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A teenage sports game descends into a brawl after a controversial line call in a fast-paced contemporary novel from the bestselling author of The Orchardist’s Daughter. And here’s your chance to win a copy of Sidelines.

‘Essential – and thrilling – reading for all parents.’ KATE MILDENHALL

‘Sidelines is a riveting novel. It takes our jittery, intensely competitive era and unpicks our self- deceptions until they bleed.’  JANE CARO

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?

‘Sometimes a novel comes along that says what you’ve been thinking.’ MALCOLM KNOX

‘Will leave you wondering if perhaps winning and losing are the same thing.’ GABBIE STROUD

‘Viggers shines a light on the ways competition can pull us together or drive us apart.’ INGA SIMPSON

Please note this competition is open from 22nd January 2024 until 18th February 2024 and is only available to members of Mouths Of Mums. This competition is a game of skill – answer in 50 words or less. We are unable to accept entries posted via facebook. Facebook LIKE functionality is not a requirement of entry to this competition. The winners of this competition will be published on this page. Winners’ name and address will be provided to the promoter of this competition and prizes will be sent to the address you have in Your Profile. Please ensure your details are up to date so that you receive your prize.

Winners for this competition

  1. L. PopeQLD
  2. K. LynchNSW
  3. R. IvesNSW
  4. K. HunterNSW
  5. P. MatheosNSW
  6. J. TaylorNSW
  7. R. WhiteNSW
  8. E. McLeishQLD
  9. L. MasonQLD
  10. R. FloydNT
  11. S. JarrettWA
  12. S. WhalanQLD
  13. E. BARNANSW
  14. J. SpagnoloNSW
  15. C. HillsNSW
  16. J. NewtonWA
  • Wow!! That hits close to home. As someone who witnessed a shouting match between a soccer parent and coach, this is a must read.


  • This novel has raised so many thoughts in me. Is it worth it for my anxiety prone teen is one


  • As the mother of a teen and a grown daughter who did dance competitions, the parent living vicariously through their children is real! Its a fine line between support, encouragement and letting children be their own person. This sounds like a great relevant read!


  • Sounds like an interesting read. Parental stress, competition, the developing personalties of teenagers brings it close to home :)


  • Ooh it sounds controversial. The vagaries of parenting and as a parent what we demand of our children whether we realise it or not. The demands and sacrifices to be an elite athlete too, but it sounds like this will all be raised and entertain us. Love to read it!


  • It would be great to take with me on a trip to Brisbane with my daughter when she has to attend a hospital appointment at the Children’s Hospital. It will pass the time during the flight.


  • I start commuting to the city next month, I’d love to start reading to pass the time!


  • I love reading & I also enjoy sports.


  • It sounds both inspiring and intriguing.


  • This is not a book that I would normally choose off a shelf to read, so it is good for me to read books that are not by my favourite usual authors and to put myself out of my reading comfort zone to expand my literary horizon


  • Because I like drama books


  • It sounds like a great story with a lot to teach children


  • In “Sidelines” I’d like to delve, with tales of love and nature’s spell. Karen Viggers weaves a tale so fine, it’s like a glass of aged wine. So if I win this book, oh what a treat, adventure and emotions, it’ll be hard to beat!


  • I am always looking for a new read, and something that is a little relatable is so good to get lost in


  • I’d love to win a copy of “Sidelines” to explore its insightful portrayal of the complexities within junior sports culture, from parental pressures to the dynamics between players. The novel promises a gripping narrative that delves into timely themes, offering a thought-provoking read on the challenges of competitive youth sports.


  • I have seen Many parents lose their s&!t at games and at dancing at many other sports, Its sad to see, and the embarrassment on their children’s faces, so I would love to read it, so I might be able to handle these parents better, but I might just give them the book to read aswell.


  • I’d love to win “Sidelines” by Karen Viggers for a poignant exploration of human connection, resilience, and the intricate beauty of nature, offering a captivating narrative that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.


  • I love to read,


  • Would love to get another take on the sports parents from hell, kids and coaches! I have seen it all, some are truly terrifying!


  • I need something to capture me and let me have 5 minutes of mum time alone


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