Kristine W. (krissywhite) reviewed on 1/10/2010 + 4 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Marla's friend Gwen Matson is somewhat of an enigme. Her style can be best compared to that of Jackie-O's. Never wearing ANYTHING not made during 1952 - 1963, Gwen has stood outside of the crowd since Marla and Gwen met as sophomores in high school. Marla is seeking Gwen's advice for her trip to Paris with her fiance. Marla doesn't know it, but she is about to affect Gwen's life in a most dramatic way. While on her way to get her friend's fashion advice (as Marla's is limited to a t-shirt she's had since high school and a faded old pair of jeans), Marla stops at a convenience store and happens upon a journal. She finds out the store does not sell the journal and sees it as a sign that she should give it to her friend Gwen. Gwen is about to go on a road trip with her boyfriend of 3 months (this is typically the time Gwen finds something wrong with the relationship and gives the guy the heave-ho). Joing Gwen and her boyfriend, Coop, is Coop's best friend, Dannika. Marla suggests that in order to keep Gwen from running off Coop due to her intense jealousy, that she write in the journal she gave her. So, Gwen writes... and writes... and writes.

Suffice it to say, three journals full of Gwen's fantastical vacation - full of ups, downs, and in-betweens, keeps the book flowing. The book is more about Gwen's life, how her parents' lives have affected her ability to maintain relationships with men, and how Gwen learns to trust and find out "we are not our parents".

An excellent read.

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