Title & Author: Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire, 242 pages
Release Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Goodreads | Miranda Kenneally
SYNOPSIS: (According to my husband, who has NOT read the book — see how well he listens to my bookish ramblings)
This book is about an emotionally unstable floozy. She doesn’t know what she wants or who to please, but it really is a good snapshot of teenage years in America. You can expect a forbidden love fest and a Corndog. Not the food, but a boy.
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BOOK ROCK BETTY BREAK DOWN:
- THE KISSING – Lots of making out in the back of a truck… yup, this situation required a lot of sneaking around!
- THE SWOONING – I was really into Brian… Coach Hoffman! He is sweet, funny, HOT, and best of all, a ball player. I freaking love baseball players. Yeah, he screwed up, but he isn’t really a bad guy. He just made some poor decisions. Then there is Will.. aka CORNDOG. Oh my word, I officially have a sweet spot for corndogs! I loved this guy– a total hottie and baseball player to boot. He doesn’t screw around when it comes to girls. He is intelligent, protective and 100% genuine. He does whatever it takes to help the people he loves, which includes making huge sacrifices for his family.
- THE SWAGGER – I have a weakness for scandalous love! It is never okay for a teacher to get involved with a student, but sometimes books like this make me understand how it *could* happen and not be completely creepy. Plus… baseball. I love books about sports!
- THE OH SNAP! – Forbidden Love | Homosexuality | Coming Out | Anger At God | Hypocritical Churches | Losing Control | Mending Relationships | Baseball | Family Issues
- THE UMMM WHAT?? – 1. Wouldn’t someone notice the creepy truck lurking around Parker’s house all the time? 2. What teacher would shut himself in a shed or office with a student? He was so careful, yet did stupid things ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
ENCORE:
I was drawn to this book for a lot of reasons! I played competitive softball in high school and college, so I completely meshed with Parker’s love for the game. I also dated a 24 year old shortly before turning 18, although he was NOT my teacher! Plus, I’ve dealt with my fair share of judgemental church friends. Regardless, I had a lot in common with Parker. This book showed how easy it is to lose control of who you are when life is a mess, but it also showed that the choices we make when trying to deal with these messes do not define who we are or have to be in the future. Parker was deeply hurt by her mother, and as a result, lashed out and behaved in ways that weren’t true to her character in order to prove a point. Through her mistakes she found self worth and learned to believe in herself again. She was able to quit living her life based on the perceptions of others, and gained the confidence to just be herself.
On top of her amazing growth as a character, I adored the romance! Corndog kicks some serious butt in the book boyfriend department. I was swooning so hard for this guy. Their relationship was gradual and absolutely perfect as it transitioned from an innocent friendship to much more. The side plots were also well executed. There was a lot of drama going in multiple areas of Parker’s life, but the balance felt effortless. I also have to mention Drew– what an awesome character! He was such a good friend to Parker, and I loved the endless support they showed each other.
This series is hands down one of my favorites! The characters, struggles, and life lessons are all incredibly realistic and well played out. Kenneally has a real talent for addressing sensitive topics in a way that is unbiased and open-minded. That is probably what I love most about her as an author!
RATING:
