Scan barcode
A review by roygbiv_books
Playing for Keeps by Jennifer Dugan
4.0
Finally, a book with queer main characters in which the story line has absolutely nothing to do with them being queer. I feel I have been waiting for a book where I can identify with the main characters but also just enjoy a fun heartwarming story without having to trudge through a painful coming out story or general discourse around the fact the characters are gay. Not that those stories aren’t important, but this was a breath of fresh air. I was able to just sit back and enjoy the story!
This is a super cute sports romance between Ivy, who is determined to become one of very few women in professional sports reffing, and June, who is determined to stand out as a woman in baseball (NOT softball). I thoroughly enjoyed the different dynamic of the referee and player. It introduced a different moral storyline that I haven’t read before. While sports are heavily discussed throughout the book, I never felt like I didn’t understand even though I am not baseball or soccer savvy. The author does a great job of incorporating minimal sports lingo and explaining anything that may be confusing.
The main issue throughout the story is the fact that Ivy and June are not great at communicating. They both are dealing with grief, years after their respective losses, and are managing a lot of feelings and pressure at a young age. I was impressed with how well the author addressed how important honesty and communication is as the book wrapped up. I think this is a great lesson, especially for young readers.
This is a super cute sports romance between Ivy, who is determined to become one of very few women in professional sports reffing, and June, who is determined to stand out as a woman in baseball (NOT softball). I thoroughly enjoyed the different dynamic of the referee and player. It introduced a different moral storyline that I haven’t read before. While sports are heavily discussed throughout the book, I never felt like I didn’t understand even though I am not baseball or soccer savvy. The author does a great job of incorporating minimal sports lingo and explaining anything that may be confusing.
The main issue throughout the story is the fact that Ivy and June are not great at communicating. They both are dealing with grief, years after their respective losses, and are managing a lot of feelings and pressure at a young age. I was impressed with how well the author addressed how important honesty and communication is as the book wrapped up. I think this is a great lesson, especially for young readers.