"A fantastic read that I recommend for any mature reader." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.
But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone."
Why I read this: I thought the title was really unique and captivating. I also loved the fact that Kody was 17 when she wrote this — very impressive.
Plot: I was very impressed with the plot; it was paced perfectly. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it throughout. I found myself tearing up, laughing out loud, and smiling inward and out. One of these moments was towards the end of the book, I finished the last chapter during DEAR at school, and my face lit up and I couldn't help but smile. Of course there were a few students watching me and asked what had happened in the book I was reading. They couldn't believe that a book could be "good enough" to cause that kind of reaction.
Characters:I found Bianca's character to be forced in the beginning while I was still "getting to know her." It seemed like she was being cynical just because she wanted attention or to be "that person." Once I realized exactly why she was the way she was I found myself connecting, not relating, with her. Wesley's character I thought was developed very smoothly, I would have just loved to learn more about him earlier in the novel.
Relatability: I couldn't relate to either Wesley or Bianca's family situations or lifestyle choices, but as an educator I believed in the situations because I know that happens. I think the kids that can relate will be inspired by both Wesley and Bianca.
Cover: Very interesting and eye catching.
Random Thoughts: I'm torn. This was a fantastic novel. I loved the story and the characters. I haven't felt those previously mentioned emotions towards a novel in a few months. It has FANTASTIC tone, just unbelievably real and honest. I would love to tell my kids about Kody's success and how I think it's great that the characters actually SOUND like high school students. I want to share this book with my students more than anything.
BUT.
Because the tone is so real and honest, there's a lot of swearing. I don't think it detracted from the story at all, I never felt it was overly excessive. When Bianca was mad or upset, of course the "bombs" were flying everywhere. But, as a first year teacher, I'm not sure I feel comfortable putting it on my shelves. Is this crazy? As teachers — what do you think? As teenagers — what do you think? As parents — what do you think?
I think my struggling readers would love to have a protagonist they can so easily relate to and who sounds like them. But, I just don't know.
There's also quite a bit of sex (am I the only who didn't have sex in high school?!?). It is very modest and subtle — no "groddy" descriptions. Again, I think my students would like something this real and true to what high school really is — but I'm worried about parent reactions. This would be a lot easier if it wasn't such a fantastic book! What do you think?
Final Thoughts: Regardless of whether or not I bring this book into the classroom, I will be keeping it for my shelves. A fantastic read that I recommend for any mature reader (just maybe not those I'm directly responsible for).
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5 (Fantastic!)
Cover: 10/10
Overall: 99/100 A
This book will be released on September 7th, 2010.
To the FTC, with love: Received from BEA 2010