Offsides: A Novel

by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Offsides is both the poignant story of one girl’s coming of age and a delightfully surprising look at American life in the 1970s. Liz Donegal’s world is always on the brink of change. Her dad, an assistant football coach, uproots his family from one place to the next with the changing of the football seasons. Liz finds ways to cope with her constantly teetering world in the most creative and unusual ways.

Genres: Novels

336 pages, Kindle Edition

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.