Books
Young Adult Fiction
The Off Season
The Off Season
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
ISBN
0618686959
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Editor reviews
I really liked D.J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen and I like her even better in Off Season. She is such a great character (and what a great name! Its perfect). Honest, true, conflicted, strong, weak&shes a girl Id like to know, though I cant say that we have a lot in common. Unlike D.J., Ive never been good at sports and I definitely have never played football.
In Off Season, D.J. is in eleventh grade. She and her best friend Amber are reconnection after a bit of a rough patch the year before (well, what do you do when you find out your best girl friend likes you a little more than you expected?) and she and Brian seem to be heading into becoming a real couple.
But are they really? Why wont Brian even talk to her in front of his other friends? Sure, theyve shared a few hot kisses, but thats about it. But soon, Brian is the least of D. J.s worries.
She gets injured while playing football and has to decide whether or not to keep playing, which might cause her to have to give up basketball (her best chance at a scholarship to college). And her mother injures her back and cant do anything around the house, leaving D. J. even more in charge than normal.
But then something really bad happens in her family; a true catastrophe and D. J. is the one that winds us shouldering most of the burden. She has to really grow up in a short amount of time because everyone else is depending on her.
This book is definitely a bit heavier than the first one, as serious problems beset D.J. on every side. But she really proves her mettle once again (and you thought she was a heroine for standing her ground and playing football with the boys in the last book!). I recommend this one for readers aged 12 and up. While the main character is a girl, I think boys could also appreciate this one (after all, theres lots of sports talk). And I really recommend it for any teen going through serious family issues they can see that they arent alone.
In Off Season, D.J. is in eleventh grade. She and her best friend Amber are reconnection after a bit of a rough patch the year before (well, what do you do when you find out your best girl friend likes you a little more than you expected?) and she and Brian seem to be heading into becoming a real couple.
But are they really? Why wont Brian even talk to her in front of his other friends? Sure, theyve shared a few hot kisses, but thats about it. But soon, Brian is the least of D. J.s worries.
She gets injured while playing football and has to decide whether or not to keep playing, which might cause her to have to give up basketball (her best chance at a scholarship to college). And her mother injures her back and cant do anything around the house, leaving D. J. even more in charge than normal.
But then something really bad happens in her family; a true catastrophe and D. J. is the one that winds us shouldering most of the burden. She has to really grow up in a short amount of time because everyone else is depending on her.
This book is definitely a bit heavier than the first one, as serious problems beset D.J. on every side. But she really proves her mettle once again (and you thought she was a heroine for standing her ground and playing football with the boys in the last book!). I recommend this one for readers aged 12 and up. While the main character is a girl, I think boys could also appreciate this one (after all, theres lots of sports talk). And I really recommend it for any teen going through serious family issues they can see that they arent alone.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
D.J. is a winner in my book
I really liked D.J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen and I like her even better in Off Season. She is such a great character (and what a great name! Its perfect). Honest, true, conflicted, strong, weak&shes a girl Id like to know, though I cant say that we have a lot in common. Unlike D.J., Ive never been good at sports and I definitely have never played football.
In Off Season, D.J. is in eleventh grade. She and her best friend Amber are reconnection after a bit of a rough patch the year before (well, what do you do when you find out your best girl friend likes you a little more than you expected?) and she and Brian seem to be heading into becoming a real couple.
But are they really? Why wont Brian even talk to her in front of his other friends? Sure, theyve shared a few hot kisses, but thats about it. But soon, Brian is the least of D. J.s worries.
She gets injured while playing football and has to decide whether or not to keep playing, which might cause her to have to give up basketball (her best chance at a scholarship to college). And her mother injures her back and cant do anything around the house, leaving D. J. even more in charge than normal.
But then something really bad happens in her family; a true catastrophe and D. J. is the one that winds us shouldering most of the burden. She has to really grow up in a short amount of time because everyone else is depending on her.
This book is definitely a bit heavier than the first one, as serious problems beset D.J. on every side. But she really proves her mettle once again (and you thought she was a heroine for standing her ground and playing football with the boys in the last book!). I recommend this one for readers aged 12 and up. While the main character is a girl, I think boys could also appreciate this one (after all, theres lots of sports talk). And I really recommend it for any teen going through serious family issues they can see that they arent alone.
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User reviews
Average user rating from: 5 user(s)
Reader reviewed by Mairi
Football season started well for Red Bend, as they defeated Hawley for the first time in four years- a victory in which D.J. Schwenk played no small part. In the halls on the first day of school, people are lining up to congratulate her- she's the first female player to ever score in a game in northern Wisconsin, and this embarrasses her no end- however, it's only the start of her problems. Her relationship with her friend Amber is strained, she doesn't know what to make of Brian, and there is a possibility that her family might lose their farm.
It's been years since I read Dairy Queen (I bought it right after it came out) so I'm rather embarassed to say that I only read The Off Season last week. I loved it, though, even more than the prequel- D.J.'s voice comes through much more clearly in this one, and some of the lines made me laugh out loud. I've been recommending it to everyone I know.
So, in conclusion, you should really read this book because it'll make you smile, and what more can you ask for in a story?
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Great Book
Reader reviewed by Mairi
Football season started well for Red Bend, as they defeated Hawley for the first time in four years- a victory in which D.J. Schwenk played no small part. In the halls on the first day of school, people are lining up to congratulate her- she's the first female player to ever score in a game in northern Wisconsin, and this embarrasses her no end- however, it's only the start of her problems. Her relationship with her friend Amber is strained, she doesn't know what to make of Brian, and there is a possibility that her family might lose their farm.
It's been years since I read Dairy Queen (I bought it right after it came out) so I'm rather embarassed to say that I only read The Off Season last week. I loved it, though, even more than the prequel- D.J.'s voice comes through much more clearly in this one, and some of the lines made me laugh out loud. I've been recommending it to everyone I know.
So, in conclusion, you should really read this book because it'll make you smile, and what more can you ask for in a story?
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Chantele
The Off Season is the sequel to "Dairy Queen". It continues with D.J.'s
life of football, her friend Brian, the farm, her best friend Amber,
and her family. The book starts out where Dairy Queen left off.
Everything is going D.J.'s way, and she is very happy with her life for
once. She has a great "boyfriend", she is starting on her football
team, getting alright grades, and even the farm work doesn't seem so
bad. Soon after the school year starts though, things start to change.
D.J's world comes crashing down. Her family has struggles with the
farm, and with each other. Amber isn't getting along with her mother,
and is ready to leave town, and Brian is also acting, well, different.
I
loved the changes in D.J. throughout this book. She learns to speak her
mind, she grows up a lot, takes charge of her life, and helps her
family through some difficult situations. I loved how she figured out
what was important in her life, and chose the path that would make her
happy, and her family as well. This is a great sequel, and if you loved
Dairy Queen, you will love this one as well. I can't wait to read the
next one!
The Off Season is the sequel to "Dairy Queen". It continues with D.J.'s
life of football, her friend Brian, the farm, her best friend Amber,
and her family. The book starts out where Dairy Queen left off.
Everything is going D.J.'s way, and she is very happy with her life for
once. She has a great "boyfriend", she is starting on her football
team, getting alright grades, and even the farm work doesn't seem so
bad. Soon after the school year starts though, things start to change.
D.J's world comes crashing down. Her family has struggles with the
farm, and with each other. Amber isn't getting along with her mother,
and is ready to leave town, and Brian is also acting, well, different.
I
loved the changes in D.J. throughout this book. She learns to speak her
mind, she grows up a lot, takes charge of her life, and helps her
family through some difficult situations. I loved how she figured out
what was important in her life, and chose the path that would make her
happy, and her family as well. This is a great sequel, and if you loved
Dairy Queen, you will love this one as well. I can't wait to read the
next one!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Just as good as the sequel!
Reader reviewed by Chantele
The Off Season is the sequel to "Dairy Queen". It continues with D.J.'s
life of football, her friend Brian, the farm, her best friend Amber,
and her family. The book starts out where Dairy Queen left off.
Everything is going D.J.'s way, and she is very happy with her life for
once. She has a great "boyfriend", she is starting on her football
team, getting alright grades, and even the farm work doesn't seem so
bad. Soon after the school year starts though, things start to change.
D.J's world comes crashing down. Her family has struggles with the
farm, and with each other. Amber isn't getting along with her mother,
and is ready to leave town, and Brian is also acting, well, different.
I
loved the changes in D.J. throughout this book. She learns to speak her
mind, she grows up a lot, takes charge of her life, and helps her
family through some difficult situations. I loved how she figured out
what was important in her life, and chose the path that would make her
happy, and her family as well. This is a great sequel, and if you loved
Dairy Queen, you will love this one as well. I can't wait to read the
next one!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Katie
This book picks up where Dairy Queen leaves off. DJ Schwenk is working toward her goal of playing football for the high school football team. I really didn't like this book as much as I liked Dairy Queen. But, I mean, measuring up to what I thought of Dairy Queen would be hard. Catherine Gilbert Murdock uses the same voice she did in Dairy Queen to make it so appealing, but I honestly liked the Dairy Queen better.
I don't know if it was a lack of a good story line, because it was definitely adventure packed, but it was just the time she was having with Brian was sooo cute that you couldn't help loving it. I also loved the way Dairy Queen ended, and in my opinion, the way you end a book can make or break it.
This book picks up where Dairy Queen leaves off. DJ Schwenk is working toward her goal of playing football for the high school football team. I really didn't like this book as much as I liked Dairy Queen. But, I mean, measuring up to what I thought of Dairy Queen would be hard. Catherine Gilbert Murdock uses the same voice she did in Dairy Queen to make it so appealing, but I honestly liked the Dairy Queen better.
I don't know if it was a lack of a good story line, because it was definitely adventure packed, but it was just the time she was having with Brian was sooo cute that you couldn't help loving it. I also loved the way Dairy Queen ended, and in my opinion, the way you end a book can make or break it.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Ehh. So, so.
Reader reviewed by Katie
This book picks up where Dairy Queen leaves off. DJ Schwenk is working toward her goal of playing football for the high school football team. I really didn't like this book as much as I liked Dairy Queen. But, I mean, measuring up to what I thought of Dairy Queen would be hard. Catherine Gilbert Murdock uses the same voice she did in Dairy Queen to make it so appealing, but I honestly liked the Dairy Queen better.
I don't know if it was a lack of a good story line, because it was definitely adventure packed, but it was just the time she was having with Brian was sooo cute that you couldn't help loving it. I also loved the way Dairy Queen ended, and in my opinion, the way you end a book can make or break it.
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Reader reviewed by Stephanie
As far as debut novels go, it's hard to top Murdock's DAIRY QUEEN, a winning combination of wit and heart, love and loss. But incredibly, she succeeds with its sequel, THE OFF SEASON. It is everything her first book is, and more.
As quite possibly the first girl in her state ever to be on her high school football team, D.J. Schwenk has been getting a lot of attention and publicity lately, and she doesn't want any of it... particularly as she fears it will make her something-or-other friendship/relationship with Brian Nelson, her rival high school's star quarterback, even more confusing than it already is. But D.J. never has to go looking for publicity and problems; they come to her. More than ever, she is worried about the future of the Schwenk farm, a dilapidated, outdated relic from the past. Her youngest brother, Curtis, has been mysteriously running off with some girl.
Things only get worse when a bad shoulder injury forces her to quit the football team, going from Most Intriguing Girl in Town to Most Despised. D.J. has no time to wallow in self-pity, however, for not long after that her brother Win is badly injured in a football game and has lost his will to live as a cripple. With all of these issues that SHE has to deal with, it's no wonder she has no time for schoolwork, friendships, and even Brian. D.J. may be forced to grow up faster than she wants, but maybe some good will come out of it all in the end.
In THE OFF SEASON, Murdock continues her beloved heroine's story, throwing more hardships her way. The amount D.J. has to deal with may seem like a rural soap opera sometime, but nevertheless D.J. prevails, and so does our admiration and envy of her. She is the best friend you always wish you could have.
As far as debut novels go, it's hard to top Murdock's DAIRY QUEEN, a winning combination of wit and heart, love and loss. But incredibly, she succeeds with its sequel, THE OFF SEASON. It is everything her first book is, and more.
As quite possibly the first girl in her state ever to be on her high school football team, D.J. Schwenk has been getting a lot of attention and publicity lately, and she doesn't want any of it... particularly as she fears it will make her something-or-other friendship/relationship with Brian Nelson, her rival high school's star quarterback, even more confusing than it already is. But D.J. never has to go looking for publicity and problems; they come to her. More than ever, she is worried about the future of the Schwenk farm, a dilapidated, outdated relic from the past. Her youngest brother, Curtis, has been mysteriously running off with some girl.
Things only get worse when a bad shoulder injury forces her to quit the football team, going from Most Intriguing Girl in Town to Most Despised. D.J. has no time to wallow in self-pity, however, for not long after that her brother Win is badly injured in a football game and has lost his will to live as a cripple. With all of these issues that SHE has to deal with, it's no wonder she has no time for schoolwork, friendships, and even Brian. D.J. may be forced to grow up faster than she wants, but maybe some good will come out of it all in the end.
In THE OFF SEASON, Murdock continues her beloved heroine's story, throwing more hardships her way. The amount D.J. has to deal with may seem like a rural soap opera sometime, but nevertheless D.J. prevails, and so does our admiration and envy of her. She is the best friend you always wish you could have.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Sequels Tops the Stellar Debut
Reader reviewed by Stephanie
As far as debut novels go, it's hard to top Murdock's DAIRY QUEEN, a winning combination of wit and heart, love and loss. But incredibly, she succeeds with its sequel, THE OFF SEASON. It is everything her first book is, and more.
As quite possibly the first girl in her state ever to be on her high school football team, D.J. Schwenk has been getting a lot of attention and publicity lately, and she doesn't want any of it... particularly as she fears it will make her something-or-other friendship/relationship with Brian Nelson, her rival high school's star quarterback, even more confusing than it already is. But D.J. never has to go looking for publicity and problems; they come to her. More than ever, she is worried about the future of the Schwenk farm, a dilapidated, outdated relic from the past. Her youngest brother, Curtis, has been mysteriously running off with some girl.
Things only get worse when a bad shoulder injury forces her to quit the football team, going from Most Intriguing Girl in Town to Most Despised. D.J. has no time to wallow in self-pity, however, for not long after that her brother Win is badly injured in a football game and has lost his will to live as a cripple. With all of these issues that SHE has to deal with, it's no wonder she has no time for schoolwork, friendships, and even Brian. D.J. may be forced to grow up faster than she wants, but maybe some good will come out of it all in the end.
In THE OFF SEASON, Murdock continues her beloved heroine's story, throwing more hardships her way. The amount D.J. has to deal with may seem like a rural soap opera sometime, but nevertheless D.J. prevails, and so does our admiration and envy of her. She is the best friend you always wish you could have.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by abscae
D.J. Schwenk is back with being a junior in her high school, and she's on the football team. However, a chain of events explode, starting off with the publishing of an article concerning her and Brian (the rival school quarterback) in People. Next comes a shoulder injury as well as her gay best friend running off with a friend. Finally, as the tension unfolds, D.J.'s older brother Win gains a spinal cord injury from football. As Win recovers, D.J. stays constantly by his side, putting her life into perspective.
I really liked this book, because along with the usual teenage problems that any teen could relate to, we also feel the pulsing tension of D.J.'s life, and how and when everything gets thrown out of what. The mood becomes clear, pulling the reader in, and leaves them amazed at the maturity of the novel.
D.J. Schwenk is back with being a junior in her high school, and she's on the football team. However, a chain of events explode, starting off with the publishing of an article concerning her and Brian (the rival school quarterback) in People. Next comes a shoulder injury as well as her gay best friend running off with a friend. Finally, as the tension unfolds, D.J.'s older brother Win gains a spinal cord injury from football. As Win recovers, D.J. stays constantly by his side, putting her life into perspective.
I really liked this book, because along with the usual teenage problems that any teen could relate to, we also feel the pulsing tension of D.J.'s life, and how and when everything gets thrown out of what. The mood becomes clear, pulling the reader in, and leaves them amazed at the maturity of the novel.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
awesome book
Reader reviewed by abscae
D.J. Schwenk is back with being a junior in her high school, and she's on the football team. However, a chain of events explode, starting off with the publishing of an article concerning her and Brian (the rival school quarterback) in People. Next comes a shoulder injury as well as her gay best friend running off with a friend. Finally, as the tension unfolds, D.J.'s older brother Win gains a spinal cord injury from football. As Win recovers, D.J. stays constantly by his side, putting her life into perspective.
I really liked this book, because along with the usual teenage problems that any teen could relate to, we also feel the pulsing tension of D.J.'s life, and how and when everything gets thrown out of what. The mood becomes clear, pulling the reader in, and leaves them amazed at the maturity of the novel.
Was this review helpful to you?
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