Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Before y’all think I’m a monster, let me explain. My 15-year-old (her birthday was Saturday) had a friend–probably more than one friend?–gushing about The Summer I Turned Pretty. My hubby told her the tv series might be a bit questionable for her, so I listened to the books–all three of them–and told her that they were full of questionable decisions (by both adults and kids), but she could go for it. I’ve gotten them from the library for her, and as she’s approaching the wrap-up of the 3rd book, she’s baffled as to why people love them so much, and–YES. SO much yes. Because they’re all drama, and one boy is emotionally manipulative bordering on emotionally abusive for more than the whole first book, while the other (his brother) gets incredibly annoying by the third book. Knowing my daughter sees this and isn’t enjoying the obnoxious roller coaster thrills me, because I don’t want her making any of the mistakes Belly makes about either boy. I am sorry she’s not enjoying what she thought would be enjoyable, yes, but I’m still glad she’s not enjoying it.

In the same vein, she asked me about Sarah Adams’ The Cheat Sheet, which I finished listening to late last week, and I enjoyed that listening experience far more than the “Summer” books. I told her I’d leave it up to her–the frequent inner dialogues about how hot the other person is and their occasional conversations about sex might make her uncomfortable, but at 15, that’s her call to make–but I did warn her that while I found the main characters both likeable, the actual plot is flimsy. I gave it three stars because there’s entertaining banter and the discussion of panic attacks and mental health pleased me, but the idea of two adults spending a considerable amount of time together for six years without a)realizing the other is in love with him/her or b)admitting that he/she is in love with the other is pretty eyeroll-inducing. I mean, you’re out of COLLEGE, not just high school–talking honestly with each other really ought to be a thing at some point. AND the fake-dating-for-a-commercial is awfully contrived. On the other hand, if you set that aside, it’s a fun book, and while the constant inner ogling is the weakest aspect of Adams’ writing, the main characters’ relationships with side characters add a lot to their story. If you’re looking for deep literature or cleverly constructed plots, this is not your best choice; if you’re looking for an entertaining distraction from stress, however, then I’d say go for it.