Offsides

by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

"A tremendously funny and touching book. I really loved it." -Diane Keaton Kerry Madden-Lunsford's fresh, often hilarious, debut novel presents a bittersweet and unforgettable tale of adolescence. On the surface, the Donegals seem the picture-perfect norm of a nuclear family in the 1970s. But seen through the eyes of Liz Donegal, her world teeters on the brink of disintegration. Liz's father, an assistant college football coach, uproots his family annually with the motivational compassion of "Get your ass in the car." Her brothers Joe-Sam and Leo, whose first words are "hut, hut, hike," and sister, Peaches, a wannabe cheerleader, pick apart their lives and tentatively pull together in whatever town they land in, whether it's Bobcat Country or Shark Territory. While chaos reigns within the Donegal household, outside the family dog Halfback is busy digging up his predecessor Bear Bryant. At the center of this remarkable cast of characters, Liz creates a world for herself spun out of best friends, books, secret glimpses at sex manuals, and a few adults who actually understand what it means to grow up "offsides." Fostered by the creativity of her aunt Betty and uncle Peter, Liz first glimpses life beyond football games and Catholic school. When she isn't busy rebelling, singing Lou Reed songs, or transforming herself into Helen Keller or Anne Frank, Liz is falling in love, discovering herself, and learning that life also has some painful lessons.

Genres: Novels

530 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow start for me, while I finished it I can't say it picked up much momentum later in the book. Each chapter started with a football play and I didn't find them worthwhile to even read. The main character Liz was the oldest growing up in the typical 70's household. As a Gen X'er myself I felt her pain in many areas.

Overall the book was a solid read, I did ding it for the rushed ending which didn't feel at all like it belonged with the rest of the writing style.

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooooooo funny. Kerry is a friend, a playwright, and a stirrer-upper-of-trouble/activist. There is an L.A. Times article about the time she protested in Borders Bookstore because they wanted her to breastfeed in the bathroom instead of in the children's section where she might traumatize people. This book is about her growing up the daughter of a college football coach and not fitting into that lifestyle in any shape or form. Reminds me a bit of David Sedaris.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really captured my interest and kept me entertained and involved. It's about a girl growing up in a football family - they move from town to town and she tries to find her place in her family and the world.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, touching and funny...reminded me of my own father who was a rabid USC football fan.

[Lorie Adair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny coming-of-age book; the ending brought tears to my eyes.