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
