimpressed. With The Off Season, Murdock had established a strong relationship between D.J. and her two older brothers. Win and Bill are still strong presences in this novel who had a huge impact on D.J.'s life decisions, especially the former, but I didn't feel this bond as strongly as I wished. It's not that it wasn't there, but simply that it wasn't as deep as I remembered.
Next, I really do have a fight to pick with the unrealistic portrayal of college in this story. As an American student undergoing the process of finding colleges and applying to them, D.J.'s journey is simply too convenient, unrealistic, and a little grating for teens to read about. In Front and Center, D.J. is vying for a basketball scholarship and, after getting an article published about her in People magazine, she has floods of letters from colleges, requesting her to contact them, and even has Division-I college coaches actively seeking her out in her school itself. (Note: D.J. is a junior while this is happening and she hasn't even written her SATs yet when she begins to receive scholarship offers! Yeah, this doesn't happen in America. I wish.)
While all this is a vastly unrealistic experience to go through, I do have to commend Murdock for making D.J.'s reactions to these events as realistic as possible. You see, D.J. is still confused and distressed because although she has a variety of options before her (and never even had to research colleges with the programs she wanted), she still faces a drastic inner battle. Despite being an incredible basketball player, D.J. is unsure of joining the competitive Division-I league of players. Although Murdock writes about sporty kids who are athletically talented, I find that I can relate to their issues, which I love. Plus, D.J. really gets out of her comfort zone in this novel, learning to talk to other people and make friends [who are, you know, not just Amber or Brian or Beaner or other guys who play sports but actual GIRLS who maybe like to do math in their spare time (although what kind of person LIKES to do math??)].
Front and Center is a great novel and a fantastic conclusion to a delightful trilogy, but I did wish for more family bonding in this one, not to mention a more realistic portrayal of colleges and going about the college process. It seemed a little convenient, in my eyes. Plus, it's also so nice for D.J. that because colleges don't care about her SATs or grades she can just skip school to visit colleges while the rest of us have to schedule college visits when we don't have AP Bio Lab or AP Physics Tests or, you know, a composition for AP French. (Sorry, I am seriously SO BITTER that my life isn't as easy as D.J.'s is! >.< )
Bottom Line? Read the series. Murdock's writing is impeccable, her characterization spot-on, and her books sure to put a smile on your face. I find that this is one series that simply does not disappoint and its originality makes it stand out from the usual contemporary read. If you skip out on this series, believe me when I say you are missing out - majorly.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
I just want to say, before I start this review, that if you plan to read this series, or just one book from this series, on a read-along...DON'T. I kid you not, but the Dairy Queen Series is THE WORST book you could pick for a read-along because you just cannot. Stop. Reading. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! I know because I've tried...for THREE BOOKS! It's HOPELESS! *throws hands up and stalks away*
Anyway, that being said, this is also one of those series you just HAVE to read because it is simple amazing. I love it. D.J. Schwenk is a heroine who is compelling, unique, and her voice is so relate-able, despite the fact that she lives on a farm, wakes up early morning to milk cows, and is the only girl to play football on her team. Front and Center, I can assure fans of the series, does not disappoint in terms of a conclusion at all. In fact, I found the romance to be resolved perfectly and it was heartwarming to see the full circle the Schwenk family had made since the beginning of our time with them.
BUT, I will say that out of the three books in this series, The Off Season, Book 2, is the strongest. It was heartfelt, deep, and truly brought together the bonds of the Schwenk family and D.J.'s maturity. In many ways, I still feel as if the ending of The Off Season is perfect in a bittersweet way - because, you know, I like those endings. While I still did enjoy Front and Center immensely, I do think that it failed to impress me as much as its predecessor.
For one, I have to admit to being disappointed by a certain lack of family in this story. Murdock's trilogy has been so well-loved, by me at least, because of its strong focus on the Schwenk family, their growth, development, and realistic tendencies. While I hasten to reassure readers that all this is still very much prevalent in this last novel - including some utterly heartwarming mother-daughter bonding scenes - I still came away unimpressed. With The Off Season, Murdock had established a strong relationship between D.J. and her two older brothers. Win and Bill are still strong presences in this novel who had a huge impact on D.J.'s life decisions, especially the former, but I didn't feel this bond as strongly as I wished. It's not that it wasn't there, but simply that it wasn't as deep as I remembered.
Next, I really do have a fight to pick with the unrealistic portrayal of college in this story. As an American student undergoing the process of finding colleges and applying to them, D.J.'s journey is simply too convenient, unrealistic, and a little grating for teens to read about. In Front and Center, D.J. is vying for a basketball scholarship and, after getting an article published about her in People magazine, she has floods of letters from colleges, requesting her to contact them, and even has Division-I college coaches actively seeking her out in her school itself. (Note: D.J. is a junior while this is happening and she hasn't even written her SATs yet when she begins to receive scholarship offers! Yeah, this doesn't happen in America. I wish.)
While all this is a vastly unrealistic experience to go through, I do have to commend Murdock for making D.J.'s reactions to these events as realistic as possible. You see, D.J. is still confused and distressed because although she has a variety of options before her (and never even had to research colleges with the programs she wanted), she still faces a drastic inner battle. Despite being an incredible basketball player, D.J. is unsure of joining the competitive Division-I league of players. Although Murdock writes about sporty kids who are athletically talented, I find that I can relate to their issues, which I love. Plus, D.J. really gets out of her comfort zone in this novel, learning to talk to other people and make friends [who are, you know, not just Amber or Brian or Beaner or other guys who play sports but actual GIRLS who maybe like to do math in their spare time (although what kind of person LIKES to do math??)].
Front and Center is a great novel and a fantastic conclusion to a delightful trilogy, but I did wish for more family bonding in this one, not to mention a more realistic portrayal of colleges and going about the college process. It seemed a little convenient, in my eyes. Plus, it's also so nice for D.J. that because colleges don't care about her SATs or grades she can just skip school to visit colleges while the rest of us have to schedule college visits when we don't have AP Bio Lab or AP Physics Tests or, you know, a composition for AP French. (Sorry, I am seriously SO BITTER that my life isn't as easy as D.J.'s is! >.< )
Bottom Line? Read the series. Murdock's writing is impeccable, her characterization spot-on, and her books sure to put a smile on your face. I find that this is one series that simply does not disappoint and its originality makes it stand out from the usual contemporary read. If you skip out on this series, believe me when I say you are missing out - majorly.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
October 9, 2015
So. Flippin'. Adorable. Perfect. I will come back to this series again and again...D.J.'s voice and Brian's quest to win her back truly warmed my heart. I can't wait to write a review on this lovely book.
(It was totally one of these types of books)
Review to come.
(It was totally one of these types of books)
Review to come.
November 17, 2009
GIVE ME A D! GIVE ME J! WHAT DOES THAT SPELL? D.J.!!!!!!
I thought it was appropriate to begin this way because D.J. Schwenk deserves a whole cheering squad for being who she is. I don't think D.J. realizes it herself but she is probably envied by her peers. She doesn't think so but let's just look at her:
1.She is tall (I'm kind of short so yeah this counts)
2.Can play sports and is so good she rumbles on the guy's team
3.Gets attention from cute boys (Brain and Beaner)
4.and did I mention all around awesome decent person? Yeah that too.
Here we begin with her going back to school after the whole thing with Win. She thinks she'll be able to lay low, but she is so wrong. Beaner asks her out, the coach is talking about getting scholarships like right now, Win is on her case, and of course Brian has to pop up AGAIN. The pressure is on and D.J. just can't help but think she won't be able to handle it all.
I have to say this wasn't my favorite of the series (I do love the series though.) Things are actually easier for her in the sense it's not bad things that are happening but good things. I'm sure a lot of us can relate to her thinking we aren't good enough. Even if everyone is telling her that she can, she knows she can't. What probably bothered me the most was that a lot of scenes are just explained and not "acted" out so to speak and sometimes the narrative seemed all over the place. It does make sense though because it gives you the frantic feeling that she has.
What I did love about this one was that D.J. was finally getting some things she deserved. In the first two she just couldn't seem to catch a break, but you love her to pieces because no matter what happens she is strong, loyal, compassionate and real in her own unique way. You see why people love sports so much when you read the book, even though you might not be into them yourself. Murdock defintely tied things nicely at the end though, not like everything is resolved but when you read it it's going to make you love D.J. and Win even more. It comes full circle and I really hope she will do a spinoff with Curtis from the series. I think she could write more if she wanted to, but I'm fairly sure it's going to end here, which is fine. Best of luck D.J. Schwenk and thanks for sharing your story.
I thought it was appropriate to begin this way because D.J. Schwenk deserves a whole cheering squad for being who she is. I don't think D.J. realizes it herself but she is probably envied by her peers. She doesn't think so but let's just look at her:
1.She is tall (I'm kind of short so yeah this counts)
2.Can play sports and is so good she rumbles on the guy's team
3.Gets attention from cute boys (Brain and Beaner)
4.and did I mention all around awesome decent person? Yeah that too.
Here we begin with her going back to school after the whole thing with Win. She thinks she'll be able to lay low, but she is so wrong. Beaner asks her out, the coach is talking about getting scholarships like right now, Win is on her case, and of course Brian has to pop up AGAIN. The pressure is on and D.J. just can't help but think she won't be able to handle it all.
I have to say this wasn't my favorite of the series (I do love the series though.) Things are actually easier for her in the sense it's not bad things that are happening but good things. I'm sure a lot of us can relate to her thinking we aren't good enough. Even if everyone is telling her that she can, she knows she can't. What probably bothered me the most was that a lot of scenes are just explained and not "acted" out so to speak and sometimes the narrative seemed all over the place. It does make sense though because it gives you the frantic feeling that she has.
What I did love about this one was that D.J. was finally getting some things she deserved. In the first two she just couldn't seem to catch a break, but you love her to pieces because no matter what happens she is strong, loyal, compassionate and real in her own unique way. You see why people love sports so much when you read the book, even though you might not be into them yourself. Murdock defintely tied things nicely at the end though, not like everything is resolved but when you read it it's going to make you love D.J. and Win even more. It comes full circle and I really hope she will do a spinoff with Curtis from the series. I think she could write more if she wanted to, but I'm fairly sure it's going to end here, which is fine. Best of luck D.J. Schwenk and thanks for sharing your story.
November 11, 2012
D.J. Schwenk is the exact opposite of most YA protagonists. That's right, she's got a brain. Also? She won't let any boy mistreat her, no matter how ridiculously good looking they might be. She's a little shy but will speak up when she has something worthwhile to say, which, honestly, is more often than she gives herself credit for--like I said, the girl has brains. She's so easy to relate to, on several levels, you can't help but root her on.
The Dairy Queen series is up there on my list of favorites now. I highly recommend it. D.J. Schwenk is my hero.
The Dairy Queen series is up there on my list of favorites now. I highly recommend it. D.J. Schwenk is my hero.
July 14, 2011
I want to make clear from the start that despite having rated all three books in this series with 4 stars, I really think the series as a whole deserves 5 stars.
I haven't written a review for the second installment and I won't write a review about this last book either.
I'd rather tell you why the whole trilogy is great and you should go start reading it right now.
DJ Schwenk is just about one of the best characters in YA lit I have had the fortune to encounter lately. Written in the form a sort of diary the Dairy Queen trilogy just oozes DJ's hilariousness, simplicity, naivete, snark, wisdom and teen-age.
And talk about character development: in the course of the books I got to learn to love so much all characters in DJ's universe that I am really reluctant to let them go: from her father, who I disliked in the first book and that, end in end, is just a big, fluffy teddy bear who loves his children fiercely, to Curtis (Murdock should totally do a spinoff about Curtis, by the way) her super shy and brainy baby brother, to Brian, the love interest, who is a jerk but maybe not and just needs to grow up.
The books felt REALLY American to me, American sports playing a huge role in this series but it didn't bother me one bit, the fact that I knew close to nothing about them. Actually I was marveling all throughout the third book at this completely foreign concept that is getting a scholarship to college for athletic merits. Like, we don't even have sports here at Uni. And the meritocratic system I completely admire, which we also do not have.
So to me, it was really interesting to have this window opened on an instance of rural America, populated by cows, pickups, coaches, football players and hoops.
It felt very real. DJ's voice sounded very realistic and honest to me and very, very funny. I couldn't help but sympathize with her throughout the whole series.
This is a very refreshing and light read but in NO way shallow. Highly recommended.
I haven't written a review for the second installment and I won't write a review about this last book either.
I'd rather tell you why the whole trilogy is great and you should go start reading it right now.
DJ Schwenk is just about one of the best characters in YA lit I have had the fortune to encounter lately. Written in the form a sort of diary the Dairy Queen trilogy just oozes DJ's hilariousness, simplicity, naivete, snark, wisdom and teen-age.
And talk about character development: in the course of the books I got to learn to love so much all characters in DJ's universe that I am really reluctant to let them go: from her father, who I disliked in the first book and that, end in end, is just a big, fluffy teddy bear who loves his children fiercely, to Curtis (Murdock should totally do a spinoff about Curtis, by the way) her super shy and brainy baby brother, to Brian, the love interest, who is a jerk but maybe not and just needs to grow up.
The books felt REALLY American to me, American sports playing a huge role in this series but it didn't bother me one bit, the fact that I knew close to nothing about them. Actually I was marveling all throughout the third book at this completely foreign concept that is getting a scholarship to college for athletic merits. Like, we don't even have sports here at Uni. And the meritocratic system I completely admire, which we also do not have.
So to me, it was really interesting to have this window opened on an instance of rural America, populated by cows, pickups, coaches, football players and hoops.
It felt very real. DJ's voice sounded very realistic and honest to me and very, very funny. I couldn't help but sympathize with her throughout the whole series.
This is a very refreshing and light read but in NO way shallow. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2011
If you have already read Dairy Queen and The Off Season then you pretty much know what to expect from this one ~ another fantastic journey to Schwenk farm as we follow DJ in her junior year. This wasn't my favorite of the series, simply because this final installment didn't have a plot line that was worthy of being a stand alone book. Rather, Front and Center was a conclusion to the first two as we see DJ on the path to becoming a woman who isn't afraid to be, well... front and center ;)
That being said, if you love the first two, you will love this as well. Seeing the series end so well I am totally going back and rating the first two books five stars (because they deserve more than the four stars I originally gave them.) This was an amazing series. Nothing else to say, except
That being said, if you love the first two, you will love this as well. Seeing the series end so well I am totally going back and rating the first two books five stars (because they deserve more than the four stars I originally gave them.) This was an amazing series. Nothing else to say, except
November 8, 2009
Sniff. I had tears in my eyes when I read the last chapter. But they were tears caused by the warmth of the story. I was perfectly happy with the conclusion and I think, that this might have been the last of the D.J.-Schwenks-books.
But am am convinced that Mrs. Murdock will just create a brand-new heroine as likable and real as D.J. And I am sure I will be among the first to place a pre-order.
One more thing I have to say is, that I do not think the cover particularly fitting. It does not show the sports connection. And secondly I understood that D.J. is a rather sturdy person. Check out the other covers that had been in the discussion. I would have like the first one from left: http://www.catherinemurdock.com/cathe...
But am am convinced that Mrs. Murdock will just create a brand-new heroine as likable and real as D.J. And I am sure I will be among the first to place a pre-order.
One more thing I have to say is, that I do not think the cover particularly fitting. It does not show the sports connection. And secondly I understood that D.J. is a rather sturdy person. Check out the other covers that had been in the discussion. I would have like the first one from left: http://www.catherinemurdock.com/cathe...
June 4, 2022
I still love DJ. Her inner monologue is just so real and so normal. She doesn’t realize what she has to offer and how amazing she really is. This whole series is a fantastic visit to the rural heartland. The audiobooks are great and I have enjoyed them all. The only reason I found this series is because the first book had a cow on the front and with the name Dairy Queen I just couldn’t resist. Sometimes you can judge a book by the cover.
November 11, 2012
Actual Rating: 3.49 stars
I feel like I have to preface this review by saying I liked this book because I fear my review is going to come across more negative than my star rating suggests. I did enjoy reading it, and I got through it pretty quickly (partly, because it's very short) but it was a disappointment when compared to the first two.
The strongest aspect of this book for me was D.J.'s relationships with Beaner and Brian Nelson, her on-again/off-again ex-boyfriend. I felt like D.J.'s struggles and growth in the romantic sphere were very realistic, The chemistry between D.J. and Brian was still going strong, and I liked how in the end she was still true to herself. The conclusion to the romantic relationship could have been a disaster in the hands of another author, but Murdock does a great job giving readers a happy ending that is still realistic, and didn't ruin her characters.
Unlike the first two books in the series, I wasn't immediately sucked into this one. The start was very slow, and the entire book seemed to have a lot more filler, which is odd since it's already very short. Even more problematic for me was D.J.'s character regression. All of the lessons she'd learned from books one and two completely flew out the window. Her self-esteem reached new lows, which was particularly unbelievable because, unlike in the first book, both this one and the second were filled with people praising her for her accomplishments and recognizing how amazing she was. D.J.'s actions in this book would have been much more believable if the events from the last two hadn't happened.
Speaking of praise for D.J., I also felt like I was being beat over the head with how wonderful, important, and special she was in this one. Every character seemed to fall all over themselves for her. Even characters with whom she had previous conflict were nice to her. None of the characters held her accountable for her actions, and overall there weren't any longterm consequences for her mistakes. The only conflict in this novel comes from D.J. herself and her unbelievably low self-esteem.
Lastly, I just wasn't interested in the college sports recruitment process or basketball. It's funny because I much prefer basketball to football, yet I was actually interested in the football storyline in the first book and bored by the basketball storyline in this one. It's clear that Murdock has done a lot of research about the college sports recruitment process, but there wasn't enough of a plot outside of that to keep me engrossed.
Overall, I liked the book but I didn't "really like" it or love it the way I did the first two. Still, it's part of a great series overall and I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
I feel like I have to preface this review by saying I liked this book because I fear my review is going to come across more negative than my star rating suggests. I did enjoy reading it, and I got through it pretty quickly (partly, because it's very short) but it was a disappointment when compared to the first two.
The strongest aspect of this book for me was D.J.'s relationships with Beaner and Brian Nelson, her on-again/off-again ex-boyfriend. I felt like D.J.'s struggles and growth in the romantic sphere were very realistic, The chemistry between D.J. and Brian was still going strong, and I liked how in the end she was still true to herself. The conclusion to the romantic relationship could have been a disaster in the hands of another author, but Murdock does a great job giving readers a happy ending that is still realistic, and didn't ruin her characters.
Unlike the first two books in the series, I wasn't immediately sucked into this one. The start was very slow, and the entire book seemed to have a lot more filler, which is odd since it's already very short. Even more problematic for me was D.J.'s character regression. All of the lessons she'd learned from books one and two completely flew out the window. Her self-esteem reached new lows, which was particularly unbelievable because, unlike in the first book, both this one and the second were filled with people praising her for her accomplishments and recognizing how amazing she was. D.J.'s actions in this book would have been much more believable if the events from the last two hadn't happened.
Speaking of praise for D.J., I also felt like I was being beat over the head with how wonderful, important, and special she was in this one. Every character seemed to fall all over themselves for her. Even characters with whom she had previous conflict were nice to her. None of the characters held her accountable for her actions, and overall there weren't any longterm consequences for her mistakes. The only conflict in this novel comes from D.J. herself and her unbelievably low self-esteem.
Lastly, I just wasn't interested in the college sports recruitment process or basketball. It's funny because I much prefer basketball to football, yet I was actually interested in the football storyline in the first book and bored by the basketball storyline in this one. It's clear that Murdock has done a lot of research about the college sports recruitment process, but there wasn't enough of a plot outside of that to keep me engrossed.
Overall, I liked the book but I didn't "really like" it or love it the way I did the first two. Still, it's part of a great series overall and I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
May 25, 2010
Front and Center is the third installment of the Dairy Queen series and IMO... by far the best one of a great storyline. I really did love all three books, but this third book did such a great job of bringing the storyline to a close and showing how just about all of the main characters grew and developed from beginning to end. D.J. Schwenk is at the top of my list of fave female fictional characters. Her modesty, work ethic and humor really shine through as she tells her story; and from the first to the last line, I hang on her every word. Great character… that girl!
In this book, D.J. is facing some big decisions with a few top colleges vying for her attention because of her basketball skills. She has to decide between playing for a Division I or Division III b-ball. And for someone like D.J. that loves to play and operate in the background, those are two different leagues with opportunities and challenges on both ends. Her brother Win, having suffered from a SCI in the previous book, plays an integral part in helping D.J. evaluate her choices; and at times she's not always very appreciative of the pressure and decisions he places on her. But at the end of the story, her dedication to him almost brought me to tears, as she tells her brother:
"Win, you say I saved your life. Well, you didn't save mine. You got me one. You found me a better life than I ever imagined I deserved…I'll never forget that…And just so you know, I will think of you… well, I'll think of you a lot. Every Big Ten game I play, every time I sit there waiting to run out in front of ten thousand people and play the very best I can, I will think of you Win, and this is what I will whisper to myself: Thank you."
You might have to read the books to appreciate that, but all I have to say is *tear*. :( D.J. is such a great character to read about and I'll keep this on my fave list of books to enjoy when I want a motivator or inspirational push every now and again. If Catherine Gilbert Murdock decides to continue with D.J.'s story, I'll be there Front and Center to read her book. If not, she did a fine job and ended with a perfect conclusion. AWESOME.BOOK!
In this book, D.J. is facing some big decisions with a few top colleges vying for her attention because of her basketball skills. She has to decide between playing for a Division I or Division III b-ball. And for someone like D.J. that loves to play and operate in the background, those are two different leagues with opportunities and challenges on both ends. Her brother Win, having suffered from a SCI in the previous book, plays an integral part in helping D.J. evaluate her choices; and at times she's not always very appreciative of the pressure and decisions he places on her. But at the end of the story, her dedication to him almost brought me to tears, as she tells her brother:
"Win, you say I saved your life. Well, you didn't save mine. You got me one. You found me a better life than I ever imagined I deserved…I'll never forget that…And just so you know, I will think of you… well, I'll think of you a lot. Every Big Ten game I play, every time I sit there waiting to run out in front of ten thousand people and play the very best I can, I will think of you Win, and this is what I will whisper to myself: Thank you."
You might have to read the books to appreciate that, but all I have to say is *tear*. :( D.J. is such a great character to read about and I'll keep this on my fave list of books to enjoy when I want a motivator or inspirational push every now and again. If Catherine Gilbert Murdock decides to continue with D.J.'s story, I'll be there Front and Center to read her book. If not, she did a fine job and ended with a perfect conclusion. AWESOME.BOOK!
January 25, 2016
I think I'm extra emotional lately (thank you pregnancy!) because I seriously want to cry thinking about how sweet and fulfilling this book was to me!
This series has been really interesting for me because while sports are all right, I'm not THAT into them, you know? I like them more than my husband... (This isn't saying much, if you know him. He thinks they're utterly pointless...) I've been watching curling during the Olympics, and I will watch parts of March Madness if I feel like it, but still. BUT, these books were like really good sports movies. Like Remember the Titans and Glory Road and The Greatest Game Ever Played. Not in the same way, but in that the sports are important (central, even) to the story, but they're not the WHOLE POINT of the story. So whether you like Football (meh) or Basketball (yeah) or Golf (no, thank you), the message is something on a deeper level—something moral or emotional or whatever.
And that's what these books are like. Dairy Queen was very footbally and this one was very basketbally (The Off Season was less sporty... hence the name), but they're all about DJ Schwenk and her growth as an individual. And there's marked growth, which is refreshing in a series... (Sometimes you read those multiple book series about girls in high school, and you're like, "WOW. Are you EVER going to grow up??" *coughThe Princess Diariescough*)
I didn't really know where Ms. Murdock was going to take this story, but I was really happy with how it turned out. I think DJ made good decisions and stuck up for herself and it was just really good. YAY! I'm just sad it's over!!
This series has been really interesting for me because while sports are all right, I'm not THAT into them, you know? I like them more than my husband... (This isn't saying much, if you know him. He thinks they're utterly pointless...) I've been watching curling during the Olympics, and I will watch parts of March Madness if I feel like it, but still. BUT, these books were like really good sports movies. Like Remember the Titans and Glory Road and The Greatest Game Ever Played. Not in the same way, but in that the sports are important (central, even) to the story, but they're not the WHOLE POINT of the story. So whether you like Football (meh) or Basketball (yeah) or Golf (no, thank you), the message is something on a deeper level—something moral or emotional or whatever.
And that's what these books are like. Dairy Queen was very footbally and this one was very basketbally (The Off Season was less sporty... hence the name), but they're all about DJ Schwenk and her growth as an individual. And there's marked growth, which is refreshing in a series... (Sometimes you read those multiple book series about girls in high school, and you're like, "WOW. Are you EVER going to grow up??" *coughThe Princess Diariescough*)
I didn't really know where Ms. Murdock was going to take this story, but I was really happy with how it turned out. I think DJ made good decisions and stuck up for herself and it was just really good. YAY! I'm just sad it's over!!
May 22, 2010
Front and Center is the last D.J book, and I got to say, I'm so sad to see this series go. I would love to see more book about this extraordinary girl and her family but I am quite content with the ending. It was perfect.
I have to applaud Catherine Murdock here, she did a fantastic job of giving us such wonderful, wonderful characters. Her plots are very believable and heartfelt and her writing really pieces everything together of how I see it in my mind. Amazing!
These books are so much more then just sports. It's about family, struggle, passion, love, heart and soul.
It is a beautiful mix of inspiration, strenght and brilliance.
It's about a girl named D.J Schwenks and how her stories can make you believe in the very best of yourself. These books are incredible I absolutely loved each and everyone of them!
If your looking for a good series that is different from all the rest, but will entertain you in ways you wouldn't think would. Then you should give these books a go.
An amazing and unforgettable trilogy that will touch your heart.
I have to applaud Catherine Murdock here, she did a fantastic job of giving us such wonderful, wonderful characters. Her plots are very believable and heartfelt and her writing really pieces everything together of how I see it in my mind. Amazing!
These books are so much more then just sports. It's about family, struggle, passion, love, heart and soul.
It is a beautiful mix of inspiration, strenght and brilliance.
It's about a girl named D.J Schwenks and how her stories can make you believe in the very best of yourself. These books are incredible I absolutely loved each and everyone of them!
If your looking for a good series that is different from all the rest, but will entertain you in ways you wouldn't think would. Then you should give these books a go.
An amazing and unforgettable trilogy that will touch your heart.
June 29, 2017
An amazing MC for an inspiring YA series.
I really liked Front and Center as a warm and refreshing coming of age story. Catherine Gilbert Murdock is an exceptional writer who gave us the perfect ending for this trilogy with real characters and real problems. DJ's relationship with her parents and brothers seemed a little bittersweet to me. She had to manage with all the pressure and expectations. She realized how strong and brave she was, how talented she truly was even when it was so hard for her to gain some self confidence.
Because if you're not okay with who you are, why should anyone else be?
That kinda sums up what I loved about this whole series. She realized she could do anything and go wherever she wanted once she accepted herself.
DJ has been one of the cutest and funniest heroines I've ever read and it is really sad to say good bye.
I really liked Front and Center as a warm and refreshing coming of age story. Catherine Gilbert Murdock is an exceptional writer who gave us the perfect ending for this trilogy with real characters and real problems. DJ's relationship with her parents and brothers seemed a little bittersweet to me. She had to manage with all the pressure and expectations. She realized how strong and brave she was, how talented she truly was even when it was so hard for her to gain some self confidence.
Because if you're not okay with who you are, why should anyone else be?
That kinda sums up what I loved about this whole series. She realized she could do anything and go wherever she wanted once she accepted herself.
DJ has been one of the cutest and funniest heroines I've ever read and it is really sad to say good bye.
April 27, 2010
Having adored DAIRY QUEEN and really liked THE OFF SEASON, I was all set to enjoy this book. D.J.'s voice comes through loud and clear, but the problem with this book is two-fold.
One is the same problem I found with THE OFF SEASON--why have a sequel to a book that ended very well? As it turned out, enough character growth and plot twists abound in that book to make it a worthwhile read. (Again, though, it wasn't a necessary book.)
I had a feeling that THIS book was written only because there was supposed to be a trilogy . . . so write the third book already. Not only didn't I care so much about whom D.J. ended up with (although, hello, it was a completely foregone conclusion) but there were really no stakes here at all. D.J.'s "growth" was unbelievable and seemed entirely too pat (and a forced tie-in to the very first book).
The second problem is that the book is completely tell-tell-tell and very little show. Now, I enjoy D.J.'s voice, but DQ was able to have it both ways, and the same with OS (though less so). This was not the case with F&C--or maybe I was just uninvolved in the story enough to find the going very tedious. I blistered through the first book, trotted through the second, slogged through the third--and I don't feel exhilirated at all. Just . . . whew, glad that's done.
One is the same problem I found with THE OFF SEASON--why have a sequel to a book that ended very well? As it turned out, enough character growth and plot twists abound in that book to make it a worthwhile read. (Again, though, it wasn't a necessary book.)
I had a feeling that THIS book was written only because there was supposed to be a trilogy . . . so write the third book already. Not only didn't I care so much about whom D.J. ended up with (although, hello, it was a completely foregone conclusion) but there were really no stakes here at all. D.J.'s "growth" was unbelievable and seemed entirely too pat (and a forced tie-in to the very first book).
The second problem is that the book is completely tell-tell-tell and very little show. Now, I enjoy D.J.'s voice, but DQ was able to have it both ways, and the same with OS (though less so). This was not the case with F&C--or maybe I was just uninvolved in the story enough to find the going very tedious. I blistered through the first book, trotted through the second, slogged through the third--and I don't feel exhilirated at all. Just . . . whew, glad that's done.
August 22, 2010
This was a perfect ending to the trilogy. Although, I would love to know what happens to D.J. and Brian, Win and his physical therapist and what happens with the farm, I am completely content with the way that this summed it all up.
I can relate to this book so much on the athletic aspect, that is was so refreshing to read a book that could verbalize all the feelings that high school athletes face. And it was even more surprising reading a little bit about the author and knowing that she wasn't a football or basketball player herself.
Catherine created characters that are real, their fears are real and their mistakes are normal and the journey is all worth the effort. D.J. grew so much as a person throughout this series and everyone in her family and all that surrounded her grew as well. That was probably my favorite thing about this series, seeing the turn-around of every single character.
What a great series, I am so glad that I came across the 1st book by accident and stumbled into something so great!
I can relate to this book so much on the athletic aspect, that is was so refreshing to read a book that could verbalize all the feelings that high school athletes face. And it was even more surprising reading a little bit about the author and knowing that she wasn't a football or basketball player herself.
Catherine created characters that are real, their fears are real and their mistakes are normal and the journey is all worth the effort. D.J. grew so much as a person throughout this series and everyone in her family and all that surrounded her grew as well. That was probably my favorite thing about this series, seeing the turn-around of every single character.
What a great series, I am so glad that I came across the 1st book by accident and stumbled into something so great!
June 2, 2010
The final book in the 'Dairy Queen' trilogy is a great ending to the story.
I really like DJ's voice, her thoughts and feelings are well-crafted and her behavior is consistent throughout the series. Even though she is somewhat lacking in confidence, she still manages to stand up for herself when she feels the need enough.
She also comes to understand her personal relationships better and see things from other viewpoints. Most of all, she takes the time to figure out exactly what she does or doesn't want, even as the pressure from all sides builds.
I enjoyed reading about a girl who is all about sports, that was interesting and different. She wasn't consumed with her popularity or latest fashions, but making herself and her tean the best they can be. I really like DJ and hoped for the best for her. The ending is perfect.
I really like DJ's voice, her thoughts and feelings are well-crafted and her behavior is consistent throughout the series. Even though she is somewhat lacking in confidence, she still manages to stand up for herself when she feels the need enough.
She also comes to understand her personal relationships better and see things from other viewpoints. Most of all, she takes the time to figure out exactly what she does or doesn't want, even as the pressure from all sides builds.
I enjoyed reading about a girl who is all about sports, that was interesting and different. She wasn't consumed with her popularity or latest fashions, but making herself and her tean the best they can be. I really like DJ and hoped for the best for her. The ending is perfect.
November 12, 2009
I can't believe how long I waited to read this. Since 2007. 2007!! That's two years people! Plus some months. So obviously I was excited that I FINALLY got to read it.
Quick Overview: DJ is actually happy to be going back to school. She's ready to play some basketball and have everything go back to normal. How they were before. Before Brian, before being on the football team and before Win's accident. She finds out pretty quickly though that it just ain't gonna happen. Decisions have to be made and DJ's getting pressure from all sides to give some answers. Beaner's great, funny and not afraid of people knowing that he likes DJ. But then Brian, who broke her heart, shows up saying that he's changed. What is she suppose to do with that? Believe him? Then there's Win who's all over her about calling college coaches and everyone's telling her to play D1 basketball. Even if she knows that she's not good or brave enough to do it. Schwenks have never been good at talking, but that's exactly what everyone's telling DJ to do.
I admit that I got a billion times more frustrated with DJ this time than I did in Dairy Queen and The Off Season. She continuously brought up her inability to talk with people. I felt like telling her to stop complaining and do something about it. It was also frustrating to see how complicated she was making things. Towards the end though I finally started to understand her. Even if I felt like smacking her upside the head and setting her straight, I thinks it's because I've grown to care for DJ's character so much. Her voice always sounds authentic and she thinks like a normal person.
All the minor characters are great. Looking back at the first books you can really see how all the characters have grown and changed. I love how DJ's family is so flawed, but you can see that they really look out for each other. Even if they don't hug a lot and say I love you all the time (does anyone have a family like this) they show up when it counts. It was great seeing more of Beaner and his funny, out-there personality. I would've liked to see more of Curtis though. He still has a lot of growing and changing to do. I'd definitely read a book about him.
While waiting to read this book I thought up every ending imaginable. At first I thought that I wouldn't like if it ended the way it eventually did (as I had always suspected), but I did. Some might say that it ended too perfectly, but I really like it. It managed to still be realistic, and DJ is happy and things seem to be going in the right direction. I just loved how DJ finished this one. It was...perfect. This is the perfect way to end DJ's story. Although it doesn't really feel like the end. I like the feeling that she's still out there being DJ and living her life. I'm really rating it a 4.5 but I can't bring myself to give it less than 5. I loved reading it. It felt like visiting and catching up with my good old friend DJ Schwenk.
Quick Overview: DJ is actually happy to be going back to school. She's ready to play some basketball and have everything go back to normal. How they were before. Before Brian, before being on the football team and before Win's accident. She finds out pretty quickly though that it just ain't gonna happen. Decisions have to be made and DJ's getting pressure from all sides to give some answers. Beaner's great, funny and not afraid of people knowing that he likes DJ. But then Brian, who broke her heart, shows up saying that he's changed. What is she suppose to do with that? Believe him? Then there's Win who's all over her about calling college coaches and everyone's telling her to play D1 basketball. Even if she knows that she's not good or brave enough to do it. Schwenks have never been good at talking, but that's exactly what everyone's telling DJ to do.
I admit that I got a billion times more frustrated with DJ this time than I did in Dairy Queen and The Off Season. She continuously brought up her inability to talk with people. I felt like telling her to stop complaining and do something about it. It was also frustrating to see how complicated she was making things. Towards the end though I finally started to understand her. Even if I felt like smacking her upside the head and setting her straight, I thinks it's because I've grown to care for DJ's character so much. Her voice always sounds authentic and she thinks like a normal person.
All the minor characters are great. Looking back at the first books you can really see how all the characters have grown and changed. I love how DJ's family is so flawed, but you can see that they really look out for each other. Even if they don't hug a lot and say I love you all the time (does anyone have a family like this) they show up when it counts. It was great seeing more of Beaner and his funny, out-there personality. I would've liked to see more of Curtis though. He still has a lot of growing and changing to do. I'd definitely read a book about him.
While waiting to read this book I thought up every ending imaginable. At first I thought that I wouldn't like if it ended the way it eventually did (as I had always suspected), but I did. Some might say that it ended too perfectly, but I really like it. It managed to still be realistic, and DJ is happy and things seem to be going in the right direction. I just loved how DJ finished this one. It was...perfect. This is the perfect way to end DJ's story. Although it doesn't really feel like the end. I like the feeling that she's still out there being DJ and living her life. I'm really rating it a 4.5 but I can't bring myself to give it less than 5. I loved reading it. It felt like visiting and catching up with my good old friend DJ Schwenk.
May 25, 2011
I have been on a contemporary kick recently. The fact that I discovered some very awesome books in the genre helped a lot too. The reason I picked up The Dairy Queen was simply because I read Princess Ben by the same author and found it to be personable and relatable. I loved the way she developed her characters and told the story. So I decided to take a risk and read The Dairy Queen.
I was not disappointed. At all.
D.J is a real person. Okay, a real fictitious person. She could be you. Or me. Her feelings, her thoughts, the way she processes things – they are real. Let me begin again.
One of the main strengths of the story is its main character D.J through whom the reader gets to vicariously live the life of a girl growing up on a dairy farm. I am not unfamiliar with books that have a pastoral setting. Heck, I grew up on a farm. Sure, a sugarcane farm but still, some things are similar. Lack of money, for one. D.J is just so likeable. Her conflicts and her troubles are all entirely believable. And her fight to be more than just a helping hand for a father who seems not to appreciate her at all makes for a more fascinating read than you would think. The writing is interesting. The story is told from the first person point of view and Ms. Murdock has let the flow of the story be a true reflection of the age of its teller. Usually, there is a narrator even when there’s a first person p.o.v used. You can tell this by the diction or perhaps by the thoughts of the author. And the fact that Ms. Murdock took pains to integrate the writing level to D.J’s age is an indication of her dedication to really tell D.J’s story.
I also really liked the family dynamics and the depiction of family life in the books. The parents don’t die. They do get sick but instead of being a plot device for melodrama and victimization, D.J actually has to face the realistic consequences of having sick parents. D.J’s relationship with her three brothers is also interesting to read. It’s not all honey and roses. In fact, it never is. There is a genuine building up of the relationship between the siblings. It’s a realistic portrayal of the changing dynamics in a growing family.
The love interest. There’s no insta-love in this trilogy. Thank God for that. This is one of those books where the love interest is actually shown to be as faulty as they come and it is only when he has redeemed himself that he and D.J can actually move on. D.J is not a perfect character, in fact, she is far from it. She has lots of flaws, a lack of self esteem that often causes her to make decisions that are safe rather than risky so she does not get hurt or does not have to push herself. The journey she makes through the three books to end up as the confident character she ends up at the end is worth reading. I totally recommend this trilogy to anyone who wants to read a good, solid story about how real girls navigate life that has no sparkly creatures but is challenging all the same.
I was not disappointed. At all.
D.J is a real person. Okay, a real fictitious person. She could be you. Or me. Her feelings, her thoughts, the way she processes things – they are real. Let me begin again.
One of the main strengths of the story is its main character D.J through whom the reader gets to vicariously live the life of a girl growing up on a dairy farm. I am not unfamiliar with books that have a pastoral setting. Heck, I grew up on a farm. Sure, a sugarcane farm but still, some things are similar. Lack of money, for one. D.J is just so likeable. Her conflicts and her troubles are all entirely believable. And her fight to be more than just a helping hand for a father who seems not to appreciate her at all makes for a more fascinating read than you would think. The writing is interesting. The story is told from the first person point of view and Ms. Murdock has let the flow of the story be a true reflection of the age of its teller. Usually, there is a narrator even when there’s a first person p.o.v used. You can tell this by the diction or perhaps by the thoughts of the author. And the fact that Ms. Murdock took pains to integrate the writing level to D.J’s age is an indication of her dedication to really tell D.J’s story.
I also really liked the family dynamics and the depiction of family life in the books. The parents don’t die. They do get sick but instead of being a plot device for melodrama and victimization, D.J actually has to face the realistic consequences of having sick parents. D.J’s relationship with her three brothers is also interesting to read. It’s not all honey and roses. In fact, it never is. There is a genuine building up of the relationship between the siblings. It’s a realistic portrayal of the changing dynamics in a growing family.
The love interest. There’s no insta-love in this trilogy. Thank God for that. This is one of those books where the love interest is actually shown to be as faulty as they come and it is only when he has redeemed himself that he and D.J can actually move on. D.J is not a perfect character, in fact, she is far from it. She has lots of flaws, a lack of self esteem that often causes her to make decisions that are safe rather than risky so she does not get hurt or does not have to push herself. The journey she makes through the three books to end up as the confident character she ends up at the end is worth reading. I totally recommend this trilogy to anyone who wants to read a good, solid story about how real girls navigate life that has no sparkly creatures but is challenging all the same.
February 19, 2015
I listened to all three books back-to-back over the last few days, so I'm just going to review them together.
I'd heard that if I enjoyed Miranda Kenneally's Hundred Oaks series, or at least the first book -- which also features a girl who plays football on a high school boys' team -- I'd probably enjoy this one even more. So, while perusing my library's website for my next listen -- for some reason I can't bring myself to finish Ruby Circle...*cries* why is it over? -- I saw that all three audiobooks in the Dairy Queen series were available and decided I'd give them a try.
And, no lie, they are 10x better than that other series. I think the voice of the main character is what does it...she's just so genuine and easy to relate to because her actions feel realistic. She's sarcastic and witty and pokes fun at her hillbilly lifestyle in rural Wisconsin, and all the while you just have a true sense of her character. She is unapologetically herself and she tells it like it is. D.J.'s a great character because she knows what she wants and won't settle for less but she also knows she needs a push to want more sometimes. And the fact that her family is so present in all three books aides in that.
The narrator for these audiobooks was fabulous, too. She embodied this character, giving voice to the cow-milking, football playing D.J. like she knew her, inside and out. The books are basically D.J.'s journal, a project she was forced to start in order to pass English but a pursuit she continued to remember this time in her life, a time she'd already been warned would pass by in the blink of an eye. I think that's probably what made the audio and the story in general so damn enjoyable...D.J.'s inner thoughts are just so funny.
I also loved that this is a true contemporary series, rather than a series of companion novels. It covers the summer before the MC's junior year of high school and spans the length of that school year. Each book is relatively short, so I guess they could have all been combined for one longer novel, but I liked the separation and the point at which each book left off.
This isn't just a series about a girl who goes out for her high school's football team, but it's also about where that decision leads her. It's about her triumphs and successes but also about rejection and loss and everything in between. I kind of really loved it, and it's made me rethink how much I liked that other series in comparison.
I'd heard that if I enjoyed Miranda Kenneally's Hundred Oaks series, or at least the first book -- which also features a girl who plays football on a high school boys' team -- I'd probably enjoy this one even more. So, while perusing my library's website for my next listen -- for some reason I can't bring myself to finish Ruby Circle...*cries* why is it over? -- I saw that all three audiobooks in the Dairy Queen series were available and decided I'd give them a try.
And, no lie, they are 10x better than that other series. I think the voice of the main character is what does it...she's just so genuine and easy to relate to because her actions feel realistic. She's sarcastic and witty and pokes fun at her hillbilly lifestyle in rural Wisconsin, and all the while you just have a true sense of her character. She is unapologetically herself and she tells it like it is. D.J.'s a great character because she knows what she wants and won't settle for less but she also knows she needs a push to want more sometimes. And the fact that her family is so present in all three books aides in that.
The narrator for these audiobooks was fabulous, too. She embodied this character, giving voice to the cow-milking, football playing D.J. like she knew her, inside and out. The books are basically D.J.'s journal, a project she was forced to start in order to pass English but a pursuit she continued to remember this time in her life, a time she'd already been warned would pass by in the blink of an eye. I think that's probably what made the audio and the story in general so damn enjoyable...D.J.'s inner thoughts are just so funny.
I also loved that this is a true contemporary series, rather than a series of companion novels. It covers the summer before the MC's junior year of high school and spans the length of that school year. Each book is relatively short, so I guess they could have all been combined for one longer novel, but I liked the separation and the point at which each book left off.
This isn't just a series about a girl who goes out for her high school's football team, but it's also about where that decision leads her. It's about her triumphs and successes but also about rejection and loss and everything in between. I kind of really loved it, and it's made me rethink how much I liked that other series in comparison.
October 23, 2009
After a lengthy detour into Win’s physical recovery, I very happily return to a D.J.-centered novel…and am far from disappointed. Indeed, I am utterly in love with FRONT AND CENTER. It is a perfectly written and sweet conclusion that won’t leave D.J. devotees disappointed.
It is a sign of great talent that an author can write a protagonist who is rather severely flawed in her thinking and self-concept, and yet is utterly lovable. D.J. has such low confidence in herself that you just want to beat her over the head with a stick and then give her a great big hug and a pep talk. D.J. is often infuriating, but she approaches everything with such a freshness that you cannot be angry at her. Instead, you will laugh with her, cry with her, and all throughout, cheer her on.
The power of the characters return in full force. The way D.J. narrates her story, there are no weak characters: everyone has a purpose and their own identity. All of the complex character development guarantees that you will fall in love with some, if not all, of them. Brian Nelson in particular is a sweetheart, and fans of him from the earlier books will appreciate his growth and maturation alongside D.J.’s.
The D.J. books contain remarkably authentic, yet relatable, details about situations involving rural living and sports. Even if you have no experience with either, D.J.’s candid and unassuming narration will make you fall right into her world and never want to come out. The particulars of both lifestyles are extraordinarily well researched, the in-school student dynamics realistic and relatable.
If you’re looking for a book containing a strong female protagonist, a contemporary story with equal parts excellent plotting and characterization, a sweet but not overbearing romance, tomboys, and lots of laughs, don’t hesitate to check out Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s books about D.J. Schwenk, starting with DAIRY QUEEN. I’m sad that the series has to end, but beyond satisfied at how Murdock elegantly ties everything together for a hopeful future. This is a series that should not be missed!
It is a sign of great talent that an author can write a protagonist who is rather severely flawed in her thinking and self-concept, and yet is utterly lovable. D.J. has such low confidence in herself that you just want to beat her over the head with a stick and then give her a great big hug and a pep talk. D.J. is often infuriating, but she approaches everything with such a freshness that you cannot be angry at her. Instead, you will laugh with her, cry with her, and all throughout, cheer her on.
The power of the characters return in full force. The way D.J. narrates her story, there are no weak characters: everyone has a purpose and their own identity. All of the complex character development guarantees that you will fall in love with some, if not all, of them. Brian Nelson in particular is a sweetheart, and fans of him from the earlier books will appreciate his growth and maturation alongside D.J.’s.
The D.J. books contain remarkably authentic, yet relatable, details about situations involving rural living and sports. Even if you have no experience with either, D.J.’s candid and unassuming narration will make you fall right into her world and never want to come out. The particulars of both lifestyles are extraordinarily well researched, the in-school student dynamics realistic and relatable.
If you’re looking for a book containing a strong female protagonist, a contemporary story with equal parts excellent plotting and characterization, a sweet but not overbearing romance, tomboys, and lots of laughs, don’t hesitate to check out Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s books about D.J. Schwenk, starting with DAIRY QUEEN. I’m sad that the series has to end, but beyond satisfied at how Murdock elegantly ties everything together for a hopeful future. This is a series that should not be missed!
March 29, 2011
I love, love, love this series and I am sad to see it end. I love DJ Schwenk and the whole Schwenk family. These books really touched my heart.
DJ faced so many challenges in The Off Season that a small part of me was hoping for an easy ride and a fluffy romance, but that just wouldn't be true to the series so I am glad I didn't get what my inner-romantic-sap wanted. DJ has to struggle to heal from an injury and earn the grades she needs to get a college basketball scholarship and to choose a which college to attend, but the biggest struggle turns out to be the choice in who she wants to be in her life, the wallflower or the go-getter.
DJ and Brian both grow a lot in this book and I was very glad to see that. But my favorite part of the book comes at the end when DJ thanks Win, her older brother, for pushing her to make a life for herself.
I shed a few tears and I laughed a lot. This series ended perfectly.
Oh, I hate the cover of this book.
DJ faced so many challenges in The Off Season that a small part of me was hoping for an easy ride and a fluffy romance, but that just wouldn't be true to the series so I am glad I didn't get what my inner-romantic-sap wanted. DJ has to struggle to heal from an injury and earn the grades she needs to get a college basketball scholarship and to choose a which college to attend, but the biggest struggle turns out to be the choice in who she wants to be in her life, the wallflower or the go-getter.
DJ and Brian both grow a lot in this book and I was very glad to see that. But my favorite part of the book comes at the end when DJ thanks Win, her older brother, for pushing her to make a life for herself.
I shed a few tears and I laughed a lot. This series ended perfectly.
Oh, I hate the cover of this book.
August 5, 2022
I hate to downgrade any of the Dairy Queen books, because I really do enjoy them, even this one. The main issues I have are that the focus swivels back to teen romance (which is well-written and all, but just isn't as interesting as the rest) and that, as an adult, reading about a 16-year-old complaining about getting free rides to Big Ten schools on her talent alone is a little infuriating, even if you can see yourself reacting similarly, i.e. with anxiety. Still, that's well-written, too, leaving you with a good book that's just not as strong as the first two.
June 15, 2010
Incredible! Catherine Gilbert Murdock is a fanatastic storyteller. I'm so sad to see this series end. I 'm going to miss the amazing characters. They made me laugh and they also made me want to give them a big hug. DJ especially. She is one of my all time favourite characters. I like the way she dealt with her fears and started believing in herself. I feel the final book wrapped things up nicely. It definitely left me smiling. This is a series that you should not miss!
August 24, 2024
I read the three books in this series rapid-quick as a nice gift to myself. I’m so sad the series is over and years old.
June 12, 2017
Five stars: Another fantastic, funny, realistic book with an unforgettable heroine.
DJ Schwenk is finally headed back to school after spending the last few weeks assisting her brother, Wynn, after he suffered a rehabilitating football injury. She is nervous to go back to school, but quickly realizes that perhaps she is better liked than she thought. The cheerleaders even decorated her locker! DJ is quickly thrown back into the swing of things as basketball season is starting. It's time for DJ to shine. Her enthusiasm starts to wane when DJ begins to feel pressure when colleges start recruiting her. She can't wrap her head around playing college basketball in front of a huge crowd, besides who would want little old DJ swank from hickville?
What I Liked:
*Ahh.... I have such great love for this series. I am kicking myself again for not reading these books sooner. They have only been out for seven years, and on my radar since I started blogging in 2011. Needless to say, I am glad I finally discovered this amazing series. These books have humor, heart, realistic characters and so much more. You need to read these.
*This series is all about the life and adventure of DJ Schwenk. What I love about DJ is she is just your average, unassuming, small town, farm girl who doesn't think anyone would think twice about her, but she is so wrong. DJ has a huge heart, tons of courage, and she is an all around good person. I love that she is always doubting herself, she is bursting with self deprecating humor. She is so easy to relate to and likable. What I love most is that she is realistic and that she is grappling with self doubt, like any teen. I have fierce love for DJ.
*I adore the humor in this series. It is especially funny and relatable for anyone who has lived in a small town, or visited one. DJ's sense of humor is unique, and it always makes me snicker.
*This third book is all about DJ trying to figure out her future. She is scared to death at the prospect of playing college basketball, and she is brimming with self doubt. Who hasn't felt scared about facing the uncertainty of life after high school? I loved watching her navigate the tough stuff and figure things out in her own way. You go girl!
*The romance finally settles out, and I was thrilled with the way it played out. It was just right for DJ.
*I love the entire cast of characters. They feel like old friends. What I love about this series and the characters is that you can easily relate.
*The audiobooks continue to be amazing. I adore the narration done by Natalie Moore. She totally captures DJ, and I love her midwestern accent. You must check out these books on audio.
And The Not So Much:
*I am so sad this series is over. It felt like it was just getting started. I want more of DJ, Brian, Wynn, Bill, Smut and the rest of the gang. It has been seven years, and Ms. Murdock hasn't followed up? What gives? I would love for her to consider writing another book so we can catch up with DJ down the road.
*I was disappointed that the story line introduced in the last book about the farm and its troubled finances was never completed. Was the Schwenk farm doomed or did they manage to save it?
*After all DJ's doubt and turmoil, I would have loved to see her realize her college dreams. It ends too soon.
The Dairy Queen Series has vaulted onto my favorites shelf. I just wish I had read these sooner. If you want a fun, realistic and entertaining series with an unassuming heroine, look no further. This is a series that I completely loved. I urge you to check it out, and if you can get your hands on the audiobooks, do it! I love that these books are quick, light and wonderful.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
DJ Schwenk is finally headed back to school after spending the last few weeks assisting her brother, Wynn, after he suffered a rehabilitating football injury. She is nervous to go back to school, but quickly realizes that perhaps she is better liked than she thought. The cheerleaders even decorated her locker! DJ is quickly thrown back into the swing of things as basketball season is starting. It's time for DJ to shine. Her enthusiasm starts to wane when DJ begins to feel pressure when colleges start recruiting her. She can't wrap her head around playing college basketball in front of a huge crowd, besides who would want little old DJ swank from hickville?
What I Liked:
*Ahh.... I have such great love for this series. I am kicking myself again for not reading these books sooner. They have only been out for seven years, and on my radar since I started blogging in 2011. Needless to say, I am glad I finally discovered this amazing series. These books have humor, heart, realistic characters and so much more. You need to read these.
*This series is all about the life and adventure of DJ Schwenk. What I love about DJ is she is just your average, unassuming, small town, farm girl who doesn't think anyone would think twice about her, but she is so wrong. DJ has a huge heart, tons of courage, and she is an all around good person. I love that she is always doubting herself, she is bursting with self deprecating humor. She is so easy to relate to and likable. What I love most is that she is realistic and that she is grappling with self doubt, like any teen. I have fierce love for DJ.
*I adore the humor in this series. It is especially funny and relatable for anyone who has lived in a small town, or visited one. DJ's sense of humor is unique, and it always makes me snicker.
*This third book is all about DJ trying to figure out her future. She is scared to death at the prospect of playing college basketball, and she is brimming with self doubt. Who hasn't felt scared about facing the uncertainty of life after high school? I loved watching her navigate the tough stuff and figure things out in her own way. You go girl!
*The romance finally settles out, and I was thrilled with the way it played out. It was just right for DJ.
*I love the entire cast of characters. They feel like old friends. What I love about this series and the characters is that you can easily relate.
*The audiobooks continue to be amazing. I adore the narration done by Natalie Moore. She totally captures DJ, and I love her midwestern accent. You must check out these books on audio.
And The Not So Much:
*I am so sad this series is over. It felt like it was just getting started. I want more of DJ, Brian, Wynn, Bill, Smut and the rest of the gang. It has been seven years, and Ms. Murdock hasn't followed up? What gives? I would love for her to consider writing another book so we can catch up with DJ down the road.
*I was disappointed that the story line introduced in the last book about the farm and its troubled finances was never completed. Was the Schwenk farm doomed or did they manage to save it?
*After all DJ's doubt and turmoil, I would have loved to see her realize her college dreams. It ends too soon.
The Dairy Queen Series has vaulted onto my favorites shelf. I just wish I had read these sooner. If you want a fun, realistic and entertaining series with an unassuming heroine, look no further. This is a series that I completely loved. I urge you to check it out, and if you can get your hands on the audiobooks, do it! I love that these books are quick, light and wonderful.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 19, 2009
Murdock never fails to make me smile, ponder, and laugh. I know DJ must exist out there somewhere. I know, I know she is a character in a book but she could truly be a teenage girl that is real in my mind. I think that Murdock does a great job in getting into how teenager girls really think. I see far too often that some authors make the teenagers think more mature then most teenagers really are. And don't get me started on how authors make angst, frustrating characters because they are just that...frustrating.
Although this wasn't my favorite in the series I still really enjoyed it. DJ stays pretty true to her form and now we get to see her at school without all the drama of boys and Win. Or at least that is what DJ thought. It turns out that she has those problems along with college basketball recruiters and leadership roles and schoolwork. Should she go to Division I college and take all that pressure or stick with Division III? Beaner is a great guy but Brian said he’s changed again. Win is always on her back but it's supposed to be helping him recuperate. And let’s not forget how her coach wants her to step up as a leader. For DJ the pressure is on.
The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars was because DJ was down for so much of the book. DJ's thoughts were along the lines of "just when I thought it couldn't get any worse it did" or "I was at my lowest point then" or "I would be disappointing someone again" and things of that nature (it isn't an exact wording). I could understand her worries because they are really not that uncommon, but although she repeatedly said how much pressure everyone was giving her I think she was giving herself the most. And even the good parts are just mostly described. Like what she thought was so funny that Beaner did. It didn't seem that funny to me, but that was probably because with some things you just have to be there. Now don't get the wrong idea it was still funny; just not as funny as the first two.
DJ is an unforgettable character with real strength and compassion. I'm glad that Murdock ended the series like this. It gave me enough satisfaction to believe that everything would be alright for DJ and those she cared about. There are great well developed secondary characters by the way.
I love DJ and I thought the ending was really really sweet (the very last page most of all).
Although this wasn't my favorite in the series I still really enjoyed it. DJ stays pretty true to her form and now we get to see her at school without all the drama of boys and Win. Or at least that is what DJ thought. It turns out that she has those problems along with college basketball recruiters and leadership roles and schoolwork. Should she go to Division I college and take all that pressure or stick with Division III? Beaner is a great guy but Brian said he’s changed again. Win is always on her back but it's supposed to be helping him recuperate. And let’s not forget how her coach wants her to step up as a leader. For DJ the pressure is on.
The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars was because DJ was down for so much of the book. DJ's thoughts were along the lines of "just when I thought it couldn't get any worse it did" or "I was at my lowest point then" or "I would be disappointing someone again" and things of that nature (it isn't an exact wording). I could understand her worries because they are really not that uncommon, but although she repeatedly said how much pressure everyone was giving her I think she was giving herself the most. And even the good parts are just mostly described. Like what she thought was so funny that Beaner did. It didn't seem that funny to me, but that was probably because with some things you just have to be there. Now don't get the wrong idea it was still funny; just not as funny as the first two.
DJ is an unforgettable character with real strength and compassion. I'm glad that Murdock ended the series like this. It gave me enough satisfaction to believe that everything would be alright for DJ and those she cared about. There are great well developed secondary characters by the way.
I love DJ and I thought the ending was really really sweet (the very last page most of all).
June 3, 2013
I’m a big, big fan of the two previous books about high school junior D.J. Schwenk, and this third (and final) book about her does not disappoint. D.J.’s voice is as wonderful as ever, and her family is as caring as can be despite the fact that no one is a talker. At the start of the book, D.J. is headed back to school, just in time for basketball season, after an extended leave of absence caring for her older brother after his spinal cord injury. After making headlines and even a spread in People magazine for playing on the boy’s football team, D.J. is looking forward to blending into the background at school and on the basketball court. No such luck. Everyone wants to talk to D.J., and college recruiters are already coming calling. I loved, loved, loved this book and these characters and the setting in small-town Wisconsin, and my only disappointment with this book is knowing it is the last from D.J., the Schwenks, and Red Bend, WI. A pretty tame YA, could be recommended to younger readers who are reading up. (What I’m trying to say is there is kissing but nothing more.)
Update April 2013: I’ve been re-reading this entire series and have upgraded all ratings to 5 stars. (Originally gave this one 4.) I love this series. I love how the family is so real. The characters are real. DJ feels real. A gem of a trilogy.
Contains: underage drinking
Challenges: YA-MA Let's Read it Again
Update April 2013: I’ve been re-reading this entire series and have upgraded all ratings to 5 stars. (Originally gave this one 4.) I love this series. I love how the family is so real. The characters are real. DJ feels real. A gem of a trilogy.
Contains: underage drinking
Challenges: YA-MA Let's Read it Again
March 11, 2012
I've hung around with the Dairy Queen series for about a year, and I love it. D.J. never ceases to be the best female character I've ever come across in YA.
She's independent, knows little about romance, and realistic. She can't sing, fails at school subjects, but has enough determination to get herself through life.
The author is particularly amazing for making her a likeable yet flawed character. Her flaws never annoyed me (D.J.'s) which is saying something.
This is the third book to a series, and I can't believe there's not going to be any book afterwards. I love this series too much. This is a light-hearted book which also has some key messages for continuing through life.
But the thing is, I like where the author has finished it. D.J. has developed so much from the first book, Dairy Queen, where talking to people was a problem for her. And now we experience her here, all jazzed up and attending college.
She's a miracle, that girl. I don't think I'll ever forget her. Hmm. I might need to purchase all three books at one point or anohter.
So thank you, Ms Murdock, for writing such an insightful series. One which makes me depressed, happy, and just content in general.
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