Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Summary:

After five months of sheer absolute craziness I was going back to being plain old background D.J. In photographs of course I’m always in the background . . .

But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior who’s keen for romance and karaoke. Not to mention Brian Nelson, who she should not be thinking about! Who she is done with, thank you very much. But who keeps showing up anyway . . .

Review:

The D.J Schwenk series has been one that I've been following since Dairy Queen came out in '06. After finishing each one, I eagerly waited for the next one to come out. So, when I got the chance to read an early copy of the finale to the trilogy, I was so excited.

Front and Center was probably my favorite yet. Each character, no matter how big or small, grew in someway by the end. Also, this book was always packed with drama, surprises that you didn't see coming, and suspense.

DJ is one of my favorite YA female protagonists, if not my favorite. I love how she never lets anything bring her down and doesn't stop till she reaches the top. Plus, even with all the confidence she has, and she has plenty, she still feels scared at times which made her come out in a very realistic way. Brian is the character that actions in the previous books made you wonder if you should love or hate him. Since even though DJ and him are made for each other he always manages to break her heart in one way or anther. Luckily in Front and Center he ends up growing up majorly which could possibly mean a second chance of love with DJ? Well, I'm not going to tell you the answer, your just going to have to read and find out for yourself.

Another thing I loved about this book was how the secondary characters were very prominent even though the main focus wasn't on them. Since, each brought a laugh or simile to my face at least once in the story.

Lastly, it seems like Catherine's writing grows greatly with each book she writes making Front and Center her best yet. I truly can't wait to see where her talent leads her next.

Overall, Front and Center was a fantastic end to a terrific series. I'm certainly going to miss reading about DJ, Win, Brian, Bill, Curtis, and the rest of the gang.

I highly suggest you pick this up when it's released. Plus, if you haven't yet started this series, what are you waiting for?? :)

Grade: A+

Front and Center will be released October 19, 2009.

* Much thanks KW for sending me an e-galley of this! :)