Helpful Score: 2
WOW, have young adult books changed even from the 10 or 15 years since I was technically part of that "niche"! This is a really great young adult book -- I believe I read about it in Bust magazine, though, so it definitely can be considered adult material, as well. It certainly deals with topics that Beverly Cleary and her ilk didn't talk about back then. Not say say Clearly isn't still very relevant -- I think she's fabulous, and in a class all her own. I don't think I would put Mackler into the same category except for that they write for "young adults". VVV is a really bright, fresh look at a teenage girl's life, though, and how she grows into her own, into adulthood. Very cute, very fun, definitely recommended -- to any age.
Helpful Score: 2
A fun and interesting read for an older teen. I liked how it made me think about how there can be good reasons to want a bad reputation. NOT as scandalous as the title made me think at first!
Helpful Score: 1
It's about a teenager who has to live with a niece that is the total opposite of her. I thought it was a cute book. It's a light, fluffy read. Teenagers would sympathize and adult women would think back to their own teenage years. I really enjoyed it. Read it three times!
Helpful Score: 1
Senior Mara Valentine has got the most well-put-together life. She got in early decision to Yale, is chairperson of numerous committees, holds down a steady job at a locally owned coffee shop, and is determined to beat her ex, Travis, in the valedictory race. In short, she's all set on breaking out of Brockport, New York.
However, in the second half of her senior year, Mara's niece (yes, niece), who calls herself V, comes to the school. V is a self-proclaimed slut and stoner. Mara hates her, mostly on principle, but also because she hooks up with Travis on the very first day of school.
But things are changing for Mara and V. V lands a leading role in the school musical, and Mara finds herself falling in love with the coffee shop's owner, James. With both girls shedding their previous masks and carefully carved facades, aunt and niece inevitably grow closer.
While not as impressive as her first two books, VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE is nevertheless an entertaining read. The characters lack depth, but Carolyn Mackler has got the teenage language down right.
However, in the second half of her senior year, Mara's niece (yes, niece), who calls herself V, comes to the school. V is a self-proclaimed slut and stoner. Mara hates her, mostly on principle, but also because she hooks up with Travis on the very first day of school.
But things are changing for Mara and V. V lands a leading role in the school musical, and Mara finds herself falling in love with the coffee shop's owner, James. With both girls shedding their previous masks and carefully carved facades, aunt and niece inevitably grow closer.
While not as impressive as her first two books, VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE is nevertheless an entertaining read. The characters lack depth, but Carolyn Mackler has got the teenage language down right.
