Customer Reviews

Front and Center (The Dairy Queen Trilogy)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I happily set aside my usual diet of books about witches, shapechangers, and dragons when it comes to Catherine Murdock's YA novels about D.J. Schwenk. I'm also the kid that used to get hit in the head by the ball in any number of sports with names ending in -ball, but who cares? A good book is a good book, and the D.J. Schwenk books are very, very good: Dairy Queen, The Off Season, and now Front and Center.

D.J. is a tall, big-boned girl and a gifted athlete from a family of gifted athletes, but her family is not known for its communication skills. They aren't stupid, they're just not talkers. Her two older brothers are talented college football players. Her younger brother is athletic, too, though he talks so little that his teachers worry about him. In Dairy Queen, the coach of a rival high school sends his spoiled rich-boy quarterback to help out on the Schwenk farm, where D.J. is doing all of the work alone because her father has broken his hip. D.J. ends up coaching Brian Nelson in football, while he coaches her on the advantages of talking more. In The Off Season, D.J. plays high school football, and she and Brian begin to get closer. But D.J. realizes that Brian is ashamed to be seen in public with her. A lot of other things go wrong, but none of them seem to matter much when D.J.'s older brother Win suffers a very serious injury playing football. She drops everything to stand by him, coaching and cajoling him through rehab.

In this third book, Front and Center, we find that although D.J. has learned to open up more thanks to her now-defunct relationship with Brian, she is still not the type to take center stage. As she returns to playing high school basketball, she realizes that's exactly what her coach expects her to do: become a leader for the team. Heavily recruited by college basketball coaches, D.J. finds that everyone around her is pushing her to verbally commit to playing Big Ten college ball. But she pulls back, afraid she can't take the pressure. Meanwhile, she is dating her buddy Beaner, although she still finds herself thinking about Brian Nelson. Even as D.J. leans toward playing for a smaller college team, life and the people who care about her conspire to convince her that she's got too much going for her to settle for less--whether in dating or in basketball.

I cannot emphasize enough how authentic D.J.'s narrative voice is. Sometimes in YA, we meet an endless parade of main characters who seem to be channeling terribly clever urban 30-somethings with their banter and sarcasm. In contrast, D.J. is such a fresh combination of ordinary and extraordinary, the way real girls are, the ones you walk past every day. Listen to her frank and slightly funny voice at the beginning of Front and Center, when she mistakenly thinks she's going to able to stay out of the limelight and avoid trouble, including boys:

"But most of all--and this is what I was looking forward to the very, very most--I was done with all that boyfriend crap. Finished with the 24/7 Brian Nelson cable station that had been running nonstop inside my skull since July. No more feeling like I was some fluttery girl who doesn't have anything better to do all day long than think about her boyfriend. Because I did have better things to think about, thank you very much, because I am not the kind of girl who has boyfriends; I'm the kind who's just friends with boys, which is totally different and which I'm actually kind of good at. I'd pulled the plug on that Brian Nelson cable station for good.

That's why it felt so nice to be getting back to school. Because after five months I was back to being plain old background D.J. That's how I thought about it, anyway. In photographs of course I'm always in the background--it's a family joke, actually, that us Schwenk kids could go to school naked on picture day because we're all so crazy tall. But I mean that I was returning to the background of life. Where no one would really notice me or talk about me or even talk to me much except to say 'Nice shot,' and I could just hang out without too many worries at all."

It's a real gift to be able to watch D.J. struggle to grow into herself in Dairy Queen, The Off Season, and now Front and Center. Catherine Murdock is so adept that she even manages to let us know that D.J. will probably end up being an incredible basketball coach in ten or fifteen years. But this and other messages, such as the cow metaphor used so well in Dairy Queen, never call unnecessary attention to themselves. Which reminds me of D.J.'s own self-effacing style. Even so, D.J., the messages, and these three books still manage to shine. Read them, please. You will be very glad you got to know D.J. Schenk.

I loved Dairy Queen and The Off Season. DJ Schwenk is such an amazing character, and it's not because she's supergirl. It's because she's NOT.

DJ is starting the basketball season of her junior year, eager to get back to how things used to be before her relationship with Brian Nelson was exposed to the world - thus exposing her to the world. She'd like to get back to the background, thankyouverymuch, and had every intention of doing so. That is, until she walks into her coach's office right before the season begins.

This book is funny, light, and incredibly loveable. Her family is just as quirky as ever, her relationship with Brian Nelson is still weird, and she's still just as good at sports as she ever was. What's different? It's time for DJ to step forward and officially become what she's always been - a leader.

I loved how DJ 'coached' Brian in Dairy Queen. And I loved how DJ made Win see how important he was, even if he couldn't walk. These are traits of a leader, and yet DJ never stepped into that role. But in order for her to do what she wants, which is to leave Red Bend and see other parts of the world, that's exactly what she has to do. Front and Center is a wonderful story of DJ's journey, showing her dealing with her many faults, and seeing her step up to face her ultimate fear: the spotlight.

I have loved watching DJ grow into herself in this trilogy - since she's so big, it was a lot to grow into. :) I will miss DJ...

While this book isn't as strong as Dairy Queen, it's still a great book. This is definitely a good read for boys or girls, for teens of any age. Highly recommended.

DJ Schwenk, the likable lead in the DAIRY QUEEN trilogy anchored by this new release, is the type of girl anyone would love to call a daughter, sister, friend, student, or player. Well-rounded, intelligent, diligent, helpful, caring, athletic -- DJ has it all. This book lacks the freshness of the first, where readers were treated to a Wisconsin dairy farmer's daughter who had the gumption not only to play boys' football in high school, but to fall in love with the arch-rival school's quarterback. It also gets off to a slow start. But eventually, FRONT AND CENTER rights itself and closes strong and suitably, ending Catherine Gilbert Murdock's trilogy in a manner that should more than satisfy fans of the first two books.

FRONT AND CENTER's chief narrative concerns are DJ's love life and her college choice. She starts to see a clownish boy named Beaner because Beaner makes her happy and helps her forget Brian. But then Brian re-enters the picture, and it's hard to forget a boy when he keeps showing up in your kitchen, your barn, and your thoughts night and day. Meantime, the Division I colleges are aggressively courting DJ due to her basketball prowess. Trouble is, thoughts of playing on a big stage make her stomach ill. She's convinced that she'd rather be a big fish in a Division III bowl.

Despite the sluggish start and plot devices (see above) that are not exactly bracing, character carries the day. Murdock also uses humor to her advantage. For example, in a discussion between DJ and Brian about playing D-I ball, we have this exchange:

"Do you know how many people watch D-I? I'd barf my guts out if I had to do that."

"That's not a good reason not to do it, though."

"Yeah, it is! People can die from barfing, like that thing you get when you're pregnant and you throw up so much that you die..."

"No one dies from barfing, not anymore. They have IVs now and stuff."

"Like I'm going to go out on the court with an IV."

"Huh... Would knocking over an IV pole be considered an offensive foul?"

"Oh, totally. But you could use the pole to set one heck of a screen -- "

"Uh-uh. Six inches max between player and pole."

This dialogue typifies the light spirit of the book. Overall, if you've read the first two books, you may find this weaker but should still enjoy it for that "loose strings pulled together" feeling. And if you haven't read any of Murdock's stuff, by all means go back and read DAIRY QUEEN. It's as fun and wholesome as a tall glass of milk.

In the third book in Catherine Gilbert Murdock's series based on D.J. Schwenk, D.J. is back at school after dealing with her brother Win's terrible accident and ready to just play basketball. She's broken up with her boyfriend Brian; all she really wants is to have life return to normal for her junior year of high school. But life's funny like that sometimes: what you want most seems just out of reach, and is it really what you want after you think about it?

D.J.'s always been a stand-out athlete, and this basketball season quickly proves that she hasn't lost anything by not playing the previous year. It doesn't take long before colleges begin to show interest in her skills and the idea of being good enough to play in a Big Ten school freaks D.J. to the core. Life would be fine with her if she played for a local Division III team where the pressure wouldn't be so great and she wouldn't be the star of the show. And why on earth is she having to deal with this her junior year? Rather than being able to put her basketball worries behind her, things ramp up when Win becomes involved, pushing D.J. to think beyond herself and go for the big scholarships. But D.J. is petrified at the thought of playing before thousands of fans; so scared, in fact, that she almost becomes physically ill while watching a friend blow a big shot at U of M. D.J. has got to come to grips with what she wants and what she is actually ready for, and this applies to her love life as well, with both Brian and Beaner fighting for her attention.

This book was a fast read, and well-written. The nervous D.J. is very realistic and her fear is palpable. Typical of a teen sensation, she's unsure about her future and unclear about what she wants. In general, this is a book whose voice comes through easily; we get inside D.J.'s head and worry right along with her. I did find myself more than a little irritated with D.J. as she thinks she wants to throw away some great opportunities, but I could see where her fear was coming from. What I didn't really care for was the side story of Amber and Dale's relationship, which seemed a bit cliched in my opinion, and a bit unnecessary with everything else going on. Other than that, I can recommend this installment in the series wholeheartedly; D.J. is a funny, smart, determined young lady who has won a place in my heart with her self-effacing comments. Recommended.

This is the third and final book in the Dairy Queen Trilogy. It is a story of courage and determination. A delightful read.

D.J. Schwenk is a teenager who plays football for the Red Bend High School. She is the first and only female linebacker in Minnesota history. She lives on a dairy farm and is sort of a misfit. Being over six feet tall and a football player makes her stand out - she is shy and doesn't like to call attention to herself. Sports (football and basketball) is in the Schwenk family blood. Her brother Win is starting quarterback for the University of Washington and her brother Bill is a linebacker for the University of Wisconsin. DJ is an excellent football player - better than the male players. At practice she injures her shoulder and must quit playing. This will give her a chance to rest up for basketball. The farm is in financial trouble and she can only go to college if she wins a full scholarship.

In a Pac-10 game Win is seriously injured and she must drop out of school to take care of him. He is giving everyone the silent treatment - refuses to talk to the doctors. DJ is at her wits end and she finally lets him have it - she is so angry - why can't he grow up. This changes Win's attitude and he can't wait to state therapy. He is also on DJ's case about training, calling colleges, setting up interviews, etc. - she must get herself known or she will miss out on the big universities. She is not too keen on doing this, but there is no stopping Win.

DJ's mother is finally able to come take care of Win and she can return home and to school. She is friends with a player on a rival team - Hawley High School - and they occasionally see each other in private. She really likes Brian but he seems to be a little embarrassed by her - never inviting her on a date or hanging out with his friends. Beamer, a Red Bend High Junior who's keen on romance and karaoke invites her to parties and even on dates. She is fond of him, but he isn't Brian - No bells and whistles.

Though the efforts of Win she visits several colleges who are interested in her playing basketball for them. She has an offer of a full scholarship from the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin. She watched several D-I games and is petrified. She cannot and will not play in that league. She must reach a decision. Can she pretend to be someone (like an actress does) and play the game? Can she ignore the ten thousand fans that come to these games? Which University will she choose - Minnesota or Wisconsin?

Highly recommended. The Dairy Queen Trilogy is a must read for readers of all ages - especially teenagers. You will want to read all three books. The books are keepers.

Review originally published at BookGateway. This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.

D.J. knows that things have changed, but she can't stop herself from thinking about Brian. She was however, hoping to go back to be unnoticeable at school, but when she spies her locker on her first day back, she knows she things changed. Now she's front and center and everyone wants something: the girls want her to play basketball, her best guy friend wants to date her, and her coach and her family want her to pick a college according to a basketball scholarship. D.J. isn't sure how to handle all the pressure. Most of the time, she simply wants to cover her head and hide out, but with her future at stake, she knows that that's not possible. She just wishes that she hand someone to talk to who understood her half as much as Brian. She's thinking about him so much that it must mean something, right? Will she find a way to open up to someone and let out all her fears?

A great conclusion to this trilogy with sports, romance, friendship, family drama, and finding your own path in life. D.J. is funny and so real that her pain becomes your pain. I love her kick butt attitude and her sports abilities plus her shyness in sharing her feelings or thoughts.

Junior DJ Schwenk is actually excited to be returning to school for the first time in her life. It's not that she REALLY likes school all that much. It's just that the past five months--what with playing on the boys' football team and her brother Win's accident--have been totally crazy. DJ wants her normal, fade-into-the-woodwork life back.

That's not what happens.

DJ finds herself front and center as she's scouted for a spot on D-1 college hoops teams. Not only that, but she's got a real boyfriend, Beaner, who shines a spotlight on her in a way that ex-heartthrob Brian Nelson never did. Speaking of Brian--who she's totally over, really she is--he keeps showing up. All the time.

Front and Center is the eagerly awaited third book in the Dairy Queen trilogy. If you haven't read the first two, Dairy Queen and The Off Season, you really should! They're fantastic books. Author Catherine Gilbert Murdock has written three contemporary, realistic novels, narrated by the awkward, tongue-tied and often hilarious DJ Schwenk, who brings her life in a rural Wisconsin town to life. Highly recommended.
-- Reviewed by Michelle Delisle

A long time ago I read the first book of this series. Unfortunately I did not read the second. So I'm going to have to go back and catch up a little. But since I share a dairy background I could not help but start this book when I had it in my hands.

This is a very readable story of the drama of growing up. Add to this Cows, a hospitalized brother and the demands of commanding a basketball team from the court and DJ has her hands full. I love the little details like a herd of cows named after football players. A great read.

The D.J Schwenk series has been one that I've been following since Dairy Queen came out in '06. After finishing each one, I eagerly waited for the next one to come out. So, when I got the chance to read an early copy of the finale to the trilogy, I was so excited.

Front and Center was probably my favorite yet. Each character, no matter how big or small, grew in someway by the end. Also, this book was always packed with drama, surprises that you didn't see coming, and suspense.

DJ is one of my favorite YA female protagonists, if not my favorite. I love how she never lets anything bring her down and doesn't stop till she reaches the top. Plus, even with all the confidence she has, and she has plenty, she still feels scared at times which made her come out in a very realistic way. Brian is the character that actions in the previous books made you wonder if you should love or hate him. Since even though DJ and him are made for each other he always manages to break her heart in one way or anther. Luckily in Front and Center he ends up growing up majorly which could possibly mean a second chance of love with DJ? Well, I'm not going to tell you the answer, your just going to have to read and find out for yourself.

Another thing I loved about this book was how the secondary characters were very prominent even though the main focus wasn't on them. Since, each brought a laugh or simile to my face at least once in the story.

Lastly, it seems like Catherine's writing grows greatly with each book she writes making Front and Center her best yet. I truly can't wait to see where her talent leads her next.

Overall, Front and Center was a fantastic end to a terrific series. I'm certainly going to miss reading about DJ, Win, Brian, Bill, Curtis, and the rest of the gang.

I highly suggest you pick this up when it's released. Plus, if you haven't yet started this series, what are you waiting for?? :)

Grade: A+

Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is the third book in her series. It is another excellent saga in the life of D.J. Schwenk, a typical teenager who decides to enjoy sports at her high school to the fullest. Even though sports are a focus in all three books, the books are readable for anyone. D.J. writes the books almost in diary form about her trials and tribulations of her first boyfriend, romance and her family and friends. D.J. becomes your best friend in these books, and you want to know what happens next in her life. Start with number one, Dairy Queen, and be prepared to read the next two immediately.