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2.86 AVERAGE
2.86 AVERAGE
It Started With a Dare was a novel addressing serious subjects and at the same time it was packed with laugh out loud moments, I really enjoyed the ride. Mrs. Rech writes about serious topics in a way that enables you to laugh at the same time that you know that this is serious matters she addresses. We have subjects like how difficult it can be to fit in, how easy it can be to tell lies to be accepted, romance, teenage drama, eating disorder, friendship and dysfunctional families, you name it It Started With a Dare got it.
I’m usually not a big fan of characters that lies and at some point of the book the main character, CJ’s, actions made me feel uncomfortable. Why not stop to think about the consequences? At the same time I could understand her, when CJ first started lying, with a hope of becoming friends with the most popular girl in school, it only went from bad to worse and it seemed like it was impossible to stop. But at least she was with the in-crowed. Still CJ was a witty and likable character and she had a nice character development throughout the book. It’s not easy being 15-16, in a new place and trying to figure out who you really are.
One of my favorite characters in the story was one of the mean girls named Grace We mustn’t forget that people often say hurtful things or does mean things to others because they have some serious issues with their own person (not that it’s alright for people to hurt others because they hurt themselves but I think you get my drift).
I’m usually not a big fan of characters that lies and at some point of the book the main character, CJ’s, actions made me feel uncomfortable. Why not stop to think about the consequences? At the same time I could understand her, when CJ first started lying, with a hope of becoming friends with the most popular girl in school, it only went from bad to worse and it seemed like it was impossible to stop. But at least she was with the in-crowed. Still CJ was a witty and likable character and she had a nice character development throughout the book. It’s not easy being 15-16, in a new place and trying to figure out who you really are.
One of my favorite characters in the story was one of the mean girls named Grace We mustn’t forget that people often say hurtful things or does mean things to others because they have some serious issues with their own person (not that it’s alright for people to hurt others because they hurt themselves but I think you get my drift).
This was an E-book ARC I got from Net-Galley. I am not being compensated in any way for my review.
The release date for this book is September 13, 2010.
This book is definitely not for a younger group. There is a lot of talk about sex and profanity in it and it addresses some issues that younger aged 12 and under might be better off waiting to read about until they are older.
It's high school, the usual scene, the teen queen and her honey bees are around her. The story is told from CG's point of view. CG has just moved there and for some unknown reason, the Queen Bee has graced her with recognition. Her father is CG's father's boss. All of a sudden, CG decides to become this new person so she can stay with the honey bees that hover around the Queen Bee. She becomes this rebel that never turns down a dare, has done anything they've ever thought about, and doesn't think about anything, but staying in that group. She doesn't care what she has to do to stay there. She doesn't realize at the top that they aren't her friends, they're just the top. Then, she finally takes a look at them and realizes their lives for being so popular and monyed aren't as perfect as she thought they were and the boy who looked so golden isn't at all.
This is a typical high school wanna be popular book, but with a twist. CG doesn't have sex with the football team. She doesn't kiss ass to the cool crowd. She doesn't even ingratiate herself to the Queen bee. She builds herself up quickly as the bad girl, the rebel, the daredevil with the Queen Bee and her honey bees. I've never seen the rebel be the one that fit in with the Queen. Her clothes look like they come from secondhand stores, her shoes are Payless, and her back pack is from Good Will. But with each lie she tells she goes up a notch in the groups eyes until they rename themselves, The Four Tops. She shops with them in stores where they buy expensive clothes and she buys nothing, but it doesn't bother her in the least. They live in mansions, she lives in a townhouse the company CG's father's company set them up in. She acts like none of it bothers her and it doesn't. She's not label conscious and doesn't care about money, but she does want to be popular.
CG does some unthinkable things, as do her other "tops" and it's hard to imagine how she's going to make the mess she's made go away and keep her position in the Four Tops. Is it even possible? Does she even want it? She has to figure out who CG is before she can come clean. But will she?
I have to leave it like that though since it's predictable, you probably know what happens. There are some good lessons to be learned from her story. Not all honey bees are happy there. Sometimes the nerds are happier than the queen bees. And being yourself today doesn't mean you have to be that same person tomorrow. You don't have to have everything figured out in high school. You shouldn't. You're ever evolving.
I thought it was a good book. It was a quick easy read. Even at just 300 pages I read it in a few hours. The writing flows and the chapters don't break up the story. It touched on bulimia, slightly on alcoholism, teen sex, teacher/student relationships and as I said there was some profanity in it. It wasn't quite as light hearted as the cover makes it seem, but CG has her funny moments when she's talking in her head. I'd recommend this for 14 and up. I definitely think teen girls will identify with CG and see some part of themselves in her predicament.
The release date for this book is September 13, 2010.
This book is definitely not for a younger group. There is a lot of talk about sex and profanity in it and it addresses some issues that younger aged 12 and under might be better off waiting to read about until they are older.
It's high school, the usual scene, the teen queen and her honey bees are around her. The story is told from CG's point of view. CG has just moved there and for some unknown reason, the Queen Bee has graced her with recognition. Her father is CG's father's boss. All of a sudden, CG decides to become this new person so she can stay with the honey bees that hover around the Queen Bee. She becomes this rebel that never turns down a dare, has done anything they've ever thought about, and doesn't think about anything, but staying in that group. She doesn't care what she has to do to stay there. She doesn't realize at the top that they aren't her friends, they're just the top. Then, she finally takes a look at them and realizes their lives for being so popular and monyed aren't as perfect as she thought they were and the boy who looked so golden isn't at all.
This is a typical high school wanna be popular book, but with a twist. CG doesn't have sex with the football team. She doesn't kiss ass to the cool crowd. She doesn't even ingratiate herself to the Queen bee. She builds herself up quickly as the bad girl, the rebel, the daredevil with the Queen Bee and her honey bees. I've never seen the rebel be the one that fit in with the Queen. Her clothes look like they come from secondhand stores, her shoes are Payless, and her back pack is from Good Will. But with each lie she tells she goes up a notch in the groups eyes until they rename themselves, The Four Tops. She shops with them in stores where they buy expensive clothes and she buys nothing, but it doesn't bother her in the least. They live in mansions, she lives in a townhouse the company CG's father's company set them up in. She acts like none of it bothers her and it doesn't. She's not label conscious and doesn't care about money, but she does want to be popular.
CG does some unthinkable things, as do her other "tops" and it's hard to imagine how she's going to make the mess she's made go away and keep her position in the Four Tops. Is it even possible? Does she even want it? She has to figure out who CG is before she can come clean. But will she?
I have to leave it like that though since it's predictable, you probably know what happens. There are some good lessons to be learned from her story. Not all honey bees are happy there. Sometimes the nerds are happier than the queen bees. And being yourself today doesn't mean you have to be that same person tomorrow. You don't have to have everything figured out in high school. You shouldn't. You're ever evolving.
I thought it was a good book. It was a quick easy read. Even at just 300 pages I read it in a few hours. The writing flows and the chapters don't break up the story. It touched on bulimia, slightly on alcoholism, teen sex, teacher/student relationships and as I said there was some profanity in it. It wasn't quite as light hearted as the cover makes it seem, but CG has her funny moments when she's talking in her head. I'd recommend this for 14 and up. I definitely think teen girls will identify with CG and see some part of themselves in her predicament.
CG Silverman is starting a new school, in a new town, and hoping for a new life - a more popular life. When the small "in" group of girls takes notice of her on her first day, she can hardly believe it. Before she knows what's happening she's the rebel of the group - doing whatever she feels like and going where no one has dared (or really should dare) to go before. One small white lie spins into another and suddenly CG is living a life of lies and half truths, dragging her friends, teachers, and family in with her.
I fell in love with CG from the get go. She was fun, outgoing, and truly a rebel in her own little way. When the white lies starting getting bigger and bigger (and even a bit ridiculous, but hey this is fiction), she finds herself living a double life. She strives for the approval of the popular group and once there she's scared to let go - so things just keep getting crazier.
The popular group is so stereotypical that it's perfect. They are cruel to the world at large, but latch on to silly little charitable projects that are "cute" to do. As the story unfolds and CG becomes a full fledged member of the group we get to see their inner demons and more about what makes them tick. We see their insecurities, their family secrets, and their surprising love for each other.
Somehow through this whole mess, CG ends up actually doing some good, and when everything falls apart around her (as we all knew it inevitably would), she finds out who her true friends are.
A little over the top in some spots, but still a good read.
I fell in love with CG from the get go. She was fun, outgoing, and truly a rebel in her own little way. When the white lies starting getting bigger and bigger (and even a bit ridiculous, but hey this is fiction), she finds herself living a double life. She strives for the approval of the popular group and once there she's scared to let go - so things just keep getting crazier.
The popular group is so stereotypical that it's perfect. They are cruel to the world at large, but latch on to silly little charitable projects that are "cute" to do. As the story unfolds and CG becomes a full fledged member of the group we get to see their inner demons and more about what makes them tick. We see their insecurities, their family secrets, and their surprising love for each other.
Somehow through this whole mess, CG ends up actually doing some good, and when everything falls apart around her (as we all knew it inevitably would), she finds out who her true friends are.
A little over the top in some spots, but still a good read.
This was a cute and fun book. CG is new at school and decides to make a whole new image for herself. But it is not all it is cracked up to be. Will she do the right thing? Or keep on the path she is on?
It is very rare for me to say this, but I liked the ending of the book. It was very realistic, and I appreciate that!
It is very rare for me to say this, but I liked the ending of the book. It was very realistic, and I appreciate that!
Cliche and riddled with way too much swearing and non-sense for me. Then the end is a big cliche on top of being a total moment of the main character rattling on Full House style of her lessons learned. Disappointing.
CG Silverman is the new girl at school. When the popular girls (Alona, Sammie, and Grace) befriend her, CG thinks that this is her chance to finally be part of an "in" crowd. CG is so desperate to be accepted that she reinvents herself, pretending to be a daredevil. There is no dare too crazy for CG, and her new friends are impressed by her rebellious personality.
CG is enjoying her new popularity, but after awhile the lies start adding up, and she finds herself in deeper trouble than she ever bargained for. Will CG come clean before her lies catch up with her? Will she have any friends left over if they find out about all of her lies?
This was a fun read. I was first drawn to this book because of its cute cover. When I started reading it, it reminded me a little of the movie Mean Girls in which the new girl tries to fit into the popular clique. CG wasn't always a likable narrator, and she seemed shallow at times. However, she learns a lesson about being true to yourself and being truthful with your friends. I would recommend this book to older teens.
CG is enjoying her new popularity, but after awhile the lies start adding up, and she finds herself in deeper trouble than she ever bargained for. Will CG come clean before her lies catch up with her? Will she have any friends left over if they find out about all of her lies?
This was a fun read. I was first drawn to this book because of its cute cover. When I started reading it, it reminded me a little of the movie Mean Girls in which the new girl tries to fit into the popular clique. CG wasn't always a likable narrator, and she seemed shallow at times. However, she learns a lesson about being true to yourself and being truthful with your friends. I would recommend this book to older teens.
CJ has just moved to a new school, and like so many others in this situation, is hoping it will mean a fresh start and a shot at popularity. It just so happens that she does get picked up by the in-crowd but tough decisions must be made as the lies get bigger and the stakes more desperate as she tries to maintain her position there.
Didn't really like the writing or the characters, although in the end CG finally makes some wise(r) choices. Tween girls who like the mean girls sorts of books will probably like it though.
Didn't really like the writing or the characters, although in the end CG finally makes some wise(r) choices. Tween girls who like the mean girls sorts of books will probably like it though.
Summary: Like probably every other teenager, CG Silverman is figuring out who she is and who she wants to be. She sees moving to a new town and going to a new school as her opportunity to reinvent herself and cuts all the ties to her old life, even telling the boy who was her best friend and almost boyfriend she's not interested anymore. The leader of a group of 3 popular girls takes to CG and at first things sail smoothly, sure CG has to lie and pretend she's something she's not, but all's fair in love and the war for popularity right?
Even messing around with the older brother of one of your new 'friends' and chatting up your English teacher on an online dating site. Everything is soon spiralling out of control, what will CG do when her lies start to catch up to her? How will she explain it all to the one true friend she's made since moving, who's not in the in-crowd, and let's not forget her parents?
At first Rech paints a realistic world of a high school were the social clique exists of the queen bee and her two minions, soon joined by CG. They're all 15-year old girls who each have their own set of issues. The Queen Bee, Alona, seems kinda clueless and is actually not that evil and nasty, she just likes things going her way. On the other hand, there's Grace, who is definitely the mean girl in this group. She not only gives her 'friends' crap, but is generally not a very nice person, she's actually the most intriguing character of this book, because she's got some real issues that aren't all that clear right from the start.
CG herself is a mess, she's all over the place trying to get Alona and her friends to like her and keeping it that way. She pretends to be some kind of rebel and after a slightly altered game of truth or dare, she's in. She develops a huge crush on Jordan, Alona's brother, who's in college and already has a girlfriend. She juggles him and the online flirting she has going on with her English teacher (pretending to be 25 instead of 15).
I must say I didn't really like CG, she said things just to be cool and I know that there are probably whole boatloads full of people who do that, but it's not very pretty. She was however believable in her teenage heartbreak over Jordan, but she seemed very fickle in her affection for her English teacher and even the boy she left behind in her old town. The only reason she seems to clean up her act is that of course she's found out in the end. I thought it was strange that she picked the most unpopular girl in school to form a real friendship with, as she was trying very hard to be popular herself and this doesn't seem to fit in. The only time I really believed she wasn't being selfish was when she seemed to snap out of it long enough to worry about a friend's health.
I remember being 15 and thinking everything that happened was a huge drama, when looking back, of course it wasn't such a big deal. However, I don't remember betraying my friends and messing with people's lives and generally being nasty. I like to believe that at 15, people have a moral compass. Sure they make mistakes, but especially the part with the English teacher went too far in my book and seemed like something that would never happen like that.
This wasn't really my kind of book, I couldn't relate to the main character and didn't really understand the way she acted.
My rating: 2.5 stars.
Even messing around with the older brother of one of your new 'friends' and chatting up your English teacher on an online dating site. Everything is soon spiralling out of control, what will CG do when her lies start to catch up to her? How will she explain it all to the one true friend she's made since moving, who's not in the in-crowd, and let's not forget her parents?
At first Rech paints a realistic world of a high school were the social clique exists of the queen bee and her two minions, soon joined by CG. They're all 15-year old girls who each have their own set of issues. The Queen Bee, Alona, seems kinda clueless and is actually not that evil and nasty, she just likes things going her way. On the other hand, there's Grace, who is definitely the mean girl in this group. She not only gives her 'friends' crap, but is generally not a very nice person, she's actually the most intriguing character of this book, because she's got some real issues that aren't all that clear right from the start.
CG herself is a mess, she's all over the place trying to get Alona and her friends to like her and keeping it that way. She pretends to be some kind of rebel and after a slightly altered game of truth or dare, she's in. She develops a huge crush on Jordan, Alona's brother, who's in college and already has a girlfriend. She juggles him and the online flirting she has going on with her English teacher (pretending to be 25 instead of 15).
I must say I didn't really like CG, she said things just to be cool and I know that there are probably whole boatloads full of people who do that, but it's not very pretty. She was however believable in her teenage heartbreak over Jordan, but she seemed very fickle in her affection for her English teacher and even the boy she left behind in her old town. The only reason she seems to clean up her act is that of course she's found out in the end. I thought it was strange that she picked the most unpopular girl in school to form a real friendship with, as she was trying very hard to be popular herself and this doesn't seem to fit in. The only time I really believed she wasn't being selfish was when she seemed to snap out of it long enough to worry about a friend's health.
I remember being 15 and thinking everything that happened was a huge drama, when looking back, of course it wasn't such a big deal. However, I don't remember betraying my friends and messing with people's lives and generally being nasty. I like to believe that at 15, people have a moral compass. Sure they make mistakes, but especially the part with the English teacher went too far in my book and seemed like something that would never happen like that.
This wasn't really my kind of book, I couldn't relate to the main character and didn't really understand the way she acted.
My rating: 2.5 stars.
An eye catching cover, but not much to back it up. Rach relies on caricatures and shock value, and doesn't have much else to add.