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A similarly great sequel

Customer Rating:

When DJ Schwenck got to join the Red Bend boy's football team, when she and Brian got together, and when she was finally able to "talk," she thought that all of her problems were simple solved. But once, while in practice, DJ hurt self and had to decide whether football was worth ruining her future for. Then Brian started acting all weird when they were together in public, and her older brother, Win, got hurt really bad during a football game. That's when DJ steps up, once again, to take all those burdens on her already-injured shoulders. I thought Murdock's Dairy Queen, was the best coming-of-age-story I have ever read. Turns out, the off season is a progression of DJ's coming-of-age that started in the first book. Though containing a more no-nonsense tone than the previous book, it still contains numerous laugh-out-loud scenes, not because the situation is funny but simply because DJ says it as it is. Like the first book, this too is authentic, and Murdock strongly established that fact in its ending, it wasn't all happy-go-lucky, but then again it wasn't a sad one either. But rather well balanced, some people might not like the way DJ and Brian's relationship turned out to be, but I guess that also was realistic. What are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor and get this book, it simply is amazing.

A great sequel	Customer Rating:
I enjoyed this book as much as Dairy Queen. I really like the fact that D.J. is such a down to earth girl. You can't help but like her. She really makes you think about what is really important in life...like family and having a good character. I think Dairy Queen and The Off Season would be great books for every teenage girl to read.

Excellent Strong Girl's Role Model

Customer Rating:

I have to hand it to Catherine Murdock for yet again crafting an excellent piece of literature. The character's voice in this story is incredibly strong! I listened to this book on c.d and whoever they hired to "be" D.J was made for the part. This is a book I would give to a little sister or even best friend. It's inspiring and heartwarming and totally relatable (trust me girl playing football on a farm was not what I would've picked up first). Very Clean but also very honest. Perfect for your own personal library (I'm an adult teacher and I'm buying one for my home as well as my school). DJ is a positive a strong role model for young women. Loved the characters in this story. They were well crafted and complex, nobody was black and white which of course is what makes it so incredibly realistic. I can't wait for the 3rd and final book in this series!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Customer Rating:

When we last left D.J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen, she was trying to cope with her family's problems, the inclusion of Brian into her life, and surviving being on the Red Bend football team. You know, when most people thought girls shouldn't be on the team. At first it seemed like she had found solutions to all of those problems. But all good things must come to an end, whether D.J. likes it or not. With Brian being her sort of boyfriend, D.J. is pretty ecstatic, since not only is he hot and athletic, he is her first real boyfriend. But it sort of creates a problem since D.J. isn't so sure where there relationship is heading or if it is going at all. Brian isn't too sure, either, since it seems like D.J. would rather spend time with her family then hang out with him. Her friend, Amber, is starting to get noticed, for all the wrong reasons, though. Now known as the girl with a girlfriend, Amber is beginning to change, once again, right in front of D.J.'s eyes, all because people in their town don't approve of that kind of relationship. D.J.'s family is beginning to resolve their relationship problems. But when they think all is well, their financial problems come into play. Not only that, but D.J. herself and her brother, Win, suffer injuries that just might put an end to what they love the most. While trying to control all of her problems, D.J. must be able to find her strength, the one that got her through her summer and the one that helped her get on the football team. Once again, D.J. shines as a heroine who shows that everyone has the ability to get over any obstacle thrown their way. Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

Off is On

Customer Rating:

In Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock, readers met a girl named D.J. who had to pick up the slack on her family's farm when her father's hip injury prevented him from doing the bulk of the work. She also had to help train Brian, the quarterback for the rival school's team. Her two older brothers were big hometown football stars - and now, unexpectedly, she might become one as well. In the solid sequel, The Off-Season, D.J. continues to juggle her school life, her home life, and her sports life. Homework and farmwork just keep coming. Then she gets injured, which obviously and completely changes her athletic schedule. Further complicating matters are D.J.'s mixed feelings about Brian and her strained relationship with her best friend. When two other family members become hurt in debilitating ways, the Schwenks have to come together in a big way - and have to make even more sacrifices. Give Dairy Queen and its sequel The Off-Season to girls you know who refuse to back down when coaches tell them girls shouldn't or can't play certain sports - and tell them that YES, THEY CAN!