Lauren Myracles Internet Girls series has been a target for challenged books for the past few years due to the frank and open discussion of sexual situations in her book. Written in completely text and instant messaging, the Internet Girls series focuses on the friendship of three high school best friends who give each other support and advice. In their latest book, the trio are trying to survive their first year of college. Please note that this review is based on the advanced reader's copy of the book that I received from the publisher via Netgalley.
Description: Now it’s freshman year
of college for the winsome threesome, and *everything* is different. For
one, the best friends are facing their first semester apart. Way, way
apart. Maddie’s in California, Zoe’s in Ohio, and Angela’s back in
Georgia. And it’s not just the girls who are separated. Zoe’s worried
that Doug wants to break up now that they’re at different schools, and
Maddie’s boyfriend, Ian, is on the other side of the country. In the face
of change and diverging paths, Maddie’s got a plan to keep the friends
close, and it involves embracing the present, making memories, and . . .
roller derby!
Review: There are many books that talk about high school seniors who are excited about college, but there are a few books that actually talk about the wide range of emotions that college brings from starting from square one at a new place with new people to nerves and uncertainty. Myracle does a good job in showing how freshmen year of college can be for three very different individuals. Maddie, the driving force of the winsome threesome, comes up with the theme for the new school year, yolo (i.e. you only live once), and challenges her girlfriends to make the most of their freshmen year. Ironically Maddie seems to have the most trouble as she doesn't quite fit in at her school in California. Meanwhile party girl Angela is uncertain about joining a sorority in school at Georgia. Zoe is somewhere in the middle and mostly concerned about losing her high school boyfriend Doug as they try to work out a long distance relationship.
Since the book is written completely in text form, it is very quick and easy read especially for reluctant readers. Each of the girls has their own different personalities that shine through in their texts. I like the fact that these girls are ordinary and so are their problems. Instead of turning to their love interests to help solve their problems, they turn to each other. I found the plot to be realistic and frank about the issues the freshmen class will face in college such as homesickness, partying, and soul-crushing rejection without being preachy or heavy-handed. I think this book would be a good read for those jittery freshmen who want some reassurance for starting a new school year.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is some strong language, underage drinking, an attempt of sexual assault, frank discussion of sex though not explicit, and some crude humor. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.
If you like this book try: 3 Willows by Anna Brashares, Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Liz Craft
Review: There are many books that talk about high school seniors who are excited about college, but there are a few books that actually talk about the wide range of emotions that college brings from starting from square one at a new place with new people to nerves and uncertainty. Myracle does a good job in showing how freshmen year of college can be for three very different individuals. Maddie, the driving force of the winsome threesome, comes up with the theme for the new school year, yolo (i.e. you only live once), and challenges her girlfriends to make the most of their freshmen year. Ironically Maddie seems to have the most trouble as she doesn't quite fit in at her school in California. Meanwhile party girl Angela is uncertain about joining a sorority in school at Georgia. Zoe is somewhere in the middle and mostly concerned about losing her high school boyfriend Doug as they try to work out a long distance relationship.
Since the book is written completely in text form, it is very quick and easy read especially for reluctant readers. Each of the girls has their own different personalities that shine through in their texts. I like the fact that these girls are ordinary and so are their problems. Instead of turning to their love interests to help solve their problems, they turn to each other. I found the plot to be realistic and frank about the issues the freshmen class will face in college such as homesickness, partying, and soul-crushing rejection without being preachy or heavy-handed. I think this book would be a good read for those jittery freshmen who want some reassurance for starting a new school year.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is some strong language, underage drinking, an attempt of sexual assault, frank discussion of sex though not explicit, and some crude humor. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.
If you like this book try: 3 Willows by Anna Brashares, Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Liz Craft
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What an interesting format. I've only read one of her books, Shine, and thought it was really great, but this really pushes the boundaries. It's astonishing that she was able to achieve such excellent characterization in such a short form. I might give this a try, strictly out of curiosity.
Great review!
I haven't read Myracle's books but I like the sound of this one because of the girls' close friendship. I also like it's uniqueness of being written in text form.