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?
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Sidelines is a modern parenting narrative that delivers a sharp insight into what can happen when kids’ sport becomes more than “just a game”. Anyone who has ever stood on the sideline of a child’s sporting match will recognise the characters that Viggers has expertly created and the way she holds a mirror to the worst of society’s competitive urges and overzealous desire to win. Cleverly written, Sidelines draws you in… it has you invested in the lives of the children and their parents and wondering who will win and who will lose out when the pressure-cooker of their suburban soccer club threatens to implode. A must-read that centres on sport but delves into the very relatable themes of family, power, class, gender, success, relationships, friendship and resilience. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
When a violent brawl erupts at a 14-year-old soccer game, some parents saw it coming. Rivalry, peer pressure, parenting pressure and other factors go back to start of season, with Audrey a 13-year-old girl playing in a boys’ team. Her mother is concerned about her. Her husband lives his childhood through his kids. Pushing them. Her mother misses the signs. Any parent involved with weekend sport will identify characters and their mothers. I found it very true as I have been involved as mother, manager and official of a junior soccer club. Linda, NSW, 5 Stars
Gosh… Who knew the world of teenage soccer was so fraught?! This was an eye-opening book for someone with no kids! I wasn’t sure about reading it but as soon as I started, I found it hard to put down. I liked Jonica as a character but felt rather sorry for Ben, who as a lawyer was out to win – after all, that’s the name of the game – whatever the cost to his children, not to mention the ridiculous lifelong competition with his own brother. And kids can be so mean! I ached for what Audrey went through and I was thoroughly prepared to dislike Katerina, although she didn’t really have a very easy time of it either. Holy moly, do all mothers go through this?!! There was a lot packed into this book, and it was a great read. The subject wasn’t one that I would normally pick off the shelf for myself, so thank you to Better Reading for opening my eyes to a whole new genre! Dari, WA, 5 Stars
Such a captivating read – well-written and engaging. Gives an insight into modern-day issues facing our children, and the pressures and complexity of trying to be perfect by living up to others’ expectations. I have no personal interest in soccer or football and the novel engaged me regardless. I became invested in the lives of the four main characters – Audrey, Jonica, Carmen and Katerina. You couldn’t help but want the best outcome for them. Highly recommend, will be seeking out other Karen Viggers novels. Pennie, QLD, 5 Stars
Thank you Better Reading for the opportunity to read Sidelines by Karen Viggers. I really enjoyed this drama. This book is full of real family issues that we have to deal with, whether we like it or not. This is about football families with teenagers struggling with pressure to be the best, from their families and themselves, and everything else that has to come second or not at all. An interesting read with tough storylines. Highly recommend. Judy, NSW, 5 Stars
This is a thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed and believable. Viggers has obviously experienced this world, but we all ‘know’ some of these people. At times it is a bit unsettling but that is the point. Issues of rivalry, bullying, gender and teenage anxiety are all very real. Very well written and an important read for parents and coaches. I would definitely like to read her other books after this. Thanks to @betterreading for an advance copy. Jane, VIC, 5 Stars
Timely and topical, Karen Viggers’ new novel, Sidelines, is a sharp and incisive cut into the heart of children’s sports today. What is revealed is the ugly nature of ultra-competitive parents and coaches with no social skills and the ability to permanently wound kids who only want to play well and try hard. Audrey is one of those kids. Thirteen years old and desperate to prove her worth, she valiantly tries to measure up to parental expectations and to other bullying football players. But the tolls start to add up. Told from the varying viewpoints of both the children and the parents, much ground is covered and dug up and scrutinised through superb storytelling. The narratives are on point and, most importantly, eerily accurate. The author has obviously been on the sidelines herself. Considering the Australian Government has just recently pledged funding to educate coaches and parents, this novel is a must-read. When children get hurt then sport is no longer character and team-building, and, sadly, no longer fun. Cecilia, VIC, 5 Stars
Sidelines by Karen Viggers was a delightful surprise! It is not the type of book I would normally choose; soccer is not something I am particularly interested in, but I am so glad I did. This book was way more than I would have imagined. The writing is so intriguing, she hooked me in from the first page and I was totally invested in the storyline from then on. The narrative was fast-paced and easy to read while exploring many significant issues in an honest and sensitive way. Each chapter tells part of the story from a different character’s point of view, from the teenage team members to their parents, which helps to explain the characters’ motivations and the pressures they experience. Telling the story in this way made me see it from all angles and gave me a lot more empathy for some of the characters that I probably wouldn’t normally relate to. I really enjoyed this book and was thinking about it long after I finished reading. I can’t wait to read more from Karen Viggers. A must-read for any parent who spends time on the sidelines of any sport. Debbie, NSW, 5 Stars
As I don’t follow any sport, especially football, and don’t have any kids, I thought I probably wouldn’t like it much, but how wrong I was. I loved this book. It gave me an insight into children’s football teams, the struggles of teenagers to fit in, and especially the parents on the sidelines. Loved the fact it was about twins with one being male and the other female. I could recommend this book to everyone to read. I couldn’t put it down. Karen, QLD, 5 Stars
Sidelines examines the good, bad and ugly of teenage weekend sports. From choosing the right club, bullying, and parental pressure, to rivalries between star players, no stone is unturned. Twins Audrey and Alex give us an insight into 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 viewpoint. 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. Kirsten, ACT, 5 Stars
Sidelines is razor-sharp, solid, compact, well-written and scores all the goals. This new novel by Aussie author Karen Viggers is one that stands out and has bestseller status high on the agenda. 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 are 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. Craig, VIC, 5 Stars
Sidelines is a novel I wouldn’t necessarily have picked because of the soccer theme, but the story will stay with me for a long time. It is an essential read for those with teenagers who play sport and it resonated with me in many ways. It is a very realistic story, and one that will make you reflect on your own attitude towards ambition, pressure, rivalries and teenage issues, Marjolaine, WA, 5 Stars
I enjoyed Sidelines more than I originally thought I might. It’s a fast-paced narrative, telling the story from various viewpoints. It deals with a range of topical issues including the pressures placed on young people by well-meaning parents. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Alice, NSW, 5 Stars
As the parent of sporty children and a teacher involved in school sport, I would highly recommend this book to both groups. Although based around soccer, many of the themes apply to all sports. The different perspectives offer much to highlight the varied attitudes of parents, coaches and teens. This novel engages from the outset, is very timely and also has great tension and is skilfully written. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
Karen Viggers’ Sidelines is an interesting and absorbing exploration of competitive weekend kids’ sport with wannabe proteges and pushy parents galore. It asks the questions how much pressure is too much and what cost does winning come at? I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters, however perhaps that is reflective of the competitive weekend sport environment! Overall an intriguing story for teens and up. I, VIC, 4 Stars
Sidelines was my first Karen Viggers book and I was not disappointed – I read it in two sittings! The book embraces many topics that are not exclusive to soccer: sexism, bullying, competition between ‘soccer mums/dads’, and children shouldering the hopes and dreams of their parents. The story is told through different character perspectives, which is a writing device that can sometimes feel a bit muddled. Not so in Sidelines, the book remained engaging and the story flowed well through the changes of perspective. Interestingly, not all of the primary characters had their perspective featured, nor was each character allocated equal pages. As a parent, I could feel the frustration that this book stirred up! As a reader, I am ashamed to say that I was not aware of Karen Viggers as an author, even though we live in the same town, even spotting familiar names in the acknowledgements! I am glad to have discovered her writing and look forward to reading more of her work. Maarit, ACT, 4 Stars
Karen Viggers’s latest novel Sidelines was a real page-turner and will certainly be a favourite among those who love a read where words just flow off the page. Sidelines is a contemporary drama fiction book that talks about the lead-up to an incident at a teenage soccer game. The suspense of not knowing who or what it was about kept me hanging. Sidelines also includes topics such as family issues, teenage alcohol misuse, bullying and sexual abuse/acts. Karen explored these topics and portrays the characters dealing with these themes wonderfully from their perspective. You, the reader, feel like you are literally in their head. It gives an insight as to what characters are like and what they are going through behind closed doors. While I didn’t particularly like the characters in this book, being a parent myself I could understand why parents acted the way they did. Although I really enjoyed this book, it got a bit confusing with the use of two different terminologies of soccer vs football. I understand it was probably done this way because depending on whom you ask what the sport is called it would either be football or soccer. After reading this book, I’m determined to read Karen’s previous books. Thank you Better Reading and Allen and Unwin for the BRPreview copy of Sidelines by Karen Viggers for reviewing purposes. Cassie, NSW, 4 Stars
Sidelines by Karen Viggers is a realistic portrayal of several issues that are so relevant for parents and teenagers in today’s society. Although focusing on soccer – or football to name the sport correctly! – the issues relate to any sport or activity when parents push their children to excel – in many cases so their child can achieve what they had failed to achieve. The pressure exerted by Carmen on her daughter Katerina and by Ben on his daughter Audrey lead both girls to behave in harmful ways towards themselves, their families and others. The novel’s characters – both teenage and adult – are realistically drawn, showing how change can be brought about when confronting situations with a willingness to listen and to give support. The setting of suburbia and a junior sporting team allows Viggers to explore through the characters such aspects as competitive behaviour, parental pressure, sibling rivalry, gender attitudes, teenage angst and rebellion as well as friendship and first love. These all contribute to an instantly recognizable world that provides a thought-provoking and enjoyable reading experience. Fran, NSW, 4 Stars
Sidelines is a thought-provoking book. It illustrates the good, bad and ugly of children’s sports competition. A must-read for all parents. A very relevant book! Litsa, VIC, 4 Stars
From the start, I was caught up in all the little details of everyone’s lives. Not everyone was likeable, in fact there were terrible parts to everyone. It made the characters more real somehow. The way the parents were pushing their kids because they somehow didn’t get the chances they wanted in life was sadly a common occurrence these days. It all culminated in an explosive ending. Very well written. I needed to keep reading to find out how everyone’s stories finished. Leanne, NSW, 4 Stars
Sidelines is a snappy, fast-paced and familiar story about a kids soccer team, and all the drama that goes on off the soccer pitch. The character development is so strong and I love the way each character’s point of view is explored in-depth. We all know the story of a kids sporting match gone wrong but I still flew through this book, wanting to know what happened next. This was such a relevant and important story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Chloe, VIC, 4 Stars
As the book title suggests, the contents of Sidelines involves the people who watch games or interact with players of team sports… in this case football! It will appeal to parents who feel they are doing their best for their children by assisting them to become involved in team sports… also the teenage players themselves. My favourite character is Jonica, the mother in one particular family with both teenage offspring devoted to their footy games. Jonica has an ex-player husband who is trying to relive his glory days by putting undue verbal pressure on his son and daughter. Jonica is desperately trying to keep all three family members on an even keel regarding these interactions. But if all this sounds rather dull to fill a whole book… there is SO much more taking into consideration the explicit details of bullying, teenage hormones, and ego trips by many associated. Read Sidelines… YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. Marion, QLD, 4 Stars
I have no firsthand experience of the world of soccer, but you could easily substitute the setting with Aussie Rules, athletics, swimming, dance… the list goes on… anywhere children/youth compete and there is the potential to advance towards an elite level. Along with general fitness, the benefits of team sports for children/youth are supposed to include the building of cooperation, resilience, leadership, communication, self-esteem, etc. However, positive outcomes are very much reliant on the adults involved. This is a family drama that explores the line between supportive, encouraging, albeit flawed, parents, and those who push kids beyond the child’s actual interests, because of blinkered ambitions of their own, and the dangerous consequences of failing to recognise children’s needs and emotions. The Prologue sets up an incident that immediately hooks the reader. The action then covers the nine months leading up to the incident from the alternating point of view of the main characters, without giving away who was injured until the end. I don’t always enjoy alternating POV but in this case, it increased tension and helped the reader get inside the head of each character and examine their individual motivations. Parental pressure, sexual awakening, sexual abuse, bullying, self-harm and gender double standards make this a very topical read, whilst also being fast-moving and engaging. Most readers will be able to see some of themselves in one or more of the characters, and those who have been involved in the child/youth sporting scene will recognise, in some of the characters, people they’ve volunteered with and stood next to on the sidelines. Kylie, VIC, 4 Stars
If you’ve ever been involved in any type of kids weekend sport, as a parent or a player, you will recognize and relate to many of these characters. Characters you might not have liked, you suddenly see a different side of. Karen Viggers tells the story from several perspectives and this allows the reader to empathize and understand each of them. Each of their stories are interwoven and each are dealing with relatable issues. Sidelines is an enjoyable vacation read or for one of those times you just want to be easily transported into the world that an author has created. I really enjoyed Carmen, Audrey, Jonica and Griffin and would love to know what happened next in their lives. Tanya, NSW, 4 Stars
Sidelines by Karen Viggers was a very enjoyable read, and usually a book I probably wouldn’t have given a second glance to, so I’m very glad I had the opportunity to read it. I believe this is the fifth book by the author, however this is the first book I have read by them. The book centres around a teenage football team, that is predominantly a boys team, but has two girls playing on it as well. It follows the ups and downs of the players and also the very competitive parents who push their children to the very limits with the pressure to be the best. The book also explores the home life of both the teenagers and parents, navigating through current social topics, and the consequences of the actions of the parents and teenagers. The book flowed really well, and each chapter was taken from the point of view of one of the main characters. While not familiar myself with the high competitiveness of children’s sports teams, the story was so well told that you could feel the tension building and will not be surprised by the inevitable fallout of such a high-pressure environment. I would certainly recommend this book, and would encourage others to give it a read. Kelly, VIC, 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading Karen Viggers Sidelines even though I am not a fan of soccer, sorry football. I expected it to glorify the game and its intricacies. However, it’s more about the players and families involved at a highly competitive level of teenage sport. The teenage players are all adjusting, in their own way, to their changing bodies, attitudes, need for freedom and need to keep pleasing their parents. To varying degrees the parents and others are pushing or supporting the children to achieve their best, no matter the sacrifice. Some parents are living their own dreams and ambitions through their kids. Training and games become highly stressful times of rivalry, biases, bullying, disappointment and angst for all involved. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
Sidelines by Karen Viggers is a story of the drama surrounding and within a children’s soccer team. It is a story of how great sport can be, and how harmful the external elements can be. Central to the story are early teen twins Audrey and Alex, and their parents Ben and Jonica. They both show promise on the field, but there are a lot of forces playing on them – pressure from their parents, competition within the team, other parents weighing in, other friends and possible activities. Then a new, natural player Griffin joins the team and everything slowly unravels. Priorities are put to the test, loyalties questioned and longevity is not guaranteed. This all climaxes with violence and an ambulance called to the field. It’s interesting to see how it came to this and how much certain individuals are to blame. Some of the other team members such as Katerina and her mum Carmen feature heavily and are quite strong too, making for interesting dynamics. I recommend this book for anyone, especially those with children in activities, who can all learn lessons in these pages. Tara, SA, 4 Stars
Sidelines is not an entirely comfortable read. It lays bare the ugliness of children’s sport at a high level, culminating with a physically violent altercation at a game that leaves one person requiring an ambulance. Told from the differing perspectives of players and parents, we get an understanding of the thought processes of the parents wanting to relive their sporting careers through their children and players whose lives are school and football and nothing else. Despite not being naturally drawn to the topic, this was a gripping read that I had trouble putting down. May all parents of sporting children read this and think about how they behave and talk to their children. Jodi, QLD, 4 Stars
A really engaging, relevant read. Saturday morning sports, competitiveness between parents, players and families. Relatable to current times and really keeps you page-turning. A good parenting guideline for school-age children who are a sports player and enjoy their sports and friendly games between schools. I would recommend it, couldn’t put it down. Julie, NSW, 4 Stars
Sidelines delves into the world of teenage sport, covering bullying, parental pressure, rivalries and much more. It was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. Keryn, SA, 4 Stars
Sidelines is a well-written and interesting story. It is reflective of how adults put pressure on their children in junior soccer. Tension within the team is high with both parents and players. Makes you wonder why it is so important to win. Helen, QLD, 4 Stars
I wouldn’t have thought I would finish a book about football in two days, but here I am wrapping up within 48 hours. I don’t personally have much experience with teenage sport and never did have sideline parents, but Karen does a great job at creating depth in the characters. Not only is there angsty competition between players on the field, but Karen has highlighted how adolescents perceive and respond to pressure from their parents. As a bonus there are some dysfunctional moments between the adults, which is where you momentarily forget that you’re reading a book about football and find yourself resonating with the characters. A very easy read. Ebony, QLD, 4 Stars
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 his 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. An intriguing, quick read that had me thoroughly invested. Katherine, VIC, 4 Stars
A story about a teenage girl who plays soccer and the dramas it comes with, dreaming to play for Australia and the pressure from it. A great easy read that soccer/sport people can relate t0. Anita, NSW, 4 Stars
Incredibly readable! I devoured it in three sittings. The pace was perfect and the characters were all interesting. The atmosphere was great, even as someone with no experience with soccer/football. It did feel a bit disjointed though, it started out as a drama between adults and by the end was a romance between 14-year-olds with a brand new character. I found the switch between adult and teenaged narrators clunky and I definitely preferred the earlier sections. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Kestrel, NSW, 4 Stars
This story follows two families with a common goal, to make it to the top. This book gives insight into the world that is children’s sport and the pressure some parents put on them. You don’t have to be a soccer expert to enjoy this book. Alicia, QLD, 3 Stars
Sidelines by Karen Viggers takes a deep look into the world of children’s sport and all the behind-the-scenes. A complicated mix of families, emotions, bullying, fairness, teams, bias and how they all weave together to affect parents, players, coaches, teams and relationships. Anyone who has been involved in kids’ sport would be able to relate to this novel. Sue, WA, 3 Stars
There certainly is more to teenage sport games. A revealing look at the politics of junior sport and the interactions between the players, their parents and the spectators. Kerry, WA, 3 Stars
A story about junior sport, intense rivalry, parental pressure, coaching bias, and so much more. Thirteen-year-old Audrey is a gifted football player, but does she want to play for the Matildas, or does she want to please her soccer-obsessed father? At the urging of her father, Audrey trials for the boys’ team. Some of the boys are resentful, the coach seems oblivious to her obvious skills, and who is damaging her efforts to impress? A story about a group of young teenagers, a selection of parents who will do anything for their children and a coach with the attitude that winning is everything. The story is told from the viewpoint of several of the main characters, and as a result, it jumped around a bit covering lots of issues from different points of view. This is a thought-provoking story about an issue that is all too common. An interesting read for everyone, and highly relatable for parents and anyone who works in junior sport. Thanks to @betterreadingau for my advanced copy. Michelle, SA, 3 Stars
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. Rod, ACT, 3 Stars
Sidelines was a bit slow-paced for me, but the author blended a story of the competitiveness of teen sport, family dynamics and coming of age. I enjoyed reading from the different points of view of characters, and seeing how the same experiences are perceived by others. Even though I’m not a fan of soccer, I didn’t feel bored or dragged out by the sport. Alex, TAS, 3 Stars
Sidelines is an interesting read and quite relevant with regard to children’s sport and parental involvement and influence. The pressure cooker environment and the stress on kids is well written, as are the different points of view. Overall, I would recommend. Karlie, SA, 3 Stars
This was an interesting book. The storyline was very good and a must-read for teenagers and their parents. Sharon, NSW, 3 Stars
An easy read depicting the complexities of junior sport competitions. This story can be seen on the sidelines of any sport in any town in the country. I would have preferred the novel didn’t highlight stereotypical soccer fan cultures as it did have a hint of racism, but overall an easy summer read. Dianne, SA, 3 Stars
Leave a Reply