Genre: YA
Rating: A
From: the library
So, with a title like that, I didn't really know what to expect. Teenage angst? Much moaning and groaning and body stress? Well, I guess there was a bit of that, but really this was a book with a wonderful "moral to the story."
It's the summer before her senior year, and Jory and her friends have planned a summer of passion, whether it be of the love variety or otherwise. Jory's summer is supposed to be, "get Tyler to notice me." And that's despite her big nose which causes her all sorts of worry and concern. She also gets a job driving a delivery van, even though she can't drive well at all.
Well, as you may guess, things don't go according to plan. In fact, things go WAY off the plan. But sometimes Plan B is even better than the original one! And Jory learns things about herself that summer that she never would have expected.
Remember how a review or so ago I was saying I needed something a little more "real" after all the paranormal lately? Well, this did the trick. You can't get much more real than Jory, or her plan B. In fact, I think I fell in love with her plan B, much quicker than I do all the supernatural, mysterious, dark and brooding guys that seem to be filling the books these days.
And then, there was the ending. Maybe it was just my dumpy mood I was in last week when I read this, but the end really, I mean really, got to me. I related so much to what Jory was feeling, even though I'm OLD now. I truly think, though, that it doesn't matter how old you are, these insecure feelings are still there as strong as ever. So, while Jory came to terms with all that she needs to, I was right there with her. It was all very cathartic.
Happily, I was able to say hi to Sydney this past weekend, and tell her in person how much I loved this book! How fun is that? Very fun, I say. (Read her blog here.)
Bottom line: I loved it!
Other reviews:
As soon as I saw the cover and the title I immediately thought of one of my favorite poems by Marge Piercy title "Barbie Doll". The poem is a scathing commentary on the superficial expectations of others and how those expectations cause a girl to commit sucide. This book sounds happier than the poem and based on your review I would say would be a great book for most teen girls.
ReplyDeleteThis does look like a fun read - thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteJan: Yes, the book does leave you with quite the positive outlook.
ReplyDeleteSheila: I hope you read it and like it!