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A review by missprint_
The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them by E. Lockhart
5.0
Since the end of her disastrous sophomore year at Tate Prep Ruby Oliver has:
* Continued going to therapy
* Befriended fellow Tate Prep misfits Noel, Hutch and Meghan
* Lost all of her other friends and her first ever boyfriend
Although the panic attacks are in check and the wounds sting a little less, Ruby's reputation is still in tatters. Her former best friends all still hate her (except maybe Nora . . . or maybe not). She still has panic attacks.
It's not the best situation but Ruby is prepared to do her best to deal with it all including: getting a job, scamming, deciphering the many secrets of boys (including Noel, Angelo, and her ex, Jackson), and even going on a school trip that might not be a total disaster (although from past experience Ruby isn't getting her hopes up) in The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them (2006) by E. Lockhart.
The Boy Book is the second book in Lockhart's Ruby Oliver series (preceeded by The Boyfriend List). The book could stand alone but honestly since they're so short it's worth just reading them all in order.
The Boy Book is a slim, fun book. Ruby's life is not glamorous, or perfect, but it is real. Lockhart blends humor, wit, and a bit of mayhem to deal with weighty matters and rescuing hooters in need alike. As the title suggests there are boys in The Boy Book but what really sets this book apart (like The Boyfriend List) is Lockhart's treatment of friendships. Friends aren't forever, no matter what we might hope, and Ruby deals with that sadness and the process of moving on (but she calls it Reginald) throughout the story.
This series is fun because it's hysterical but Lockhart stays true to her exemplary literary standards. Readers can observe the growth of Ruby's character over the course of the books. Interestingly, having read both The Boy Book and Lockhart's Printz honor book The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. (Isn't Ruby kind of like Frankie before Frankie turns criminal mastermind? Maybe after as well. The similarities between Jackson and Frankie's boyfriend, or even maybe Alpha, are also striking.)
At the end of the day The Boy Book is a funny, light-hearted read. It is authentic and marvelous and, even when Ruby is at her lowest, The Boy Book is optimistic and hopeful.
Ruby's (mis)adventures continue in The Treasure Map of Boys.
Possible Pairings: Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson, Alice, I Think by Susan Juby, Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan, The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee
* Continued going to therapy
* Befriended fellow Tate Prep misfits Noel, Hutch and Meghan
* Lost all of her other friends and her first ever boyfriend
Although the panic attacks are in check and the wounds sting a little less, Ruby's reputation is still in tatters. Her former best friends all still hate her (except maybe Nora . . . or maybe not). She still has panic attacks.
It's not the best situation but Ruby is prepared to do her best to deal with it all including: getting a job, scamming, deciphering the many secrets of boys (including Noel, Angelo, and her ex, Jackson), and even going on a school trip that might not be a total disaster (although from past experience Ruby isn't getting her hopes up) in The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them (2006) by E. Lockhart.
The Boy Book is the second book in Lockhart's Ruby Oliver series (preceeded by The Boyfriend List). The book could stand alone but honestly since they're so short it's worth just reading them all in order.
The Boy Book is a slim, fun book. Ruby's life is not glamorous, or perfect, but it is real. Lockhart blends humor, wit, and a bit of mayhem to deal with weighty matters and rescuing hooters in need alike. As the title suggests there are boys in The Boy Book but what really sets this book apart (like The Boyfriend List) is Lockhart's treatment of friendships. Friends aren't forever, no matter what we might hope, and Ruby deals with that sadness and the process of moving on (but she calls it Reginald) throughout the story.
This series is fun because it's hysterical but Lockhart stays true to her exemplary literary standards. Readers can observe the growth of Ruby's character over the course of the books. Interestingly, having read both The Boy Book and Lockhart's Printz honor book The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. (Isn't Ruby kind of like Frankie before Frankie turns criminal mastermind? Maybe after as well. The similarities between Jackson and Frankie's boyfriend, or even maybe Alpha, are also striking.)
At the end of the day The Boy Book is a funny, light-hearted read. It is authentic and marvelous and, even when Ruby is at her lowest, The Boy Book is optimistic and hopeful.
Ruby's (mis)adventures continue in The Treasure Map of Boys.
Possible Pairings: Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson, Alice, I Think by Susan Juby, Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan, The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee