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schenkelberg's review against another edition
4.0
actually really liked this story - strong characters, great plotline, and an irritating but endearing protagonist.
tiffyofthemonts's review against another edition
3.0
4 stars for the diverse characters. 2 stars for the plot because nothing really happened...
erinnbatykefer's review against another edition
3.0
To me, E. Lockhart’s books are the best of Teen Chick Lit– they are realistic without taking themselves too seriously, they are funny without sacrificing wit and without blithely avoiding the difficult problems that come with learning who you are, who you love, and what’s important to you, as some chick lit does. Over the course of these four novels, Ruby suffers a major falling out with friends, goes to therapy because she starts having panic attacks, gets a job at the zoo, sees lots of films, consumes too much chocolate cake and too many spearmint jelly candies, fights with her truly nutty parents, falls into and out of love, and figures out who her real friends are. She’s smart, she’s funny, and she’s confused, just like any other teen.
I love that these novels (and the rest of Lockhart’s work) tell a good story, but also explore broader themes, like self-empowerment, self-discovery, and social power. They can be read on many levels– for the nutty hijinks and snappy dialogue, and for a nuanced look at complicated people who run up against social confines and have to figure out what to do next.
I love that these novels (and the rest of Lockhart’s work) tell a good story, but also explore broader themes, like self-empowerment, self-discovery, and social power. They can be read on many levels– for the nutty hijinks and snappy dialogue, and for a nuanced look at complicated people who run up against social confines and have to figure out what to do next.
wlkrmlss's review against another edition
5.0
I completely loved this book!! It took me back to my high school days. The first person narration really put you into Roo's shoes. It helped me to understand what she was going through. The story could be mine, or a friend's, or the neighbors. It's very relatable and easy to read. I got through it in less than two days, which is faster than I've read a book in a long time.
caitlin21521's review against another edition
4.0
It was really nice to know that I am not the only person who constantly reflects on and analyzes past relationships and friendships, every single detail. I liked Ruby Oliver a lot. If I was still a teen, I would have stacked her with my other fave fictional teen girls: Georgia Nicolson, Jessica Darling, even Mia Thermopolis (I feel like I'm forgetting someone). E. Lockhart is awesome.
danarenee_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Great teen read! I laughed, I related...Lockhart was really able to channel her inner teen girl and these characters and situations felt real. I'm a fan of Ruby Oliver!
kate_jur's review against another edition
4.0
It was cute and at the same time deep read about 15-year old girl dealing with boys, friends and other stuff in life. Although at times it seems too hard to relate to Ruby (she can be quite mean, self-centered and clueless), it was still fun to follow her adventures.
rhrousu's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent, humorous slice of high school life and drama. Light, contemporary Y.A. Fiction done right. Highly recommended.
sarahsulliv's review against another edition
3.0
really endearing story and main character. I thought it was a unique take on teen dating fiction, and I really liked the way the main character didn't need to end up with one of the guys at the end. the footnotes were a cute device, but a little distracting as the book went on.
thelizabeth's review against another edition
3.0
Hovering at a 3.5, but I'm gonna save room for the sequels. It's awesome the way E. Lockhart takes her stories so seriously, and that's where the real core of it is here -- true it's a book about boyfriends, but specifically, boyfriends that give you panic attacks. Not every girl has boyfriends and panic attacks, but the feelings are not unique to the context.
I like reading books about younger teenagers lately, because I think stories and conclusions about friendship are particularly influential at that period. There are lots of ways to slice it, and Ruby Oliver's recent life in this book is a pretty powerful everygirl disaster. I am so excited she is learning and talking.
I like reading books about younger teenagers lately, because I think stories and conclusions about friendship are particularly influential at that period. There are lots of ways to slice it, and Ruby Oliver's recent life in this book is a pretty powerful everygirl disaster. I am so excited she is learning and talking.