4/5 stars
Little, Brown and Company, 2013
275 pages
YA Contemporary
Source: Library
I think had seen this book around as an upcoming 2013 release but it really got my attention when one of my favorite bloggers reviewed it (obviously I'm talking about Jen Ryland; see below for link to her review). Her mention of its glossy portrayal of shoplifting and its aftereffects as well as the healthy dose of humor drew me to this book. Additionally there was the promise of strong female friendship and sweet romances. We so often agree and I had a good feeling about this.
All the aforementioned elements are present and I flew through this cute book. Not surprisingly Smith co-wrote some of my favorite films: 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, Ella Enchanted, and She's the Man in addition to other films and writing. While reading I just felt so comforted
The book is told through three alternating perspectives: poetic Elodie whose chapters are told in verse (which always makes for fast reading); spoiled popular Tabitha; and burnout rebel Moe. On the surface these girls are unlikely to even meet, let alone become friends. But that's exactly what happens when they're all enrolled in Shoplifters Anonymous and set a challenge to see who can steal the most; yeah, these girls aren't very repentant. Fortunately as the story moves, they do start to feel some guilt, they all make some pretty big changes in their lives, and all three become embroiled in very cute love stories.
These was just the kind of book I was craving-a light, frothy fast read that makes me smile while also demonstrating tremendous character growth. All of the girls steal and have problems with their parents and their friends (the first problem is a bit unusual but the other two are fairly common). Through their friendship, they discover what good friends look like, they confront the problems they have with their parents, and they reform themselves, donating their stolen goods to charity.
Overall: A very sweet satisfying story-if you liked the movies I mentioned above, you'll probably enjoy this book a lot.
Other Opinions:
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
KellyVision
Reading the Best of the Best
I loved all of the movies you mentioned so I better add this book to my TBR list. I also like that it focuses on friendships and has a positive message in the end. Thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteIt is just so in that vein and I think it will really appeal to some people-also great for the summer/beach.
DeleteThis one sounds so fun! Especially since the author contributed on so many great movies. The shoplifting aspect doesn't really appeal to me, but it sounds like the other fun things about the book will make it a worthwhile read for me. Thanks for the review!--I hadn't heard of this book before.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't very interested in the shoplifting part either but it's handled well and there are some really outstanding passages about friendship, which makes it all worth it.
DeleteI really like the sounds of this one, sounds fun! The girls seem to grow throughout, and is something I like to see. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
There was so much character growth! I was so so so happy to see that :)
DeleteAw, thanks for the compliment :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked this one. I usually hate books written in verse, but since it was only one POV, I thought it worked well and I really enjoyed the whole story.
I loved your review for this and it really spurred me to check this one out-as you can see, I loved it too!
DeleteSounds like a fun read :) I love a book that can bring humor to a story.
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
It was so humorous! I read a lot of YA but I feel like humor is an element that tends to be missing; I was glad that this book brought the funny.
DeleteI like the sound of the character growth - and a book that can make you smile while reading is usually a good story :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I'll have to check this book out.
I was so impressed with how these girls changed through their own self-reflection and each other's support; it was tremendous to see!
Delete