Stealing Parker
By: Miranda Kenneally
Pub. Date: October 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 242
Source: ARC from Publisher
Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.
After her family's scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.
I am a huge fan of Miranda Kenneally and Catching Jordan was one of my favorite
books of 2011. When I was asked to be apart of the blog tour, I was beyond
excited! I started Stealing Parker right
away and it did not disappoint!
Parker Shelton 's
mom left the family to be with another women. Because of this, her church and
her friends completely turned on her and everyone started calling her a
lesbian. To compensate, Parker quit softball, a game she absolutely loved, lost
20 pounds and started making out with as many boys as she can. Drew was the
only person that stayed true to her. He suggests that Parker helps out with the
boys baseball team. It is here that she meets Brian Hoffman, the 23 year old baseball
coach. She is instantly attracted to him, and though they know the age
difference can get them in trouble, they decide to get "friendly"
with each other.
I couldn't help but feel for Parker. It was bad enough that
her life completely changed when her mom left, but now everyone else in her
life has to leave her too? I think this led her to make the choices that she
did, but you can't fault her for it. Parker was real and relatable.
I think the surprise hit for me in Stealing Parker was Corndog. He and Parker were always rivals
academically, and I really didn't like him at first, but he turned out to be
one of the sweetest boys in YA. I just loved him. He wasn't perfect, but just
like Parker, he was realistic.
What I love about Miranda Kenneally is her ability to make
every signal character feel important, and for the most part, she accomplished
this, but I was disappointed in Brian's character. I feel like I didn't know
him at all. He was hot and cold, and I hate characters like that.
Religion also plays a big part in this book. I am not a fan
of religion in books, but I do think Kenneally did a good job approaching the
subject.
Overall, I loved Stealing
Parker, Kenneally is such a talented writer and I am already looking
forward to her next book.
Good review! I wasn't a huge fan of SP, but it seems I am in the minority. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
YA Sisterhood
I have always wanted to read Stealing Parker, I thought it would be a great coming of age story. I am kind of disappointed to know that Brian is not as what I pictured (and I do dislike hot and cold characters too). On the other hand, I would love to meet Corndog. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteNatasha Anne
Dreamland Teenage Fantasy