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The Second Virginity of Suzy Green
Suzy Green used to be one of the coolest nonconformist “almost-Goth” party girls in Australia. That was before her older sister Rosie died and her family moved to a new town. Not even her best friend would recognize her now. Gone are the Doc Martens and the attitude. All she wants is to be like Rosie―perfect. The new Suzy Green makes straight As, hangs with the in-crowd at her new school, and dates the hottest guy around. And since all her new friends belong to a virginity club, she joins, too. So what if she’s not technically qualified? Nobody in town knows . . . until Ryan, Suzy’s ex, turns up. As the past and present collide, Suzy struggles to find her own place in a world without her sister.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
19 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Sara Hantz
15 books130 followersSara Hantz was born in Northampton, England, the eldest of four children (she has three younger brothers). School and Sara weren’t a match made in heaven. She was bored a lot of the time, and it seemed much more fun to dream up ways of disrupting lessons than to actually pay attention. Which could explain why she was always in trouble! But she redeemed herself later, when at twenty-one she went back to full-time study.
She wasn’t one of those people who wrote as a small child. She did read, though, avidly. And it took her a few years of thinking about writing before she actually started. But now, she wouldn’t do anything else, and she never gets bored!
In 2001, she moved to New Zealand (an incredibly beautiful country) with her husband and two children. After working at a university for three years, she left to work in their hotel and devote more time to her writing. She wishes she’d done it sooner!
In her spare time, she loves going to the movies, watching TV, and walking. She loves to hear from readers. Visit www.sarahantz.com.
She wasn’t one of those people who wrote as a small child. She did read, though, avidly. And it took her a few years of thinking about writing before she actually started. But now, she wouldn’t do anything else, and she never gets bored!
In 2001, she moved to New Zealand (an incredibly beautiful country) with her husband and two children. After working at a university for three years, she left to work in their hotel and devote more time to her writing. She wishes she’d done it sooner!
In her spare time, she loves going to the movies, watching TV, and walking. She loves to hear from readers. Visit www.sarahantz.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 17, 2008
This book needs to come with a warning label.
It should say something along the lines of: Beware—do not read unless you’re bored out of your mind and/or lack another alternative.
Underneath that, the consequences should follow:
First, you’re more than likely to grimace at the choppy writing. (Awful narration, indistinguishable voice and tone and cardboard, none-dimensional characters.)
Second, you’ll find the main character disgusting and too childish for a seventeen year old. You’ll be tempted to dig up your middle school diaries and feel compelled to compare the two. And what a surprise—you’ll find that the protagonist in The Second Virginity of Suzy Green sounds even worse (whiny, immature, desperate, etc.) than you did in 7th grade.
Third, you’ll ponder over the absolute horror of an author naming her male protagonist Guy.
Fourth, you’ll notice that the author has made a poor choice by adding teenage slang into her novel. As far as I’m concerned, no author can get away with using “omigod” three billion times throughout the first hundred pages. It just shows a lack of creativity.
Finally, you’ll be so annoyed by the book that you’ll chuck it away right in the middle of page 112.
Oh, and the P.S.: if you’re the reader who absolutely HAS to read the ending, you’ll skim to the last chapter, read it, and find that it’s an awfully awkward ending with Ryan and her parents. It’s so poorly executed I find all my emotions stripped away because of it.
At least, that’s all the things I’ve thought (chronologically) about whilst reading the book.
The only tolerable thing was the Virginity Club and the idea that party girls can shed their image and reinvent themselves at new schools. Let’s give a toast to the born-again-virgins and goody-two-shoes!
It should say something along the lines of: Beware—do not read unless you’re bored out of your mind and/or lack another alternative.
Underneath that, the consequences should follow:
First, you’re more than likely to grimace at the choppy writing. (Awful narration, indistinguishable voice and tone and cardboard, none-dimensional characters.)
Second, you’ll find the main character disgusting and too childish for a seventeen year old. You’ll be tempted to dig up your middle school diaries and feel compelled to compare the two. And what a surprise—you’ll find that the protagonist in The Second Virginity of Suzy Green sounds even worse (whiny, immature, desperate, etc.) than you did in 7th grade.
Third, you’ll ponder over the absolute horror of an author naming her male protagonist Guy.
Fourth, you’ll notice that the author has made a poor choice by adding teenage slang into her novel. As far as I’m concerned, no author can get away with using “omigod” three billion times throughout the first hundred pages. It just shows a lack of creativity.
Finally, you’ll be so annoyed by the book that you’ll chuck it away right in the middle of page 112.
Oh, and the P.S.: if you’re the reader who absolutely HAS to read the ending, you’ll skim to the last chapter, read it, and find that it’s an awfully awkward ending with Ryan and her parents. It’s so poorly executed I find all my emotions stripped away because of it.
At least, that’s all the things I’ve thought (chronologically) about whilst reading the book.
The only tolerable thing was the Virginity Club and the idea that party girls can shed their image and reinvent themselves at new schools. Let’s give a toast to the born-again-virgins and goody-two-shoes!
December 28, 2018
It was a light and short book yet had all the elements for a good plot and engaging novel. I was surprised at how I ended up wanting the book to end given where it had started, which no doubt has improved my rating.
One thing that really bothered me throughout was that I didn't have a clue where the book was set. I looked it up towards the end, and I cannot picture the book being in Australia. I felt like this was a huge area that could have made the book more dynamic. It also hurt when trying to figure out where Maddie and Ryan had been in relation to where Suzy and Ryan were in the book. I felt like there was this unnecessary mystery there.
One thing that really bothered me throughout was that I didn't have a clue where the book was set. I looked it up towards the end, and I cannot picture the book being in Australia. I felt like this was a huge area that could have made the book more dynamic. It also hurt when trying to figure out where Maddie and Ryan had been in relation to where Suzy and Ryan were in the book. I felt like there was this unnecessary mystery there.
March 24, 2019
So, I read this because it was a Kindle deal, and I was looking for something light and easy- it wasn't exactly light, but it was definitely easy. The story is about a girl who tries to reinvent her image after a troubled year she spent partying a bit too hard after losing her sister in an accident. She switches schools, and at her new school, the cool kids are all uber-Christian chastity types. She decides to try to fit in, despite not actually being chaste. What was bizarre, is that the writing felt both like it was written by an adult, not a teen, and so it seemed stilted. Also, there were many turns of phrase and vocabulary choices that seemed really off, as the version of the book I read made it seem as though the story took lace in Dallas, and Suzy's family had moved from LA. Except when I looked the book up here to write my review, it seems that the original publication was an Austrailian YA novel, and that actually made the oddities of the writing (like the school uniforms with ties, and weird colloquialisms that the main character and her friends use) make a little more sense. So the editing of this into an Americanized version of the book? Simply didn't work. It felt foreign, and there were aspects of the dialogue and setting that should have been altered if the publisher wanted it to appeal and be relatable to American audiences-- frankly, it would have been better, in my opinion, if they'd simply left the setting alone- American readers would have been ok with reading an Austrailian book- look at the success of Lianne Moriarity here. I wish I had better things to say about the book- the protagonist's comfortability with her own sexuality was a nice change of pace for a YA novel (also, an early flag for the fact that she and her best friend's attitutdes about sex were NOT common for Americans), and the pacing was fine, but the book itself felt kind of flat. Two stars, and barely.
January 4, 2019
I don’t know where to start with this. I didn’t hate it, but it doesn’t do enough for three stars and that’s a bit of a shame.
At its heart this is quite a cute read focusing on Suzy. She’s got into some hot water after the death of her sister (more on that through the book) and tries to reinvent herself when she starts a new school. Dressed differently, focused on schoolwork and determined to find friends among the popular crowd of the type she so despised previously, it’s like a different person. While this allows for some embarrassment/silly moments, it creates an opportunity for Suzy to reinvent herself and discover a little more about what makes her tick.
Unfortunately, the big focus is the fact that Suzy joins the Virgin club in her school (what all the popular kids do!?!) and then the one boy she slept with turns up...This was a pretty preposterous concept for me to read about, and it made most of the characters hard to take seriously. The majority of her new friends were total snobs, and I couldn’t help think she’d be better off without them.
Added to this was the total lack of sense I got about setting. Reviews say this was set in Australia but everything seemed geared towards making it quite generic which, perhaps inevitably, makes it quite forgettable. The new boyfriend figure was more fake than a Ken doll, boring beyond belief and his domineering attitude due to his wealth made me want to shake anyone who chose to spend time with him. The likelihood of this scenario occurring was so low I spent a lot of time figuring out how it might, theoretically, be possible. Also, I got narked by the fact that the big important message seemed to come about far too quickly, and there’d been no hints from her parents anywhere else in the story that they felt this way.
All in all this felt like a book with an important idea wrapped up in so much silly stuff it lost its message. I’m certain there are many other books that would allow readers to come to the same conclusion as Suzy that have been done better.
At its heart this is quite a cute read focusing on Suzy. She’s got into some hot water after the death of her sister (more on that through the book) and tries to reinvent herself when she starts a new school. Dressed differently, focused on schoolwork and determined to find friends among the popular crowd of the type she so despised previously, it’s like a different person. While this allows for some embarrassment/silly moments, it creates an opportunity for Suzy to reinvent herself and discover a little more about what makes her tick.
Unfortunately, the big focus is the fact that Suzy joins the Virgin club in her school (what all the popular kids do!?!) and then the one boy she slept with turns up...This was a pretty preposterous concept for me to read about, and it made most of the characters hard to take seriously. The majority of her new friends were total snobs, and I couldn’t help think she’d be better off without them.
Added to this was the total lack of sense I got about setting. Reviews say this was set in Australia but everything seemed geared towards making it quite generic which, perhaps inevitably, makes it quite forgettable. The new boyfriend figure was more fake than a Ken doll, boring beyond belief and his domineering attitude due to his wealth made me want to shake anyone who chose to spend time with him. The likelihood of this scenario occurring was so low I spent a lot of time figuring out how it might, theoretically, be possible. Also, I got narked by the fact that the big important message seemed to come about far too quickly, and there’d been no hints from her parents anywhere else in the story that they felt this way.
All in all this felt like a book with an important idea wrapped up in so much silly stuff it lost its message. I’m certain there are many other books that would allow readers to come to the same conclusion as Suzy that have been done better.
July 20, 2009
Suzy used to be a wild child; a rebellious girl who’d get into trouble now and again. That all changes when Rosie, Suzy’s older sister, dies and her family moves town. Now Suzy strives to be the best she can; good grades, good behaviour, and the right kind of friends. When her new friends tell her about the virginity club they belong to, Suzy decides to join to; anything to fit in. The only thing is, she’s not a virgin. But who’s going to know?
All’s fine until Ryan, Suzy’s ex, shows up, and Suzy starts panicking. What if he tells everyone her secret? What if they find out what she’s really like? What will they think?
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is a great story of figuring out who you are, dealing with grief, and working out what doing the right thing really means. This book had me cringing several times as Suzy finds herself in some embarrassing moments, and at other times I wanted to hug her as she struggles with trying to be someone she’s not. It’s really a poignant but uplifting book about not having to be perfect or what everyone thinks you should be; that being yourself is the best person you can be.
This book is more about abstaining from sex than it is about having sex. Although I generally think abstaining until you get married is a great idea if that’s what you want to do, the virginity club in this book, “Wait for Love”, is a little on the creepy side if you ask me. The leader, Jamie, a youth worker, has its members come up on stage to confess whenever they feel like going to any level with someone, even kissing, so that the group can help support them and help them fight temptation. It just seems a little over the top if you ask me.
The story does bring up some interesting points. While “are you doing it for the right reasons?” is a question normally linked to sex, this book asks “are you NOT doing it for the right reasons?” The characters in this book seem to be not having sex because of what the leader Jamie, and all their friends, will think, no necessarily because they don’t want to themselves. Lori, a girl Suzy makes friends with, is a big supporter of the virginity club, yet even she is interested in taking things a little further, kissing at least, but doesn’t because of what Jamie says. The novel seems to be saying is asking our teens not to have sex the best way of dealing with things? When Suzy does talk about her first time, it is always clear it is because she wanted to, because she and Ryan had strong feelings for each other at the time, and there was no pressure – and Ryan was tender and careful. Possibly a better way?
This is an awesome book which tackles two problems teenagers face; working out who you are and peer pressure, and it’s a great way to get teens thinking about what the right course of action is for them.
All’s fine until Ryan, Suzy’s ex, shows up, and Suzy starts panicking. What if he tells everyone her secret? What if they find out what she’s really like? What will they think?
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is a great story of figuring out who you are, dealing with grief, and working out what doing the right thing really means. This book had me cringing several times as Suzy finds herself in some embarrassing moments, and at other times I wanted to hug her as she struggles with trying to be someone she’s not. It’s really a poignant but uplifting book about not having to be perfect or what everyone thinks you should be; that being yourself is the best person you can be.
This book is more about abstaining from sex than it is about having sex. Although I generally think abstaining until you get married is a great idea if that’s what you want to do, the virginity club in this book, “Wait for Love”, is a little on the creepy side if you ask me. The leader, Jamie, a youth worker, has its members come up on stage to confess whenever they feel like going to any level with someone, even kissing, so that the group can help support them and help them fight temptation. It just seems a little over the top if you ask me.
The story does bring up some interesting points. While “are you doing it for the right reasons?” is a question normally linked to sex, this book asks “are you NOT doing it for the right reasons?” The characters in this book seem to be not having sex because of what the leader Jamie, and all their friends, will think, no necessarily because they don’t want to themselves. Lori, a girl Suzy makes friends with, is a big supporter of the virginity club, yet even she is interested in taking things a little further, kissing at least, but doesn’t because of what Jamie says. The novel seems to be saying is asking our teens not to have sex the best way of dealing with things? When Suzy does talk about her first time, it is always clear it is because she wanted to, because she and Ryan had strong feelings for each other at the time, and there was no pressure – and Ryan was tender and careful. Possibly a better way?
This is an awesome book which tackles two problems teenagers face; working out who you are and peer pressure, and it’s a great way to get teens thinking about what the right course of action is for them.
September 8, 2014
When I read the blurb of this book I was reminded of Sarah Dessen's
What Happened to Goodbye
, but after reading
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green
I can only surmise that is a very poor imitation of the afore mentioned book. The narrative voice of Suzy was annoying and I instantly disliked Sara Hantz's writing style, and my dislike was only confirmed by the repetitive and contradictive writing. There was no distinction between Suzy's dialogue and narration, and this was seriously confusing. Suzy was also one of the most childish teenagers ever, there was absolutely no depth to her character.
Suzy Green and her family move after her sisters death. Suzy was once the cool, partying 'almost-Goth' girl at her old school. But now she's changed herself to become 'perfect' like Rosie, her sister. Suzy also joins the in-crowd at her new school, who happen to be in the virginity club. So Suzy joins too, and why not? She pretends to be qualified. Suzy's also dating the coolest guy at school, and if all that weren't enough, her ex Ryan turns up, and he knows the TRUTH. Cue ridiculousness.
There was a really big emphasis on Suzy's past life, but little information was provided. Hantz creates a huge mystery around Suzy's older sister Rosie's death. So I was expecting a dramatic and emotional reveal. This did not happen. Suzy just blurts it all out, and this completely ruins the entire build up.
Apparently The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is set in Australia. Well, that was certainly news to me. I actually didn't realise this until after I'd finished reading. There was no explicit setting in the book, and this made the whole thing feel incomplete.
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was so infuriating, I didn't like Suzy, and that's kind of a big must to enjoy the book. The messages in the book, second chances and being true to yourself are important, but they weren't as effective as could be.
Suzy Green and her family move after her sisters death. Suzy was once the cool, partying 'almost-Goth' girl at her old school. But now she's changed herself to become 'perfect' like Rosie, her sister. Suzy also joins the in-crowd at her new school, who happen to be in the virginity club. So Suzy joins too, and why not? She pretends to be qualified. Suzy's also dating the coolest guy at school, and if all that weren't enough, her ex Ryan turns up, and he knows the TRUTH. Cue ridiculousness.
There was a really big emphasis on Suzy's past life, but little information was provided. Hantz creates a huge mystery around Suzy's older sister Rosie's death. So I was expecting a dramatic and emotional reveal. This did not happen. Suzy just blurts it all out, and this completely ruins the entire build up.
Apparently The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is set in Australia. Well, that was certainly news to me. I actually didn't realise this until after I'd finished reading. There was no explicit setting in the book, and this made the whole thing feel incomplete.
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was so infuriating, I didn't like Suzy, and that's kind of a big must to enjoy the book. The messages in the book, second chances and being true to yourself are important, but they weren't as effective as could be.
August 18, 2008
Set in Australia, Suzy Green was a party girl.
Since her sister's death, her family has moved and Suzy's cleaned up her act ... especially to fit in with her new group of friends at her new school. Enough so that she hardly even recognizes herself.
Her new friends are all part of a virginity club, which they encourage Suzy to join.
There's just one hitch. Ryan, summer camp ... you can see where this is going.
And it so happens that he's now in her new town.
With help from her best friend Maddie, Suzy will figure out a way to handle virginity club, her crush on Guy, her feelings for Ryan, and her twin desires to fit in at her new school and please her folks.
Deals with honesty, grieving, relationships, friends.
Since her sister's death, her family has moved and Suzy's cleaned up her act ... especially to fit in with her new group of friends at her new school. Enough so that she hardly even recognizes herself.
Her new friends are all part of a virginity club, which they encourage Suzy to join.
There's just one hitch. Ryan, summer camp ... you can see where this is going.
And it so happens that he's now in her new town.
With help from her best friend Maddie, Suzy will figure out a way to handle virginity club, her crush on Guy, her feelings for Ryan, and her twin desires to fit in at her new school and please her folks.
Deals with honesty, grieving, relationships, friends.
December 16, 2018
While readers may resist judging a book by its cover, a title like this one would get attention even without art. The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz is a young adult (YA) novel about survival in high school. In Suzy’s case, this meant survival in two schools. It is not that she attended two schools at the same time, it is that she was trying to project two different personalities. Suzy had a sister, Rosie, who met a tragic end. Suzy and her family were predictably devastated. But Suzy had a reason to be devastated not shared by her parents. Suzy believed she caused Rosie’s death. Readers can decide whether they agree.
Rosie’s tragic ending has nothing to do with Suzie’s virginity. During a summer camp adventure, Suzy had met Ryan and the two clicked. They had the same weird sense of humor; they were of the same class. The two slept together, summer camp ended, Suzy returned home, and sister Rosie met her end on her birthday. The depressed Suzy, always a type of wild child in school, one who loved playing pranks, acted out in ever more daring stunts. A final one led to her arrest which then led to shame felt by the family which then led to a move to an elite and elitist private school. Suzy would be able to start over. No one would know about Rosie, her police detention or her lack of virginity. She would study hard, collect proofs of achievement, and make her parents proud.
The coolest kids in the new school were wealthy (more rich than rich) and Suzy got swept up in a lifestyle not totally comfortable for her. There was the hot guy, a guy named Guy, that she liked, and he was a member of the Virginity club. She was always worried that someone would find out her secrets. Once she took an oath required to join the Virginity Club, Suzy had continuing anxiety about others finding out about her non-virginal status. No one could possibly know, so her only discomfort was about lying.
Then Ryan showed up. He was working as a barista at Starbucks. Suzy was quite uncomfortable when Ryan talked to her while she was having coffee with Guy. Now her decision was what to do about Ryan. Should she approach him and ask him to keep her secret. What might the price be?
These incidents will play out in the context of the chaotic and developing mind of Suzy. She will ask for advice from friends and it will be conflicting. She will have lots of interior monologue going on that will reveal her chaotic thinking to the reader. I believe this is an accurate portrayal of teenage angst. I only found two occurrences where I through she rationalized in a way superior to her age, but she may just have been precocious.
Despite the obvious sex that readers know must have occurred (refer once again to the cover), there is no objectionable, vulgar, crude, or explicit sexual language. I think that is a neat author trick. I gave this novel four Amazon stars and will recommend it to my students who constantly question me about western cultural values related to sex. The language used will benefit their use of English as a second language.
Rosie’s tragic ending has nothing to do with Suzie’s virginity. During a summer camp adventure, Suzy had met Ryan and the two clicked. They had the same weird sense of humor; they were of the same class. The two slept together, summer camp ended, Suzy returned home, and sister Rosie met her end on her birthday. The depressed Suzy, always a type of wild child in school, one who loved playing pranks, acted out in ever more daring stunts. A final one led to her arrest which then led to shame felt by the family which then led to a move to an elite and elitist private school. Suzy would be able to start over. No one would know about Rosie, her police detention or her lack of virginity. She would study hard, collect proofs of achievement, and make her parents proud.
The coolest kids in the new school were wealthy (more rich than rich) and Suzy got swept up in a lifestyle not totally comfortable for her. There was the hot guy, a guy named Guy, that she liked, and he was a member of the Virginity club. She was always worried that someone would find out her secrets. Once she took an oath required to join the Virginity Club, Suzy had continuing anxiety about others finding out about her non-virginal status. No one could possibly know, so her only discomfort was about lying.
Then Ryan showed up. He was working as a barista at Starbucks. Suzy was quite uncomfortable when Ryan talked to her while she was having coffee with Guy. Now her decision was what to do about Ryan. Should she approach him and ask him to keep her secret. What might the price be?
These incidents will play out in the context of the chaotic and developing mind of Suzy. She will ask for advice from friends and it will be conflicting. She will have lots of interior monologue going on that will reveal her chaotic thinking to the reader. I believe this is an accurate portrayal of teenage angst. I only found two occurrences where I through she rationalized in a way superior to her age, but she may just have been precocious.
Despite the obvious sex that readers know must have occurred (refer once again to the cover), there is no objectionable, vulgar, crude, or explicit sexual language. I think that is a neat author trick. I gave this novel four Amazon stars and will recommend it to my students who constantly question me about western cultural values related to sex. The language used will benefit their use of English as a second language.
October 22, 2019
It wasn't necessarily bad, I was just really bored.
January 1, 2008
I have never read a YA book set in Australia before, so was delighted when I was offered the opportunity to review The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz. There has been a tragedy in the Green family, and when Suzy's dad is offered a new job in a new location it is the perfect chance for the whole family to try and move on and start over. Suzy has decided to stop being the "wild child", and maybe try to be a little more like her sister Rosie. In an attempt to reinvent herself she changes her music, her clothing, and her overall appearance. It works, as she quickly fits in in school and even begins dating one of the handsome popular boys in her class. Things are going great, until she is invited to join the Virginity Club, one of the extracurricular activities her new friends participate in.
Apparently Virginity Clubs are the latest craze and all of the "cool" people belong, pledging to save themselves for marriage and to refrain from any kind of inappropriate activities with the opposite sex, including touching and kissing. Suzy doesn't see any harm in joining, even though she isn't a virgin. After all, it's only one small little lie, and who will ever find out? That is until Ryan, her old boyfriend and the boy she lost her virginity to, moves to town. Is this the beginning of the end for Suzy? Can she keep up the lie and try and convince Ryan to help her...or does she even want to?
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and really made me remember what being a teenager is like. Trying to fit in sometimes means giving up some of the things you love - Suzy finds this out the hard way. All of the characters were so well developed, and one of my favorites was Maddie, the best friend who struggles to believe all that Suzy is going through to impress her "new" crowd of friends. I applaud the author for encouraging teens to just be themselves instead of trying to be something they aren't.
Questions for the author:
What hobbies do you enjoy apart from writing?
I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES (ESPECIALLY TEEN OR CHICK MOVIES), I ALSO DO JIGSAWS, HAVE STARTED TO KNIT, WATCH LOADS OF TV, AND GO WALKING (PREFERABLY ALONG THE BEACH).
Did you fit in with the "in" crowd as a teen? Depending on your answer, did it make it easier writing the book because of this?
AT SCHOOL I WAS MORE LIKE THE 'OLD' SUZY. I WAS ALWAYS IN TROUBLE AND SPENT MUCH OF MY TIME DISRUPTING LESSONS (I DID REDEEM MYSELF LATER AND WENT TO UNIVERSITY). THOUGH MY FRIENDS AND I WEREN'T THE 'IN' CROWD WE DID HAVE OUR OWN GROUP AND WERE HAPPY. I THINK MY WHOLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE HELPED ME WRITE THIS BOOK. I COULD EASILY RELATE TO OLD SUZY, AND TO NEW SUZY BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE TIMES WHEN I WOULD DECIDE TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF AT SCHOOL - UNFORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T LAST LONG BECAUSE I WAS TOO EASILY DISTRACTED!!
Do you have any plans for any sequels?
NOT AT THE MOMENT, THOUGH IN THE FUTURE I'D LIKE TO DO MADDIE'S STORY. SHE SEEMS TO BE A REAL FAVORITE WITH READERS, EVEN THOUGH SHE ONLY EVER APPEARS WHEN SHE'S TALKING ON THE PHONE TO SUZY.
Any books in the works?
I'VE JUST FINISHED A BOOK ABOUT A GIRL WHO SELLS PSYCHIC DATING ADVICE TO STUDENTS AT HER SCHOOL, IN ORDER TO PAY OFF A HUGE DEBT.
As an added bonus, a copy of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is to be raffled off to a reader. Enter by signing the guestbook at www.uponfurtherreview.org . To view other comments you just need to click on the View Guestbook tab.
The drawing will be held the first week in February. The winner will be announced on the website under Raffle Winners.
If you run into technical trouble, or have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Apparently Virginity Clubs are the latest craze and all of the "cool" people belong, pledging to save themselves for marriage and to refrain from any kind of inappropriate activities with the opposite sex, including touching and kissing. Suzy doesn't see any harm in joining, even though she isn't a virgin. After all, it's only one small little lie, and who will ever find out? That is until Ryan, her old boyfriend and the boy she lost her virginity to, moves to town. Is this the beginning of the end for Suzy? Can she keep up the lie and try and convince Ryan to help her...or does she even want to?
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and really made me remember what being a teenager is like. Trying to fit in sometimes means giving up some of the things you love - Suzy finds this out the hard way. All of the characters were so well developed, and one of my favorites was Maddie, the best friend who struggles to believe all that Suzy is going through to impress her "new" crowd of friends. I applaud the author for encouraging teens to just be themselves instead of trying to be something they aren't.
Questions for the author:
What hobbies do you enjoy apart from writing?
I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES (ESPECIALLY TEEN OR CHICK MOVIES), I ALSO DO JIGSAWS, HAVE STARTED TO KNIT, WATCH LOADS OF TV, AND GO WALKING (PREFERABLY ALONG THE BEACH).
Did you fit in with the "in" crowd as a teen? Depending on your answer, did it make it easier writing the book because of this?
AT SCHOOL I WAS MORE LIKE THE 'OLD' SUZY. I WAS ALWAYS IN TROUBLE AND SPENT MUCH OF MY TIME DISRUPTING LESSONS (I DID REDEEM MYSELF LATER AND WENT TO UNIVERSITY). THOUGH MY FRIENDS AND I WEREN'T THE 'IN' CROWD WE DID HAVE OUR OWN GROUP AND WERE HAPPY. I THINK MY WHOLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE HELPED ME WRITE THIS BOOK. I COULD EASILY RELATE TO OLD SUZY, AND TO NEW SUZY BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE TIMES WHEN I WOULD DECIDE TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF AT SCHOOL - UNFORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T LAST LONG BECAUSE I WAS TOO EASILY DISTRACTED!!
Do you have any plans for any sequels?
NOT AT THE MOMENT, THOUGH IN THE FUTURE I'D LIKE TO DO MADDIE'S STORY. SHE SEEMS TO BE A REAL FAVORITE WITH READERS, EVEN THOUGH SHE ONLY EVER APPEARS WHEN SHE'S TALKING ON THE PHONE TO SUZY.
Any books in the works?
I'VE JUST FINISHED A BOOK ABOUT A GIRL WHO SELLS PSYCHIC DATING ADVICE TO STUDENTS AT HER SCHOOL, IN ORDER TO PAY OFF A HUGE DEBT.
As an added bonus, a copy of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is to be raffled off to a reader. Enter by signing the guestbook at www.uponfurtherreview.org . To view other comments you just need to click on the View Guestbook tab.
The drawing will be held the first week in February. The winner will be announced on the website under Raffle Winners.
If you run into technical trouble, or have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
August 20, 2016
There were things I loved about this story and things I didn't. The quirky use of first person worked really great. It put me in Suzy's head. I understood why she lied and how sorry she was for it. I knew what she really did and didn't like about her school and her friends. I was also touched by her feelings for her sister. The author did a really nice job of making me feel what Suzy did. I appreciate that parents were portrayed as parents, and not best friends.
The author balanced precariously on the edge of right and wrong with the moral of the story, however. On the one hand, Suzy needed to learn to be herself and be loved for being herself. I agree with that. On the other hand, too much was made of it being "okay" to have sex outside of marriage. I really wanted Suzy to accept the "new leaf" in her life. No, she shouldn't have lied about her virginity, but there is nothing wrong with starting over, and making a new vow. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't weird or odd.
Which brings me to my thoughts about the Virginity Club. The author did and didn't make fun of kids who choose abstinence. I really wanted her to not make fun of it, but unfortunately, it did come across as if the kids in the group were weird. That's sad to me. Perhaps, if something was said to not insult people who support this view, I could have given this story a higher rating.
All of that said, I liked the characters. I felt really sorry for Guy.He didn't come across as stuffy as he was said to be, and Ryan was just okay. I wasn't a huge fan. Both Lori and Maddie were nice friends for her to have.
There was some British vocabulary used that threw me off. There were also some small editing mistakes, missing words and wrong words. There is reference to sex, as mentioned above. There is also some strong language, including curse words. That was distasteful. Overall this book is a 3.5. I might recommend it older teens, but because of sexuality and language, no one under 16.
The author balanced precariously on the edge of right and wrong with the moral of the story, however. On the one hand, Suzy needed to learn to be herself and be loved for being herself. I agree with that. On the other hand, too much was made of it being "okay" to have sex outside of marriage. I really wanted Suzy to accept the "new leaf" in her life. No, she shouldn't have lied about her virginity, but there is nothing wrong with starting over, and making a new vow. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't weird or odd.
Which brings me to my thoughts about the Virginity Club. The author did and didn't make fun of kids who choose abstinence. I really wanted her to not make fun of it, but unfortunately, it did come across as if the kids in the group were weird. That's sad to me. Perhaps, if something was said to not insult people who support this view, I could have given this story a higher rating.
All of that said, I liked the characters. I felt really sorry for Guy.He didn't come across as stuffy as he was said to be, and Ryan was just okay. I wasn't a huge fan. Both Lori and Maddie were nice friends for her to have.
There was some British vocabulary used that threw me off. There were also some small editing mistakes, missing words and wrong words. There is reference to sex, as mentioned above. There is also some strong language, including curse words. That was distasteful. Overall this book is a 3.5. I might recommend it older teens, but because of sexuality and language, no one under 16.
February 9, 2013
This book had so much potential but fell short in many ways. The story is set in Adelaide, Australia, and follows a high school girl named Suzy who is trying to reinvent herself after a tragic loss. She tries to change in order to please everyone around her but realizes that she misses being her true self. It takes awhile, but she eventually realizes that she can be her true self but still live a good life and not be the chaotic mess she used to be.
The story had a good message about second chances, but it was incredibly corny and stereotypical. The writing was not cohesive at all and the supporting characters were one-dimensional. The whole book is based on this old life Suzy used to live, but barely any information was given about this, so the reader was left to imagine the worst. Also, the tragic event that spurs on this new Suzy is not given enough time and attention. Another flaw is that Suzy's personal thinking voice is identical to her outward talking voice. I had to keep looking for quotation marks because everything she thought sounded exactly like everything she said and vice versa. I loved that it was set in Australia and I got to read a bit of slang and cultural anomalies, but other than that, this book fell short on many levels.
The story had a good message about second chances, but it was incredibly corny and stereotypical. The writing was not cohesive at all and the supporting characters were one-dimensional. The whole book is based on this old life Suzy used to live, but barely any information was given about this, so the reader was left to imagine the worst. Also, the tragic event that spurs on this new Suzy is not given enough time and attention. Another flaw is that Suzy's personal thinking voice is identical to her outward talking voice. I had to keep looking for quotation marks because everything she thought sounded exactly like everything she said and vice versa. I loved that it was set in Australia and I got to read a bit of slang and cultural anomalies, but other than that, this book fell short on many levels.
January 26, 2009
The name of this book is called The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz. This book was really interesting and realistic to me. In this book it talks about a girl named Suzy Green who use to be the coolest person and a party girl. But now that her sister died things has changed for her. Her family moved to a new town where they started fresh and of course Sara wanted to start fresh as well. She wanted to be like her sister Rosie who was perfect. Sara is now a straight A student who dates the hottest guys and shes in the popular group at school. She joined a group called the virginity club and people in this club take a pledge to refrain themselves from any kind of misleading activities with the opposite sex. But surprise surprise her ex boyfriend came back. The one where she lost her virginity to. Know what is she going to do? Can she keep up with the lie? Will he help her or not? Read the book to find out.
This book was very interesting and it took me to a whole new perspective and the way of thinking. It kind of ties to the fact that your lies will eventually catch up to you.
This book was very interesting and it took me to a whole new perspective and the way of thinking. It kind of ties to the fact that your lies will eventually catch up to you.
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Suzy's changed her tune. Gone is the former wild child who dressed all in black and got into trouble nearly every day. Instead, she's trying to become more like her sister, Rosie, who just died. She doesn't want her parents to worry anymore.
A change in location lets Suzy start over. Soon she's made friends with popular girls, but things here are very different from back home. For one thing, it's popular to belong to the V-club. Technically, Suzy's not a virgin, but what her new friends don't know can't hurt her, right?
Just as soon as her life is starting to settle down and she's accepted into this new and strange world, her past catches up with her. Can she still be accepted for who she really is, or will she lose herself in this new town?
With THE SECOND VIRGINITY OF SUZY GREEN, author Sara Hantz has written a moving novel about a girl trying to make over her soul without losing herself in the process.
Suzy's changed her tune. Gone is the former wild child who dressed all in black and got into trouble nearly every day. Instead, she's trying to become more like her sister, Rosie, who just died. She doesn't want her parents to worry anymore.
A change in location lets Suzy start over. Soon she's made friends with popular girls, but things here are very different from back home. For one thing, it's popular to belong to the V-club. Technically, Suzy's not a virgin, but what her new friends don't know can't hurt her, right?
Just as soon as her life is starting to settle down and she's accepted into this new and strange world, her past catches up with her. Can she still be accepted for who she really is, or will she lose herself in this new town?
With THE SECOND VIRGINITY OF SUZY GREEN, author Sara Hantz has written a moving novel about a girl trying to make over her soul without losing herself in the process.
May 20, 2013
This story could have been really enjoyable, but there were a couple main things wrong with it.
Suzy moves (to unknown location) after her sister is apparently killed in a horrific accident. She decides to be all her sister was to make her parents happy. We find out later that she's in California apparently, but all the characters speak as though they are British. Using British colloquialisms and things that are definitely NOT California. That really bothered me for some reason. I figured they were in the UK and while I thought that, it was OK. It didn't make sense in Cali.
My 2nd "beef" if you will is her relationship with "Guy". As far as I could tell he had ZERO personality. There was no compelling reason for her to be dating him. The build up wasn't there, we don't get to know him until he's a jackass. Some of the characters needed to be more developed.
Not sure I can recommend it.
Suzy moves (to unknown location) after her sister is apparently killed in a horrific accident. She decides to be all her sister was to make her parents happy. We find out later that she's in California apparently, but all the characters speak as though they are British. Using British colloquialisms and things that are definitely NOT California. That really bothered me for some reason. I figured they were in the UK and while I thought that, it was OK. It didn't make sense in Cali.
My 2nd "beef" if you will is her relationship with "Guy". As far as I could tell he had ZERO personality. There was no compelling reason for her to be dating him. The build up wasn't there, we don't get to know him until he's a jackass. Some of the characters needed to be more developed.
Not sure I can recommend it.
December 20, 2007
I can't think of a single YA title set in Australia that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception. Suzy is a sweet character who means well but never quite manages to adopt her new 'perfection', or at least not in every way. This means we still get to benefit from her brilliantly irreverent 'fringes of Goth' outlook, even as she struggles to be one of the glamorous, rich gang. My favourite moments were when her old voice came through loudly at unexpected moments, and always to great effect.
The characters are wonderful, especially Suzy's friend from home Maddie, who only features on the other end of the phone, but really shows us what the
For the rest of this review, visit
http://www.trashionista.com/2007/12/b...
The characters are wonderful, especially Suzy's friend from home Maddie, who only features on the other end of the phone, but really shows us what the
For the rest of this review, visit
http://www.trashionista.com/2007/12/b...
February 25, 2011
This book was a nice, quick, and cute book. The author wrote it very nicely, so that I was embarresed for Suzy in certain situations, happy in others, and frustrated or mad in yet other scenes. I really felt what Suzy was feeling.
The idea of this book was also very good. I've read a book about the idea of a virginity club (The Virginity Club by Kate Brian), and one of the characters in that book had the same technicality that Suzy had - but this book was completely different.
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was a book that dealt with a new town, a new school, and the death of a sister. Among all that, even deeper, it was about fitting in and finding out who you are.
I recommend this book. It was a very enjoyable read, though it was very predictable in times.
The idea of this book was also very good. I've read a book about the idea of a virginity club (The Virginity Club by Kate Brian), and one of the characters in that book had the same technicality that Suzy had - but this book was completely different.
The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was a book that dealt with a new town, a new school, and the death of a sister. Among all that, even deeper, it was about fitting in and finding out who you are.
I recommend this book. It was a very enjoyable read, though it was very predictable in times.
November 20, 2015
"I call upon all people present to witness my pledge to remain a virgin until I marry, so I can give my partner the most precious gift I have. Myself."
and so begins the complete turn around of Suzy....to be who she is not but who she thinks she should be.
you know, this story was cute but...something was off. In many ways, I thought Suzy was really naive since she was supposed to be 17. And yet she is really advanced in her underage drinking and her extensive lying.
But the story was cute, the message was clear and good and it's a quick read.
I did love this message even though the group was so cultish!
"Because it's all about respect. Respecting yourself and others respecting you."
and so begins the complete turn around of Suzy....to be who she is not but who she thinks she should be.
you know, this story was cute but...something was off. In many ways, I thought Suzy was really naive since she was supposed to be 17. And yet she is really advanced in her underage drinking and her extensive lying.
But the story was cute, the message was clear and good and it's a quick read.
I did love this message even though the group was so cultish!
"Because it's all about respect. Respecting yourself and others respecting you."
May 29, 2013
This was a really annoying book. I wouldn't recommend it as...well Suzy is really annoying and I don't understand a lot of what she does/says. Like she likes Guy (and btw Guy - really?) for...well I have no idea why as he doesn't seem to have a personality. At all. Until he is horrible. And then her ex shows up and she is soo worried he is going to tell everyone she isn't a virgin. So how exactly would that go? I mean it is a bit ridiculous to be worried about that. Hey Ryan this is my friend Lori. Oh hey Lori - did you know Suzy and I had sex a year ago? Yeah I mean that seems realistic. I didn't get it and the ending was way too simple and wrapped things up quickly. I mean it didn't go with the rest of the book. Really not very good, but still not the worst book ever so 2 stars.
April 24, 2014
Sometimes you just want to read something fun, something light. And for a moment like that, The Second Virginity of Suzy Green is the perfect book. I finished it in about two hours, it's an easy and fun read! :)
Even though there are some heavy subjects in the story, it doesn't feel like a sad story. OK maybe the story is a bit childish - especially for a heroine from 17 years old - but I didn't mind.
Of course this isn't some great piece of literature, but nevertheless I enjoyed reading it. A great book to put you in a better mood when you're feeling down ;)
Even though there are some heavy subjects in the story, it doesn't feel like a sad story. OK maybe the story is a bit childish - especially for a heroine from 17 years old - but I didn't mind.
Of course this isn't some great piece of literature, but nevertheless I enjoyed reading it. A great book to put you in a better mood when you're feeling down ;)
May 21, 2013
I really think this book probably deserves a 2.5 but I'm rounding it up instead of down because it truly was written for teens, not adults reading YA. I think teen girls would relate to it way more than I did, and I think they would enjoy it way more than I did.
It was a cute no brainer read for me. I was glad when she dumped the jerk and finally told the truth to her supposed friends.
I'm not sad I read it, so that's why I gave it 3 stars.
It was a cute no brainer read for me. I was glad when she dumped the jerk and finally told the truth to her supposed friends.
I'm not sad I read it, so that's why I gave it 3 stars.
May 20, 2013
It was amusing. I liked it. I was kinda put off by an obviously non American writer trying to write as an American, there were somethings that just didn't fit. I liked the characters though, and I liked how the story progressed. It flowed well and was believable. There are some editing mistakes that should be corrected though.
I give it 3/5 platypires
I give it 3/5 platypires
December 29, 2007
Surprisingly... this was okay.
Virginity clubs -- not a topic I'm down with particularly, no matter how religious I might be. But without mocking the idea for those who feel they need that, this book is about owning up to who you are, and being accepted for that.
Virginity clubs -- not a topic I'm down with particularly, no matter how religious I might be. But without mocking the idea for those who feel they need that, this book is about owning up to who you are, and being accepted for that.
December 27, 2018
The title is the most risqué part of this straightforward teen minidrama. I'm finding myself very into Aussie culture, tho.
Top Quotes:
"Um, in a word. No."
"Help, I'm being visited by my mother."
"What's happiness got to do with it?"
"Give it a rest."
"She's so cool"
Top Quotes:
"Um, in a word. No."
"Help, I'm being visited by my mother."
"What's happiness got to do with it?"
"Give it a rest."
"She's so cool"
May 7, 2009
We're giving away two signed copies of this book on Free Book Friday Teens this week!
Stop on by and enter to win one! http://Teens.FreeBookFriday.com
Stop on by and enter to win one! http://Teens.FreeBookFriday.com
March 19, 2017
I though it was silly that Suzy was worried when her ex showed up. It's pretty ridiculous to think that Ryan would just randomly tell people that Suzy wasn't a virgin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2009
i enjoyed this one. i do think she took some improper courses of action butif she had been more sensible there really woldn't have been a bok at all.
November 4, 2010
I'm having a good laugh reading this. The voice is young and fresh.
April 19, 2013
I love everything about this book. Suzy is feisty and fun and someone who I cheered for the entire time!
May 20, 2013
Rating clarification: 3,5
Review posted on my blog
http://annaadamsya.wordpress.com/
Review posted on my blog
http://annaadamsya.wordpress.com/
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews