Title: Catching Jordan
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: 12.1.11
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary, Sports
Series: No
Source: Purchased ebook
Rating: B+
Summary (from Goodreads):
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.
Review:
Ever since I heard about this, I wanted to read it. Not only because it represented a strong female lead who was willing to tackle (ha, get it?) some intense issues, but because I felt a personal connection to it. The idea Miranda Kenneally presents (a female football star in a traditionally male role) seems so radical, but I actually had the pleasure of seeing this happen.
When I was in high school, one of my friends tried out for and made starting quarterback of our varsity football team senior year. Unfortunately she tripped and fell down some stairs at home a week before the opening game and broke her ankle, thus benching her for the season. But I remember how awed and excited the school was about her playing, and how protective her male teammates were of her.
I think that was my favorite part of Catching Jordan; watching the way Jordan interacted with her teammates and the way they took up for her. She was their leader on the field, but their sister off. She had amazing relationships with these guys, but each one was unique and Kenneally did a fantastic job of that. I love how awkward and unsure she made Jordan, especially when I came to girly things (like kissing and dresses). I fell hard for Jordan and this entire story. Watching her struggle as she discovered first love and what I meant to be loved was a joy.
I will say that the plot is a little predictable and some of it was borderline cheesy, but every now and then you need a novel like that. Something that is light and fun and fluffy, that just makes you feel good. This is going to be one of my go-to books when I need a fun fix, and one I will happily reread over and over.
Buy: Amazon
Aw, glad you liked it! That's really cool about your friend, but crappy that she ended up hurting herself. =(
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I really adored this book!! It totally made me smile.
This sounds great! We definitely need more books with strong YA characters (and guys who aren't jerks). Also, I could use a silly, fluffy novel every now and then. :-)
ReplyDeletei have been seeing this book around, but your review tipped my hand...i want to read it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a good YA book, with a strong heroine who doesn't shy away from sports and the males who don't sound like jerks. I may have to get this for my nieces.
ReplyDeleteOoooh I'm glad you liked it! I got this one for Christmas and can't wait to get into it!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to decide whether or not I want to read this book, and your review has made me want to read it a little more. Hope that makes sense?
ReplyDeleteGreat review! (:
I just picked this one up tonight and I'm so excited to read it, especially after reading your review! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've been quite indecisive about whether I wanted to buy this book or not, but after this review I'm probably gonna get it and give it a read :) Jordan sounds like a lovely character and the plot is interesting.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. I've wanted to read it for awhile! I love that this girl is on the football team... a dream I had for awhile in jr. high but never actually went for.
ReplyDeleteThe author has sort of sequel in the sense that there are the some of the same characters in it. It's called Stealing Parker.
ReplyDeleteLoved this book!
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing this book pop up everywhere... Great review!
ReplyDeleteI have this book in my book wish list. I will try to purchase it on my next book buying spree.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading this book right now, and now I'm eager to finish it, because of your review! thanks! :D
ReplyDeleteAwesome review! I was pleasantly surprised when I read this. It was WAY better than I thought it would be. Usually I can't get into books with sports as a main focus because I don't like sports. But I love fluff!
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