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Sidelines
A teenage sports game descends into a brawl after a controversial line call in a fast-paced contemporary novel from the bestselling author of The Orchardist's Daughter.
'Sidelines is a riveting novel. It takes our jittery, intensely competitive era and unpicks our self-deceptions until they bleed.' - Jane Caro, bestselling author of The Mother
When a violent brawl erupts at a suburban junior soccer game, some onlookers are shocked. But others saw it coming. Rivalry, parental pressure, coaching bias, inequity, and many other factors have played a part in turning Saturday mornings into a pressure cooker.
Thirteen-year-old Audrey is a talented young football player. But does she want to play for Australia or does she just want to please her father, Ben, whose own thwarted sporting career looms large in his ambitions for his daughter? Audrey's mother, Jonica, doesn't know whether to be more concerned about her anxious daughter, her overbearing husband, or the only other girl on the team, Katerina, who is causing trouble on and off the field. And Katerina's mother, Carmen, is so busy looking for opportunities to give Katerina more game time that she fails to notice what is really capturing her daughter's attention. When Griffin, a naturally gifted player with spectacular skills, arrives, the tension within the team reaches boiling point. But who is going to crack first - the parents or the players?
'Essential - and thrilling - reading for all parents.'
KATE MILDENHALL
'Sometimes a novel comes along that says what you've been thinking.'
MALCOLM KNOX
'will leave you wondering if perhaps winning and losing are the same thing.'
GABBIE STROUD
'Viggers shines a light on the ways competition can pull us together or drive us apart.'
INGA SIMPSON
'Sidelines is a riveting novel. It takes our jittery, intensely competitive era and unpicks our self-deceptions until they bleed.' - Jane Caro, bestselling author of The Mother
When a violent brawl erupts at a suburban junior soccer game, some onlookers are shocked. But others saw it coming. Rivalry, parental pressure, coaching bias, inequity, and many other factors have played a part in turning Saturday mornings into a pressure cooker.
Thirteen-year-old Audrey is a talented young football player. But does she want to play for Australia or does she just want to please her father, Ben, whose own thwarted sporting career looms large in his ambitions for his daughter? Audrey's mother, Jonica, doesn't know whether to be more concerned about her anxious daughter, her overbearing husband, or the only other girl on the team, Katerina, who is causing trouble on and off the field. And Katerina's mother, Carmen, is so busy looking for opportunities to give Katerina more game time that she fails to notice what is really capturing her daughter's attention. When Griffin, a naturally gifted player with spectacular skills, arrives, the tension within the team reaches boiling point. But who is going to crack first - the parents or the players?
'Essential - and thrilling - reading for all parents.'
KATE MILDENHALL
'Sometimes a novel comes along that says what you've been thinking.'
MALCOLM KNOX
'will leave you wondering if perhaps winning and losing are the same thing.'
GABBIE STROUD
'Viggers shines a light on the ways competition can pull us together or drive us apart.'
INGA SIMPSON
368 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2024
22 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Karen Viggers
9 books109 followersKaren Viggers was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up in the Dandenong Ranges riding horses and writing stories. She studied Veterinary Science at Melbourne University, and then worked in mixed animal practice for seven years before completing a PhD at the Australian National University, Canberra, in wildlife health from which she published numerous scientific papers.
Since then she has worked on a wide range of Australian native animals in many different natural environments.
She lives in Canberra with her husband and two children. She works part-time in veterinary practice, provides veterinary support for biologists studying native animals, and writes most days. Karen’s first novel, The Stranding, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2008 and her second novel, The Lightkeeper’s Wife, also published by Allen & Unwin will be released in February 2011
Since then she has worked on a wide range of Australian native animals in many different natural environments.
She lives in Canberra with her husband and two children. She works part-time in veterinary practice, provides veterinary support for biologists studying native animals, and writes most days. Karen’s first novel, The Stranding, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2008 and her second novel, The Lightkeeper’s Wife, also published by Allen & Unwin will be released in February 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
February 13, 2024
You know when you read an author for the first time and you think, why have I not done this sooner? This was me.
I began this audio book with a dash of trepidation as being a parent of four, I lived my fair share of drop offs, training sessions and parental/coach observation. I also did my fair share of reading my book on the sidelines. I didn’t buy into the drama, in fact, I avoided it all while noticing the others doing it. I left the hard stuff to my husband, explaining the reasons and the parents that coach their own kids, and how that will help/hinder their own child. This was softball. Then onto football (tackle). I can’t even begin. So much yelling and awful behaviour. I don’t know what is wrong with people sometimes. I had a little one in a pram and was quite busy, and then grateful my son only played two seasons. It's hard not to sound pessimistic, but it was honestly my experience.
I do digress, but in saying all this, believe I have some lived experience and can say this story is so credible. A fast read, absorbing and astute. An apt observation of the parents, and more importantly, the children. The players that are there to PLAY. It should be fun, and all these kids were affected in one way or another by over expectation, pressure, and the impossibility of living their game through the eyes of the parent. Karen Viggers showed this with ease as the kids flailed, fought each other, and withdrew from their families, their friends, and the game.
My angst subsided as the story unfolded, I enjoyed the different families and their dynamics which fed through to quite a messy whole.
The author captured the root of the problem, parents who should be fine examples who show the opposite to this, fathers applying pressure to the point there is no joy, and mothers displaying ulterior motives. No wonder the kids were confused, angry, violent, and simply unkind.
I recommend this contemporary novel as an accurate observation to modern life, also highly enjoyed the audio version, which I listened to via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
I began this audio book with a dash of trepidation as being a parent of four, I lived my fair share of drop offs, training sessions and parental/coach observation. I also did my fair share of reading my book on the sidelines. I didn’t buy into the drama, in fact, I avoided it all while noticing the others doing it. I left the hard stuff to my husband, explaining the reasons and the parents that coach their own kids, and how that will help/hinder their own child. This was softball. Then onto football (tackle). I can’t even begin. So much yelling and awful behaviour. I don’t know what is wrong with people sometimes. I had a little one in a pram and was quite busy, and then grateful my son only played two seasons. It's hard not to sound pessimistic, but it was honestly my experience.
I do digress, but in saying all this, believe I have some lived experience and can say this story is so credible. A fast read, absorbing and astute. An apt observation of the parents, and more importantly, the children. The players that are there to PLAY. It should be fun, and all these kids were affected in one way or another by over expectation, pressure, and the impossibility of living their game through the eyes of the parent. Karen Viggers showed this with ease as the kids flailed, fought each other, and withdrew from their families, their friends, and the game.
My angst subsided as the story unfolded, I enjoyed the different families and their dynamics which fed through to quite a messy whole.
The author captured the root of the problem, parents who should be fine examples who show the opposite to this, fathers applying pressure to the point there is no joy, and mothers displaying ulterior motives. No wonder the kids were confused, angry, violent, and simply unkind.
I recommend this contemporary novel as an accurate observation to modern life, also highly enjoyed the audio version, which I listened to via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
December 27, 2023
Sidelines is the fifth novel by award-winning, best-selling Australian wildlife and domestic animal veterinarian, podcaster, and author, Karen Viggers. Team sports for children: surely a pastime that promotes health, co-operation and enjoyment, whilst keeping players occupied and distracted from less savoury pursuits. Why then, does the Minotaurs’ under 14 football game in July end with a non-play injury that is serious enough to require an ambulance?
At the urging of their father, Ben, both Jonica Woodford’s thirteen-year-old twins play football (soccer), and this year, Audrey joins the November trials for Alex’s team, the Minotaurs, aiming to improve her game by playing with the boys’ team. But some of the boys are resentful, and the coaches seem blind to her obvious talent, while favouring a more aggressive girl, Katerina, whose mother makes every effort to ensure her daughter is noticed.
When one of the boys defects to a rival team, Audrey has a chance, but it seems her efforts to impress are being sabotaged. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Melbourne teen with a natural talent for the game really shows up the rest of the players. Jonica wishes that Ben, and some of the other parents would ease up a bit on their children, to let them have fun, but they seem unable to tone down their unfettered competitiveness and, ultimately, someone suffers for it.
While Viggers prefaces each chapter with a definition of a football term, by no means is it necessary to be a fan of the sport, as this story could apply equally to a myriad of competitive activities, and her characters will be familiar to any reader who has attended a children’s sporting venue.
Poor behaviour from the teens might be the product of confusing messages from their role models, pressure to fulfil a parent’s failed ambition, bullying, hunger for approval, or lack of balance between “leisure” activities.
The fact that some parents allow petty rivalries to rule their actions, or are so singularly focussed on an activity that they fail to perceive their child’s needs and feelings, is disappointing but wholly believable. And the fact that some of the teens show more maturity than their parents is no surprise. A topical and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
At the urging of their father, Ben, both Jonica Woodford’s thirteen-year-old twins play football (soccer), and this year, Audrey joins the November trials for Alex’s team, the Minotaurs, aiming to improve her game by playing with the boys’ team. But some of the boys are resentful, and the coaches seem blind to her obvious talent, while favouring a more aggressive girl, Katerina, whose mother makes every effort to ensure her daughter is noticed.
When one of the boys defects to a rival team, Audrey has a chance, but it seems her efforts to impress are being sabotaged. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Melbourne teen with a natural talent for the game really shows up the rest of the players. Jonica wishes that Ben, and some of the other parents would ease up a bit on their children, to let them have fun, but they seem unable to tone down their unfettered competitiveness and, ultimately, someone suffers for it.
While Viggers prefaces each chapter with a definition of a football term, by no means is it necessary to be a fan of the sport, as this story could apply equally to a myriad of competitive activities, and her characters will be familiar to any reader who has attended a children’s sporting venue.
Poor behaviour from the teens might be the product of confusing messages from their role models, pressure to fulfil a parent’s failed ambition, bullying, hunger for approval, or lack of balance between “leisure” activities.
The fact that some parents allow petty rivalries to rule their actions, or are so singularly focussed on an activity that they fail to perceive their child’s needs and feelings, is disappointing but wholly believable. And the fact that some of the teens show more maturity than their parents is no surprise. A topical and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
January 25, 2024
Sidelines is the fifth novel by award-winning, best-selling Australian wildlife and domestic animal veterinarian, podcaster, and author, Karen Viggers. The audio version is narrated by Jo Van Es. Team sports for children: surely a pastime that promotes health, co-operation and enjoyment, whilst keeping players occupied and distracted from less savoury pursuits. Why then, does the Minotaurs’ under 14 football game in July end with a non-play injury that is serious enough to require an ambulance?
At the urging of their father, Ben, both Jonica Woodford’s thirteen-year-old twins play football (soccer), and this year, Audrey joins the November trials for Alex’s team, the Minotaurs, aiming to improve her game by playing with the boys’ team. But some of the boys are resentful, and the coaches seem blind to her obvious talent, while favouring a more aggressive girl, Katerina, whose mother makes every effort to ensure her daughter is noticed.
When one of the boys defects to a rival team, Audrey has a chance, but it seems her efforts to impress are being sabotaged. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Melbourne teen with a natural talent for the game really shows up the rest of the players. Jonica wishes that Ben, and some of the other parents would ease up a bit on their children, to let them have fun, but they seem unable to tone down their unfettered competitiveness and, ultimately, someone suffers for it.
While Viggers prefaces each chapter with a definition of a football term, by no means is it necessary to be a fan of the sport, as this story could apply equally to a myriad of competitive activities, and her characters will be familiar to any reader who has attended a children’s sporting venue.
Poor behaviour from the teens might be the product of confusing messages from their role models, pressure to fulfil a parent’s failed ambition, bullying, hunger for approval, or lack of balance between “leisure” activities.
The fact that some parents allow petty rivalries to rule their actions, or are so singularly focussed on an activity that they fail to perceive their child’s needs and feelings, is disappointing but wholly believable. And the fact that some of the teens show more maturity than their parents is no surprise. A topical and thought-provoking read.
At the urging of their father, Ben, both Jonica Woodford’s thirteen-year-old twins play football (soccer), and this year, Audrey joins the November trials for Alex’s team, the Minotaurs, aiming to improve her game by playing with the boys’ team. But some of the boys are resentful, and the coaches seem blind to her obvious talent, while favouring a more aggressive girl, Katerina, whose mother makes every effort to ensure her daughter is noticed.
When one of the boys defects to a rival team, Audrey has a chance, but it seems her efforts to impress are being sabotaged. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Melbourne teen with a natural talent for the game really shows up the rest of the players. Jonica wishes that Ben, and some of the other parents would ease up a bit on their children, to let them have fun, but they seem unable to tone down their unfettered competitiveness and, ultimately, someone suffers for it.
While Viggers prefaces each chapter with a definition of a football term, by no means is it necessary to be a fan of the sport, as this story could apply equally to a myriad of competitive activities, and her characters will be familiar to any reader who has attended a children’s sporting venue.
Poor behaviour from the teens might be the product of confusing messages from their role models, pressure to fulfil a parent’s failed ambition, bullying, hunger for approval, or lack of balance between “leisure” activities.
The fact that some parents allow petty rivalries to rule their actions, or are so singularly focussed on an activity that they fail to perceive their child’s needs and feelings, is disappointing but wholly believable. And the fact that some of the teens show more maturity than their parents is no surprise. A topical and thought-provoking read.
December 30, 2024
4.5*
Sidelines is an immersive family drama taking place over thirteen months within the context of a competitive junior football competition in Sydney, Australia. The book opens with a flash-forward, a tantalisingly dramatic scene in which an ambulance arrives at a football pitch to minister to an unnamed person, who has been seriously injured in an incident we suspect occurred outside normal play.
Over the course of the narrative, we hear the perspectives of six different characters. Jonica and Carmen are committed "soccer moms", but have little else in common. Jonica is concerned about the pressure her football (NOT "soccer"!) obsessed barrister husband Ben is placing on their thirteen-year-old twins Alex (♂) and Audrey as they both try out for the highly competitive Minotaurs U15 football team. Alex is a shoe-in, as he's played for the team previously, but Audrey is attempting to break down the barriers and increase her skills by transferring from the girls' team.
Meanwhile, Carmen attempts to increase her own 13-year-old daughter Katarina's chances of selection for the team by volunteering to act as team manager and feting the team coach, Dominick, with meals and attention. A former elite football player herself, Carmen is prepared to be as ruthless as necessary to ensure Katarina's success, but seems blind to her daughter's underhanded and bullying tactics aimed at destabilising her rival, Audrey.
Next we hear from the girls themselves. Audrey is buckling under the weight of her father's expectations that one day she'll play for the Matildas (Australia's national women's football side), and the exclusion and physical abuse she's experiencing at the hands of her teammates, predominantly Katerina. She once loved playing football above all else, but is starting to doubt her own commitment, and is tempted to participate in alternative activities, such as her school play. Audrey's experience playing for the Minotaurs receives a boost upon the arrival of a cute and engaging new player, Griffin, with whom she begins a tentative teenage romance and is able to share her innermost doubts, but it doesn't arrest her slide into self-harming behaviour as a method of coping with her distress.
Then we view events from the perspective of Katarina, a character we've come to see as aggressive, bitchy and manipulative from the earlier narratives. Of course, nothing is ever quite that simple, and the reader gains an awareness of the self-doubt and gnawing resentment that are at the heart of Katarina's bad behaviour. We also become privy to the fact that Katarina is being sexually groomed and abused by the friend of her elder brother. While considering herself a willing participant in the "relationship", the fact that Katarina is 13-14 and her "boyfriend" is 19 causes major ructions in Katarina's traditional Greek-Australian family when the abuse is dramatically exposed.
The fifth narrative, from the perspective of Jonica's husband and Audrey's father, Ben, draws the stories together and brings us to the shocking events depicted in the prologue. We get a sense of the masculine power dynamic and sibling rivalry that have made Ben the demanding husband and father he is. His dismissive treatment of Jonica's views and aspirations will rankle with many female readers (they certainly did with me!), as does his lack of insight into the effect of his "tiger style" parenting of Audrey. However, Ben is forced to reassess his priorities and consider his own responsibility when first, son Alex receives a season-ending knee injury, and later the serious psychological impacts of the relentless pressure on Audrey are revealed.
Finally, in the form of a epilogue set four months after the cataclysmic events depicted in the epilogue, we hear from Griffin, the 14-year-old new recruit to the Minotaurs team. Griffin is the son of a single father and comes from a somewhat lower socio-economic background that his teammates. But Griffin is a highly talented young footballer, by far the most likely of the Minotaurs to have a future in professional football. And his lack of privileged entitlement make him a far more sensitive and insightful character than the other kids in the team, coming just at the right time for the distressed and self-doubting Audrey. What will the future hold for these two essentially "good kids" that have been caught up in the maelstrom of parental expectation, toxic competitiveness and a "win-at-all-costs" mentality?
I lived a brief period as a "soccer mum", during the years my daughter was between 8 and 11 years old, and like Carmen acted as team manager - but not with the sole aim of boosting my daughter's on-field time! Those experiences, combined with my subsequent life as a "dance mum" have given me a glimpse of some of the appalling parental behaviour that occurs as some adults attempt to live their own dreams via their children. Inevitably, the pressure to win / be better than everyone else sometimes manifests in rather brattish and disrespectful behaviour in some of the young players / performers, too. I'm relieved never to have witnessed deliberate physical violence or sabotage in these scenarios, as occurs in Sidelines, but have on occasion been shocked by the way some parents speak to their child who has made an error or otherwise failed to live up to expectations on the field or stage. Seeing an expectant little face fall when the first words a parent offers after a game or performance are criticism is just heartbreaking.
I feel author Karen Viggers has really got to the core of the motivations and effects of parental pressure in a sporting context with Sidelines. It's a wake-up call to all parents to consider the effects of their behaviour on young minds and bodies. In Sidelines, Viggers explores some pretty heavy themes, including systemic misogyny, toxic masculinity, persistent sexual abuse of a minor, teenage self-harm, complex marital dynamics, sibling rivalry (between children and between adult siblings) and of course vicarious ambition.
I'd recommend Sidelines to any reader who enjoys contemporary drama. Any parent who has supported a child though competitive extra-curricular endeavours is likely to recognise some of the behaviours and outcomes featured in the book. I was particularly impressed by Karen Viggers ability to draw the reader's sympathy for each of the featured narrators, in spite of the way some of them behave towards others. Sidelines is a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Sidelines is an immersive family drama taking place over thirteen months within the context of a competitive junior football competition in Sydney, Australia. The book opens with a flash-forward, a tantalisingly dramatic scene in which an ambulance arrives at a football pitch to minister to an unnamed person, who has been seriously injured in an incident we suspect occurred outside normal play.
Over the course of the narrative, we hear the perspectives of six different characters. Jonica and Carmen are committed "soccer moms", but have little else in common. Jonica is concerned about the pressure her football (NOT "soccer"!) obsessed barrister husband Ben is placing on their thirteen-year-old twins Alex (♂) and Audrey as they both try out for the highly competitive Minotaurs U15 football team. Alex is a shoe-in, as he's played for the team previously, but Audrey is attempting to break down the barriers and increase her skills by transferring from the girls' team.
Meanwhile, Carmen attempts to increase her own 13-year-old daughter Katarina's chances of selection for the team by volunteering to act as team manager and feting the team coach, Dominick, with meals and attention. A former elite football player herself, Carmen is prepared to be as ruthless as necessary to ensure Katarina's success, but seems blind to her daughter's underhanded and bullying tactics aimed at destabilising her rival, Audrey.
Next we hear from the girls themselves. Audrey is buckling under the weight of her father's expectations that one day she'll play for the Matildas (Australia's national women's football side), and the exclusion and physical abuse she's experiencing at the hands of her teammates, predominantly Katerina. She once loved playing football above all else, but is starting to doubt her own commitment, and is tempted to participate in alternative activities, such as her school play. Audrey's experience playing for the Minotaurs receives a boost upon the arrival of a cute and engaging new player, Griffin, with whom she begins a tentative teenage romance and is able to share her innermost doubts, but it doesn't arrest her slide into self-harming behaviour as a method of coping with her distress.
Then we view events from the perspective of Katarina, a character we've come to see as aggressive, bitchy and manipulative from the earlier narratives. Of course, nothing is ever quite that simple, and the reader gains an awareness of the self-doubt and gnawing resentment that are at the heart of Katarina's bad behaviour. We also become privy to the fact that Katarina is being sexually groomed and abused by the friend of her elder brother. While considering herself a willing participant in the "relationship", the fact that Katarina is 13-14 and her "boyfriend" is 19 causes major ructions in Katarina's traditional Greek-Australian family when the abuse is dramatically exposed.
The fifth narrative, from the perspective of Jonica's husband and Audrey's father, Ben, draws the stories together and brings us to the shocking events depicted in the prologue. We get a sense of the masculine power dynamic and sibling rivalry that have made Ben the demanding husband and father he is. His dismissive treatment of Jonica's views and aspirations will rankle with many female readers (they certainly did with me!), as does his lack of insight into the effect of his "tiger style" parenting of Audrey. However, Ben is forced to reassess his priorities and consider his own responsibility when first, son Alex receives a season-ending knee injury, and later the serious psychological impacts of the relentless pressure on Audrey are revealed.
Finally, in the form of a epilogue set four months after the cataclysmic events depicted in the epilogue, we hear from Griffin, the 14-year-old new recruit to the Minotaurs team. Griffin is the son of a single father and comes from a somewhat lower socio-economic background that his teammates. But Griffin is a highly talented young footballer, by far the most likely of the Minotaurs to have a future in professional football. And his lack of privileged entitlement make him a far more sensitive and insightful character than the other kids in the team, coming just at the right time for the distressed and self-doubting Audrey. What will the future hold for these two essentially "good kids" that have been caught up in the maelstrom of parental expectation, toxic competitiveness and a "win-at-all-costs" mentality?
I lived a brief period as a "soccer mum", during the years my daughter was between 8 and 11 years old, and like Carmen acted as team manager - but not with the sole aim of boosting my daughter's on-field time! Those experiences, combined with my subsequent life as a "dance mum" have given me a glimpse of some of the appalling parental behaviour that occurs as some adults attempt to live their own dreams via their children. Inevitably, the pressure to win / be better than everyone else sometimes manifests in rather brattish and disrespectful behaviour in some of the young players / performers, too. I'm relieved never to have witnessed deliberate physical violence or sabotage in these scenarios, as occurs in Sidelines, but have on occasion been shocked by the way some parents speak to their child who has made an error or otherwise failed to live up to expectations on the field or stage. Seeing an expectant little face fall when the first words a parent offers after a game or performance are criticism is just heartbreaking.
I feel author Karen Viggers has really got to the core of the motivations and effects of parental pressure in a sporting context with Sidelines. It's a wake-up call to all parents to consider the effects of their behaviour on young minds and bodies. In Sidelines, Viggers explores some pretty heavy themes, including systemic misogyny, toxic masculinity, persistent sexual abuse of a minor, teenage self-harm, complex marital dynamics, sibling rivalry (between children and between adult siblings) and of course vicarious ambition.
I'd recommend Sidelines to any reader who enjoys contemporary drama. Any parent who has supported a child though competitive extra-curricular endeavours is likely to recognise some of the behaviours and outcomes featured in the book. I was particularly impressed by Karen Viggers ability to draw the reader's sympathy for each of the featured narrators, in spite of the way some of them behave towards others. Sidelines is a thought-provoking and engaging read.
January 8, 2025
A timely novel that at its core is about the pressures and intensity of junior sport, specifically soccer (okay, okay, football...). For me, as a parent of children who play sport, some of the enthusiastic parent characters felt familiar. I liked that the book included the perspectives of both children and parents which gave a well-rounded view of each side; a parent thinking they are being supportive but a child feeling pressured is one example. The storyline also delves into many important topics that encompass life including bullying, violence, relationship issues, underage sex, mental health, self-harm and so on. Even though these topics are heavy, they are realistic and the storyline shows how it is possible to get through such things in life.
Overall: I would highly recommend this contemporary novel, it was a great read.
Overall: I would highly recommend this contemporary novel, it was a great read.
March 16, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
Sidelines is the latest showcase and suburban contemporary drama from Karen Viggers, an established writer who has released four thought-provoking novels in the past. Sidelines is a kind of love letter to the competitive junior sports world, and it is a book that spoke to me in so many ways.
⚽️Sidelines truly spoke to my soul. I feel like this book was written to me about my life as it stands. For those who don’t know, I am a soccer mum. I have been since my son entered the competitive world of football or soccer (depending on your preference) and futsal since he was seven years old. Today, my morning started off at 5 a.m, as my son had an early semi-final futsal game in the city, which is a fifty-minute drive from our place. Last night and the night before I made the drive to the city (another hour drive) for my son’s training commitments and Sunday will be spent getting my son to Perth city for yet another game. That’s my life but I love it, so when Sidelines came into my hands, I felt a huge sigh of relief. Someone gets my life and has put it to paper for others to enjoy and connect with!
⚽️Onto the book itself, Sidelines features a plot that is heavy with a number of periphery themes that do not just revolve around football. Do expect your gaze to fall on misogyny, favouritism, inequality, teen relationships, leisure, expectations, education, sibling rivalry, bullying, parenting, career, home life, marriage breakdown, jealousy, the law, justice, discipline, underage sex, alcohol abuse, athleticism, violence and self-harm. This really is a minefield of vital and conflict filled topics, that is covered with a sense of understanding and a sharpness that tells me that Viggers knows exactly what she is presenting to her readers. As I have come to expect based on my previous experiences of Karen Viggers work, I was taken aback by her prized tone and perfectly plucked prose, which urged me to turn one page after the other.
It also had me looking to the next standpoint break feature that highlights a common soccer term (there are six alternating perspectives in this story). This is a contemporary fiction novel that captures the everyday suburban world, warts and all. So don’t expect to like or sympathise with all the characters in this compelling tale. What Sidelines was able to do via its character set was to provide me with a big reality check, am I being a healthy parent on the sidelines? Do I put too much pressure on my son to over perform? That’s definitely food for thought in my house upon closing this book.
Finely tuned, incredibly relatable and morally perplexing, Sidelines is a novel that I wouldn’t hesitate at all to award five stars to. And my sincere thanks to the author for persisting in her efforts to obtain me a copy!
Sidelines is the latest showcase and suburban contemporary drama from Karen Viggers, an established writer who has released four thought-provoking novels in the past. Sidelines is a kind of love letter to the competitive junior sports world, and it is a book that spoke to me in so many ways.
⚽️Sidelines truly spoke to my soul. I feel like this book was written to me about my life as it stands. For those who don’t know, I am a soccer mum. I have been since my son entered the competitive world of football or soccer (depending on your preference) and futsal since he was seven years old. Today, my morning started off at 5 a.m, as my son had an early semi-final futsal game in the city, which is a fifty-minute drive from our place. Last night and the night before I made the drive to the city (another hour drive) for my son’s training commitments and Sunday will be spent getting my son to Perth city for yet another game. That’s my life but I love it, so when Sidelines came into my hands, I felt a huge sigh of relief. Someone gets my life and has put it to paper for others to enjoy and connect with!
⚽️Onto the book itself, Sidelines features a plot that is heavy with a number of periphery themes that do not just revolve around football. Do expect your gaze to fall on misogyny, favouritism, inequality, teen relationships, leisure, expectations, education, sibling rivalry, bullying, parenting, career, home life, marriage breakdown, jealousy, the law, justice, discipline, underage sex, alcohol abuse, athleticism, violence and self-harm. This really is a minefield of vital and conflict filled topics, that is covered with a sense of understanding and a sharpness that tells me that Viggers knows exactly what she is presenting to her readers. As I have come to expect based on my previous experiences of Karen Viggers work, I was taken aback by her prized tone and perfectly plucked prose, which urged me to turn one page after the other.
It also had me looking to the next standpoint break feature that highlights a common soccer term (there are six alternating perspectives in this story). This is a contemporary fiction novel that captures the everyday suburban world, warts and all. So don’t expect to like or sympathise with all the characters in this compelling tale. What Sidelines was able to do via its character set was to provide me with a big reality check, am I being a healthy parent on the sidelines? Do I put too much pressure on my son to over perform? That’s definitely food for thought in my house upon closing this book.
Finely tuned, incredibly relatable and morally perplexing, Sidelines is a novel that I wouldn’t hesitate at all to award five stars to. And my sincere thanks to the author for persisting in her efforts to obtain me a copy!
November 15, 2023
Read this one in two days which is not common for me at all. Perhaps because I have spent a lot of time on those soccer/football sidelines including as a team manager. This is an extremely topical and important read for all those who work in sports, participate in sports themselves or have children doing sports or are in fact involved in anything at all competitive. Or who just have teens. These are very real situations that most of us experience at some time in our lives and we have a lot to learn from books like this one. Is it a page turner? Yes. Will it win literary awards? No, because fiction like this is rarely given the opportunity to even be considered for such things. But will it make you think, and perhaps recognise yourself or friend/family now or as a teen? Of course, unless you are blind to your own behaviour and that of everyone around you.
January 1, 2024
An excellent story about a situation which is becoming all too frequent in this day and age.
Two girls, two families from different backgrounds with the same goal - for these girls to be the best and eventually join the big league.
It has become more prevalent in sport and other activities these days that what I call 'the ugly parent syndrome' is alive and well.
This author obviously knows all about soccer and has portrayed the story so well, I really enjoyed reading this book.
Two girls, two families from different backgrounds with the same goal - for these girls to be the best and eventually join the big league.
It has become more prevalent in sport and other activities these days that what I call 'the ugly parent syndrome' is alive and well.
This author obviously knows all about soccer and has portrayed the story so well, I really enjoyed reading this book.
January 8, 2024
Thank you Better Reading and Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Sidelines is a razor sharp, solid, compact, well written and scores all the goals.
The new novel by Aussie author Karen Viggers is one that stands out and has bestseller status high on the agenda.
A mixed sex sports team.
A collection of teens.
A selection of parents who will do anything for their children.
Jonica is a supportive sports mum.
Ben, her husband is obsessed with soccer and wants his twins to be successful in the game.
Audrey is thirteen and is a talented player but is not sure that it’s her world like her father.
Katerina is the only other girl on the team who is distracted by something else.
Carmen, her mother wants her daughter to thrive but fails to see what’s really going on.
And Griffin is the gifted player who arrives just wanting to fit in.
Welcome to the field where there’s competition to be the best.
While the plot is based around soccer or as some call it football, there’s so much more going on with topics that are thought provoking.
Karen has cleverly captured the rivalry between parents when sport is number one in school but what’s happening with family behind closed doors is the real drama.
While some of the content is eye opening, it’s also raw, honest and very believable.
Social issues and themes run throughout but penned with compassion and realness.
If you have ever been around a sport event then the characters and their actions will be all too familiar.
This is one read that everyone should get their hands on.
A strong piece of contemporary fiction.
Sidelines is a razor sharp, solid, compact, well written and scores all the goals.
The new novel by Aussie author Karen Viggers is one that stands out and has bestseller status high on the agenda.
A mixed sex sports team.
A collection of teens.
A selection of parents who will do anything for their children.
Jonica is a supportive sports mum.
Ben, her husband is obsessed with soccer and wants his twins to be successful in the game.
Audrey is thirteen and is a talented player but is not sure that it’s her world like her father.
Katerina is the only other girl on the team who is distracted by something else.
Carmen, her mother wants her daughter to thrive but fails to see what’s really going on.
And Griffin is the gifted player who arrives just wanting to fit in.
Welcome to the field where there’s competition to be the best.
While the plot is based around soccer or as some call it football, there’s so much more going on with topics that are thought provoking.
Karen has cleverly captured the rivalry between parents when sport is number one in school but what’s happening with family behind closed doors is the real drama.
While some of the content is eye opening, it’s also raw, honest and very believable.
Social issues and themes run throughout but penned with compassion and realness.
If you have ever been around a sport event then the characters and their actions will be all too familiar.
This is one read that everyone should get their hands on.
A strong piece of contemporary fiction.
February 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Read
January 28, 2024I inhaled this book! As a parent of sporty'ish teen girls, it covered a topic I've not seen discussed in fiction but one I think about a lot - what's the main aim of kids' sport and how can parents best support their children to achieve that goal? Is it to have fun and socialise? To win? To learn about team work and commitment? Should they be pushed at all to succeed? Really enjoyed the way Viggers teased out the discussion and unveiled the insidious ways in which parents ruin their child's experience of sport. Excellent characterisation and an interesting structure combine to make for a fantastic, fresh read about contemporary Australian family life.
January 16, 2024
As an ex-athlete, I LOVE fiction with a sports theme (and wish there was more of it out there) so I was super excited to read this one!
The story starts with the dramatic image of an ambulance racing to a soccer field. Someone has been horribly injured. But how did it happen? They're nowhere near the goal posts. The paramedics are baffled. They've seen injuries like this from fist fights - but surely not at a kids' soccer match? What the hell happened here?
The story then flashes back nine months to the pre-season trials for the Minotaurs team and the group of teenagers who hope to play for them. The author shows us the dark side of competitive sport and how easy it is to take your passion too far.
The story is told from the point of view of several of the main characters including 13-year old Audrey, her mother Jonica who just wants the best for her daughter and her pushy father Ben who is reliving his own thwarted dreams of becoming a soccer player through his daughter. The author shows how soccer takes over family life, the sacrifices families make for it and how it affects the physical and mental health of the young teenage players. We get an insight into team dynamics, coaching styles and differing parental attitudes.
As the mother of two young boys who are soccer-obsessed, I found this story fascinating and highly relatable. Thought-provoking, fast-paced and totally engrossing!
The story starts with the dramatic image of an ambulance racing to a soccer field. Someone has been horribly injured. But how did it happen? They're nowhere near the goal posts. The paramedics are baffled. They've seen injuries like this from fist fights - but surely not at a kids' soccer match? What the hell happened here?
The story then flashes back nine months to the pre-season trials for the Minotaurs team and the group of teenagers who hope to play for them. The author shows us the dark side of competitive sport and how easy it is to take your passion too far.
The story is told from the point of view of several of the main characters including 13-year old Audrey, her mother Jonica who just wants the best for her daughter and her pushy father Ben who is reliving his own thwarted dreams of becoming a soccer player through his daughter. The author shows how soccer takes over family life, the sacrifices families make for it and how it affects the physical and mental health of the young teenage players. We get an insight into team dynamics, coaching styles and differing parental attitudes.
As the mother of two young boys who are soccer-obsessed, I found this story fascinating and highly relatable. Thought-provoking, fast-paced and totally engrossing!
July 18, 2024
I met Canberra author @karen_viggers at a recent book event and after we chatted she kindly arranged for a personalised signed copy of her most recent book Sidelines to make its way to me. Thanks so much Karen!
I ended up reading this mainly on audio and I really enjoyed it! The book focuses on suburban junior sport which is not a topic I've seen covered in a fiction before.
Sidelines starts with an ambulance crew arriving at a sports field after a violent brawl at a junior soccer match. The story then follows two families as the tension between teammates, teams and family members builds to the climatic conclusion.
For a parent of children who have participated in various team sports over the years this book rang so true. Not that I'm saying I witnessed violence like that in Sidelines but I recognised so many of the characteristics the parents and players exhibited in people we have come across over the years!
Overbearing fathers, overcompensating mothers, aggressive children (and their parents) it all seemed very relatable. The portrayal of thirteen year old Audrey though was really memorable. I thought the way the author described Audrey's need to meet her parent's expectations and her rising feelings of anxiety was very well done. I also watched Inside Out 2 while reading Sidelines and the portrayal of anxiety in that movie was very complementary.
This was a propulsive read that was very hard to put down. I'm so impressed with my first Karen Viggers novel! A bonus is how lovely she is and how supportive of the broader book community she is! Give her a follow if you aren't already.
Thank you @karen_viggers for my #gifted copy.
I ended up reading this mainly on audio and I really enjoyed it! The book focuses on suburban junior sport which is not a topic I've seen covered in a fiction before.
Sidelines starts with an ambulance crew arriving at a sports field after a violent brawl at a junior soccer match. The story then follows two families as the tension between teammates, teams and family members builds to the climatic conclusion.
For a parent of children who have participated in various team sports over the years this book rang so true. Not that I'm saying I witnessed violence like that in Sidelines but I recognised so many of the characteristics the parents and players exhibited in people we have come across over the years!
Overbearing fathers, overcompensating mothers, aggressive children (and their parents) it all seemed very relatable. The portrayal of thirteen year old Audrey though was really memorable. I thought the way the author described Audrey's need to meet her parent's expectations and her rising feelings of anxiety was very well done. I also watched Inside Out 2 while reading Sidelines and the portrayal of anxiety in that movie was very complementary.
This was a propulsive read that was very hard to put down. I'm so impressed with my first Karen Viggers novel! A bonus is how lovely she is and how supportive of the broader book community she is! Give her a follow if you aren't already.
Thank you @karen_viggers for my #gifted copy.
June 8, 2024
This book promised drama, but didn't deliver unfortunately. This was so boring. If you're a soccer fan, you might like this, but for me it is a hard pass.
January 1, 2025
The book opens with an ambulance arriving at a kid's soccer match. It then goes back in time to the events that led up to the incident that led to the ambulance being called.
Certainly kids sport can be really competitive and the book highlights how much some parents invest in their kid's sport. The book is told from the perspective of different people involved in the Minotaur's soccer club. It is interesting to see how events were perceived by different people.
Worth a read.
Certainly kids sport can be really competitive and the book highlights how much some parents invest in their kid's sport. The book is told from the perspective of different people involved in the Minotaur's soccer club. It is interesting to see how events were perceived by different people.
Worth a read.
February 1, 2024
[Audiobook]
Junior sport is not all like this, but sadly I've seen plenty of junior sport that contains these elements.
I devoured this book. It's well-written and the audiobook was perfectly narrated. The characters came alive and the changing perspectives, from one character to another, was a great device to illustrate what's going on in the heads of each of the main protagonists. In particular, the kids, who each had background stories and rationales that made sense.
But I feel that I need to defend junior sport. It's not filled with obsessive parents. It's incredibly rare that is descends into the levels described in Sidelines. Junior sport is more about community. It's supportive. Many of the memorable moments feature the less-talented players. Junior sport is a good thing.
Sidelines focuses on the bad - the obsessive parents. And it certainly has that right - in my experience trouble in junior sport is almost always due to the obsessive parents.
Sidelines particularly highlights the delusion that sometimes drives obsessive parents. In Sidelines, the parental backstories feature unfulfilled dreams. It's real and somewhat understandable. But Sidelines makes it clear that history doesn't justify the current parent attitude. And it painfully describes the sad consequences of these parents' attitude.
One of the great things about "reading" this book is the moments that made me stop and think "have I ever done anything like that". It's a healthy, yet potentially uncomfortable question. I don't think I'm perfect here, but I'd like to think that my behaviour is nothing like what's described in Sidelines!
I also found myself thinking how appropriate it would be for parents with young kids just starting out in community sport, to read Sidelines. It's an easy-to-read, thought-provoking and a healthy book for all parents.
Junior sport is not all like this, but sadly I've seen plenty of junior sport that contains these elements.
I devoured this book. It's well-written and the audiobook was perfectly narrated. The characters came alive and the changing perspectives, from one character to another, was a great device to illustrate what's going on in the heads of each of the main protagonists. In particular, the kids, who each had background stories and rationales that made sense.
But I feel that I need to defend junior sport. It's not filled with obsessive parents. It's incredibly rare that is descends into the levels described in Sidelines. Junior sport is more about community. It's supportive. Many of the memorable moments feature the less-talented players. Junior sport is a good thing.
Sidelines focuses on the bad - the obsessive parents. And it certainly has that right - in my experience trouble in junior sport is almost always due to the obsessive parents.
Sidelines particularly highlights the delusion that sometimes drives obsessive parents. In Sidelines, the parental backstories feature unfulfilled dreams. It's real and somewhat understandable. But Sidelines makes it clear that history doesn't justify the current parent attitude. And it painfully describes the sad consequences of these parents' attitude.
One of the great things about "reading" this book is the moments that made me stop and think "have I ever done anything like that". It's a healthy, yet potentially uncomfortable question. I don't think I'm perfect here, but I'd like to think that my behaviour is nothing like what's described in Sidelines!
I also found myself thinking how appropriate it would be for parents with young kids just starting out in community sport, to read Sidelines. It's an easy-to-read, thought-provoking and a healthy book for all parents.
January 8, 2024
Sidelines examines the good, bad and ugly of teenage weekend sports. From choosing the right club, bullying, parental pressure to rivalries between star players no stone is unturned. Twins Audrey and Alex give us an insight into the gender issues and double standards. Audrey is a talented player but to get ahead she needs to play in boys teams and work twice as hard as her brother who can play well but doesn’t have the same skills. Audrey’s main rival Katarina comes from a different background and gave good insight into how different classes interact in sport. Both girls were under extreme pressure to succeed from a parent who never quite made it.
Set in Sydney, the story is told from five different points of view. I liked getting to know each of the different characters, some I came to like a bit more after I saw their view point. I really felt for both Audrey who put aside other interests to try and live up to her father’s expectations and her mother Jonica, who was trying to find herself after having twins and regain her previously successful career. As well as exploring teenage sport the novel also touches on bullying, self harm and teen love. The story was engaging and moved fast and I’m keen to read more of Vigger’s books.
Set in Sydney, the story is told from five different points of view. I liked getting to know each of the different characters, some I came to like a bit more after I saw their view point. I really felt for both Audrey who put aside other interests to try and live up to her father’s expectations and her mother Jonica, who was trying to find herself after having twins and regain her previously successful career. As well as exploring teenage sport the novel also touches on bullying, self harm and teen love. The story was engaging and moved fast and I’m keen to read more of Vigger’s books.
July 1, 2024
First time reading from this author. Enjoyed 🎊
April 20, 2024
Couldn’t put it down !
May 16, 2024
Sidelines is my first book from Aussie author Karen Viggers but it certainly won’t be my last. It’s a thought provoking read that makes us consider our behaviours surrounding kids’ sport and the messages kids are receiving from parents and coaches.
Having two children who participate in team sport, this was a highly relatable read. I’ve seen the signs posted at venues about expected behaviour from those on the sidelines and have witnessed firsthand some of the aggression towards referees and opposition players from both kids and parents, so this is a timely topic.
The story begins with a violent brawl at a suburban junior soccer game and we are then taken back nine months to see what led up to this incident.
The characters were all incredibly engaging and I loved reading from the two teenage girls’ POVs. Katerina and Audrey were from quite different families but many of the challenges and pressures they faced were identical.
The book also highlights issues around competitiveness and how far is too far in pursuing the win, teen body image, sexuality and consent, socioeconomic status, girls in sport, misogyny, toxic masculinity, bullying and family dynamics.
Although there are some tough topics, the book is written with sensitivity and in an easily accessible way which had me bingeing it late at night.
Sidelines is an important and timely read for anyone with an interest in sport, parenting or just a great read about the pressures of family and modern life. It’s a well paced and addictive novel and I can highly recommend the audiobook read by Gogglebox narrator, Jo Van Es.
Having two children who participate in team sport, this was a highly relatable read. I’ve seen the signs posted at venues about expected behaviour from those on the sidelines and have witnessed firsthand some of the aggression towards referees and opposition players from both kids and parents, so this is a timely topic.
The story begins with a violent brawl at a suburban junior soccer game and we are then taken back nine months to see what led up to this incident.
The characters were all incredibly engaging and I loved reading from the two teenage girls’ POVs. Katerina and Audrey were from quite different families but many of the challenges and pressures they faced were identical.
The book also highlights issues around competitiveness and how far is too far in pursuing the win, teen body image, sexuality and consent, socioeconomic status, girls in sport, misogyny, toxic masculinity, bullying and family dynamics.
Although there are some tough topics, the book is written with sensitivity and in an easily accessible way which had me bingeing it late at night.
Sidelines is an important and timely read for anyone with an interest in sport, parenting or just a great read about the pressures of family and modern life. It’s a well paced and addictive novel and I can highly recommend the audiobook read by Gogglebox narrator, Jo Van Es.
February 21, 2024
This was ok. I enjoyed the sporting parts of things. I just didn’t like the parents. It was sorta like a young adult TV show.
January 7, 2024
First thought, a handful of pages in- these are not my people.
And not a world I’m familiar with but I’m sure I’ll see more in the future as the kids get older.
Suburban competitive sport.
Soccer teams of early teens all wanting to be the next Harry Kewell or Samatha Kerr.
And their parents all wanting the same.
Katerina wants to be the best regardless of who she hurts to get there.
Ben is adamant he’s daughter Audrey could play for the Matilda’s one day and has a plan in place to ensure this happens, regardless of what Audrey wants.
These are adults telling impressionable teens that ‘there is nothing greater you can do in life than play football’ and ‘being good at sport buys friends and popularity’.
A pressure cooker environment that explodes into a massive brawl.
At a kids weekend soccer match.
With severe consequences.
I thought this was quite a compulsive read. Alternating POV which helped to provide insight into interval motivations within such an intense setting.
It was definitely nudging into young adult territory. But as three of the six main characters were fourteen years old, it worked.
All the feels for poor Audrey 😢.
And if anyone can explain to me why Jonica is still married to Ben 🧐
An intriguing, quick read that had me thoroughly invested.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
And not a world I’m familiar with but I’m sure I’ll see more in the future as the kids get older.
Suburban competitive sport.
Soccer teams of early teens all wanting to be the next Harry Kewell or Samatha Kerr.
And their parents all wanting the same.
Katerina wants to be the best regardless of who she hurts to get there.
Ben is adamant he’s daughter Audrey could play for the Matilda’s one day and has a plan in place to ensure this happens, regardless of what Audrey wants.
These are adults telling impressionable teens that ‘there is nothing greater you can do in life than play football’ and ‘being good at sport buys friends and popularity’.
A pressure cooker environment that explodes into a massive brawl.
At a kids weekend soccer match.
With severe consequences.
I thought this was quite a compulsive read. Alternating POV which helped to provide insight into interval motivations within such an intense setting.
It was definitely nudging into young adult territory. But as three of the six main characters were fourteen years old, it worked.
All the feels for poor Audrey 😢.
And if anyone can explain to me why Jonica is still married to Ben 🧐
An intriguing, quick read that had me thoroughly invested.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
January 27, 2024
Sidelines, set on soccer (football) pitches around Sydney was an intense read. Almost hard to keep reading at times because of how horrific things were for the players. The bullying from jealous peers, the pressure from their parents.
I really liked how each chapter was narrated by different characters with none repeated. I didn't think this would work but it did.
A lot of it was a bit close to home. My kids have been involved in the stressful world of competitive sport and dance. It isn't great and when they stopped soccer at the higher level it was almost a relief. We had to make the choice - continue or pull back and play for fun. Were my kids going to be future soccer stars or not? The answer for us was probably not, a lot of it was we didn't live in a capital city and we aren't prepared to move.
I really liked how each chapter was narrated by different characters with none repeated. I didn't think this would work but it did.
A lot of it was a bit close to home. My kids have been involved in the stressful world of competitive sport and dance. It isn't great and when they stopped soccer at the higher level it was almost a relief. We had to make the choice - continue or pull back and play for fun. Were my kids going to be future soccer stars or not? The answer for us was probably not, a lot of it was we didn't live in a capital city and we aren't prepared to move.
July 6, 2025
My first Karen Viggers read. A welcome gift.
This was a great read. It drew me in from the beginning as I’d been thinking about unhinged parents/ family members of kids playing sport. Just a couple of days ago, I watched an episode of “Murder Under The Friday night lights”, which involved 9 year olds playing football. One of the kids’ uncles went crazy at the ref and shot him dead!
The Minotaurs’ under 14 football game ( the team has both boys and girls in it) disturbingly ends with an injury that didn’t happen during play, which needed an ambulance to be called.
Ben and Jonica’s thirteen-year-old twins play soccer and this year, with Ben’s encouragement, his daughter Audrey joins the trials for her brother Alex’s team, the Minotaurs. Some of the boys are jealous and resent her as she’s a really good player. The coaches are inclined to overlook her and favour another girl, Katerina who, whilst not as good a player as Audrey, plays a more aggressive and rough game. Katerina’s ambitious mum (who wanted to be a soccer player herself when younger) because of her thwarted ambition makes a point of sucking up to the coaches, so that her girl will advance within the team.
One of the boys swaps to another team. This is Audrey’s chance to shine, but it doesn’t quite work out that way. A young guy, Griffin, who’s a really talented player arrives from Melbourne and joins the team, which shifts the dynamics.
Jonica finds the competitiveness of the soccer over the top for kids of this young age. She disapproves of Ben being so gung ho about their kids’ soccer, trying to explain to him that there are other things in life for the kids to do and enjoy. Ben is a highly competitive person, who works as a barrister, and his dismissive response to her is that sports need to be encouraged as they are a social currency.
A number of the parents are aggressive about soccer and their kids, picking up on the parents’ obnoxious attitudes, also become aggressive and ultra competitive. Some of the parents’ rivalries result in their overlooking their children’s feelings as they become more obsessive about soccer, pushing a win win at all costs mentality on to their children.
The parental pressure results in some of the kids becoming bullying and violent, and it ultimately leaches all the natural pleasure and joy from the soccer game itself for them.
This is a very perceptive and well written book, observing how parents’ interest in their children’s sport can so easily develop into an ugly obsession, which is damaging both to the kids’ psyches and can impact them adversely physically.
I highly recommend this book to others. It was a very absorbing read.
This was a great read. It drew me in from the beginning as I’d been thinking about unhinged parents/ family members of kids playing sport. Just a couple of days ago, I watched an episode of “Murder Under The Friday night lights”, which involved 9 year olds playing football. One of the kids’ uncles went crazy at the ref and shot him dead!
The Minotaurs’ under 14 football game ( the team has both boys and girls in it) disturbingly ends with an injury that didn’t happen during play, which needed an ambulance to be called.
Ben and Jonica’s thirteen-year-old twins play soccer and this year, with Ben’s encouragement, his daughter Audrey joins the trials for her brother Alex’s team, the Minotaurs. Some of the boys are jealous and resent her as she’s a really good player. The coaches are inclined to overlook her and favour another girl, Katerina who, whilst not as good a player as Audrey, plays a more aggressive and rough game. Katerina’s ambitious mum (who wanted to be a soccer player herself when younger) because of her thwarted ambition makes a point of sucking up to the coaches, so that her girl will advance within the team.
One of the boys swaps to another team. This is Audrey’s chance to shine, but it doesn’t quite work out that way. A young guy, Griffin, who’s a really talented player arrives from Melbourne and joins the team, which shifts the dynamics.
Jonica finds the competitiveness of the soccer over the top for kids of this young age. She disapproves of Ben being so gung ho about their kids’ soccer, trying to explain to him that there are other things in life for the kids to do and enjoy. Ben is a highly competitive person, who works as a barrister, and his dismissive response to her is that sports need to be encouraged as they are a social currency.
A number of the parents are aggressive about soccer and their kids, picking up on the parents’ obnoxious attitudes, also become aggressive and ultra competitive. Some of the parents’ rivalries result in their overlooking their children’s feelings as they become more obsessive about soccer, pushing a win win at all costs mentality on to their children.
The parental pressure results in some of the kids becoming bullying and violent, and it ultimately leaches all the natural pleasure and joy from the soccer game itself for them.
This is a very perceptive and well written book, observing how parents’ interest in their children’s sport can so easily develop into an ugly obsession, which is damaging both to the kids’ psyches and can impact them adversely physically.
I highly recommend this book to others. It was a very absorbing read.
March 31, 2024
‘Siren wailing, light flashing, the ambulance threads its way through traffic.’
Yes, an ambulance is required when a brawl breaks out at an under 14 suburban soccer game. While some onlookers are surprised, others have seen this coming. What should be an enjoyable team sport, providing opportunities for coordination and cooperation has become highly competitive and unpleasant for both the participants and their parents.
Thirteen-year-old Audrey Woodford is a talented soccer player. She is hoping to join the Minotaurs, the team her twin brother Alex plays for, to improve her game. Audrey has signed up for the November trials. There’s another girl, Katerina, who is also trying out for the team. While not all members or supporters of the Minotaurs are happy about female involvement, the naturally aggressive Katerina fits in more readily despite not being a team player. And while Audrey is a good player, she is also conscious that there might be more to life than soccer. Audrey’s father, Ben wants Audrey to succeed where he failed. Audrey’s mother, Jonica, is dealing with some issues of her own. Katerina’s mother Carmen, a deeply committed soccer parent, is so busy looking for game-related opportunities for Katerina that she is blind to her daughter’s needs and faults. And then Griffin, a naturally gifted player, joins the team.
Ms Viggers has captured the angst and competitiveness that can ruin children’s sport for families. Parents need to be aware of the danger of projecting their own unrealised ambition on their children. I finished the novel hopeful that Audrey would find the balance she was seeking, that Jonica would find fulfilment, that Katerina and Carmen would realise that cooperation also has a place in competition, and that Griffin would follow his dreams.
My own experience, as a team manager for an under eight team at the end of the 1980s, was traumatic enough. The team was fortunate to have a committed young female as coach, but one of the parents was so dismissive of ‘the girl’ and so vocal in his disapproval that he was banned from attending practice. I confess that I was very happy when my son chose not to continue the following year.
This is Ms Viggers’s fifth novel, and I have enjoyed and learned from each of them. Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Yes, an ambulance is required when a brawl breaks out at an under 14 suburban soccer game. While some onlookers are surprised, others have seen this coming. What should be an enjoyable team sport, providing opportunities for coordination and cooperation has become highly competitive and unpleasant for both the participants and their parents.
Thirteen-year-old Audrey Woodford is a talented soccer player. She is hoping to join the Minotaurs, the team her twin brother Alex plays for, to improve her game. Audrey has signed up for the November trials. There’s another girl, Katerina, who is also trying out for the team. While not all members or supporters of the Minotaurs are happy about female involvement, the naturally aggressive Katerina fits in more readily despite not being a team player. And while Audrey is a good player, she is also conscious that there might be more to life than soccer. Audrey’s father, Ben wants Audrey to succeed where he failed. Audrey’s mother, Jonica, is dealing with some issues of her own. Katerina’s mother Carmen, a deeply committed soccer parent, is so busy looking for game-related opportunities for Katerina that she is blind to her daughter’s needs and faults. And then Griffin, a naturally gifted player, joins the team.
Ms Viggers has captured the angst and competitiveness that can ruin children’s sport for families. Parents need to be aware of the danger of projecting their own unrealised ambition on their children. I finished the novel hopeful that Audrey would find the balance she was seeking, that Jonica would find fulfilment, that Katerina and Carmen would realise that cooperation also has a place in competition, and that Griffin would follow his dreams.
My own experience, as a team manager for an under eight team at the end of the 1980s, was traumatic enough. The team was fortunate to have a committed young female as coach, but one of the parents was so dismissive of ‘the girl’ and so vocal in his disapproval that he was banned from attending practice. I confess that I was very happy when my son chose not to continue the following year.
This is Ms Viggers’s fifth novel, and I have enjoyed and learned from each of them. Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 13, 2024
How emotional can you get reading a book about kids’ soccer, oops sorry, football be?
The answer is extremely emotional……
Sidelines was not at all what I expected, it was so much more. A story set around the world of kids’ football, and a very serious world it is, and told from the perspective of five of the characters. Two are mums, two are girls and one is a dad.
You are introduced to this world with ambulance officers attending an on field medical drama, then thrust back to nine months before, and things progress from there.
There really are no words to explain the emotions that come to the surface as you read this story, other than to say that they are very strong ones, but I will give it a try anyway.
You start by wanting to grab hold of one of the dads and slap him a couple of times to make him wake up to himself, but have no fear, he’s not the only one that the urge will be there for. Then, especially if you are a parent yourself, you will wonder and cringe that maybe, just maybe, you also didn’t really hear what your own kids were trying to tell you at times, and maybe you too have been guilty of putting too much pressure and expectation on them at one time or another, and not hugging them enough. I did end up popping into my nineteen-year-old daughter’s room to have a little check in chat and give her a huge hug…..just in case. Along will come the feelings of sadness and heartbreak for the fun that has been lost, and the outrage and injustice of the bullying takes place. It’s an emotional rollercoaster.
This story is amazing and it’s all due to Karen’s incredible writing skills, bringing such powerful characters front and centre. They all vary, from their backgrounds, their social status, strengths and weaknesses, their relationships with each other, and their personalities, but they are all extremely well created. This could be any community, in any area….it could be yours.
Yes, you guessed it, I’m going to strongly suggest that you grab a copy of Sidelines and see for yourself, but be warned, you are not going to be able to put it down. However, if you are not a sports fan, don’t stress it, you’ll still love this anyway.
#sidelines
#karenviggers
#fanaticallyfootball
Allen & Unwin
The answer is extremely emotional……
Sidelines was not at all what I expected, it was so much more. A story set around the world of kids’ football, and a very serious world it is, and told from the perspective of five of the characters. Two are mums, two are girls and one is a dad.
You are introduced to this world with ambulance officers attending an on field medical drama, then thrust back to nine months before, and things progress from there.
There really are no words to explain the emotions that come to the surface as you read this story, other than to say that they are very strong ones, but I will give it a try anyway.
You start by wanting to grab hold of one of the dads and slap him a couple of times to make him wake up to himself, but have no fear, he’s not the only one that the urge will be there for. Then, especially if you are a parent yourself, you will wonder and cringe that maybe, just maybe, you also didn’t really hear what your own kids were trying to tell you at times, and maybe you too have been guilty of putting too much pressure and expectation on them at one time or another, and not hugging them enough. I did end up popping into my nineteen-year-old daughter’s room to have a little check in chat and give her a huge hug…..just in case. Along will come the feelings of sadness and heartbreak for the fun that has been lost, and the outrage and injustice of the bullying takes place. It’s an emotional rollercoaster.
This story is amazing and it’s all due to Karen’s incredible writing skills, bringing such powerful characters front and centre. They all vary, from their backgrounds, their social status, strengths and weaknesses, their relationships with each other, and their personalities, but they are all extremely well created. This could be any community, in any area….it could be yours.
Yes, you guessed it, I’m going to strongly suggest that you grab a copy of Sidelines and see for yourself, but be warned, you are not going to be able to put it down. However, if you are not a sports fan, don’t stress it, you’ll still love this anyway.
#sidelines
#karenviggers
#fanaticallyfootball
Allen & Unwin
January 7, 2024
Sidelines is a book that I would not always pick up because it revolves around sport. Karen Viggers has done so well to capture the fuel-filled rollercoaster of sport where competition and the chance to become elite is on the minds of everyone. The pressure that is placed on the younger children, in their very early teens, to succeed and push on is very hard to read.
The rivalry between Audrey and Alex, two twins playing football (soccer) is very slowly building, especially with Audrey is persistent as a player on the boys team. Katerina, another player pushing to be on the boys team demonstrated all the hallmarks of a sporting bully, with no remorse, and often no consequence. The pressure from the adults though is very ugly and captured so well. Audrey and Alex’s father, Ben is a driven father, trying to push his kids to live the live that he missed out on, yet demonstrated in the courtroom (a take no mercy kind of guy), and their mother, Jonica, is wrestling to become her own self again, wanting to appease everyone, and also return to the workforce as a solicitor. The power play of men and women on and off the sports fields is captured in these scenes well, and I wished they were played out a little more to really reflect 21st century struggles.
The other story line here is the discovery of how young bodies and children grow into teenagers and young adults. Lust, cliques, the impact of puberty, teenage sex and self-harm are all covered in this space. Audrey is enthralled with the new player, griffin, who has the talent to become an elite player, but what happens on the field may affect this and everything between them. The awkwardness of young love/lust is sweet, and for Audrey it is even more so emotionally charged as she is also grappling wit fitting in with friends, and even knowing what she wants from herself. If you are a player, a coach or a parent of children who are in competitive sport, or just a parent of young children in these formative years, I’d recommend this to read.
Thanks #netgalley and @allenandunwin for the #gifted e-ARC.
The rivalry between Audrey and Alex, two twins playing football (soccer) is very slowly building, especially with Audrey is persistent as a player on the boys team. Katerina, another player pushing to be on the boys team demonstrated all the hallmarks of a sporting bully, with no remorse, and often no consequence. The pressure from the adults though is very ugly and captured so well. Audrey and Alex’s father, Ben is a driven father, trying to push his kids to live the live that he missed out on, yet demonstrated in the courtroom (a take no mercy kind of guy), and their mother, Jonica, is wrestling to become her own self again, wanting to appease everyone, and also return to the workforce as a solicitor. The power play of men and women on and off the sports fields is captured in these scenes well, and I wished they were played out a little more to really reflect 21st century struggles.
The other story line here is the discovery of how young bodies and children grow into teenagers and young adults. Lust, cliques, the impact of puberty, teenage sex and self-harm are all covered in this space. Audrey is enthralled with the new player, griffin, who has the talent to become an elite player, but what happens on the field may affect this and everything between them. The awkwardness of young love/lust is sweet, and for Audrey it is even more so emotionally charged as she is also grappling wit fitting in with friends, and even knowing what she wants from herself. If you are a player, a coach or a parent of children who are in competitive sport, or just a parent of young children in these formative years, I’d recommend this to read.
Thanks #netgalley and @allenandunwin for the #gifted e-ARC.
January 17, 2024
When a violent brawl erupts at a suburban junior soccer game, some onlookers are shocked. But others saw it coming. Rivalry, parental pressure, coaching bias, inequity, and many other factors have played a part in turning Saturday mornings into a pressure cooker.
Football (soccer, if you prefer) is rather topical right now. It's the most played outdoor sport in Australia, and the success of the Matildas and the Socceroos of late has pumped up the volume. So a novel about junior football, and the families that play it is timely.
The main characters are connected through their involvement in a football team and the novel plays out from their different points of view, taking you into their heads, which I rather liked.
Sidelines starts with a crunch; a disturbing incident in an Under 14s game, leaving paramedics shaking their heads, and players, parents, and spectators stunned. But from there - for me, at least - it faded away and drifted into a YA soap opera.
Sure, it deals with some important issues such as the nature of competitive team sports, parental pressure (the 'ugly sideline parent' well and truly raises his/her head), teen angst, teen sex, sexual abuse, and coercive behaviour in relationships. Each is explored, some in more depth than others, but it slides into cliché in its efforts to bring a resolution to each of the threads it is following.
For all that, the book is an easy read, and will appeal to many - it's not just for sporty types or those who follow football. I didn’t hate it, nor did I love it, it just wasn't the book I was expecting.
I'm sure there is a really great story in here, but I don’t think Ms Viggers has quite delivered it.
Three stars
November 6, 2024
A relatable read for sports parents
Audrey is a talented young football player who, at 13 years old, tries out for the boys team in an attempt to play at a better level and eventually play for the Matildas. Or is that really her father’s wish?
Katarina and her mum, Carmen, will do anything to get ahead - from kicks to the shins when the coaches aren’t looking to schmoozing the coaches so that she gets a place on the team. But Katerina isn’t solely focused on her playing - has her mum even noticed?
Then along comes Griffin, a naturally talented player who ups the ante with the players and parents alike, adding further tension to the pitch and sidelines of Saturday morning football. But we already know the repercussions of this!
We were very privileged to have Karen come to our Book Club meeting to discuss her novel!
The parents in the group definitely found this a relatable read, telling stories of their own experiences at the sidelines of sports matches.
There were definitely parts of this book that made me uncomfortable, particularly Audrey’s father, Ben, with his constant pressure on her vs her twin, Alex, who plays for the same team, and also as Katarina’s antics off the pitch.
The structure was interesting, with the book sectioned into the different characters but the timeline remaining linear, and it was fascinating to hear Karen speak about why she wrote it this way. The story opens with the paramedics attending to someone with a serious injury on the football field, then the rest of the story counts down to the incident, so early on we understand the gravity of the situation.
This was a great book written to make you think
Audrey is a talented young football player who, at 13 years old, tries out for the boys team in an attempt to play at a better level and eventually play for the Matildas. Or is that really her father’s wish?
Katarina and her mum, Carmen, will do anything to get ahead - from kicks to the shins when the coaches aren’t looking to schmoozing the coaches so that she gets a place on the team. But Katerina isn’t solely focused on her playing - has her mum even noticed?
Then along comes Griffin, a naturally talented player who ups the ante with the players and parents alike, adding further tension to the pitch and sidelines of Saturday morning football. But we already know the repercussions of this!
We were very privileged to have Karen come to our Book Club meeting to discuss her novel!
The parents in the group definitely found this a relatable read, telling stories of their own experiences at the sidelines of sports matches.
There were definitely parts of this book that made me uncomfortable, particularly Audrey’s father, Ben, with his constant pressure on her vs her twin, Alex, who plays for the same team, and also as Katarina’s antics off the pitch.
The structure was interesting, with the book sectioned into the different characters but the timeline remaining linear, and it was fascinating to hear Karen speak about why she wrote it this way. The story opens with the paramedics attending to someone with a serious injury on the football field, then the rest of the story counts down to the incident, so early on we understand the gravity of the situation.
This was a great book written to make you think
April 7, 2024
Audrey is 13 years old and with her twin brother, Alex, is trying out for a local teen premier league soccer team. Their mother Ronica has been a stay-at-home mum for the last 13 years and is contemplating a return to law. Their father, Ben, is a busy barrister who as a young child had dreams of becoming a footballer that he now transfers to his kids.
Katerina is 14 and also trying out for the same football team. Her mother Carmen, and father Ilya are working class from Greek backgrounds and it seems that Katerina's jealousy of Audrey is spilling into bullying.
The book starts off with a terrible accident at a soccer game and then goes back in time, alternating between the views of the children, and the parents. In many ways the style is reminiscent of Big Little Lies and The Slap. The story flowed easily and tackled big topics like teenage sex and self harm along with parental expectations and behaviours. I haven't read any of Viggers before, but will seek more out now. I thought her exploration of characters and big topics was done respectfully and believably. The audiobook was also well narrated and added to the story.
Recommended for character driven fiction fans!
Katerina is 14 and also trying out for the same football team. Her mother Carmen, and father Ilya are working class from Greek backgrounds and it seems that Katerina's jealousy of Audrey is spilling into bullying.
The book starts off with a terrible accident at a soccer game and then goes back in time, alternating between the views of the children, and the parents. In many ways the style is reminiscent of Big Little Lies and The Slap. The story flowed easily and tackled big topics like teenage sex and self harm along with parental expectations and behaviours. I haven't read any of Viggers before, but will seek more out now. I thought her exploration of characters and big topics was done respectfully and believably. The audiobook was also well narrated and added to the story.
Recommended for character driven fiction fans!
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