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The Anti-Prom, Abby McDonald
Jun. 22nd, 2011 11:41 pmWow, random library YA section appeal hit it out of the park this time. This combined with my summertime energy levels warrants an actual bookpost!
Basically, three girls (a popular girl, a background girl, and the Bad Girl) are having shitty proms, each for their own reasons. They set out together to get revenge, wind up having a variety of criminal adventures, and meet some interesting people. None of this sets the book apart. The fact that I think it was secretly written by my therapist, however, does. These girls are constantly analyzing themselves in voices that I found believable and distinct. They have clear class backgrounds and previous experiences that inform what they're doing in reasonable ways. And all three of them get something like what they wanted, evaluate their responses to that sensibly, and move forward emotionally well past where the usual YA novel would take them.
Special bonus points for the cover, which is surprisingly accurate as to the dresses and makes it clear that Bliss is not white, even though that's not played up in the story. Go cover artist!
I have grave doubts about the premise of McDonald's forthcoming YA novel, Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood, but will certainly check out her other books.
Basically, three girls (a popular girl, a background girl, and the Bad Girl) are having shitty proms, each for their own reasons. They set out together to get revenge, wind up having a variety of criminal adventures, and meet some interesting people. None of this sets the book apart. The fact that I think it was secretly written by my therapist, however, does. These girls are constantly analyzing themselves in voices that I found believable and distinct. They have clear class backgrounds and previous experiences that inform what they're doing in reasonable ways. And all three of them get something like what they wanted, evaluate their responses to that sensibly, and move forward emotionally well past where the usual YA novel would take them.
Special bonus points for the cover, which is surprisingly accurate as to the dresses and makes it clear that Bliss is not white, even though that's not played up in the story. Go cover artist!
I have grave doubts about the premise of McDonald's forthcoming YA novel, Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood, but will certainly check out her other books.
