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Dairy Queen #2
The Off Season
Life is looking up for D.J. Schwenk. She’s in eleventh grade, finally. After a rocky summer, she’s reconnecting in a big way with her best friend, Amber. She’s got kind of a thing going with Brian Nelson, who’s cute and popular and smart but seems to like her anyway. And then there’s the fact she’s starting for the Red Bend High School football team—the first girl linebacker in northern Wisconsin, probably. Which just shows you can’t predict the future. As autumn progresses, D.J. struggles to understand Amber, Schwenk Farm, her relationship with Brian, and most of all her family. As a whole herd of trouble comes her way, she discovers she’s a lot stronger than she—or anyone—ever thought.
This hilarious, heartbreaking and triumphant sequel to the critically acclaimed Dairy Queen takes D.J. and all the Schwenks from Labor Day to a Thanksgiving football game that you will never forget.
This hilarious, heartbreaking and triumphant sequel to the critically acclaimed Dairy Queen takes D.J. and all the Schwenks from Labor Day to a Thanksgiving football game that you will never forget.
277 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2007
About the author
Catherine Gilbert Murdock
12 books813 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 937 reviews
April 21, 2017
“You can’t control what people say about you.”
Awww! That ending was like a specialized heart-warmer hugging my heart so tight to almost bursting.
The second book to the adorable Dairy Queen is still just as funny and endearing but also tougher and more emotional. Off Season is the perfect title for the story and you’ll soon figure that out once you start reading this book (of course right after reading the first one).
I am quite loving this series because aside from the element of sports, this has one of the most genuine representations of a real family- how it honestly acts in the face of difficult situations and problems. It’s always not pretty but that’s family. Like I mentioned in my review of the first book, the narration is still just so true to life and the characterizations are so realistic, it’s as if I could really hear and feel these characters. I also can’t help but admire DJ’s character. She is so real, honest, brave and selfless and I’m very glad that towards the end of the novel, she finally realizes her true self-worth. Definitely recommended.
Awww! That ending was like a specialized heart-warmer hugging my heart so tight to almost bursting.
The second book to the adorable Dairy Queen is still just as funny and endearing but also tougher and more emotional. Off Season is the perfect title for the story and you’ll soon figure that out once you start reading this book (of course right after reading the first one).
I am quite loving this series because aside from the element of sports, this has one of the most genuine representations of a real family- how it honestly acts in the face of difficult situations and problems. It’s always not pretty but that’s family. Like I mentioned in my review of the first book, the narration is still just so true to life and the characterizations are so realistic, it’s as if I could really hear and feel these characters. I also can’t help but admire DJ’s character. She is so real, honest, brave and selfless and I’m very glad that towards the end of the novel, she finally realizes her true self-worth. Definitely recommended.
October 5, 2015
Fresh, fun, and D.J. learns some tough life lessons...I am so enthralled with this series. The voice, the characters, I can't get enough of it.
Everyone needs to give this series a try...it would really surprise you. ♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Everyone needs to give this series a try...it would really surprise you. ♥
That's the thing: when I say that I was skimming along, it didn't have anything to do with the milk house or doing so well in school, or even winning all those football games and feeling like I was really part of the team. It really meant just being crazy in love with Brian Nelson.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
January 27, 2011
I love DJ Schwenk. I love that she is realistic, she isn't perfect, and a lot of the time, she has no idea what to say. This book picks up where Dairy Queen left off--DJ is playing football on her high school's team, sort of seeing the rival team's quarterback, and trying to keep her family's farm going. In the first book, I became comfortable with DJ, her family, and the entire cast of secondary characters. They actually feel like actual people and it was delightful to see the continuation of their story and the growth of each individual character.
Catherine Gilbert Murdock really threw me through a loop when she threw so much on DJ's table in this book. The best part of this series, obviously in my opinion, is that DJ doesn't just wallow in depression when hard things happen in her life. She deals with it. She deals with life. And that quality is contrary to a lot of YA literature out there in which the main character cannot get over their parent's divorce or moving to a new town or having no friends.
As one of four kids, I really appreciate reading books where family dynamics seem realistic--especially those between siblings. I'm trying to figure out what it is about this series that just makes me happy and I think it's just that the entire Schwenk family and their town are good, hardworking people. I kind of hate when people refer to "small-town America" and that value system but, in the case of this book, it kind of applies. I like the idea of a community rallying behind a family and of farmers helping each other when trouble arises. Now, I know this can happen in the suburbs (or even in urban areas) but it just feels so much more...likely in a small town.
I was ecstatic when DJ came into herself near the end of this one.
*I listened to this an an audiobook. The same person narrates the entire series which is awesome. She does a fantastic job. Especially with the Bob the Duck voice:) "Hey baby, check out this winnngspan."
Catherine Gilbert Murdock really threw me through a loop when she threw so much on DJ's table in this book. The best part of this series, obviously in my opinion, is that DJ doesn't just wallow in depression when hard things happen in her life. She deals with it. She deals with life. And that quality is contrary to a lot of YA literature out there in which the main character cannot get over their parent's divorce or moving to a new town or having no friends.
As one of four kids, I really appreciate reading books where family dynamics seem realistic--especially those between siblings. I'm trying to figure out what it is about this series that just makes me happy and I think it's just that the entire Schwenk family and their town are good, hardworking people. I kind of hate when people refer to "small-town America" and that value system but, in the case of this book, it kind of applies. I like the idea of a community rallying behind a family and of farmers helping each other when trouble arises. Now, I know this can happen in the suburbs (or even in urban areas) but it just feels so much more...likely in a small town.
I was ecstatic when DJ came into herself near the end of this one.
*I listened to this an an audiobook. The same person narrates the entire series which is awesome. She does a fantastic job. Especially with the Bob the Duck voice:) "Hey baby, check out this winnngspan."
February 11, 2013
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I swear, this series just keeps getting better and better. The Off Season is an incredible follow-up to Dairy Queen and if I wasn't impressed by Murdock's first novel, she's definitely made a fan out of me now. I loved this one! It was realistic, strong, and moved me beyond words. It was a much more gut-wrenching read this time around and I felt like giving D.J. a hug on so many counts. If Dairy Queen is the steady climb to a better life, of realizing the flaws in life and coming to terms with them, of living and loving and making the best of everything, The Off Season is the slow decline back into a valley of despair, with just a hint of light at the end of the tunnel. I love that Murdock's novels ring so true to real life itself and they give contemporary a whole new meaning.
With The Off Season, D.J's life finally seems to be getting back on track. Not only is she seeing Brian Nelson, the incredibly cute quarterback on the rival high school team, but she herself is the star football player of her own school team. Yet, as is expected, things slowly begin to fall apart, but this time, even D.J. can't imagine just how much her very will is about to be put to the test. You see, this is what I love about this series in a nutshell: real. It is all just so very realistic, putting its characters in tough situations and making them come to terms with what's at hand and find the inner strength within themselves to deal with those issues. D.J., better than most other characters I know, is a force to be reckoned with. Of course, she doesn't see herself that way, but truly, D.J. is a solid rock. D.J. is that person who doesn't get fazed in a crisis and who you can count on not only for a shoulder to lean on, but to tell it to you like it is, without sugarcoating anything.
For me, the reason The Off Season was a stronger novel than Dairy Queen was all due to the characters. Dairy Queen was an introduction of sorts to the majority of our secondary characters, but with The Off Season, we see them become far more developed people on their own right, each dealing with their own problems. Perhaps best of all, to me at least, is that we finally meet D.J.'s elusive older brothers. In Dairy Queen, it was mainly the family dynamics between D.J. and her parents that was explored, along with her younger brother Curtis, who plays an interesting role in this novel too. With The Off Season, though, we see more of Bill and Win and learn to understand their side of the story and fall in love with them too. If there's one thing I've learned from The Off Season, it is merely this - that the Schwenks just never give up. Although they're all inherently such different personalities, they all share similar character traits that bond them as a family, even to strangers. It makes me wonder if all families are like this, if you just look close enough.
Murdock outshines when it comes to character development, which is why this contemporary trilogy is such a strong one. Even better, though, is that she isn't afraid to put her characters through tough times and force them to make difficult decisions. A lot of the choices D.J. has to make in this novel aren't easy ones and even though some of them may have been able to be solved with simple conversation, Murdock writes everything so realistically that it is impossible not to see D.J's side of the situation. The Off Season is, to put it bluntly, a heart-breaker. Dairy Queen was a slow build-up of happiness and understanding, but The Off Season is more about finding that inner trove of strength within you to persevere on in life, no matter what life throws at you. This, dear readers, is why D.J. Schwenk is one of my new favorite literary heroines. Strength is what defines her and, in turn, what makes me admire her as much as I do.
Nevertheless, despite the sad situations, difficult choices, and tense moments in this book, there is a lot of happiness and joy in the beginning. Furthermore, the continual importance of football to the Schwenk family is ever-present, making me wish I genuinely did enjoy football more than I do. I've come to regard the Schwenk's as a family much like my own; one with genuine flaws, tender moments, and family unity in times of hardship, despite their struggles with one another and overt distances. In all honesty, they've made a niche for themselves in my heart and it's hard not to look back on this series and just smile - a secret smile that tells the world that you know someone special that they don't. So, really, I can't emphasize enough that you need to meet the Schwenks, even if you're not a fan of football or a fan of much contemporary. Murdock is a brilliant writer, master character-crafter, and all-round genius with plot, which makes this series one that simply cannot be missed.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
I swear, this series just keeps getting better and better. The Off Season is an incredible follow-up to Dairy Queen and if I wasn't impressed by Murdock's first novel, she's definitely made a fan out of me now. I loved this one! It was realistic, strong, and moved me beyond words. It was a much more gut-wrenching read this time around and I felt like giving D.J. a hug on so many counts. If Dairy Queen is the steady climb to a better life, of realizing the flaws in life and coming to terms with them, of living and loving and making the best of everything, The Off Season is the slow decline back into a valley of despair, with just a hint of light at the end of the tunnel. I love that Murdock's novels ring so true to real life itself and they give contemporary a whole new meaning.
With The Off Season, D.J's life finally seems to be getting back on track. Not only is she seeing Brian Nelson, the incredibly cute quarterback on the rival high school team, but she herself is the star football player of her own school team. Yet, as is expected, things slowly begin to fall apart, but this time, even D.J. can't imagine just how much her very will is about to be put to the test. You see, this is what I love about this series in a nutshell: real. It is all just so very realistic, putting its characters in tough situations and making them come to terms with what's at hand and find the inner strength within themselves to deal with those issues. D.J., better than most other characters I know, is a force to be reckoned with. Of course, she doesn't see herself that way, but truly, D.J. is a solid rock. D.J. is that person who doesn't get fazed in a crisis and who you can count on not only for a shoulder to lean on, but to tell it to you like it is, without sugarcoating anything.
For me, the reason The Off Season was a stronger novel than Dairy Queen was all due to the characters. Dairy Queen was an introduction of sorts to the majority of our secondary characters, but with The Off Season, we see them become far more developed people on their own right, each dealing with their own problems. Perhaps best of all, to me at least, is that we finally meet D.J.'s elusive older brothers. In Dairy Queen, it was mainly the family dynamics between D.J. and her parents that was explored, along with her younger brother Curtis, who plays an interesting role in this novel too. With The Off Season, though, we see more of Bill and Win and learn to understand their side of the story and fall in love with them too. If there's one thing I've learned from The Off Season, it is merely this - that the Schwenks just never give up. Although they're all inherently such different personalities, they all share similar character traits that bond them as a family, even to strangers. It makes me wonder if all families are like this, if you just look close enough.
Murdock outshines when it comes to character development, which is why this contemporary trilogy is such a strong one. Even better, though, is that she isn't afraid to put her characters through tough times and force them to make difficult decisions. A lot of the choices D.J. has to make in this novel aren't easy ones and even though some of them may have been able to be solved with simple conversation, Murdock writes everything so realistically that it is impossible not to see D.J's side of the situation. The Off Season is, to put it bluntly, a heart-breaker. Dairy Queen was a slow build-up of happiness and understanding, but The Off Season is more about finding that inner trove of strength within you to persevere on in life, no matter what life throws at you. This, dear readers, is why D.J. Schwenk is one of my new favorite literary heroines. Strength is what defines her and, in turn, what makes me admire her as much as I do.
Nevertheless, despite the sad situations, difficult choices, and tense moments in this book, there is a lot of happiness and joy in the beginning. Furthermore, the continual importance of football to the Schwenk family is ever-present, making me wish I genuinely did enjoy football more than I do. I've come to regard the Schwenk's as a family much like my own; one with genuine flaws, tender moments, and family unity in times of hardship, despite their struggles with one another and overt distances. In all honesty, they've made a niche for themselves in my heart and it's hard not to look back on this series and just smile - a secret smile that tells the world that you know someone special that they don't. So, really, I can't emphasize enough that you need to meet the Schwenks, even if you're not a fan of football or a fan of much contemporary. Murdock is a brilliant writer, master character-crafter, and all-round genius with plot, which makes this series one that simply cannot be missed.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
September 29, 2021
DJ is sweet and kind of naive but her voice, telling about her family and friends, is what makes it so powerful. Listening to the audiobook makes it even better because the narrator does such a great job with the Wisconsin accent. There are so many topics and events that are handled in such a matter of fact way by the main character. It’s just her life. This is just such an awesome trilogy so far. It doesn’t seem like much at first and you might think it’s not worth your time but unless you have a heart of stone, it is so worth it!!
January 16, 2013
Post-reading thoughts: I am such a bad read-along partner, sorry Keertana and Leanne. But this latest installment was just too good!
The Off Season was a massive step up from Dairy Queen. I was a big fan of the first book Dairy Queen, but here Murdock just managed to take it a whole another notch, she had me bawling my eyes out every other page, had me snort laughing and shattered my heart into a million pieces.
After a topsy turvy couple of months, D.J. finally seems to be enjoying life, she’s line backer for the school football team, with her on the team Red Bend have a real shot at taking the title. Things are also better at school, D.J.’s on top of her classes; she’s also having fun spending time with Brian the Hawley quarter back and things at home have calmed down too. But then D.J.’s put to the test when things hit the fan, it’s not that one thing goes wrong, but everything seems to come tumbling around her. Truly testing her strength as a person.
I connected to D.J. in Dairy Queen, but in The Off Season she really shone through, her strength of character was tested to the max. I really felt for her as she’d been through so much already in Dairy Queen to get as far as she had, only for everything to be snatched away from her in the cruellest way.
The Off Season did have a more sorrowful feel to it, whereas Dairy Queen was more light and bubbly, the Schwenk family was pushed to the limits. I enjoyed getting to know the rest of the family more in this instalment, with Bill and Win away all the time, it was interesting seeing what they were really like after we’d heard so much about them through D.J. they both managed to add so much more craziness to the mix. Once again the main problem in the Schwenk family was their lack of communication. In several situations by not speaking up D.J. found herself in more trouble; I just wished she could have saved herself a lot of heartache and problems if she only spoke up when necessary.
Curtis, D.J.’s brother really surprised me in this book, although we didn’t get to see much of him as much as I’d hoped, he really brought a smile to my face in his brief appearances. Once again sport played a major part in this book, but I enjoyed the focus on it this time around a lot more, whereas before it was about the winning and team spirit, this side showed how much sport was really important and played and central part to a lot of the Schwenk member’s lives. The way this one part brought the Schwenk family, friends and community together when they needed them most brought so many tears to my eyes.
Leanne, Keertana and I had actually planned to read The Off Season together, as we’d had so much fun with Dairy Queen. But me being the great read-along partner that I am accidently zoomed ahead and ended up finishing the book when I was only meant to read a few chapters. This goes to show just how much a marvellous series this is and how much you’re missing out on if you haven’t picked this series up yet. Books which keep you enthralled that you’ve lost a sense of everything around you (my sister did start shouting at me by one point as I’d ignored her for so long) are the best gems you can find!
Bring on book three Front and Center. And this time I promise I will try to read this with Keertana and Leanne.
The Off Season was a massive step up from Dairy Queen. I was a big fan of the first book Dairy Queen, but here Murdock just managed to take it a whole another notch, she had me bawling my eyes out every other page, had me snort laughing and shattered my heart into a million pieces.
After a topsy turvy couple of months, D.J. finally seems to be enjoying life, she’s line backer for the school football team, with her on the team Red Bend have a real shot at taking the title. Things are also better at school, D.J.’s on top of her classes; she’s also having fun spending time with Brian the Hawley quarter back and things at home have calmed down too. But then D.J.’s put to the test when things hit the fan, it’s not that one thing goes wrong, but everything seems to come tumbling around her. Truly testing her strength as a person.
I connected to D.J. in Dairy Queen, but in The Off Season she really shone through, her strength of character was tested to the max. I really felt for her as she’d been through so much already in Dairy Queen to get as far as she had, only for everything to be snatched away from her in the cruellest way.
The Off Season did have a more sorrowful feel to it, whereas Dairy Queen was more light and bubbly, the Schwenk family was pushed to the limits. I enjoyed getting to know the rest of the family more in this instalment, with Bill and Win away all the time, it was interesting seeing what they were really like after we’d heard so much about them through D.J. they both managed to add so much more craziness to the mix. Once again the main problem in the Schwenk family was their lack of communication. In several situations by not speaking up D.J. found herself in more trouble; I just wished she could have saved herself a lot of heartache and problems if she only spoke up when necessary.
Curtis, D.J.’s brother really surprised me in this book, although we didn’t get to see much of him as much as I’d hoped, he really brought a smile to my face in his brief appearances. Once again sport played a major part in this book, but I enjoyed the focus on it this time around a lot more, whereas before it was about the winning and team spirit, this side showed how much sport was really important and played and central part to a lot of the Schwenk member’s lives. The way this one part brought the Schwenk family, friends and community together when they needed them most brought so many tears to my eyes.
Leanne, Keertana and I had actually planned to read The Off Season together, as we’d had so much fun with Dairy Queen. But me being the great read-along partner that I am accidently zoomed ahead and ended up finishing the book when I was only meant to read a few chapters. This goes to show just how much a marvellous series this is and how much you’re missing out on if you haven’t picked this series up yet. Books which keep you enthralled that you’ve lost a sense of everything around you (my sister did start shouting at me by one point as I’d ignored her for so long) are the best gems you can find!
Bring on book three Front and Center. And this time I promise I will try to read this with Keertana and Leanne.
June 29, 2011
The Off Season is a solid follow up to Dairy Queen. We follow D.J. Schwenk into her junior year of high school as she continues to balance school, family demands and of course Brian Nelson. In Dairy Queen D.J. spent a lot of time figuring out who she is and who she wants to be. In this second installment D.J. applies the knowledge she learned over the summer. The Off Season resolves a lot of issues left up in the air at the end of Dairy Queen and shows even more what a motivated, hardworking, awesome girl D.J. is.
This series has me hooked. Although I love Murdock’s decision to wrap it up in a trilogy, I can’t help but mourn that after one more book my time on Schwenk farm will be over.
On the other hand, it will be great to not have to read about the Minnesota Golden Gophers being a decent team. As if! At one point, there is a discussion about whether or not Win’s college team (Washington Huskies) would have a chance of meeting Bill’s team (Minnesota Golden Gophers) in the Rose Bowl. Ahhahahaha. Let’s see.. Minnesota hasn’t been to the Rose Bowl since 1962 and that is only because The Ohio State University declined the offer to go that year. (What the heck, Woody?) Therefore, it’s been 48 years since this team has actually been to the Rose Bowl, furthermore no other Big Ten team has gone so many years in between Rose Bowl games. (I say "in between" as if they have gone recently or have a chance of going anytime soon...) Another bit of trivia, in the 1962 Rose Bowl Minnesota did beat UCLA 21-3. However the year before, in 1961 Minnesota went to the Rose Bowl and lost to the Washington Huskies 17-7. Those two trips are Minnesota’s only Rose Bowl invites. As I said in my review of Dairy Queen, it’s a sucktastic team.
UPDATE: This series rocks! Just finished the final installment,
Front and Center and loved it. Going back to rate each book in this trilogy 5 stars (8/22/11)
This series has me hooked. Although I love Murdock’s decision to wrap it up in a trilogy, I can’t help but mourn that after one more book my time on Schwenk farm will be over.
On the other hand, it will be great to not have to read about the Minnesota Golden Gophers being a decent team. As if! At one point, there is a discussion about whether or not Win’s college team (Washington Huskies) would have a chance of meeting Bill’s team (Minnesota Golden Gophers) in the Rose Bowl. Ahhahahaha. Let’s see.. Minnesota hasn’t been to the Rose Bowl since 1962 and that is only because The Ohio State University declined the offer to go that year. (What the heck, Woody?) Therefore, it’s been 48 years since this team has actually been to the Rose Bowl, furthermore no other Big Ten team has gone so many years in between Rose Bowl games. (I say "in between" as if they have gone recently or have a chance of going anytime soon...) Another bit of trivia, in the 1962 Rose Bowl Minnesota did beat UCLA 21-3. However the year before, in 1961 Minnesota went to the Rose Bowl and lost to the Washington Huskies 17-7. Those two trips are Minnesota’s only Rose Bowl invites. As I said in my review of Dairy Queen, it’s a sucktastic team.
UPDATE: This series rocks! Just finished the final installment,
Front and Center and loved it. Going back to rate each book in this trilogy 5 stars (8/22/11)
July 28, 2010
I just love this series. I love D.J.'s voice, I love the concept of the books, I love the world they're in.
It's well written, it's funny, at times it's heartbreaking and at other times it just a plain old page-turner.
It's well written, it's funny, at times it's heartbreaking and at other times it just a plain old page-turner.
January 11, 2009
I loved Dairy Queen, so I was very eager to read The Off Season. It took a lot of turns I didn't expect, which makes it hard for me to review it, because as always I don't want to spoil the surprises for anyone else.
Picking up essentially where we left off, D.J. has passed sophomore English and is good to go with football. The team is totally psyched to have her. Unfortunately, not all that far into things, a certain situation at school puts that all in jeopardy. Add to it a physical consideration, which could impact her entire future, and D.J. has got herself one tough decision to make.
Brian is as charming as ever, especially on their trip to Minneapolis. But it's not long before you start to get a feeling about him. And possibly not the one you were expecting to have.
One of the only lights to really shine in the midst of all this is Curtis, who sneaks around and wins himself an award, all the while never correcting anyone's misconceptions about what he was actually doing. That's just the way it goes in the Schwenk family. Communication pretty much does not exist.
Which makes Win's accident all the more troublesome. Again, D.J., still just a High School kid, steps in to take the lead, pulling the rest of them along behind her, until everyone eventually learns to stand on their own two feet.
I'm not sure I saw any of this coming. All in all, I think this book was nothing that I expected it to be. But I still really enjoyed it, and it's a great testament to strength of character. For all that she thinks she's not all that much, we could all stand to have a little D.J. in us.
Picking up essentially where we left off, D.J. has passed sophomore English and is good to go with football. The team is totally psyched to have her. Unfortunately, not all that far into things, a certain situation at school puts that all in jeopardy. Add to it a physical consideration, which could impact her entire future, and D.J. has got herself one tough decision to make.
Brian is as charming as ever, especially on their trip to Minneapolis. But it's not long before you start to get a feeling about him. And possibly not the one you were expecting to have.
One of the only lights to really shine in the midst of all this is Curtis, who sneaks around and wins himself an award, all the while never correcting anyone's misconceptions about what he was actually doing. That's just the way it goes in the Schwenk family. Communication pretty much does not exist.
Which makes Win's accident all the more troublesome. Again, D.J., still just a High School kid, steps in to take the lead, pulling the rest of them along behind her, until everyone eventually learns to stand on their own two feet.
I'm not sure I saw any of this coming. All in all, I think this book was nothing that I expected it to be. But I still really enjoyed it, and it's a great testament to strength of character. For all that she thinks she's not all that much, we could all stand to have a little D.J. in us.
May 24, 2010
The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is such a great book in so many ways. I loved it! Just loved it!
D.J. Schwenk is truly a hug-worthy and all-around awe-inspiring character. Her self-less acts and sincere motives had me applauding her efforts and truly moved at the sacrifices she made for her family and those she loved. Regardless of the hard hits she took, D.J. proved to be a fighter and came out winning in the end IMO.
About the book… D.J. Schwenk is having a great Junior year. She's playing for Red Bend's football team and giving the guys a run for their money. But before long, her life takes a turn down South Sucks Drive. Her brother Win is seriously injured in a football game, and D.J. is called to action. She finds herself stepping up to the plate for her family to help her brother through physical therapy for his spinal cord injury; and all the while she's still dodging the constant punches life keeps throwing at her, such as the People's Magazine article that causes her heartache and a so-called boyfriend that doesn't want to be seen with her. Not to mention, she suffers a shoulder injury that might lose her chances at a basketball scholarship which is her ticket to college. Wow! What else could this poor girl take? Well in the end, the lessons she learns and the strength she demonstrates proves to be an experience that will have you inspired and motivated. Go D.J.! :)
I loved this book and all the characters, lessons and laughs that came with. I will definitely continue on with D.J.'s story as the girl sure knows how to move a reader. Great book that I highly recommend.
D.J. Schwenk is truly a hug-worthy and all-around awe-inspiring character. Her self-less acts and sincere motives had me applauding her efforts and truly moved at the sacrifices she made for her family and those she loved. Regardless of the hard hits she took, D.J. proved to be a fighter and came out winning in the end IMO.
About the book… D.J. Schwenk is having a great Junior year. She's playing for Red Bend's football team and giving the guys a run for their money. But before long, her life takes a turn down South Sucks Drive. Her brother Win is seriously injured in a football game, and D.J. is called to action. She finds herself stepping up to the plate for her family to help her brother through physical therapy for his spinal cord injury; and all the while she's still dodging the constant punches life keeps throwing at her, such as the People's Magazine article that causes her heartache and a so-called boyfriend that doesn't want to be seen with her. Not to mention, she suffers a shoulder injury that might lose her chances at a basketball scholarship which is her ticket to college. Wow! What else could this poor girl take? Well in the end, the lessons she learns and the strength she demonstrates proves to be an experience that will have you inspired and motivated. Go D.J.! :)
I loved this book and all the characters, lessons and laughs that came with. I will definitely continue on with D.J.'s story as the girl sure knows how to move a reader. Great book that I highly recommend.
October 26, 2008
D.J. is back at it again in the sequel to Dairy Queen, The Off Season. Things are finally on the upside for D.J. She is friends again with Amber and even Amber’s girlfriend Dale, and she is still sort of dating cutie quarterback Brian Nelson. She couldn’t be more happier than playing football for Red Bend and the guys actually accept her as part of the team.
But as we know, D.J.’s life has been anything but easy. She injures her shoulder during practice and has to decide between continuing playing football and possibly sustaining her shoulder injury, which would keep her from playing basketball. A basketball scholarship is D.J.’s ticket out of Red Bend. Then things with Brian start to go downhill, he seems fine when they are alone, but he never wants to be with her in public. To top that all off, Win is injured and D.J. flies across the country to take care of him for her parents.
I almost thought it was to much for D.J. to handle, I know it would be more than enough for me. Ultimately D.J. prevails like I knew she would. Of all the books I’ve read, D.J. is one of the few characters I’ve found myself truly admiring. The Off Season was more than I expected and I sincerely hope this isn’t the last of Miss D.J. Schwenk. (Even though I haven’t seen anything official on catherinemurdock.com there is a book cover with Dairy Queen III??? on it, I know I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed!)
But as we know, D.J.’s life has been anything but easy. She injures her shoulder during practice and has to decide between continuing playing football and possibly sustaining her shoulder injury, which would keep her from playing basketball. A basketball scholarship is D.J.’s ticket out of Red Bend. Then things with Brian start to go downhill, he seems fine when they are alone, but he never wants to be with her in public. To top that all off, Win is injured and D.J. flies across the country to take care of him for her parents.
I almost thought it was to much for D.J. to handle, I know it would be more than enough for me. Ultimately D.J. prevails like I knew she would. Of all the books I’ve read, D.J. is one of the few characters I’ve found myself truly admiring. The Off Season was more than I expected and I sincerely hope this isn’t the last of Miss D.J. Schwenk. (Even though I haven’t seen anything official on catherinemurdock.com there is a book cover with Dairy Queen III??? on it, I know I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed!)
August 24, 2024
I am unapologetic about how much I love this book. DJ’s voice is always going to be my favorite in the world of YA.
August 23, 2013
The Off Season differs quite a bit from Dairy Queen. Where in Dairy Queen, the focus is all on DJ, she is, in some ways, not the central character in The Off Season, playing a more supportive role: sister and daughter. Though I think I was perhaps a bit less interested in the plot of The Off Season than in Dairy Queen or Front Center, which I've already started, I'm also hugely impressed by the content and daring in the subject matter.
Murdock takes some risks with the second book in the series, no question. Right at the very beginning, after the first book in the series was all about D.J. managing to join the boys' football team, she quits. She has reasons, good ones, but it's still anticlimactic after all the build up. However, it's such a mature choice, because, if she didn't stop playing, a minor injury might become a bigger deal and prevent her from playing basketball, which is pretty much her only shot at a scholarship and college. Though it's sad to see her give up on her football, seeing D.J. be so mature and face up so bravely to the judgment of her classmates is inspiring.
The real story here, though, isn't about D.J., though she's central to it and crucial to the way things unfold. Her oldest brother, Win, is injured in a football game, one the whole family was watching live. Injuries happen in football all the time, but this one is life-changing: Win's spinal cord snapped. He will never walk again, and that's just one thing among many that he'll never be able to do again. His dreams have been crushed, and he had a real shot at pro ball. Even with intense physical therapy, he'll probably not regain much use of his body. The Off Season is about Win's injury and the way the Schwenk family pulls together to help him.
D.J. basically puts her whole life on hold to help Win, because no one else in her family can take the time off, since her mother badly injured her back, her father needed to help his wife, her other older brother has football and college, and her younger brother is in middle school. That is so much pressure to put on one teen girl. Win, unsurprisingly, does not take the injury well. D.J. doesn't know what to do with her taciturn brother, but she turns out to be just the right person to help him, with her slow, quiet, determined Schwenk ways. There is so, so much strength in D.J., and she just does not see it yet, but I'm getting ahead of myself since that's what book three is obviously going to be about. Anyway, Murdock tackles Win's injury in this really powerful, emotional way, and goes into a lot of details about the hospital and physical therapy, and that is just so unique in YA fiction.
The romance remains on the back burner, and goes pretty much exactly where I predicted. Brian Nelson's a great guy in some respects, but much to caught up in the expectations of others. Basically, D.J. did not need all of that crap to deal with while she was trying to get her brother back on his feet. That's life, though, isn't it. In fact, that's what's so great about this series: how real D.J. feels and the whole cast.
I'm continuing to be really impressed with Murdock's Dairy Queen series. The audiobooks are fabulous, accent and all, and I'm already about a quarter of the way through the final book, which I both do and do not want to finish, because I already think it will be my favorite.
Murdock takes some risks with the second book in the series, no question. Right at the very beginning, after the first book in the series was all about D.J. managing to join the boys' football team, she quits. She has reasons, good ones, but it's still anticlimactic after all the build up. However, it's such a mature choice, because, if she didn't stop playing, a minor injury might become a bigger deal and prevent her from playing basketball, which is pretty much her only shot at a scholarship and college. Though it's sad to see her give up on her football, seeing D.J. be so mature and face up so bravely to the judgment of her classmates is inspiring.
The real story here, though, isn't about D.J., though she's central to it and crucial to the way things unfold. Her oldest brother, Win, is injured in a football game, one the whole family was watching live. Injuries happen in football all the time, but this one is life-changing: Win's spinal cord snapped. He will never walk again, and that's just one thing among many that he'll never be able to do again. His dreams have been crushed, and he had a real shot at pro ball. Even with intense physical therapy, he'll probably not regain much use of his body. The Off Season is about Win's injury and the way the Schwenk family pulls together to help him.
D.J. basically puts her whole life on hold to help Win, because no one else in her family can take the time off, since her mother badly injured her back, her father needed to help his wife, her other older brother has football and college, and her younger brother is in middle school. That is so much pressure to put on one teen girl. Win, unsurprisingly, does not take the injury well. D.J. doesn't know what to do with her taciturn brother, but she turns out to be just the right person to help him, with her slow, quiet, determined Schwenk ways. There is so, so much strength in D.J., and she just does not see it yet, but I'm getting ahead of myself since that's what book three is obviously going to be about. Anyway, Murdock tackles Win's injury in this really powerful, emotional way, and goes into a lot of details about the hospital and physical therapy, and that is just so unique in YA fiction.
The romance remains on the back burner, and goes pretty much exactly where I predicted. Brian Nelson's a great guy in some respects, but much to caught up in the expectations of others. Basically, D.J. did not need all of that crap to deal with while she was trying to get her brother back on his feet. That's life, though, isn't it. In fact, that's what's so great about this series: how real D.J. feels and the whole cast.
I'm continuing to be really impressed with Murdock's Dairy Queen series. The audiobooks are fabulous, accent and all, and I'm already about a quarter of the way through the final book, which I both do and do not want to finish, because I already think it will be my favorite.
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.
May 22, 2010
The Off Season is the follow-up sequel to the inspirational book Diary Queen. I didn't think it was possible, but this book was even better then the first!
Things aren't going to well for D.J lately. With the lack of money coming in the farm, D.J has to make a decision that will break her heart. Even though things are looking up for her and her best friend Amber, some other things are falling apart. Now, D.J has to struggle and find a way to over come tragic times for her family and find the strength that her brother needs more then ever. But she's strong. Stronger then she even thought possible...
I don't know what it is about these books that I love so much. The stories are actually pretty simply, but it's the voice of D.J that really carries these book for me. They are captivating and inspiring. And I simply love it!
It was so great to see Win and Bill in this book, I really like that whole family. They are realistic, fighting and having issues just like any other family, so it made it more believable, more enjoyable. There is a really lesson learned in this book and it's moments like that, that make you really think.
I really love the D.J-Brian moments in the early chapters. They have some really great chemistry. In later chapter? Brian? Tsk! What ever will we do with you boy?
D.J is becoming one of my all time favorite character. I love this girls strength, personality and just general vibe. She makes it easy to love and be proud of.
All in all, The Off Season is yet another favorite that I absolutely got a huge kick out of. It was heartbreaking, heartwarming and heartfelt.
Anyone looking for a awesome book that will inspire your strenght in life, this one goes out to you!
Things aren't going to well for D.J lately. With the lack of money coming in the farm, D.J has to make a decision that will break her heart. Even though things are looking up for her and her best friend Amber, some other things are falling apart. Now, D.J has to struggle and find a way to over come tragic times for her family and find the strength that her brother needs more then ever. But she's strong. Stronger then she even thought possible...
I don't know what it is about these books that I love so much. The stories are actually pretty simply, but it's the voice of D.J that really carries these book for me. They are captivating and inspiring. And I simply love it!
It was so great to see Win and Bill in this book, I really like that whole family. They are realistic, fighting and having issues just like any other family, so it made it more believable, more enjoyable. There is a really lesson learned in this book and it's moments like that, that make you really think.
I really love the D.J-Brian moments in the early chapters. They have some really great chemistry. In later chapter? Brian? Tsk! What ever will we do with you boy?
D.J is becoming one of my all time favorite character. I love this girls strength, personality and just general vibe. She makes it easy to love and be proud of.
All in all, The Off Season is yet another favorite that I absolutely got a huge kick out of. It was heartbreaking, heartwarming and heartfelt.
Anyone looking for a awesome book that will inspire your strenght in life, this one goes out to you!
July 24, 2013
I loved it. It reminded me a little of Friday Night Lights, the TV show.
I'm honestly surprised with The Off Season. I don't know but I think it's even better than the first book. Much more complex, dealing with more serious topics, the introduction of DJ's brothers was one of the best things of the book in order to understand her a little more.
I totally love DJ. She's one of the most adorable characters I've read. Her voice is so unmistakable, the way she explains herself little things and major life's lessons. How she's always talking about her family, friends. How much she cherish them and try to be there for them.
The ending left me at a loss for words. Honestly, I did not see that coming. But really,
In one word this book was consistent and I can't wait to read the third and last installment in the Dairy Queen series.
I'm honestly surprised with The Off Season. I don't know but I think it's even better than the first book. Much more complex, dealing with more serious topics, the introduction of DJ's brothers was one of the best things of the book in order to understand her a little more.
I totally love DJ. She's one of the most adorable characters I've read. Her voice is so unmistakable, the way she explains herself little things and major life's lessons. How she's always talking about her family, friends. How much she cherish them and try to be there for them.
The ending left me at a loss for words. Honestly, I did not see that coming. But really,
In one word this book was consistent and I can't wait to read the third and last installment in the Dairy Queen series.
June 2, 2010
This sequel to Dairy Queen is as good, if not better, than the first book . DJ isn't as confused or silently angry in this one as she was in the first. She has begun a tentative relationship with Brian, the star quarterback from her high school's rival team. They both make some mistakes along the way, purposely or otherwise.
DJ takes on a great deal of responisibility when one of her older brother's has a devastating injury and she finds strength in herself she wasn't expecting.
I really love the characters of DJ, her family and friends. The writing style is both sarcastic and loving as DJ deals with hopes, fears and disappointments. It's a book that will make you laugh and make you cry.
Great read.
DJ takes on a great deal of responisibility when one of her older brother's has a devastating injury and she finds strength in herself she wasn't expecting.
I really love the characters of DJ, her family and friends. The writing style is both sarcastic and loving as DJ deals with hopes, fears and disappointments. It's a book that will make you laugh and make you cry.
Great read.
June 14, 2010
Okay just finished and WOW I loved this one just as much as the first one. It is such a brilliant and heart warming story. Catherine Gilbert Murdock is an amazing writer. This book made me laugh and also cry.
In this book, DJ is awesome again. She was so strong and inspiring the way she dealt with what happened to her older brother. I could really relate to the situation as my brother suffered a serious spinal injury aswell. I felt it was dealt with realistically and definitely brought back alot of emotions. Also I liked how DJ handled her situation with Brian near the end of the book, standing up for herself because he was really a bit of a jerk in this book.
This is a series I will be recommending to everyone I know.
Off read the next one now. Yay!
In this book, DJ is awesome again. She was so strong and inspiring the way she dealt with what happened to her older brother. I could really relate to the situation as my brother suffered a serious spinal injury aswell. I felt it was dealt with realistically and definitely brought back alot of emotions. Also I liked how DJ handled her situation with Brian near the end of the book, standing up for herself because he was really a bit of a jerk in this book.
This is a series I will be recommending to everyone I know.
Off read the next one now. Yay!
January 22, 2016
3.5 stars
It was not really bad but less enjoyable and fun compared to the previous book. It had more serious issues and more important lessons but the fun factor that its predecessor had was drained out.I like Murdock's way of characterizing her characters because they are all well rounded despite being in a genre that's known for sacrificing characterization for hilarious moments, but still, it wasn't enough for the book to get a higher rating.
I think I might've liked this more if D.J and Brian had more wonderful moments before their "break-up" because that part of the story felt anti-climactic and certainly lacking in tension
Overall, it's still a decent book but I hope the next one is better.
It was not really bad but less enjoyable and fun compared to the previous book. It had more serious issues and more important lessons but the fun factor that its predecessor had was drained out.I like Murdock's way of characterizing her characters because they are all well rounded despite being in a genre that's known for sacrificing characterization for hilarious moments, but still, it wasn't enough for the book to get a higher rating.
I think I might've liked this more if D.J and Brian had more wonderful moments before their "break-up" because that part of the story felt anti-climactic and certainly lacking in tension
Overall, it's still a decent book but I hope the next one is better.
November 10, 2015
DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!!!! My first thought when seeing the cover for this one book is "looks dull, boring etc." and I was wrong. This is the most amazing book I have read.... Ever. I highly recommend this to anyone. This is the second book in this series and is just as great as the first. Amazing book, highly recommended.
June 28, 2020
The first time I read this book was in 2012. I wasn't smart enough to realize it was part of a series so I didn't appreciate it as much as I do now. I loved every part of it. ❤️
April 7, 2023
The Off Season (Dairy Queen #2) by Catherine Gilbert Murdock was such a pleasant surprise as was the first book in the series. I love how family was such a great focus in this installment. I'm going to have to read the finale soon.
June 2, 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 6, 2022
Hey D.J Schwenk can we be the best of friends?
My love for D.J Schwenk goes on and on and on and this sequel to The Dairy Queen was one awesome awesome read!
On this one, things get a bit out of hand for our mini-heroine. She suffered a not so good injury that she decided to stop playing football but instead go back to her true sport which is basketball. Then things with Brian are also getting off plus her brother Win also suffered this devastating injury. For such a young age D.J has been through a lot. I can't help but cry and feel bad for D.J on the middle parts of the book. It seems that everything was going wrong. I stop reading from time to time to cope up with my feelings of hopelessness for her.
Brian and D.J’s part literally makes me asdfghjkl. I’m really rooting for the both of them to be together. But I really feel proud for D.J for standing up for her own self after what Brian did with her because it seems that Brian was embarrassed to his friends to be seen with her. She makes me feel proud for not tolerating such attitude and not being blinded even by the love and care and concern shown by the guy. It’s really good that she realizes that she deserves someone who would be proud of whom she really is because she’s really one of a kind and for keeps.
Her struggles with her brother Win’s injuries are mostly the part that makes me cry. She’s been through a lot before the injury came then all of a sudden she’s once again in charge of things. She’s the kind of person who has so much care and love and patience with things and I really do admire her for that plus reading in her POV was pretty interesting.
Things packed up so nicely on this book. D.J resolves her problems and you could definitely feel her happiness and relief after all she's been through. I did cheer for her though the end! Book 3 I’m on the way! :D
My love for D.J Schwenk goes on and on and on and this sequel to The Dairy Queen was one awesome awesome read!
On this one, things get a bit out of hand for our mini-heroine. She suffered a not so good injury that she decided to stop playing football but instead go back to her true sport which is basketball. Then things with Brian are also getting off plus her brother Win also suffered this devastating injury. For such a young age D.J has been through a lot. I can't help but cry and feel bad for D.J on the middle parts of the book. It seems that everything was going wrong. I stop reading from time to time to cope up with my feelings of hopelessness for her.
Brian and D.J’s part literally makes me asdfghjkl. I’m really rooting for the both of them to be together. But I really feel proud for D.J for standing up for her own self after what Brian did with her because it seems that Brian was embarrassed to his friends to be seen with her. She makes me feel proud for not tolerating such attitude and not being blinded even by the love and care and concern shown by the guy. It’s really good that she realizes that she deserves someone who would be proud of whom she really is because she’s really one of a kind and for keeps.
Her struggles with her brother Win’s injuries are mostly the part that makes me cry. She’s been through a lot before the injury came then all of a sudden she’s once again in charge of things. She’s the kind of person who has so much care and love and patience with things and I really do admire her for that plus reading in her POV was pretty interesting.
Things packed up so nicely on this book. D.J resolves her problems and you could definitely feel her happiness and relief after all she's been through. I did cheer for her though the end! Book 3 I’m on the way! :D
March 17, 2019
Original Review 2/16/2012:
3.5 Stars
I closed this book feeling a bit like I'd been hit by a freight train. How was it even possible that 277 pages contained SO MUCH?
To be honest for a moment it lost a bit of its realism with me, because it felt like there were too many bad things happening at once. Which I realized was a really unfair assessment when I took a moment to think about it. I myself had a year in my life, where so many things happened, that I didn't think that I could possibly process anything else.
I think the author did an excellent job of showing how to keep perspective in life. (Something may seem like it's the worst thing that could possibly happen, until something truly horrible happens).
All in all, a very nice sequel. I am looking forward to reading the third (and final?) book Front and Center
3.5 Stars
I closed this book feeling a bit like I'd been hit by a freight train. How was it even possible that 277 pages contained SO MUCH?
To be honest for a moment it lost a bit of its realism with me, because it felt like there were too many bad things happening at once. Which I realized was a really unfair assessment when I took a moment to think about it. I myself had a year in my life, where so many things happened, that I didn't think that I could possibly process anything else.
I think the author did an excellent job of showing how to keep perspective in life. (Something may seem like it's the worst thing that could possibly happen, until something truly horrible happens).
All in all, a very nice sequel. I am looking forward to reading the third (and final?) book Front and Center
November 22, 2013
There's always a little trepidation (for me, anyway) going into the second book of a trilogy. Second books are often weaker than firsts or thirds, but that's not a problem here. DJ's got hidden reserves, and here she's called upon to nearly drain them. Her family dynamic comes to the fore here as well, and we see some more of Brian and his issues. I'm being deliberately vague because it's rather hard to talk about this book without spoilers. The plot is big, not quite sprawling, but very ambitious. A lot happens in this book, and DJ's voice is very true-to-life. Her responses strike me as exactly what someone her age and background would have. I enjoyed this book mightily, and I don't care a whit about football.
May 18, 2013
In a way, this book is better than Dairy Queen. DJ is just amazing. One of the best heroines around.
I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I did Dairy Queen, okay? And it's not because of that heartbreaking ending, I swear. I pretty much understand why it had to end like that. Off Season was heavier about issues, and I had to postpone finishing this a couple of times. My life wasn't exactly happy, and to read Off Season was like adding more to my burdens.
*4 stars
I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I did Dairy Queen, okay? And it's not because of that heartbreaking ending, I swear. I pretty much understand why it had to end like that. Off Season was heavier about issues, and I had to postpone finishing this a couple of times. My life wasn't exactly happy, and to read Off Season was like adding more to my burdens.
*4 stars
June 12, 2015
I'm so in love with this series!
May 29, 2017
Five stars: Another hilarious adventure with an unforgettable, spunky heroine, whom I adore.
Life is going well for DJ. She is playing on the football team, hanging out with Brian, not spending her days milking cows and she is happy. Then things go down hill quickly, DJ hurts her shoulder, she finds out the farm is almost bankrupt, Brian disses her in front of his friends and then the unthinkable happens. Her brother, Win, is seriously hurt playing football. Once again, DJ must put on her big girl panties and step in and try to make things right. Did DJ bite off more than she can chew?
What I Liked:
*Can I just say how much I love this series? I am seriously kicking myself in the rear end for not reading it sooner. I have had this series languishing in the pile for at least five years. Better late than never. Needless to say, this is one of the best contemporary young adult series I have ever read. I love that it has heart, realistic characters, real life problems and that it is hilarious even when taking on the tough stuff. If you want a fantastic read, this is a must read series.
*DJ continues to be the heart and soul of the series, and I adore her. Once again, life shovels a whole bunch of cow poop her way, and she manages to take it all in stride. I love her tenacity, her strength and courage, and her indomitable spirit. Even though there are no miracles on Schwenk farm, DJ manages to persevere. This time around, she is taking on the parental role for her older brother, Win, when he is seriously hurt, and also for her younger brother, Curtis. What I love about DJ is that she has self doubt and a self deprecating sense of humor, but she always rises to the occasion. Plus, I find her stream of consciousness narrative so darn funny.
*I like that this book takes on real life issues but it never feels overly dramatic or full of angst.
DJ's family is what you call working dysfunctional. They are completely incapable of talking things out and sharing feelings, but they manage to come together and solve problems in the Schwenk way. *This family isn't a huggy feely type family, but once again, they are realistic, and I love that about them.
*I enjoyed watching the family pull together and figure out how to help Win. Then my heart burst with emotion when I saw the kindness from the community. Definitely some feel good moments.
*I am continuing to listen to this series on audiobook narrated by Natalie Moore. I cannot tell you enough how awesome the audiobooks are. Natalie Moore pulls off DJ perfectly. If you can get your grubby paws on an audiobook copy, do it, you won't regret it!
And The Not So Much:
A lot goes wrong for DJ in this book. I was disappointed the way the romance played out this time. It *was a take two steps back type situation. Again, it felt realistic, but i was hoping DJ could have at least one positive thing in her life. I have my fingers crossed.
*I was still wanting to get into Curtis' head and find out what made him tick. He is so quiet and secretive.
The Off Season was another fantastically funny book with lots of heart. If you are looking for an amazing Young Adult contemporary series, this is absolutely hands down, one of the best. I love the realistic situations and the endearing characters. If you can get a hold of the audiobooks, I highly recommend them. They are outstanding!
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.
Life is going well for DJ. She is playing on the football team, hanging out with Brian, not spending her days milking cows and she is happy. Then things go down hill quickly, DJ hurts her shoulder, she finds out the farm is almost bankrupt, Brian disses her in front of his friends and then the unthinkable happens. Her brother, Win, is seriously hurt playing football. Once again, DJ must put on her big girl panties and step in and try to make things right. Did DJ bite off more than she can chew?
What I Liked:
*Can I just say how much I love this series? I am seriously kicking myself in the rear end for not reading it sooner. I have had this series languishing in the pile for at least five years. Better late than never. Needless to say, this is one of the best contemporary young adult series I have ever read. I love that it has heart, realistic characters, real life problems and that it is hilarious even when taking on the tough stuff. If you want a fantastic read, this is a must read series.
*DJ continues to be the heart and soul of the series, and I adore her. Once again, life shovels a whole bunch of cow poop her way, and she manages to take it all in stride. I love her tenacity, her strength and courage, and her indomitable spirit. Even though there are no miracles on Schwenk farm, DJ manages to persevere. This time around, she is taking on the parental role for her older brother, Win, when he is seriously hurt, and also for her younger brother, Curtis. What I love about DJ is that she has self doubt and a self deprecating sense of humor, but she always rises to the occasion. Plus, I find her stream of consciousness narrative so darn funny.
*I like that this book takes on real life issues but it never feels overly dramatic or full of angst.
DJ's family is what you call working dysfunctional. They are completely incapable of talking things out and sharing feelings, but they manage to come together and solve problems in the Schwenk way. *This family isn't a huggy feely type family, but once again, they are realistic, and I love that about them.
*I enjoyed watching the family pull together and figure out how to help Win. Then my heart burst with emotion when I saw the kindness from the community. Definitely some feel good moments.
*I am continuing to listen to this series on audiobook narrated by Natalie Moore. I cannot tell you enough how awesome the audiobooks are. Natalie Moore pulls off DJ perfectly. If you can get your grubby paws on an audiobook copy, do it, you won't regret it!
And The Not So Much:
A lot goes wrong for DJ in this book. I was disappointed the way the romance played out this time. It *was a take two steps back type situation. Again, it felt realistic, but i was hoping DJ could have at least one positive thing in her life. I have my fingers crossed.
*I was still wanting to get into Curtis' head and find out what made him tick. He is so quiet and secretive.
The Off Season was another fantastically funny book with lots of heart. If you are looking for an amazing Young Adult contemporary series, this is absolutely hands down, one of the best. I love the realistic situations and the endearing characters. If you can get a hold of the audiobooks, I highly recommend them. They are outstanding!
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.
Read
March 16, 2018 The book I read was ¨The Off Season¨ by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. This book was about this girl name D.J. Schwenk who originally was on the volleyball team, but then decided to play football. She thought she will just sit on the bench. Once the season started she realized she would be a starting player and a very important aspect to the team. She has this huge crush on Brian Nelson who was also on the football team. ¨And whenever he needs to describe some horrifically disgusting injury, he has the best i mean best real-life examples.¨(Murdock 16) She thought all the football boys wouldn't like her but they all thought of her as a guy who they could joke around with. D.J. lived on a farm and it was a very old farm passed down from ancestors. One day there was a huge storm and the barn got ruined, but they didn't have enough money so they have to repair it with duct tape every time there´s a big storm. The main characters of The Off Season were D.J Schwenk, Brian Nelson, Jorgensen family.
In this book the author did a good job showing emotion and brought character to the book. In my opinion this book moved me. Something valuable I learned from reading this book was not to give up and just because people pick on you, keep doing what you're doing and don't let anyone get in the way of that.¨ School on monday was pretty tough. It's hard to think about stuff like algebra when every number reminds you that your farm is about to fail and you'll lose your home and everything you've worked for your whole life.¨(Murdock 76)
My rating for this book is a 3 ½. The reason why I feel like it is a 3 ½ because it taught me real-life situations and lessons, and not to give up. Also I feel like the author didn't put the wording and dialogue as well as it could of been. Overall I thought this was a really good book.
In this book the author did a good job showing emotion and brought character to the book. In my opinion this book moved me. Something valuable I learned from reading this book was not to give up and just because people pick on you, keep doing what you're doing and don't let anyone get in the way of that.¨ School on monday was pretty tough. It's hard to think about stuff like algebra when every number reminds you that your farm is about to fail and you'll lose your home and everything you've worked for your whole life.¨(Murdock 76)
My rating for this book is a 3 ½. The reason why I feel like it is a 3 ½ because it taught me real-life situations and lessons, and not to give up. Also I feel like the author didn't put the wording and dialogue as well as it could of been. Overall I thought this was a really good book.
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