ARC Review: Sidelined by Kendra Highley

Title: Sidelined
Author: Kendra C. Highley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Release Date: 1st October 2013
Rating: 
Review Copy: Jamie @ Entangled TEEN
Book Blurb: 

After being pushed to excel her entire life, high school basketball star Genna Pierce is finally where she wants to be. University scouts are taking notice, her team is on its way to the state tourney, and Jake Butler, the hot boy she's daydreamed about since ninth grade, is showing some definite interest. When he asks her out and their relationship takes off, Genna believes things can't get better.

Then, it's over.

A freak accident ends her career before it's even begun. Her parents are fighting more than ever, her friends don't understand what she's going through, and she's not sure who she is without basketball. And while he tries to be there for her, Genna doesn't understand how Jake could ever want the broken version of the girl he fell for.

Her life in a tailspin, Genna turns to the only solace that eases her pain: Vicodin.

REVIEW:

First and foremost, I wanted to thank Jamie Arnold of Entangled Teen for reaching out to the bloggers who are not one of the chosen 10 for the Blog Tour. I am grateful that she agreed to give me the ebook copy so I could read and then review it. I want to be honest first, I received her email dated back October 1st. YES, I just read it today and I know I should have weeks ago. I am so sorry for being late for this one. In my defense, I got a lot of going on with work so I don't really have a lot of time to read anything. 

Done with that and on to the review... Okay... So this book is a Contemporary one. I think, Contemporary books are hard to rate and review unlike Dystopian or Paranormal or Sci-Fi. Why did I said that? It is because we all know that Contemporary Romance story such as this, do happen all the time. ALL THE TIME. And of course, IN REAL LIFE. Maybe that is why I am more inclined to read Paranormal/Dystopian/Sci-Fi rather than Contemporary because you know, I just need a break from real life and reading this genre is not a way to go.

So yes, rating this one is pretty hard for me. There was a moment where in I just want to give it a two stars just because of the things Genna did to herself and to the people she loved. But I also know that that would be so UNFAIR of me and to the author, Kendra Highley if I do rate it like that. The way it was written is realistic enough that I see Genna in my mind, doing the things she did but also I see myself standing close to her and asking her "Why are you doing this to yourself?" or maybe "Let them in." or just smacking her down for being like that. 

This is really a good one. I like basketball but not as quite as Genna do. I understand that there are accidents in every sports we have in the world. I see basketball players on TV get injured. One time I see an NBA player (on television, of course) I think, twisted his leg that his bone snaps and came out of the skin. I know gross. I can imagine it clearly, so when I know that this will be about basketball and injury, I can't help but replay that scene in my mind. 

I do enjoy reading this. It is quite a fast read even for me, a slow reader. I remember House M.D because of the drug, Vicodin. He intakes those and addicted to it so I know Genna will become an addict. I also know that somehow Genna will be like House, telling people that they only took it in quite a number because they feel a LOT of pain. I might never understand it, I haven't been injured and I don't wanna be injured but I don't know. Again it is hard to review this kind of story. I just know that somehow, someday, they need to accept things. And they hopefully be better. It's hard but life has to go on, there are lot of things, beautiful things in the world to look out to.

I sound like a shrink and no I don't know if what I am saying makes sense to you. And I am sorry that this review turned out to be... um, lecture or something. It's just how it is for me when I read and review this kind of books. I end up telling people about how I felt rather than tell them how the story was written, how was the character, etc.

I do think people should read this book and it's kinds sometimes. It's worth knowing that things happen to other people, friends or strangers and we should be understanding and not bully them.

  

*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to two self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most critical job. She believes in everyday magic, extraordinary love stories and the restorative powers of dark chocolate. 
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