Format e-ARC
Print Length 320 pages
Publisher Sourcebooks Fire
Published May 1, 2018
There’s no playing it safe in love or baseball in this sparkling debut, perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Kasie West.
Marnie has never had a hard time fitting in with the guys. It would take a lot more than their goofy antics to keep her from joining them at the neighborhood sandlot to do what she loves best: play ball.
An added perk of hanging out at the sandlot? Spending time with Cody Kinski, their high school’s star pitcher and Marnie’s best friend. Sure, he can be stubborn and annoying. He also knows how to make her laugh and respects her skills on the mound. And when he gets nailed in the arm by a bone-fracturing pitch, Marnie becomes the team’s best chance at making it to the playoffs. Except no one told the guys they’re supposed to be on her side.
With her own team against her, Marnie begins questioning her abilities. And when fate throws her a curveball, can she play without losing the game, Cody, and her belief in herself?
My Opinion
Marnie use to play softball for the high school team, until during her freshman year she choked bad in the playoffs. This led her to quit, she still loves the game but honestly baseball is so much better. Which is why she does the Saturday neighborhood pick-up games. It helps that her best friend, Cody is the star pitcher for their school. Only, he broke his arm during a game with his arch-nemesis Santino. Cody convinces Marnie to try out of the team and to everyone’s surprise she makes it. Too bad none of the guys are liking it (except for Cody). It doesn’t help that she just found out that Santino is about to become a family member. When did life become so hard?
Marnie is an easygoing character with a lot of pop culture references. She is a confident person who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. When doubt enters her mind, she finds ways to fight it. Cody as her guy best friend, should be off limits in the love department. But the lines between love and friendship are blurry sometimes. This is one of those times. I like how he is supportive of her decision to try out for the team.
The best thing about this book was the relationships between the four friends. I love how they were there for each other, and yet still ultimately ends up hurting each other as well. Real friends look past the hurt and that is what all four of them do. I wasn't sure at times what was up with Joey (he was kinda a jerk to Marnie) but he does redeem himself. The chemistry developing between Cody and Marnie was adorable to watch, as was the dynamic of Joey and Sara.
Marnie’s family is a mixed bag of supportive and unsupportive. Her daddy and brother are there for her. Her mom not so much, and I really didn’t get it. Especially, since her mom supposedly use to be supportive. Marnie writes it off as her not being girly enough for her mom, but I call bull on that excuse.
Overall, Out of Left Field is an adorable read that will make you smile. It is heavy on the baseball jargon though, to the point where I thought it was excessive. It was fun though to read about a girl who has a love for a male dominate sport.
My Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote There is only one rule for having a ten-year friendship with someone: like-liking is strictly prohibited.
Other People
Sara- Marnie’s bestie
Joey- Cody’s bestie
Santino- Cody’s arch-nemesis
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