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Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2)
Second Helpings - Jessica Darling, Bk 2
Author: Megan McCafferty
"Knowing that I've just done something that will take decades off my parents' lives with worry, you'll excuse me for not getting into the fa-la-la-la-la Yuletide spirit this year....  The only difference between Christmas 2001 and Christmas 2000 is that I don't have a visit from Hope to look forward to.  And Bethan...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780609807910
ISBN-10: 0609807919
Publication Date: 4/22/2003
Pages: 368
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 187

4.1 stars, based on 187 ratings
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

jai avatar reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is the second installment in the series centering around the growing pains of Jessica Darling. This book may be even better than the first one. As before there is plenty of angst as she finishes high school in New Jersey, and grapples with feelings towards a boy she thinks she should hate, while trying to decide what college to go to. Often minor characters in this book seem one-dimensional, but as soon as you think you have them figured out, they surprise you with some depth, which makes the story more realistic and is an important lesson to Jessica about her assumptions about people. All I can say is: I'm so glad I'm finished with being a teenager!
skywriter319 avatar reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 784 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The year 2000 ended on a mixed note for Jessica. She got her period back and renewed her long-distance friendship with best friend Hope, sure, but she lost her close friendship with Marcus Flutie, the boy who broke her heart. Picking up in the summer before her senior year, Jessica attends a summer writing program with stereotypically goth/emo writers and decides to attend Columbia University. However, her parents won't let her go anywhere near the Big Apple, and September 11 also affects her decision.

Meanwhile, Jessica's trying to be a good girlfriend to Len Levy, her rival for valedictorian and Marcus Flutie's best friend. Which means that He Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned is around. A lot. And still sending mixed messages. On top of that, Marcus works at the "old fogues" home where Jessica's grandmother, the spirited and beloved Gladdie, lives. Will Jessica be able to experience some semblance of a happy ending to her high school years?

As with the previous book in the series, SECOND HELPINGS is a deliciously funny account of high school. Adults will be glad they don't have to go through the ordeal again, while high schoolers will want Jessica as their best friend. Megan McCafferty's books are well on their way to immortalization.
Jerseygirl-exit30 avatar reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 79 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Even though I'm probably too old to be enjoying the life Jessica Darling is living, I just love these books! This is a great follow-up to Sloppy Firsts.
reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
one of my absolute favorite books *ever*. not only is jessica's outlook on life poignant and witty, it makes you ache for the days when school dances were the most important, life-changing events and friendships were forever. always honest, always funny, and utterly, ridiculously romantic - you will fall in love with marcus just as much as you do with jessica. i have lost count of how many times i have read this book, and am eagerly awaiting the third installment in this series.
annakanga avatar reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A cute read, but if you haven't read the prequel (Sloppy Firsts), I would do so before reading this one, or it might be a bit confusing.
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hipposlovebooks2 avatar reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 50 more book reviews
I gave this book to my older teen but will definitely wait to give it to my younger teen. I loved this book and several times just burst out laughing. I really felt for Jessica and her high school troubles.
reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on
I loved the first book, but this was seemed chock full of Urban Dictionary filler, and after ignoring The One Who Will Not Be Mentioned for most of it, had a sudden rather unrealistic ending that felt tacked on and glossed over.
greensweettart avatar reviewed Second Helpings (Jessica Darling, Bk 2) on + 11 more book reviews
Great sequel, do read 'Sloppy Firsts' first. I am looking forward to 'Charmed Thirds', 'Fourth Comings', and 'Perfect Fifths'.


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