Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks Book 2)
Kids play sports to fit in, escape their home lives, to excel or out of pure passion. I grew up in a small town much like the town both of Kenneally's books take place in and nearly everyone that Friday Night Lights-style small town showed up for football games because that was a way to part of something. In both Stealing Parker and Catching Jordan, there's no "why," there's no passion and there's no emotion in the sports narrative.
For a lot of readers, that omission won't be a problem, but for me, as someone who loves sports, loves the highs and lows, sports as a simple backdrop isn't enough. People who are heavily-invested in sports like the characters in these two books supposedly are, feel something about sports, but these characters simply don't. Near the end of Stealing Parker, there's an extended scene involving an softball game between the baseball and softball teams. Little details, such as when Take Me Out to the Ball Game is traditionally sung and how a rundown out or a "pickle"--which is one of my favorite baseball colloquialisms is executed, are a bit off in that scene, which further made the baseball elements read like unnecessary, inauthentic window dressings.
Finally, my biggest problem with Stealing Parker is that it simply scratches the surface of a lot of issues without delving into them in a meaningful way. That doesn't mean that I'd prefer it be an "issue book," but rather that if a book is going to tackle religion, family schisms, homophobia, inappropriate student-teacher relationships, drug abuse, eating disorders and first love, that's a hefty order, and I expect that not all of those things be neatly tied up with a bow and delivered to the main character in a tidy little package of resolution.
Stealing Parker
Those are big issues and coming to terms with those things should be messy. I know this book and its companion, Catching Jordan has legions of devoted fans, and I can see why--Kenneally's writing is fluid and her books move at a comfortable pace. In fact, when I initially finished reading Stealing Parker, I gave it a tentative three stars on Goodreads, because there's nothing technical wrong with the book, and I realize that I'm in the minority in my dislike for this novel.
But I want more. At its best, contemporary young adult fiction at its best explores the messy awkwardness of growing up, even in books that appear fluffly on the surface I'm thinking of books likeAnna and the French Kiss, Such a Rush , Bittersweet , there's realism and depth. Unfortunately, Stealing Parker misses that mark completely. Received for review from the publisher via NetGalley. I liked this way more than Catching Jordan, which I could not finish.
There was some stuff I liked ie, the way the Extremely Inappropriate Relationship was handled , but quite a bit that frustrated me the sports stuff felt like filler, the resolution was too tidy, the mom story was the most interesting relationship and it was a very small part of the novel, the main character read as younger than she was and the religion stuff was strangely handled.
Still looking for that perfect YA sports novel. View all 5 comments. I deserve a medal for dealing with this type of books. There are authors who's have great ideas and you just can't wait to get your hands on a copy and when you do, you just die because the book is everything you've dreamed of. Well, something similar does happen here.
Whenever I read a Kenneally book, I yell and shake my head because the characters do the most moronic things they could think of in order to 'learn their lesson'. I swear, I yelled so much while Jordan was picking I deserve a medal for dealing with this type of books.
Why choose him over Corn Fritter, pardon Corndog or just simply Will. He is the perfect match but no, she has to go for the older guy. Why take the car when you can walk, right? So much drama, especially near the end. I had so many mixed feelings while reading this book. On one note I liked Parker, then I didn't, I liked the use of religion in this book but I didn't like the religious people and I absolutely hated the teacher-student relationship.
And this is what I'm gonna do. I'm going to talk about myself. Haha bet you didn't expect that. Well, I do love to share way too much personal info with strangers. Let's just start 1. Parker's rebellion - Since Parker's mum ran away with her girlfriend, people from their church have kept their distance. Her friends talked behind her back, saying she is just like her mum, so the only thing Parker could think of is start loosing weight and kiss a lot of boys. I understand why she did those things, because a couple of years ago I was a 17 too and people were talking all sort of nonsense about me, that I was a freak, devil worshiper and whatnot.
I dealt with all of my anger pretty well. I went and cut my hair, wore a lot of insane outfits and every time I saw someone giving me the stink eye it set me of to do something more crazy. So, the only difference between me and Parker is that she chose to take it out on guys while I sort of gave the finger to the rest of the world. Religious people - Religion is very important in this novel. Every couple of pages Parker writes a letter to God saying how her life sucks and then burns it. Her is a quote from the book that caught my eye. Most people probably just read it and moved on when they should just stop and think about it.
I agree with this all the way! My uncle died a couple of months ago and I was really upset so when a really religious neighbour sat next to me and started to talk some bull about going the the mosque my parents are Muslim I told her I forgot all Arabic prayers a long time ago and she said it's easy to learn it again so I told her I'm just going to pray to God with my own words, not something someone else wrote because when you say something from the heart, rather than what you memorized it's more sincere she was watching me like I've grown another head.
I also know a lot of 'religious people' who are all sweet but when you dig under the surface you see they cheat, lie, steal it just makes me sick and I can't stand those phonies. I would rather be myself with no one around me than being something I'm not and having all the friends in the world. I yelled Stay away from him! He is your teacher! When that didn't work out I tried with Stop cyber stalking the man! Stop chatting with him and sending texts!
Even that didn't work so I because afraid Don't kiss him! And finally I got desperate Please, don't have sex with him! He is too old for you! I'm usually all for student-teacher relationships in books but this one just wasn't working. I guess I should finally give up on Miranda Kenneally books even though every time I read the blurb for her latest book I get excited.
Kenneally and Kody Keplinger just don't work for me even though they write about topics which seem very interesting. You can read this review and much more over at YA Fanatic. View all 22 comments. Buy this book on: Sadly, this one has to be my least favorite so far out of the books I've read by her: I do use half stars. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect. There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.
Jan 13, Dee rated it it was ok Shelves: Hmmm that was definetely a cute-sy story. Just wasn't exactly what I had hoped for, but it was still good otherwise. I really liked Parker the MC and her growth throughout the story. She was strong and she was independent. She was willing to even separate herself from people whom she knew were hurting her.
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I loved how she managed to stay strong and maintained her resillience even with all the misfortunes being hurled straight at her. So characterization-wise, this book wins it. I liked the sup Hmmm that was definetely a cute-sy story. I liked the supporting characters as well. Parker's boy best friend, her dad, brother and the baseball team.
I also liked how it spoke of the truth and how it tackled topics that involved faith, family and friendship. I enjoyed this book and read it thoroughly. I'm not going to fully review Stealing Parker , why? I just can't be bothered, honestly. I enjoyed this book, it was realistic and the lack of slut-shaming and sexism filled my heart. My problem, however, was Parker felt like she had to prove she likes boys and the heavily religious aspect to the story. As a person who isn't religious I don't particular want it shoved in my face. I mean, it's a super cute read and definitely won't disappoint.
If you want a fast, fluffy read them this is for you! Embarrassed and shattered by her broken family, Parker gives up on the game just to spite her mom and then goes out of her way to prove that she's nothing like her, and does in fact like boys. She loses the butch look and drops 30 pounds and hooks-up with random guys, earning her a bit of a rep that she's not exactly comfortable with, but doesn't really do anything about it. She losses her friends and is scared to really commit. But when Brian, the new assistant coach starts to pay some much craved attention to Parker she starts to feel things that she shouldn't be feeling for a guy who's six years older then she is.
It's forbidden but it still feels good. But then there's Will Whitfields aka Corndog who use to be her academic archrival but lately he's been a friend and someone she can depend on. But soon enough Parker doesn't recognize herself when she looks into the mirror and when her world comes crashing down she begins to realize that she's more lost then she realized.
I absolutely adored Kenneally's debut novel, Catching Jordan. It stars a female football star who's friends with a bunch of guys. I don't know why but I found that concept extremely sexy. Stealing Parker is a lot like Catching Jordan, but in ways it also felt very different.
But one thing remains the same, Kenneally really know how to combine sports with heart-soaring romance that is edgy and warm at the same time. This book features another hit of characters that I just adored. Parker is the kind of character you really want to see through to the very end.
She's confused and hurt about what her mom put her family through. She's not mad that her mom left her for another women, she's just mad cause she left. So when her church turned on her family and her friends started to act different around her as well, she just snapped. You can't lose anyone if you don't actually get to close. So hook-ups are the next best thing. She may not always make the best decisions but I still love that she's an athlete and a valedictorian.
I love that she's not intimated by a bunch of guys and that's she's strong and kind and has a big heart. Will is the kind of guy that grows on you. I didn't like him at first, but once he and Parker became friends and started to hang out I started to enjoy their chemistry. I love the way he takes care of his brother Bo and I loved how he stands up for Parker and I really loved that he didn't wig-out when he found out about Drew. Brian isn't a bad guy, I think he did care about Parker in his own way, but he was all wrong for her.
It felt like he was only with her to live out his 'high school day' again. She reminds him of better days and I think he kinda used her to compensate for being a failure in his own life. I also loved Drew, but I was a little sore with him at the very end. He shouldn't have acted the way he did.
But he does score cool point for the HP love, so I'll find it in my heart to forgive him.
Sam Henry and Jordan fan's will be happy to see them appear in this book. We see Sam more then Jordan and it's very little scenes, but it was still nice to see them together and happy. But what I really loved most about these characters were the fun carefree spirit that they all have with each other. Playing baseball, the banter and digs. It was just a lot of fun to read about a great group of characters living large when it's good and being there for each other when it's bad.
The story line was filled with good old fashion angst and drama. The good kind, the kind that curls your toes and completely consumes you till the story is done, which is why I read this in one sitting. But I have to be honest, the only thing that I didn't really care for was the religious aspects of the story. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I dunno, it just When I hear- sports and hook-ups and drinking and swearing and lusting- the last thing I expect is a girl who's very Christian and I wasn't prepared for how largely religion played into the story.
With that said, I still think this was another amazing book by Kenneally. Everyone losses themselves at one point of their lives. This was a brilliant portrayed story about finally knowing what you really want in life and even though you may feel like your world is coming undone, you just have to keep moving before you find yourself again.
And it doesn't hurt when you have real friends to back you up, family that's always been there to support you and finally finding someone you can love. Stealing Parker stole my heart! Another win by Miranda Kenneally. I can't wait to read her next book; Things I Can't Forget. I'm Hugging you girl!!
This review and more can be seen at WinterHaven Books: View all 4 comments. Jun 01, Erin rated it really liked it. This was my first read of Miranda Kenneally's work, so I wasn't sure what to expect from her writing. Kenneally is a very good story-teller and created a good voice for the heroine, and this was a sweet story of young love.
Parker's world was completely torn apart when her mother came out and left Parker's dad for another woman. The congregation at the church This was my first read of Miranda Kenneally's work, so I wasn't sure what to expect from her writing. The congregation at the church they were so closely involved in shunned them, Parker's tomboy-ish athletic abilities were flaunted as possible signs she herself was also gay, Parker's older brother slowly began slipping into his own abyss, and her dad's only response was to say they should pray.
Determined to rise above, Parker quit baseball and slimmed down to a more feminine shape, ditched the friends who were taunting and talking about her, and attempted to prove her heterosexuality by making out with one boy after another. That is, until Brian Hoffman walked into her life. The sexy new year-old baseball coach should clearly be hands-off, but they can't help the undeniable attraction between them.
But as she and Brian cross the line, Parker begins to question whether or not Brian really wants her for something beyond what she may eventually give him physically. And when her long-time rival turned sweet friend Will starts working his way into Parker's heart, she wonders if she was all wrong about the girl she's become. First off, I really loved Parker for most of this story! She's such a strong, intelligent heroine with an awesome sense of humor that made it obvious why all the boys loved being around her so much.
I loved that she was a confident tomboy deep down, but she was all beauty and temptation for them on the outside. I had to remind myself at times that this was a YA book geared more toward the younger age range, because unlike a lot of the other books in this genre I've come across lately, she actually thinks like an immature teen. She's the typical year-old, questioning everything and blaming God for her problems when they become overwhelming.
She makes decisions based on her naive view of the world, and she finds herself in a few messes because of it. I didn't like how she handled things with Brian, just because even though she's technically a child at 17, she should have been more concerned with the potential outcome for him. She was very selfish about their relationship, but I'm glad that in the end she was regretful about the way she handled things. I absolutely loved Will, he was so sweet and just absolutely perfect for Parker!! He kind of came out of nowhere for me, but once he was really in the picture I just fell hard for him!!
I did like Brian at first, and of course he was such a hunky temptation, but his attitude towards Parker as their physical relationship grew just made me mad that he'd do what he did. So Will really took center stage for me, and as drama unfolded for this group of close friends, I couldn't help but wish they'd somehow end up together. Overall, this was a really sweet story and I think it'd be a phenomenal read for younger YA readers because it really sends some great messages about choices in life, faith, open-mindedness, and taking responsibility.
Jan 19, Michelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: The story is so cute and fun. The pacing was great and there was never a dull moment. So much drama, romance, kissing, sports and more! I really loved Parker. Sure she had committed a few mistakes but everyone does! I loved seeing her grow and mature as the novel progressed.
I enjoyed reading about her relationship with Christianity and I loved how the author showcased these little prayers Parker would do. These prayers and her view of God really showcased who she was and what she was going through. She was just a girl trying to find herself. The romance was so addictive, heart warming and awesome! The love triangle was so intense and both boys were likeable except when one decides to be a douche for a while.
The ensemble male cast is the best! They always had her back and they definitely were hilarious. Apr 11, Patricia marked it as to-read. She's 17, he's Give me this book. Oct 01, Avery rated it it was ok. When I was presented the opportunity to read and review this book I jumped at the chance to do so despite never having read "Catching Jordan"- yet , as it came so highly recommended to me in fact, some of my friends who had read it had trumpeted author Miranda Kenneally as the next Stephanie Perkins and those of you who know me know that I LOVE Stephanie Perkins.
Therefore, you could say that I had extremely high expectations- expectations which were not met in any way, shape, or form. When I When I was presented the opportunity to read and review this book I jumped at the chance to do so despite never having read "Catching Jordan"- yet , as it came so highly recommended to me in fact, some of my friends who had read it had trumpeted author Miranda Kenneally as the next Stephanie Perkins and those of you who know me know that I LOVE Stephanie Perkins.
When I first started this book I felt that there was something off about the writing, something that I can't put on my finger on- I don't know if I found the writing to be too simplistic or juvenile or if I found that Parker's perspective was too jumpy and erratic- and it just spiraled downward from there. Admittedly, Parker rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go, I found her to be so superficial, selfish for all but that one instance at the very end of the book , and the likes of- she possessed essentially every characteristic that I despise in a female character.
I lost track of the number of times that she referred to herself as "hot", talked about how many boys liked her, described her tangly hair, and painted her nails all but describing the entire process. As my opinion of Parker was as such I had an extremely difficult time connecting to her, in fact, I had an extremely difficult time connecting to any character and the story line itself admittedly, I also had quite a difficult time writing this review, because, in all honesty, I cared so little for this book to really be bothered to form a solid opinion of it. While I did quite like Brian in the beginning of the novel my opinion of him quickly soured as his true character was revealed.
Additionally, while I did like Corndog a fair bit, I wish that he had been a bit more complex. Drew, Parker's best friend, was the brightest moment of the story for me, however my opinion of him was tarnished a fair bit by the assumptions that he made towards the end of the novel. Additionally, I had a bit of a difficult time with the religious aspect of this novel- while I withhold judgement about other's religions, I, at times, felt that this novel was a bit too "preachy"- barely a page passed without some mention of it.
All in all, while I personally was not a fan of this novel I believe that fans of Kenneally's "Chasing Jordan" will love this novel. Furthermore, despite said complaints I do intend to read Kenneally's other books, hopefully in doing so will allow me to reconsider my opinion of this book! Jan 14, Sarah Louise rated it really liked it. I'm not a sports fan, but how refreshing to finally see a lead female character as the sports star. Parker Shelton plays softball. That is, she used to until her mother left to be with a woman, instigating Parker's church associates and friends to condemn her family.
After all the teasing and ridicule, Parker wants to make one thing clear: After a little persuasion from her best I'm not a sports fan, but how refreshing to finally see a lead female character as the sports star. After a little persuasion from her best friend, Drew, Parker finds herself managing the statistics for her high school baseball team. That's where she meets Brian, who's cute, but also the coach and six years her senior. This is my first experience with a student-teacher relationship, or, I guess, coach-student relationship, and I can definitely tell you I am not a fan.
Brian's only twenty-three, so it's not like he's old enough to be her father, but it still doesn't excuse the fact that, as a position of power at the school, he should know better. Their middle of the night escapades, on his part, felt so disgusting. Parker wants a solid relationship, but of course that cannot happen between them, yet Brian continues their secret, expecting more and more of her along the way. Then there's Will, a player on the baseball team, who answers to the nickname Corndog. I know, but I promise there's a cute story behind it.
There's always been a friendly rivalry between the pair, and the connection between these two felt so genuine. He's just one of those characters that's simply good. He'll go out of his way to help you, and with the way the school is treating Parker, she needs that. It's probably obvious, compared to my opinions about Brian, Corndog was my hopeful choice.
Growing up in a religious household, Parker remains true to her core values. Considering how her family dynamic has changed since her Mom left, there's a lot of incorporation of her personal relationship with God, including uncertainties in faith. It doesn't help that her Dad has a strict outlook on life, is completely self-absorbed, and I'm just baffled by his expectations from Parker.
The evolving relationship with her Mom was a great balance. For not being labelled as Christian Fiction, I wasn't expecting this approach in the story. It really addressed the idea of staying true to yourself, rather than conforming to people who are judgmental and only believe in a narrow path.
I really enjoyed this one. Aug 08, Giselle rated it really liked it Shelves: An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review.
Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change. Parker gains a reputation after her mother left her family for another life. Now she wants to change and remake her reputation. Becoming a bit of a player, Parker ends up becoming a shadow of her former self. Lots of angsty topics about love, sex, fr An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review.
Lots of angsty topics about love, sex, friendship and family! And this is why I have dubbed Mrs. Kenneally one of my favourite contemporary authors. Her writing style is just so easy to get lost in and her plots are always about change and growth so you just know the characters will be better off in the end. Such real characters with such intense emotions and will-power! I loved how Parker validates what she does by blaming her mother.
That competition is now over, the decision has been made, and Laura is no longer in the equation. Growing up in a religious household, Parker remains true to her core values. We are introduced to Parker whose known around town to kiss a lot of boys. For one, there are a lot and some slightly contradicting emotions. Drew is Parker's best and closest friend, he always has her back and will always be on her side, then you have to wonder:
The story just grows on you, and you just want them all to be happy in the end. Another Miranda Kenneally fave for my collection! Jul 15, Debby rated it it was amazing Recommended to Debby by: Christina A Reader of Fictions. Though less cheery and bantery than Catching Jordan , Stealing Parker hit me right in the feels and was so meaningful I need to just take a moment. I didn't know what to expect at all, going into this book. I hadn't read the premise, since I got it for my birthday from Christina and was resolved to read all the Miranda Kenneally books in existence anyway.
Stealing Parker was more about character growth to me, with the bonus of a romance. But as with all Kenneally books, the characters are realistic and fantastic, and the relationship dynamics blew me away. Parker instantly stole my heart , to be honest. I wasn't expecting it. Her family has been torn apart after her mother came out as a lesbian and left.
This admission became hot gossip for the community, and soon parents were warning their children to stay away from Parker, because her family of sinners would make her a bad influence. The way that Parker is ostracized, which causes her to develop some serious trust issues, definitely got to me. I could relate to that.
She's not even that much of a deviant - sure, she makes out with multiple guys, whenever she feels like it, but she doesn't have sex with them. Her own frustrations with her mother have her lashing out, trying to prove she's not like her, but in the end, that doesn't much help her image. A lot of the book deals with how you are perceived by others and finding the confidence to be who you are regardless of what they think, and I absolutely fucking loved that.
Editorial Reviews. From School Library Journal. Gr 8 Up-A companion to Catching Jordan www.farmersmarketmusic.com: Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks Book 2) eBook: Miranda Kenneally: Kindle Store. I've only read two books by Miranda Kenneally, and already I'm a fan of her writing style. .. The Hundred Oaks series took a darker turn with Stealing Parker.
Parker grows in a big way, which really makes me want to hug her forever. She's flawed, but she learns, and it makes her so real. Parker is faced with gossip, a lack of support from friends, and an overall sense of less. Stealing Parker felt heavier to me than Catching Jordan. The reaction Parker's church and friends had to Parker's mother's sexuality was not an easy read.
Parker need support and instead she had most everyone turn their backs on her or give her the cold shoulder. The struggle Parker faces when questioning her church and her personal relationship with God was brutally honest and emotional. Kenneally did her justice in her portrayal of the difficult situation Parker was facing. Aside from the religious aspects , Parker also fell into a complicated romance.
While Parker stumbles and makes some mistakes, she stays strong; she learns and grows throughout the course of the book. You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.
Little Book Star Read as many books as there are stars in the sky. Now Parker wants a new life. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Enter your comment here Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Email required Address never made public. Thank you so much for stopping by. Little Book Star is a young adult book blog ran by Leigh, an 18 year old avid reader.