Michelle: So, did you finish reading the book yet?

Lissa:Yup. Dairy Queen, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. I loved the title, because I am fond of the DQ, and the cover, because who isn’t drawn in by a cow wearing a tiara?

M: But the cover is kind of misleading, don’t you think?

L: Well, I did keep waiting for some sort of beauty pageant…

M: I know! But I liked the story much better than what I was expecting because it made me think about my life and the choices people make.

L: You never told me that you worked on a dairy farm and loved football when you were in high school  -- I thought we were good friends!

M: Whatever. I liked the message of the book. D.J. is an athletic hardworking farmgirl who never questioned her role in the family.

L: I couldn’t believe how much work she did every day. She didn’t need a gym membership because she had farm chores.

M: I don’t think you can call them chores – that was backbreaking work. It was really funny when Brian, the rival team’s quarterback, couldn’t keep up with D.J. on the farm.

L: Even though the book is all about avoiding stereotypes, nothing was obvious or simplistic. I loved that D.J. could follow her father’s instructions but still defy him too.

M: You mean like when she took her little brother to the awards ceremony like she promised, but then she did her own thing instead of attending?

L: Yeah, or when she and Brian made that practice football field in the upper pasture, knowing that her dad was injured and wouldn’t find out.

M: Speaking of her dad, I love that since he was injured, he took over the inside chores like cooking, and he became addicted to watching the Food Network.

L: I know. That part was great.

M: Then D.J. and Curtis, her little brother, would snicker whenever their dad tried out new recipes, but secretly they liked it.

L: My favorite part was the ending, when D.J….

M: Stop! Don’t tell the ending!

L: Good point. I loved Dairy Queen because of great characters and an interesting story and I definitely recommend that you read it!

M: I agree. This book is already being nominated for lots of awards, so check it out soon.

Until next time, this is Michelle and Lissa saying, “Check it out!”