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Courtney Von Dragen Smith #1
Truth or Dairy
She's humiliated, she's angry....and she's through with boys. Or least that's what she says.
This is the journal of Courtney Von Dragen Smith: middle child, product of divorce, would-be vegetarian. She writes the first mega-negative page the day after her boyfriend, "Such a Dave," breaks up with her because he's heading off to college. Angry and humiliated, Courtney vows to survive senior year on the anti-guy plan. But can she really give up guys and focus on friends, school, and her job at the hip cafe Truth or Diary? Or will a stint in student government, an epileptic dog, and a guy named Grant ("like-the-lake") Superior turn her world upside down and prove her journal right?
It's true: life can get weirder.2001 ALA Popular Paperback for YAs
This is the journal of Courtney Von Dragen Smith: middle child, product of divorce, would-be vegetarian. She writes the first mega-negative page the day after her boyfriend, "Such a Dave," breaks up with her because he's heading off to college. Angry and humiliated, Courtney vows to survive senior year on the anti-guy plan. But can she really give up guys and focus on friends, school, and her job at the hip cafe Truth or Diary? Or will a stint in student government, an epileptic dog, and a guy named Grant ("like-the-lake") Superior turn her world upside down and prove her journal right?
It's true: life can get weirder.2001 ALA Popular Paperback for YAs
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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746 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Clark
70 books391 followersI love reading books for children, young adults, new adults and all the old people after that.
I love writing for pretty much the same audiences.
I love writing for pretty much the same audiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 7, 2012
Reviewed by The Story Siren for TeensReadToo.com
Told in diary entries, BANANA SPLITSVILLE recounts the story of Courtney's senior year.
It isn't off to a great start -- her boyfriend, Dave, is going off to college and he just dumped her. Angry and jaded, Courtney makes a vow to be boyfriendless for the year. She instead focuses on other things, like running for Class Vice President and working at the Truth or Dairy. All while pining for Dave.
It's obvious that one of Dave's friends, Grant, is interested in more than just being pals with Courtney. Too bad she has that whole vow thing going on, because Grant is really cute!
In this romantic comedy by Catherine Clark, Courtney's character seemed a little vain to me and I had a hard time feeling empathetic toward her or her situation. Her flaws, however, became her one redeeming quality. And by the end of the novel she had started to grow on me.
While BANANA SPLITSVILLE had its humorous moments, I thought they were far and few between compared to PICTURE PERFECT. Overall, though, this was a fun, fast, and entertaining read. I would have liked to know more about Courtney's friends Beth and Jane; hopefully I will in the third book, ROCKY ROAD TRIP!
Told in diary entries, BANANA SPLITSVILLE recounts the story of Courtney's senior year.
It isn't off to a great start -- her boyfriend, Dave, is going off to college and he just dumped her. Angry and jaded, Courtney makes a vow to be boyfriendless for the year. She instead focuses on other things, like running for Class Vice President and working at the Truth or Dairy. All while pining for Dave.
It's obvious that one of Dave's friends, Grant, is interested in more than just being pals with Courtney. Too bad she has that whole vow thing going on, because Grant is really cute!
In this romantic comedy by Catherine Clark, Courtney's character seemed a little vain to me and I had a hard time feeling empathetic toward her or her situation. Her flaws, however, became her one redeeming quality. And by the end of the novel she had started to grow on me.
While BANANA SPLITSVILLE had its humorous moments, I thought they were far and few between compared to PICTURE PERFECT. Overall, though, this was a fun, fast, and entertaining read. I would have liked to know more about Courtney's friends Beth and Jane; hopefully I will in the third book, ROCKY ROAD TRIP!
March 4, 2010
This was recommended to me YEARS ago by a good friend, so I'm not sure what took me so long. It's a fun, fairly light book that had me laughing at least once every page or so. Clark pulls off the diary format quite well, making Courtney's voice and humor really the main appeal of the story. The plot isn't really anything other than an excuse to spend time with the characters. I'd recommend it to teen girls who like snappy, funny stories with a little romance and some misadventure. A few things have dated since it was published - um, pagers? - but the tone and humor still win out.
September 14, 2018
This one was a little too real for me. I very much remember being Courtney's age and I very much remember how much teenage dating hurt, especially when you have a boyfriend going off to college who dumps you. I may not have done her more crazy antics, but I very much remember all the mental anguish. Because of all that, this was not a fun read for me. I found myself feeling depressed and on edge because it was like reliving those days.
I can image this being a good read for teenagers going through dating drama, just to see that they're not alone. I don't know if I'd recommend this to anyone else, though. Even though it's years behind me, stories about how poorly teenagers can treat each other and how bad breakups can make you feel are not ones I've ever enjoyed.
I can image this being a good read for teenagers going through dating drama, just to see that they're not alone. I don't know if I'd recommend this to anyone else, though. Even though it's years behind me, stories about how poorly teenagers can treat each other and how bad breakups can make you feel are not ones I've ever enjoyed.
January 31, 2021
This was an easy, nostalgic read for me. I love picking up books that I read years ago for a break between other heavier books. This one is a journal/diary style not unlike the writing style of The Princess Diaries. It chronicles Courtney’s senior year of high school and the dating drama that goes with it. Overall, a light easy read.
July 20, 2018
The journal style of writing was jarring. Main character hard to root for.
June 4, 2020
simple, easy read
October 15, 2025
This was a cute read. It kept me entertained.
March 27, 2020
I dont remember this but I know I really liked this!
December 22, 2008
Courtney is just starting her senior year of high school. She works at the Truth or Dairy, a smoothie place, with her friend Beth, cares a lot about animals, and is vegetarian (well, most of the time). Days before she starts school, Courtney gets dumped by her boyfriend Dave when he goes off to college. He tells her that he wants them both to be “free and clear” to explore other options. Courtney is devastated and vows not to date until after she graduates from high school, but she has a really hard time keeping this promise as she gets to know Dave’s friend, Grant. The year is one crisis after another as Dave keeps stumbling into and out of Courtney’s life, her boss wants her to manage a new Truth or Dairy, her friend Beth is acting suspiciously, and there’s a scandal in student council!
Fun, fluffy, fast read. Girls who like chick-lit will enjoy this. Girls who don’t (and probably most guys) will gag. Courtney is a mostly likeable character, and her many embarrassing experiences fill the pages of her journals. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to read them without cringing too much on her behalf.
Excerpt:
9/15
Talked with Grant after Life Issues [class] today. We spent half an hour learning ways of coping with change and making lists to help us cope. It all boiled down to the fact that you basically just have to change, you won’t like it, and you can forget about coping with it. Anyway, after spending all that time listening to people talk about their big life changes (switching cell phone companies, dealing with new hairstyles, etc.), I was suddenly desperate for that info on Dave that Grant kept trying to tell me. I had to know if he’s as miserable as I am. But at first Grant just said he had a “great” roommate and really liked his “great” dorm” and his classes were all “great.”
Excuse me, but that’s a little too perfect. It has to mean Dave’s lying. He probably told Grant to say all that stuff.
So then Grant asked how I was doing. I started telling him. I wanted to give him a perfect story for Dave. About how fabulously I was doing, about how I had a fabulous new boyfriend and had actually been recruited by three fabulous colleges. All of them in Boston – no, Europe.
But the next thing I knew I was pouring out my guts to Grant, telling him gruesome details that no boy should know, like about how I couldn’t sleep at night and how I had started watching 90210 reruns instead of nature shows, and right now the only ones on were from back when David was nerdy and short and Kelly slept around.
“God, why am I telling you all this? I’m sorry,” I finally said. “I should go.”
“No, don’t,” Grant said. “I mean, it’s ok. I understand.”
(pp. 53-54)
Fun, fluffy, fast read. Girls who like chick-lit will enjoy this. Girls who don’t (and probably most guys) will gag. Courtney is a mostly likeable character, and her many embarrassing experiences fill the pages of her journals. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to read them without cringing too much on her behalf.
Excerpt:
9/15
Talked with Grant after Life Issues [class] today. We spent half an hour learning ways of coping with change and making lists to help us cope. It all boiled down to the fact that you basically just have to change, you won’t like it, and you can forget about coping with it. Anyway, after spending all that time listening to people talk about their big life changes (switching cell phone companies, dealing with new hairstyles, etc.), I was suddenly desperate for that info on Dave that Grant kept trying to tell me. I had to know if he’s as miserable as I am. But at first Grant just said he had a “great” roommate and really liked his “great” dorm” and his classes were all “great.”
Excuse me, but that’s a little too perfect. It has to mean Dave’s lying. He probably told Grant to say all that stuff.
So then Grant asked how I was doing. I started telling him. I wanted to give him a perfect story for Dave. About how fabulously I was doing, about how I had a fabulous new boyfriend and had actually been recruited by three fabulous colleges. All of them in Boston – no, Europe.
But the next thing I knew I was pouring out my guts to Grant, telling him gruesome details that no boy should know, like about how I couldn’t sleep at night and how I had started watching 90210 reruns instead of nature shows, and right now the only ones on were from back when David was nerdy and short and Kelly slept around.
“God, why am I telling you all this? I’m sorry,” I finally said. “I should go.”
“No, don’t,” Grant said. “I mean, it’s ok. I understand.”
(pp. 53-54)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2008
Told in dairy entries, Banana Splitsville recounts the story of Courtney’s senior year. It isn’t off to a great start, her boyfriend Dave, is going off to college and he just dumped her. Angry and jaded Courtney makes a vow to be boyfriend less for the year. She instead focuses on other things like running for Class Vice President and working at the Truth or Dairy. All while pinning for Dave.
It’s obvious that one of Dave’s friends, Grant is interested in more than just being friends with Courtney. Too bad she has that whole vow thing going on, because Grant is really cute!
Banana Splitsville is yet another novel by Catherine Clark. Courtney’s character seemed a little vain to me and I had a hard time feeling empathetic toward her or her situation. Her flaws however became her one redeeming quality. And by the end of the novel she had started to grow on me. While Banana Splitsville had its humorous moments, I thought they were far and few compared to Picture Perfect. Overall, Banana Splitsville was a fun, fast and entertaining read. I would have liked to know more about Courtney’s friends Beth and Jane, hopefully I will in the sequel Rocky Road Trip!
It’s obvious that one of Dave’s friends, Grant is interested in more than just being friends with Courtney. Too bad she has that whole vow thing going on, because Grant is really cute!
Banana Splitsville is yet another novel by Catherine Clark. Courtney’s character seemed a little vain to me and I had a hard time feeling empathetic toward her or her situation. Her flaws however became her one redeeming quality. And by the end of the novel she had started to grow on me. While Banana Splitsville had its humorous moments, I thought they were far and few compared to Picture Perfect. Overall, Banana Splitsville was a fun, fast and entertaining read. I would have liked to know more about Courtney’s friends Beth and Jane, hopefully I will in the sequel Rocky Road Trip!
Read
July 25, 20112004- Yes, another teenage journal book. Except even thought it seemed promising, I never felt I could connect with the main character. Courtney Von Dragen Smith is starting her senior year of high school, and it's far from perfect. Her boyfriend has broken up with her because he is going to college 30 minutes away and doesn't want to have a ""long-distance relationship"". One of her ex's friends is flirting with her. And oh yeah, her family is strange, of course. She decides to not date for the entire year and also run for vice president of student council. These events and others are detailed in her journal, which skips all over the place. The journal follows her up until the New Year, when I felt like all the stuff that happened should have been put in a longer time frame. It also make the reader feel like they were hanging to stop at such a awkward point. My last problem with the book was the main character. She just wasn't that likable! There are better teen books written in this journal style.
June 17, 2013
I enjoyed Banana Splitsville more than Maine Squeeze for several reasons. First of all, Courtney is a hilarious protagonist. Her sarcastic thoughts and scatter-brained diary entries had me laughing the whole time. I felt that I could really relate to her, unlike the aforementioned Colleen.
The romance, while fairly subtle and cute, kept me interested without being too mushy. I enjoyed the lack of insta-romance. After being dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Courtney is kind of a mess. I appreciated how the story examined both the fun side of teenage love and the heartbreaks.
I enjoyed reading another diary style novel. In many ways, Banana Splitsville reminded me of my favorite Meg Cabot series, The Princess Diaries. Witty and relatable, I could easily picture myself in Courtney's shoes.
Overall, Banana Splitsville is a nice summer read that I'd recommend to any teenage reader. Girly and amusing, it will keep you smiling. While it might not be all that plot-driven, it'll keep you interested.
The romance, while fairly subtle and cute, kept me interested without being too mushy. I enjoyed the lack of insta-romance. After being dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Courtney is kind of a mess. I appreciated how the story examined both the fun side of teenage love and the heartbreaks.
I enjoyed reading another diary style novel. In many ways, Banana Splitsville reminded me of my favorite Meg Cabot series, The Princess Diaries. Witty and relatable, I could easily picture myself in Courtney's shoes.
Overall, Banana Splitsville is a nice summer read that I'd recommend to any teenage reader. Girly and amusing, it will keep you smiling. While it might not be all that plot-driven, it'll keep you interested.
January 8, 2013
"Banana Splitzville" written by Catherine Clark, from the Courtney Von Dragen Smith series, is the perfect book for teens or adults who love to read about teen fiction that includes romance, friendship, and emotional problems.
Entering senior year is Courtney Von Dragen Smith, this year should be special for her right? Wrong. Courtney's boyfriend, Dave, who's going to college, dumps her, and that ignites a flame in Courtney and she's so angry that she vows to be boyfriendless for the year. Of course that's not the only issue this year, her best friend's got eyes for her brother, her dog is repeatedly running away, she becomes vegan but not really, because she tempted by the sweet treats at her job, Truth or Dairy cafe. But the most biggest problem for Courtney is Grant, Dave's friend, he's cute but she's got a vow to keep or can she?
If you like this book, then you should get the next book, "Rocky Road Trip."
I gave this book five stars because of it's great writing and I love the many twists that Catherine Clark adds.
Entering senior year is Courtney Von Dragen Smith, this year should be special for her right? Wrong. Courtney's boyfriend, Dave, who's going to college, dumps her, and that ignites a flame in Courtney and she's so angry that she vows to be boyfriendless for the year. Of course that's not the only issue this year, her best friend's got eyes for her brother, her dog is repeatedly running away, she becomes vegan but not really, because she tempted by the sweet treats at her job, Truth or Dairy cafe. But the most biggest problem for Courtney is Grant, Dave's friend, he's cute but she's got a vow to keep or can she?
If you like this book, then you should get the next book, "Rocky Road Trip."
I gave this book five stars because of it's great writing and I love the many twists that Catherine Clark adds.
October 4, 2013
This book was the second of two that came together in one book by Catherine Clark that I bought without reading. I liked this better than the first one, Maine Squeeze. It was a fast, fun read.
There were a few things I didn't like - like the fact that Beth was totally going out with Courtney's younger brother and didn't even ask or tell her or anything! Totally not cool! I mean, you've been friends forever, and you don't even tell your best friend this huge thing? And not think it would change the relationship between everyone in a huge way? And then Courtney was pretty ruled by her emotions, and it made it hard to keep up with her and where things were going sometimes. And then poor Grant. He was such a nice guy, and Courtney kept being mean to him! He was always there at the wrong moments, and he still likes her at the end? Wow. Seriously. Go him if he can deal with that.
But overall, it was cute. Lol. I know it doesn't sound like I liked it, but I really did!
4 stars.
There were a few things I didn't like - like the fact that Beth was totally going out with Courtney's younger brother and didn't even ask or tell her or anything! Totally not cool! I mean, you've been friends forever, and you don't even tell your best friend this huge thing? And not think it would change the relationship between everyone in a huge way? And then Courtney was pretty ruled by her emotions, and it made it hard to keep up with her and where things were going sometimes. And then poor Grant. He was such a nice guy, and Courtney kept being mean to him! He was always there at the wrong moments, and he still likes her at the end? Wow. Seriously. Go him if he can deal with that.
But overall, it was cute. Lol. I know it doesn't sound like I liked it, but I really did!
4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2010
This is one of those books that either looks lame when you look at the cover and the description, or or looks like one of those run of the mill modern romance books. This one turned out better then I thought. Court had such a sarcastic, powerful, poignant voice; she made me laugh. Most authors try and capture that voice when writing a romance book like this, but Clark really did it. Also made me wish I could write in my journal that wittily.
While there wasn't much of a plot, it was still pretty good. The characters could've been made more fleshed out and personable because, other then Court and Alison (who I did not like, by the way), they all seemed to blend together...
Man, I really hope I never latch onto a guy like Court did. You can't help but pity her at first.
Anyway, four stars.
While there wasn't much of a plot, it was still pretty good. The characters could've been made more fleshed out and personable because, other then Court and Alison (who I did not like, by the way), they all seemed to blend together...
Man, I really hope I never latch onto a guy like Court did. You can't help but pity her at first.
Anyway, four stars.
March 14, 2012
this book was different i had very mixed feelings about it, at some parts i was annoyed that it wasn't chapters it kept being in journal form and i had trouble connecting with the main character who seemed stuck up, cocky, and rude and did not like very much. Also i had a tough time picturing some things because the journal entries gave brief stories of what had happened a day or so before as if you were writing in a journal yourself and that does not really explain anything at all. It was very dull and i felt as if i was just forcing myself to finish it so i didn't have an unfinished book on my shelf. Although as the book got toward the end it did get a little more interesting, but i do not think this authors writing is my type to begin with so that could have something to do with it. Definitely a one time read.
April 10, 2011
Banana Splitsville is a good book. This book is told in diary entries through the perspective of Courtney, a teenage girl in her senior year of high school. In this book, Courtney gets dumped by her boyfriend, Dave, who is a year older than her and is going to be in college. Shocked, Courtney thinks her life cannot get any worse than it already is. Even though she is still mad at him, she still likes him. She pretends she doesn’t like him but in her heart, she still does.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially teenage girls. Banana Splitsville is a spectacular diary because the author, Catherine Clark, describes the characters’ feelings by showing not telling, uses an abundant amount of similes, and teaches you a meaningful lesson that you can apply in life.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially teenage girls. Banana Splitsville is a spectacular diary because the author, Catherine Clark, describes the characters’ feelings by showing not telling, uses an abundant amount of similes, and teaches you a meaningful lesson that you can apply in life.
April 30, 2008
I finished Truth or Dairy a few days ago. I think the cover looks a little funny, but you know what they say, don't judge a book by it's cover.
Main character Courtney is just getting over being dumped by her boyfriend Dave. In her anger, she resolves not to date anyone in her senior year in high school. So she joins student council and keeps working at Truth or Dairy, a smoothie place whose name coincides with the title of this book.
The plot moves a bit slowly, but the ending is fulfilling. In all, it is a cute book. I'll probably read more books by Catherine Clark if I have time, but they're not on the top of my list.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Main character Courtney is just getting over being dumped by her boyfriend Dave. In her anger, she resolves not to date anyone in her senior year in high school. So she joins student council and keeps working at Truth or Dairy, a smoothie place whose name coincides with the title of this book.
The plot moves a bit slowly, but the ending is fulfilling. In all, it is a cute book. I'll probably read more books by Catherine Clark if I have time, but they're not on the top of my list.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
May 5, 2010
I think this was republished with the slightly better title Banana Splitsville. I keep finding Clark books. Well, this was fun, if not as real as the other Clark books I've read. Pretty funny. Favorite moment:
(looking at a package of tampons)
"Question: Why would anyone ever want to got to www.tampax.com? And what links would it have? I sort of don't want to know.
Dear www.tampax.com: Are you there, God? It's me, court364@netcom."
Someone should thank Judy Blume for giving us the great go-to period phrase.
Went to said website- not as exciting as I hoped. But you can get coupons.
(looking at a package of tampons)
"Question: Why would anyone ever want to got to www.tampax.com? And what links would it have? I sort of don't want to know.
Dear www.tampax.com: Are you there, God? It's me, court364@netcom."
Someone should thank Judy Blume for giving us the great go-to period phrase.
Went to said website- not as exciting as I hoped. But you can get coupons.
February 17, 2009
This was incredibly disappointing. It had so much potential to be a great story... but I thought it fell flat. Nothing exciting happened. Dave dumped her before the book started... so that excitement wasn't in the book. And then when she finally asked Grant on a date (in the last 5 pages of the book), it was anticlimatic. It seemed too rushed. Too much static between the first and last page. Made me upset. This is the second Catherine Clark book I've read and second Catherine Clark book I've been disappointed in. I won't be reading any of her other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2011
This book wasn't horrible , but it is just like your average Romance novel. But the storyline is just so simple, you can pratically predict everything that will happpen in the book. It is about this girl named Courtney who is unexpectedly dumped by her boyfriend who is a year older and is going off to college and wants to be set free. Ofcourse Courtney is not pleased with this and she still has feelings for him. She decides to go on a boy-fast and swear off boys but she ends up falling for another guy. I wouldnt' recommend this book unless you are looking for an "Easy" book.
May 31, 2012
Courtney von Dragen Smith is fed up with boys. She has sworn them off for the rest of her life... or so she thinks. She wants to go through senior year without going out with another guy, but it could be hard, what with Grant Superior and "The Tom" everywhere she looks. While struggling with managing a new Truth or Dairy (a smoothie shop) and getting through a student council election, Courtney finds some valuable life lessons. Such as: don't make a promise you can't keep.
Read
August 6, 2008This is cute story told in diary entries about a girl who works at a dairy bar. She is interested in one boy, but it is her old friend who turns out to be the real love interest. This is a light story, but enjoyable. We particularly like stories where the girl sees in a whole new light a boy who has been a friend.
February 14, 2010
I REALLY wanted to like this book, i thought the cute title and cover art would add up to a cute, light young adult read.... but i didnt like it.
its written in blog/diary style.
I dont Recommend it. I am not going to give it a horrible review. its enough to say that i dont like it and wont read it again. this author does have potential.
its written in blog/diary style.
I dont Recommend it. I am not going to give it a horrible review. its enough to say that i dont like it and wont read it again. this author does have potential.
February 5, 2016
I stole this from my sister and knew exactly what I was getting into, so I didn't expect it to be really deep or anything. I think this may be a YA book, and it still surprises me when books written for teenagers talk about teenagers having sex. I don't know why. Anyway,I don't think I read books like this when I actually was a teenager, so I'm making up for it now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2012
It was good, i defiantly was to sure about the diary entries when i first started reading it but it wasn't that bad. It was kinda typical, girl gets dump by guy, girl swears to never love again, girl tries to get back guy, but falls in love with another. Typical..
July 12, 2013
3.5 stars
This book wins the prize for best book cover ever because of...
-The cow flying out of the blender
-The guy flying out of the blender (Dave?) and his facial expression
-The bananas that look like dolphins
-The various fruits and vegetables
-The girl's face on the back of the cover
This book wins the prize for best book cover ever because of...
-The cow flying out of the blender
-The guy flying out of the blender (Dave?) and his facial expression
-The bananas that look like dolphins
-The various fruits and vegetables
-The girl's face on the back of the cover
June 30, 2013
I am fairly certain that if the lead and I had met in high school, I would have killed her. Thankfully this was quick and just pure fluff, and my brain didn't leak out of my ears from the girls stupidity.
May 11, 2008
Pretty good story, nothing special, but a quick read.
June 13, 2008
it was a pretty good book. i mean, i knew court would go out with grant. it was really funny when she said she needed a "grant." it's like a journal, so pretend it's your sister's, okay?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews