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stefs_library's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So funny, as are the rest of the books in this series. Highly recommend.
stephxsu's review against another edition
5.0
Ruby Oliver is back and more beloved than ever! At the start of junior year, Roo’s ex-best friend Kim is in Japan, and she’s still not speaking with her ex-boyfriend Jackson, whom Kim “stole” because she believed they were meant for each other. The only two people she’s sort of friends with are Noel, a guy who can be in any social group or none at all anytime he wants, and Nora, the only one out of her original group of four friends who will still speak with her. Roo continues her therapy sessions with Dr. Z and starts an internship at the zoo.
Here are the boys in her life: Angelo, a hot family friend whom she’s scamming with, meaning that they make out but aren’t technically “together”; Jackson, the dreaded ex who’s been sending her notes although he’s Kim’s boyfriend; and Noel. Roo can’t figure out her feelings for Noel. Sure, there have been moments when she thought he was going to kiss her. But Roo’s not in therapy for no reason; she has to work out her feelings. With her reputation and social life only beginning to recover from her leper-like end of sophomore year, she has to do the right thing so that she won’t end up alone again. And sometimes the right thing isn’t always the thing she wants.
I enjoyed THE BOY BOOK so much more than its prequel. In this book, Roo and her friends come up as more rounded and human characters. Anyone can relate to someone in the book, and I can understand each character’s actions, though they may not be the best ones. E. Lockhart is a master of teen dialogue, and there is something in this book for every reader.
Here are the boys in her life: Angelo, a hot family friend whom she’s scamming with, meaning that they make out but aren’t technically “together”; Jackson, the dreaded ex who’s been sending her notes although he’s Kim’s boyfriend; and Noel. Roo can’t figure out her feelings for Noel. Sure, there have been moments when she thought he was going to kiss her. But Roo’s not in therapy for no reason; she has to work out her feelings. With her reputation and social life only beginning to recover from her leper-like end of sophomore year, she has to do the right thing so that she won’t end up alone again. And sometimes the right thing isn’t always the thing she wants.
I enjoyed THE BOY BOOK so much more than its prequel. In this book, Roo and her friends come up as more rounded and human characters. Anyone can relate to someone in the book, and I can understand each character’s actions, though they may not be the best ones. E. Lockhart is a master of teen dialogue, and there is something in this book for every reader.
labunnywtf's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, I liked this one a great deal more than the first one. It's still fluff, but less boyfriend fluff and more friendship fluff. It's good solid real life YA, which I don't really read enough of.
I also liked Ruby a lot more here. She comes into her own, which makes reading about her much more enjoyable. Enough to read the third book? Only if my library has it. I'm not going to go out of my way to get ahold of it, but I am definitely interested.
I also liked Ruby a lot more here. She comes into her own, which makes reading about her much more enjoyable. Enough to read the third book? Only if my library has it. I'm not going to go out of my way to get ahold of it, but I am definitely interested.
steph01924's review against another edition
3.0
This was probably even quicker to read than the first book. I like how it ended, with Roo in the mind-space of figuring herself out and letting the boy stuff do what it will (we KNOW the Noel stuff isn't going to be dropped for this silly Nora's crush storyline, so I'm content to wait). I'm also happy that Meghan broke up with Bick and hopefully she can get a more interesting storyline.
I like the way the Kim and Roo relationship played out, because I have been in that situation (minus the boy list and boyfriend stealing). Friendship break-ups are traumatic. I particularly liked Roo's line about how her current friendships are not at the same level as her childhood-friends-growing-up-together friendship with Kim, and if maybe that's how adult friendships are. It was insightful and bittersweet, and I think it was a great pause for reflection not just for Roo but for readers, especially as Roo doesn't determine that it's a good or bad thing either way...just different.
As for the boys, I am SO glad that Roo realized what a jerk Jackson is...it took most of the book, but at least we're (hopefully) done with the mooning and "That's just how I feel" lines. Maybe in the next book Kim will come crawling back to be friends after she finds out Jackson cheated on her again, because you know he will. Serial cheater, thy name is Jackson.
I like that Angelo went out and got himself a cute, smart girl to love him and that Roo was smart enough to eventually realize he could've been a great boyfriend but just not for her. It was a nice change of pace that the 'FB' was actually a decent guy.
Noel is such a great character and I want to be his friend. If you can get a guy who will jokingly come up with something like the Hooter Squad and also be willing to help your friends then keep him in your pocket with you forever. And that scene in his room...ag. I wish Roo would be straight with Nora and tell her that she WAY called dibs before Nora, telepathic style.
Not as much sticks out for me in this book as in the first, but I think it was a good progression. It's also nice to know that there is a conclusion to this series at the fourth book, so I'm happy to go on to read the third and fourth books and know that I'll be done with it when I want to be done and not waiting around for the end to be published. Yay for being late on trends!
I like the way the Kim and Roo relationship played out, because I have been in that situation (minus the boy list and boyfriend stealing). Friendship break-ups are traumatic. I particularly liked Roo's line about how her current friendships are not at the same level as her childhood-friends-growing-up-together friendship with Kim, and if maybe that's how adult friendships are. It was insightful and bittersweet, and I think it was a great pause for reflection not just for Roo but for readers, especially as Roo doesn't determine that it's a good or bad thing either way...just different.
As for the boys, I am SO glad that Roo realized what a jerk Jackson is...it took most of the book, but at least we're (hopefully) done with the mooning and "That's just how I feel" lines. Maybe in the next book Kim will come crawling back to be friends after she finds out Jackson cheated on her again, because you know he will. Serial cheater, thy name is Jackson.
I like that Angelo went out and got himself a cute, smart girl to love him and that Roo was smart enough to eventually realize he could've been a great boyfriend but just not for her. It was a nice change of pace that the 'FB' was actually a decent guy.
Noel is such a great character and I want to be his friend. If you can get a guy who will jokingly come up with something like the Hooter Squad and also be willing to help your friends then keep him in your pocket with you forever. And that scene in his room...ag. I wish Roo would be straight with Nora and tell her that she WAY called dibs before Nora, telepathic style.
Not as much sticks out for me in this book as in the first, but I think it was a good progression. It's also nice to know that there is a conclusion to this series at the fourth book, so I'm happy to go on to read the third and fourth books and know that I'll be done with it when I want to be done and not waiting around for the end to be published. Yay for being late on trends!
eatingwords's review against another edition
4.0
I rushed trough this fun and quirky sequel.
I really liked how Ruby develops throughout the story and how she always talks and talks and how funny she is.
She reminds me a lot of Georgia Nicolson.
This was such a fun and quick read. I will definitely continue to read the series. They are just so much fun!
I really liked how Ruby develops throughout the story and how she always talks and talks and how funny she is.
She reminds me a lot of Georgia Nicolson.
This was such a fun and quick read. I will definitely continue to read the series. They are just so much fun!
cburgbennett's review against another edition
3.0
1-30-13: Yeah I like the Ruby Oliver books. They are completely filled with teen drama, I mean: COMPLETELY filled with teen drama. And it is very funny and sad to read. Ruby is very witty and always finds herself in the most difficult dramatic situations.
***
So I read this last summer (2011) and didn't realize it was a series! WOO HOO. i hate when I do that. I just read the first book today (1-25-13)...so this will be a reread! With a review to come soon! Gotta finish this series once and for all! yay! Go Ruby Oliver!
*As with the first book, this does contain swearing and some sections that I had to skim through.
***
So I read this last summer (2011) and didn't realize it was a series! WOO HOO. i hate when I do that. I just read the first book today (1-25-13)...so this will be a reread! With a review to come soon! Gotta finish this series once and for all! yay! Go Ruby Oliver!
*As with the first book, this does contain swearing and some sections that I had to skim through.
misspashx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
mbrandmaier's review against another edition
4.0
I think this ends on a more positive note than the first one did. I love, love, LOVE seeing Roo stand up for herself!!!!
meghan111's review against another edition
3.0
Set immediately after [b:The Boyfriend List|301022|The Boyfriend List 15 guys, 11 shrink appointments, 4 ceramic frogs, and me, Ruby Oliver (Readers Circle)|E. Lockhart|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173534943s/301022.jpg|292089], The Boy Book makes a seamless transition to the next school year and further developments in the life of the main character. Ruby and her estranged friends come to a further resolution of their lost friendships, and she gets an internship at a zoo. Etc.
yousrabushehri's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful. Ordered the next 2 books. Can't wait to sink my teeth into them!