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Jessica Darling #2
Second Helpings
Jessica Darling is up in arms again in this much-anticipated, hilarious sequel to Sloppy Firsts. This time, the hyperobservant, angst-ridden teenager is going through the social and emotional ordeal of her senior year at Pineville High. Not only does the mysterious and oh-so-compelling Marcus Flutie continue to distract Jessica, but her best friend, Hope, still lives in another state, and she can’t seem to escape the clutches of the Clueless Crew, her annoying so-called friends. To top it off, Jessica’s parents won’t get off her butt about choosing a college, and her sister Bethany’s pregnancy is causing a big stir in the Darling household.
With keen intelligence, sardonic wit, and ingenious comedic timing, Megan McCafferty again re-creates the tumultuous world of today’s fast-moving and sophisticated teens. Fans of Sloppy Firsts will be reunited with their favorite characters and also introduced to the fresh new faces that have entered Jess’s life, including the hot creative writing teacher at her summer college prep program and her feisty, tell-it-like-it-is grandmother Gladdie. But most of all, readers will finally have the answers to all of their burgeoning questions, and then some: Will Jessica crack under the pressure of senioritis? Will her unresolved feelings for Marcus wreak havoc on her love life? Will Hope ever come back to Pineville? Fall in love with saucy, irreverent Jessica all over again in this wonderful sequel to a book that critics and readers alike hailed as the best high school novel in years.
With keen intelligence, sardonic wit, and ingenious comedic timing, Megan McCafferty again re-creates the tumultuous world of today’s fast-moving and sophisticated teens. Fans of Sloppy Firsts will be reunited with their favorite characters and also introduced to the fresh new faces that have entered Jess’s life, including the hot creative writing teacher at her summer college prep program and her feisty, tell-it-like-it-is grandmother Gladdie. But most of all, readers will finally have the answers to all of their burgeoning questions, and then some: Will Jessica crack under the pressure of senioritis? Will her unresolved feelings for Marcus wreak havoc on her love life? Will Hope ever come back to Pineville? Fall in love with saucy, irreverent Jessica all over again in this wonderful sequel to a book that critics and readers alike hailed as the best high school novel in years.
357 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2003
193 people are currently reading
10481 people want to read
About the author
Megan McCafferty
27 books2,536 followersMegan McCafferty writes fiction for tweens, teens and teens-at-heart of all ages. The author of twelve novels, she’s best known for SLOPPY FIRSTS and four more sequels in the New York Times bestselling Jessica Darling series--available throughout 2021 in updated 20th anniversary editions. She published two new books in 2020: TRUE TO YOUR SELFIE (MG, Scholastic) and THE MALL (YA, Wednesday Books). Described in her first review as “Judy Blume meets Dorothy Parker” (Wall Street Journal), she’s been trying to live up to that high standard ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 926 reviews
January 3, 2011
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
This was fun fun fun! I had trouble deciding on a rating, though.
I kept changing it from 4 stars to 5 stars to 4 stars to 5 stars and now, finally, I settled on a 4 stars rating which is actually more like a 4.5 stars rating ;-)
To my surprise, I liked Second Helpings better than Sloppy Firsts. It was funnier somehow and there were more swoon worthy moments. Boy, am I crushing hard on Marcus Flutie! ♥
When I checked the reviews for this book (and the Jessica Darling series in general) I was quite worried, because obviously people are rather torn when it comes to this series. There are a lot of negative reviews on here and I have to say that now, after having read the second installment in this series, I understand why some people don’t like these books. Basically, it all boils down to whether you can relate to Jessica or not. She is sarcastic, snarky and quite the pessimist. Sometimes she’s too rash in judging things or people and the way she talks about the observations she makes might come across as harsh and arrogant but she has friends who call her out on it and she realizes that she has to work on herself. I can see why there are people who don’t like her. I, however, can relate to her pretty well, seeing as I used to be like this, too. I am still snarky and sarcastic but I dropped the negative attitude. Believe me, 16-year-old me wasn’t always fun to be around. ;-) What makes me relate to Jessica to an almost creepy extent, makes others dislike her.
The second thing that makes this book sometimes difficult to like is the writing. It’s rather complicated and a little too wordy at times. Some of the descriptions just drag on and on.
So, what else is there to say? Second Helpings was pretty much focused on Jessica’s love life, which I didn’t mind, because it was just so much fun. Marcus is a great character, I adore him and I really hope that everything works out between him and Jess. I also loved all the parts about Bridget and Pepe, Skank and Skankier, Scotty, the Pinevile Low editions and Len. (even though I wanted to rip his balls off). All in all, a really great read!
This was fun fun fun! I had trouble deciding on a rating, though.
I kept changing it from 4 stars to 5 stars to 4 stars to 5 stars and now, finally, I settled on a 4 stars rating which is actually more like a 4.5 stars rating ;-)
To my surprise, I liked Second Helpings better than Sloppy Firsts. It was funnier somehow and there were more swoon worthy moments. Boy, am I crushing hard on Marcus Flutie! ♥
When I checked the reviews for this book (and the Jessica Darling series in general) I was quite worried, because obviously people are rather torn when it comes to this series. There are a lot of negative reviews on here and I have to say that now, after having read the second installment in this series, I understand why some people don’t like these books. Basically, it all boils down to whether you can relate to Jessica or not. She is sarcastic, snarky and quite the pessimist. Sometimes she’s too rash in judging things or people and the way she talks about the observations she makes might come across as harsh and arrogant but she has friends who call her out on it and she realizes that she has to work on herself. I can see why there are people who don’t like her. I, however, can relate to her pretty well, seeing as I used to be like this, too. I am still snarky and sarcastic but I dropped the negative attitude. Believe me, 16-year-old me wasn’t always fun to be around. ;-) What makes me relate to Jessica to an almost creepy extent, makes others dislike her.
The second thing that makes this book sometimes difficult to like is the writing. It’s rather complicated and a little too wordy at times. Some of the descriptions just drag on and on.
So, what else is there to say? Second Helpings was pretty much focused on Jessica’s love life, which I didn’t mind, because it was just so much fun. Marcus is a great character, I adore him and I really hope that everything works out between him and Jess. I also loved all the parts about Bridget and Pepe, Skank and Skankier, Scotty, the Pinevile Low editions and Len. (even though I wanted to rip his balls off). All in all, a really great read!
January 28, 2011
Reasons I enjoyed Second Helpings more than Sloppy Firsts:
Reading it in English. Really, the humour – and especially the play on words – just doesn’t translate too well. I had much more fun reading the original. Jessica’s voice felt more authentic.
It had more Marcus Flutie. Enough said.
I loved that Jessica started to make friends with someone she only felt mild annoyance for in book one. Her relationship with Bridget grew and she acknowledged that while it wasn’t the same as with Hope, it was still valuable. I also liked Pepe, the French class guy.
Jessica standing up to Paul Parliapiano (I am writing is name from memory. I hope it’s spelled correctly because I’m too lazy to look it up. Somehow, every time I read his surname, I almost had my tongue tied in a knot.), her old-time high school crush. Priceless.
Grandma Gladdie and the other guys from ‘Silver Meadows’. They were so much fun to read about, and I loved how Gladdie always had the right piece of advice for Jessica, supported her in her decisions – and called Marcus ‘Tutti Flutie’
Reasons I enjoyed Second Helpings less than Sloppy Firsts:
Everyone seemed to be obsessed with sex. Seriously. E V E R Y O N E. And Jessica was the worst.
It didn’t have as much Marcus Flutie as I had hoped for.
Some of the decisions Jessica made just came out of nowhere and I couldn’t understand why she would make them. She just seemed so self-centred and whiny about things. Which was also the case in book one, but to a lesser extent.
So, all in all, the positive and negative points balance each other. I really enjoyed this second instalment of the Darling series, still like Jessica a lot and would love to read on, but I think I’ll take the advice of my friend Jessica (hehe) and stop reading here. I liked the ending – we get closure, but not in the all-is-perfect-and-they-will-live-happily-ever-after kind of way – and I don’t think I want to read through three more books of ups and downs, rights and lefts, break-ups and hook-ups (which is so going to happen, because, hey, it’s Jessica Darling).
I don’t want my good memory of these two books spoiled, even if there is a chance I might like the others as well. You should stop when everything is at its best – an advice few authors seem to take anymore these days.
Reading it in English. Really, the humour – and especially the play on words – just doesn’t translate too well. I had much more fun reading the original. Jessica’s voice felt more authentic.
It had more Marcus Flutie. Enough said.
I loved that Jessica started to make friends with someone she only felt mild annoyance for in book one. Her relationship with Bridget grew and she acknowledged that while it wasn’t the same as with Hope, it was still valuable. I also liked Pepe, the French class guy.
Jessica standing up to Paul Parliapiano (I am writing is name from memory. I hope it’s spelled correctly because I’m too lazy to look it up. Somehow, every time I read his surname, I almost had my tongue tied in a knot.), her old-time high school crush. Priceless.
Grandma Gladdie and the other guys from ‘Silver Meadows’. They were so much fun to read about, and I loved how Gladdie always had the right piece of advice for Jessica, supported her in her decisions – and called Marcus ‘Tutti Flutie’
Reasons I enjoyed Second Helpings less than Sloppy Firsts:
Everyone seemed to be obsessed with sex. Seriously. E V E R Y O N E. And Jessica was the worst.
It didn’t have as much Marcus Flutie as I had hoped for.
Some of the decisions Jessica made just came out of nowhere and I couldn’t understand why she would make them. She just seemed so self-centred and whiny about things. Which was also the case in book one, but to a lesser extent.
So, all in all, the positive and negative points balance each other. I really enjoyed this second instalment of the Darling series, still like Jessica a lot and would love to read on, but I think I’ll take the advice of my friend Jessica (hehe) and stop reading here. I liked the ending – we get closure, but not in the all-is-perfect-and-they-will-live-happily-ever-after kind of way – and I don’t think I want to read through three more books of ups and downs, rights and lefts, break-ups and hook-ups (which is so going to happen, because, hey, it’s Jessica Darling).
I don’t want my good memory of these two books spoiled, even if there is a chance I might like the others as well. You should stop when everything is at its best – an advice few authors seem to take anymore these days.
August 31, 2012
I have to admit it: Sloppy Firsts was better. Yet, that doesn’t mean that Second Helpings wasn’t a brilliant follow-up novel, because it was! Jessica Darling is back and this time, she’s about to start her senior year of high school. Hope, her best friend, is still miles away from her, her mother still wants her to find a boyfriend, her sister is now expecting a baby, her relationship with her father continues to get worse, and to make matters worse, it’s time to apply for college. If that wasn’t enough on her plate, Jessica wants to can’t think of Marcus Flutie…not after what happened before. Thus, Jessica’s last year of high school starts and if you thought Jessica had things figured out after Sloppy Firsts, think again!
So, why was Second Helpings not as good as Sloppy Firsts? It has the same quirky and hilarious narration, the same unforgettable characters, the same high school problems…so what changed? Well, I guess in one word, it would be…Jessica. I still love Jessica Darling to death and she seriously is my literary-soul-sister, but Jessica’s thoughts begin to change in this one. For one, she begins to think about sex way too much. Nope, she isn’t having sex, she’s just thinking about it on practically every other page, which is not only vastly unrealistic, but became rather annoying too. I felt as if some of the discussions she had about sex were even repeated from time-to-time and was rather confused about this new direction of thought. Furthermore, there was one rather predictable mystery in this story that Jessica took awhile to pick up on, so while it didn’t ruin the story in the least, it was a little disappointing to see such an intelligent character fail to see something this obvious.
Nevertheless, those petty qualms aside, I devoured Second Helpings in a matter of hours. Jessica is still struggling between being who she is and fitting in at high school – a conflict I found equally as compelling in this sequel. I really liked that despite her growth, Jessica still had so much more to learn, not only in school, but from her family at home too. McCafferty shows us this so perfectly that we can’t help but love Jessica, even for all her flaws and mistakes in this book.
Marcus Flutie (*cue swoons*) also plays a larger role in this novel, but perhaps not as large as some readers would have liked. Yet, I loved this aspect of the book. Once again, the most influential people in Jessica’s life are absent, so whenever Marcus did make an appearance in this book, it was like a wonderful treat. I’ve never been a big fan of sexual tension or cheesiness, but I ate up the sexual tension in this one and grinned like an idiot at the eventual cheesiness at the end of this. I know, I know, Marcus Flutie has made me into a pile of gush, but I can’t even bring myself to care. I love the guy and even more than that, I love how McCafferty makes you see just how right these two are for each other.
Second Helpings has so much going on in it, but it’s a wonderful follow-up to Sloppy Firsts. It also has a conclusion that wraps everything up beautifully and leaves the reader utterly satisfied, so it will definitely be awhile before I pick up the next Jessica Darling book, Charmed Thirds. Still, I know that when I do read it, it’ll be like meeting an old friend all over again. McCafferty’s book are absolutely wonderful and I think part of the reason why I love them so much is because my best friend and I attend different schools as well, yet, she is still the most influential person in my life and I can connect with and understand Jessica on a deeper level because of it. Don’t worry though – Jessica has a little bit of everyone in her and there is no way you cannot fall in love with this series. Marcus Flutie will ensure that, even if Jessica doesn’t! ;) I really can’t recommend these books enough as they are absolutely hilarious and wonderfully quick reads at the same time, so I know this is one series I will constantly re-visit, even as I grow old. Yup, it’s just that good.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
So, why was Second Helpings not as good as Sloppy Firsts? It has the same quirky and hilarious narration, the same unforgettable characters, the same high school problems…so what changed? Well, I guess in one word, it would be…Jessica. I still love Jessica Darling to death and she seriously is my literary-soul-sister, but Jessica’s thoughts begin to change in this one. For one, she begins to think about sex way too much. Nope, she isn’t having sex, she’s just thinking about it on practically every other page, which is not only vastly unrealistic, but became rather annoying too. I felt as if some of the discussions she had about sex were even repeated from time-to-time and was rather confused about this new direction of thought. Furthermore, there was one rather predictable mystery in this story that Jessica took awhile to pick up on, so while it didn’t ruin the story in the least, it was a little disappointing to see such an intelligent character fail to see something this obvious.
Nevertheless, those petty qualms aside, I devoured Second Helpings in a matter of hours. Jessica is still struggling between being who she is and fitting in at high school – a conflict I found equally as compelling in this sequel. I really liked that despite her growth, Jessica still had so much more to learn, not only in school, but from her family at home too. McCafferty shows us this so perfectly that we can’t help but love Jessica, even for all her flaws and mistakes in this book.
Marcus Flutie (*cue swoons*) also plays a larger role in this novel, but perhaps not as large as some readers would have liked. Yet, I loved this aspect of the book. Once again, the most influential people in Jessica’s life are absent, so whenever Marcus did make an appearance in this book, it was like a wonderful treat. I’ve never been a big fan of sexual tension or cheesiness, but I ate up the sexual tension in this one and grinned like an idiot at the eventual cheesiness at the end of this. I know, I know, Marcus Flutie has made me into a pile of gush, but I can’t even bring myself to care. I love the guy and even more than that, I love how McCafferty makes you see just how right these two are for each other.
Second Helpings has so much going on in it, but it’s a wonderful follow-up to Sloppy Firsts. It also has a conclusion that wraps everything up beautifully and leaves the reader utterly satisfied, so it will definitely be awhile before I pick up the next Jessica Darling book, Charmed Thirds. Still, I know that when I do read it, it’ll be like meeting an old friend all over again. McCafferty’s book are absolutely wonderful and I think part of the reason why I love them so much is because my best friend and I attend different schools as well, yet, she is still the most influential person in my life and I can connect with and understand Jessica on a deeper level because of it. Don’t worry though – Jessica has a little bit of everyone in her and there is no way you cannot fall in love with this series. Marcus Flutie will ensure that, even if Jessica doesn’t! ;) I really can’t recommend these books enough as they are absolutely hilarious and wonderfully quick reads at the same time, so I know this is one series I will constantly re-visit, even as I grow old. Yup, it’s just that good.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
March 8, 2010
As much as I loved "Sloppy Firsts," as much as I admired Jessica Darling and identified with her in that book, I just couldn't bring myself to give this sequel more than 2 stars, simply because I didn't like how this story unfolded.
For one, I thought Jessica digressed in this installment. I no longer found her funny and spazzy, I found her immature, whiny, and, for all her school smarts, dumb. I didn't like her relationship with Len, I thoroughly hated her sudden obsession with losing her virginity to just about anyone. Where did her self-respect and idealism go?
But even more, I disliked the direction Jessica's relationship with Marcus took. I couldn't believe that Marcus would do so little to win her back and she, in her turn, would be so dense. I didn't like that their relationship was almost non-existent for almost a year and a half and then escalated within hours and culminated in... fade into black.
Having said all this, I have to note that "Second Helpings" was not a complete waste. There were some funny bits, some sweet moments and some sexy poetry.
However, as of right now I am not as excited about this series as I was after reading "Sloppy First" and will have to take a long break before I attempt reading the next book (if it ever happens).
For one, I thought Jessica digressed in this installment. I no longer found her funny and spazzy, I found her immature, whiny, and, for all her school smarts, dumb. I didn't like her relationship with Len, I thoroughly hated her sudden obsession with losing her virginity to just about anyone. Where did her self-respect and idealism go?
But even more, I disliked the direction Jessica's relationship with Marcus took. I couldn't believe that Marcus would do so little to win her back and she, in her turn, would be so dense. I didn't like that their relationship was almost non-existent for almost a year and a half and then escalated within hours and culminated in... fade into black.
Having said all this, I have to note that "Second Helpings" was not a complete waste. There were some funny bits, some sweet moments and some sexy poetry.
However, as of right now I am not as excited about this series as I was after reading "Sloppy First" and will have to take a long break before I attempt reading the next book (if it ever happens).
December 8, 2014
Most of my Goodreads friends have loved this book/series (lots of 4 and 5 star reviews!) so I'm disappointed at giving this book 1 star. I wanted to love it, I really did, and the writing was definitely catchy.
The main problem was that Jessica was such an unlikeable character in so many ways.
I didn't like her in the first book and was hoping there would be some improvement, but nope.
She's so negative towards women: Other than her best friend Hope, who seems to be about the only woman she's positive about. Some others it goes up and down, while others are just insulted constantly.
"Bitches and skanks are everywhere. They're at school. They're at camp. And they'll surely be in college. I might as well get used to it." (12%)
Towards a girl with anorexia who questioned if she was a lesbian: "I'm so happy to see you eating...You're obviously comfortable enough with your body not to worry about putting the weight back on. Good for you." (23%) And then she was happy because the girl stopped what she was eating and gave the rest to Jessica.
She's homophobic:
She has a major crush on Paul, who is gay, a fact that she mentions constantly. This starts when he cleans off sugar on a table at a coffee shop before sitting down, done so delicately because he's gay. It continues:
"PAUL PARLIPIANO IS A HOMOSEXUAL. This was easy for me to forget because he looked the same as he always did. He hadn't gayed himself up since coming out: No platinum highlights in his dirty blond curls. No pink triangle pins. No I'M HERE. I'M QUEER. GET USED TO IT! tattoo." (14%)
She's racist
Lots of talk of how ghetto some college spots are.
Then there's her friendship with Pepe: "'What up, my white soul sista?'
'Why, if it isn't my token black friend!' Pepe and I bumped fists...This ongoing joke about his 'blackness' and my 'whiteness' never gets old. I don't find it annoying or offensive when Pepe acts ghetto because (unlike Miss Hyacinth Anastasia Wallace and countless Wiggaz at Pineville High) he's doing it to be funny, not to keep it real. (Also, unlike Hy and the PHS Wiggaz, Pepe benefits from actually being black.) There is much fun to be had upsetting too uptight, politically correct people." (23%)
There's also 29% through when she and her grandmother are talking about 9/11, and she's comforted when her grandmother tells her that she's letting those towel-head lunatics get her down, and to not let her future be ruined by a bunch of looney sand monkeys.
Some other annoyances: -Her nemesis for top student is Len, a geeky boy who had always been unattractive until he suddenly comes back to school after summer vacation and is hot. Jessica is quick to point out that even though he has a makeover, he is still "socially retarded". He also has a crush on her. I HATED her relationship with Len, and I hated how in her diary she wrote Uhn and Um every few words when he spoke to her. It got annoying so fast.
-She's also desperate to lose her virginity and brings it up constantly.
The main problem was that Jessica was such an unlikeable character in so many ways.
I didn't like her in the first book and was hoping there would be some improvement, but nope.
She's so negative towards women: Other than her best friend Hope, who seems to be about the only woman she's positive about. Some others it goes up and down, while others are just insulted constantly.
"Bitches and skanks are everywhere. They're at school. They're at camp. And they'll surely be in college. I might as well get used to it." (12%)
Towards a girl with anorexia who questioned if she was a lesbian: "I'm so happy to see you eating...You're obviously comfortable enough with your body not to worry about putting the weight back on. Good for you." (23%) And then she was happy because the girl stopped what she was eating and gave the rest to Jessica.
She's homophobic:
She has a major crush on Paul, who is gay, a fact that she mentions constantly. This starts when he cleans off sugar on a table at a coffee shop before sitting down, done so delicately because he's gay. It continues:
"PAUL PARLIPIANO IS A HOMOSEXUAL. This was easy for me to forget because he looked the same as he always did. He hadn't gayed himself up since coming out: No platinum highlights in his dirty blond curls. No pink triangle pins. No I'M HERE. I'M QUEER. GET USED TO IT! tattoo." (14%)
She's racist
Lots of talk of how ghetto some college spots are.
Then there's her friendship with Pepe: "'What up, my white soul sista?'
'Why, if it isn't my token black friend!' Pepe and I bumped fists...This ongoing joke about his 'blackness' and my 'whiteness' never gets old. I don't find it annoying or offensive when Pepe acts ghetto because (unlike Miss Hyacinth Anastasia Wallace and countless Wiggaz at Pineville High) he's doing it to be funny, not to keep it real. (Also, unlike Hy and the PHS Wiggaz, Pepe benefits from actually being black.) There is much fun to be had upsetting too uptight, politically correct people." (23%)
There's also 29% through when she and her grandmother are talking about 9/11, and she's comforted when her grandmother tells her that she's letting those towel-head lunatics get her down, and to not let her future be ruined by a bunch of looney sand monkeys.
Some other annoyances: -Her nemesis for top student is Len, a geeky boy who had always been unattractive until he suddenly comes back to school after summer vacation and is hot. Jessica is quick to point out that even though he has a makeover, he is still "socially retarded". He also has a crush on her. I HATED her relationship with Len, and I hated how in her diary she wrote Uhn and Um every few words when he spoke to her. It got annoying so fast.
-She's also desperate to lose her virginity and brings it up constantly.
September 29, 2021
I really loved Sloppy Firsts and it took me a long time to find this book to read more about Jessica Darling, now in her senior year of High School. I eventually found it second hand from Abebooks, it was the first 'real book' I've read in a while.
I found this book much harder to appreciate, but once Jessica got her mojo, this may have even surpassed the first for me. It's now nearly 20 years old, 9-11 had recently happened, yet it didn't feel at all dated. All very relevant. Jessica was always the smartest person in the room, but also the most clueless, which makes her such a believable and endearing character.
On to Thirds, with two more to follow, it's nice to only be partway through one of your favourite series.
I found this book much harder to appreciate, but once Jessica got her mojo, this may have even surpassed the first for me. It's now nearly 20 years old, 9-11 had recently happened, yet it didn't feel at all dated. All very relevant. Jessica was always the smartest person in the room, but also the most clueless, which makes her such a believable and endearing character.
On to Thirds, with two more to follow, it's nice to only be partway through one of your favourite series.
July 11, 2012
4.5 Stars.
Originally reviewed here.
If I’m ever found dead and all signs point to the cause being extreme anxiety, and everyone keeps saying “I don’t know what happened, she was always so laid back”, you insist on searching all end tables and my Kindle to find out what I was reading when I keeled over. Chances are, it was a Jessica Darling book.
Second Helpings may not have left me on the verge of a panic attack in its ending like Sloppy Firsts managed too, but there was enough angst leading up to one fantastic ending to leave me huddled in the corner eating my hair and hoping that I will one day again have a decent night’s sleep where I don’t wake up in a cold sweat of panic over the lives of Jessica Darling and Marcus Flutie. Seriously, if we still talked about women having ‘weak constitutions’, anyone seeing me near this book would use the phrase to describe me, and while I did enjoy Second Helpings, I am utterly terrified to continue on with the series.
When I picked up Second Helpings, I kind of assumed that it would pick up right where Sloppy Firsts let off, but it doesn’t. Second Helpings starts at the beginning of the summer, where our girl Jessica is headed to an artistic camp to work on writing. There, while on a field trip, she has a run in with the infamous Paul Parlapiano (yes, the Paul Palapiano of epic crush/definitely gay/she puked on his shoes renown) who drags her to the Columbia campus, and gets Jessica’s mind brewing about a whole new college experience. Of course, her parents will never approve, so she then has to spend the school year stressing about Columbia, friends, boyfriends, and of course HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED. Though let’s be honest here, a year stressing about Lord Voldemort would probably be less angst ridden and nerve wracking than a year stressing about Marcus Flutie. Marcus, as always, playing mind games (or is he?). Marcus, who Jessica thought she had something more than friendship with until that fateful night when she told him to eff off, and he listened. Marcus, who is either an evil genius, or the heartthrob of high school history.
So did anyone else, upon starting this book, FLIP OUT when they read that Jessica DESTROYED HER JOURNALS?! (And yes, welcome to my review of Second Helpings, I am going to CAPSLOCK ALL OVER IT.) I mean I just about had to drop the book and find a paper bag to breathe into thinking about all of those EPIC MOMENTS that were lost. Then I calmly reminded myself that Sloppy Firsts is a BOOK and not a REAL LIVE JOURNAL and I can still obtain these thoughts and memories without having to slap Jessica into recounting them all again on paper.
I adored watching Jessica’s resolve crumble throughout Second Helpings, even as she grew into a somewhat more mature, thoughtful, calm (*snort* right) and confident individual. At the beginning, she’s totally resolved not to even mention Marcus by name. Heck, she’s resolved not to write any more angsty journal entries period. We can all guess about how long that lasts. She does, for those of you who were annoyed at her lack of letting go of Hope in Sloppy Firsts, move on a bit. She doesn’t lose Hope’s friendship, but she realizes that there are other friendships out there to be had. Not every friend is going to be something akin to a soul mate, but that doesn’t make them worthless.
I’ll be honest, I found Jessica to be trying my nerves quite a bit more in this installment. I got so sick of hearing her obsessing over sex. I guess some teens probably do obsess over sex, but I certainly wasn’t one of them. In Jessica’s world, she assumed everyone other than herself had had sex. When I was a teen, I kind of assumed no one had. Neither of us were correct, but I did get awfully sick of hearing her obsess about losing her virginity. I kind of feel like if you care enough to wait for someone you really care about, you should care enough not to freak out about being a virgin.
I also wanted to slap both Jessica and Marcus for their utter stupidity. Seriously, how many AWESOME things in this life are wasted by stubbornness? Being incredibly pig headed myself, I can hardly say this is unheard of, but seriously kids. I DON’T LIKE WHITE KNUCKLING BOOKS. I got about four hours of sleep the day I tried to read this, because of course I started it at 9:00 pm and then couldn’t sleep because of the ANXIETY. So, important note to self: Plan ahead. Do not start a Jessica Darling novel unless you have ample time to finish it in a single sitting.
I did feel that Marcus veered over into the cheesy side of things for me in this one, but I’m cool with that, as I’m not sure anything else would have worked. I love that Marcus and Jessica really get one another in a way that no one else can, even if they often don’t realize or appreciate it. I don’t want to talk much more of the plot or my AMPLE FEELINGS as I’ve rambled plenty, and want to steer clear of spoiler territory, but really. Jessica Darling easily holds a place as one of my all time favorite contemporaries, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Originally reviewed here.
If I’m ever found dead and all signs point to the cause being extreme anxiety, and everyone keeps saying “I don’t know what happened, she was always so laid back”, you insist on searching all end tables and my Kindle to find out what I was reading when I keeled over. Chances are, it was a Jessica Darling book.
Second Helpings may not have left me on the verge of a panic attack in its ending like Sloppy Firsts managed too, but there was enough angst leading up to one fantastic ending to leave me huddled in the corner eating my hair and hoping that I will one day again have a decent night’s sleep where I don’t wake up in a cold sweat of panic over the lives of Jessica Darling and Marcus Flutie. Seriously, if we still talked about women having ‘weak constitutions’, anyone seeing me near this book would use the phrase to describe me, and while I did enjoy Second Helpings, I am utterly terrified to continue on with the series.
When I picked up Second Helpings, I kind of assumed that it would pick up right where Sloppy Firsts let off, but it doesn’t. Second Helpings starts at the beginning of the summer, where our girl Jessica is headed to an artistic camp to work on writing. There, while on a field trip, she has a run in with the infamous Paul Parlapiano (yes, the Paul Palapiano of epic crush/definitely gay/she puked on his shoes renown) who drags her to the Columbia campus, and gets Jessica’s mind brewing about a whole new college experience. Of course, her parents will never approve, so she then has to spend the school year stressing about Columbia, friends, boyfriends, and of course HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED. Though let’s be honest here, a year stressing about Lord Voldemort would probably be less angst ridden and nerve wracking than a year stressing about Marcus Flutie. Marcus, as always, playing mind games (or is he?). Marcus, who Jessica thought she had something more than friendship with until that fateful night when she told him to eff off, and he listened. Marcus, who is either an evil genius, or the heartthrob of high school history.
So did anyone else, upon starting this book, FLIP OUT when they read that Jessica DESTROYED HER JOURNALS?! (And yes, welcome to my review of Second Helpings, I am going to CAPSLOCK ALL OVER IT.) I mean I just about had to drop the book and find a paper bag to breathe into thinking about all of those EPIC MOMENTS that were lost. Then I calmly reminded myself that Sloppy Firsts is a BOOK and not a REAL LIVE JOURNAL and I can still obtain these thoughts and memories without having to slap Jessica into recounting them all again on paper.
I adored watching Jessica’s resolve crumble throughout Second Helpings, even as she grew into a somewhat more mature, thoughtful, calm (*snort* right) and confident individual. At the beginning, she’s totally resolved not to even mention Marcus by name. Heck, she’s resolved not to write any more angsty journal entries period. We can all guess about how long that lasts. She does, for those of you who were annoyed at her lack of letting go of Hope in Sloppy Firsts, move on a bit. She doesn’t lose Hope’s friendship, but she realizes that there are other friendships out there to be had. Not every friend is going to be something akin to a soul mate, but that doesn’t make them worthless.
I’ll be honest, I found Jessica to be trying my nerves quite a bit more in this installment. I got so sick of hearing her obsessing over sex. I guess some teens probably do obsess over sex, but I certainly wasn’t one of them. In Jessica’s world, she assumed everyone other than herself had had sex. When I was a teen, I kind of assumed no one had. Neither of us were correct, but I did get awfully sick of hearing her obsess about losing her virginity. I kind of feel like if you care enough to wait for someone you really care about, you should care enough not to freak out about being a virgin.
I also wanted to slap both Jessica and Marcus for their utter stupidity. Seriously, how many AWESOME things in this life are wasted by stubbornness? Being incredibly pig headed myself, I can hardly say this is unheard of, but seriously kids. I DON’T LIKE WHITE KNUCKLING BOOKS. I got about four hours of sleep the day I tried to read this, because of course I started it at 9:00 pm and then couldn’t sleep because of the ANXIETY. So, important note to self: Plan ahead. Do not start a Jessica Darling novel unless you have ample time to finish it in a single sitting.
I did feel that Marcus veered over into the cheesy side of things for me in this one, but I’m cool with that, as I’m not sure anything else would have worked. I love that Marcus and Jessica really get one another in a way that no one else can, even if they often don’t realize or appreciate it. I don’t want to talk much more of the plot or my AMPLE FEELINGS as I’ve rambled plenty, and want to steer clear of spoiler territory, but really. Jessica Darling easily holds a place as one of my all time favorite contemporaries, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
December 15, 2017
As I found myself with very little time lately and therefore being unable to concentrate my poor brain on anything, including a new book, I decided to go back to an old classic (so fear not, Joe Abercrombie, the only reason I put your delicious book on hold is because I don't want to ruin it by reading one sentence out of two).
It's been some time I wanted to go back to Jessica Darling's tremendous high-school years and the planets finally aligned to permit that blissful reunion this summer!
The two first books* of this series should be mandatory read for.... well, for everyone. Including adults. Especially adults.
4 reasons why it's even better to read this YA series as an adult :
- If you're born in the right decade(s), the 80's and 90's references will make you happy and gettin-jiggy-wit'-it
- in case you forgot, it will remind you what it is to be a teenager with both hormones and a completely functioning brain (even if Jessica is not always the average teenage girl)
- you have now what Jessica's mother desperately tries to inculcate in her daughter : perspective. And it will make you laugh twice harder.
- if you had known about Marcus Flutie as a young adult, your love life would have been irrevocably ruined as he'd have crushed and buried six feet underground any other real male walking this earth, condemning you to a life of celibate in favour of his unknowing - but eternal - fictional love.
*The asterisk where there is more text inside the brackets than out of it :
I only - and will ever - read the first two books of this five books series. The fact that the action then moves from Pineville, NJ, to someplace else is too much for me to handle (which is ironic, considering getting out of Pineville is Jessica's #1 life goal), and way out of my comfort zone. Even if it's logical for JD story to move on (or you know, just stop at the end of book 2, which would have probably been okay), I like some routine. I mean, I almost had a fit when JK Rowling let slip that HP7 would barely take place at Hogwarts (I did had a fit, but very privately in my own room with shutter closed, which makes it "almost").
I'm also pretty sure that what I enjoyed in the JD series was the Pinveville High-sized closed trial and not the Prada soundalike vibes I got from the opinion of many reviewers, pointing to "don't read the rest", and I'm completely fine fine it.
I was surprised to get so into my rereading of these two books - as much as you can be with a demanding 5 months old anyway - and I didn't expect to obsess over it that much. When I wasn't reading it, I was constantly thinking about it!
The portrayal of Jessica's peers, her family, her crush(es)** and her unforgettable grandmother are golden, smart, sometimes mean in this very honest way teenagers tend to think they got it all solved, but always hilarious.
** the more chilled second asterisk
I will never EVER get over that introduction of Paul Parlipiano in book 1, nor the dialogue/inner dialogue Jess has with Bridget (and herself) when she sees Marcus again at the first day of school in book 2. I laughed to tears!
This (part of a) series is definitely one of the two*** contemporary YA that I will recommend over and over again, to anybody who'd listen no matter the age - and, I dare to hope, the gender, even if I'm well aware these books probably speak much more to girls than they'd do with guys. But guys, you'd definitely learn some stuff!
*** the more sober last asterisk :
(the other one being, obviously, the great Melina Marchetta)
Go have some fun with the Brainiac, the Beauty Queen and the Nonconformist, I highly doubt you'll regret it.
It's been some time I wanted to go back to Jessica Darling's tremendous high-school years and the planets finally aligned to permit that blissful reunion this summer!
The two first books* of this series should be mandatory read for.... well, for everyone. Including adults. Especially adults.
4 reasons why it's even better to read this YA series as an adult :
- If you're born in the right decade(s), the 80's and 90's references will make you happy and gettin-jiggy-wit'-it
- in case you forgot, it will remind you what it is to be a teenager with both hormones and a completely functioning brain (even if Jessica is not always the average teenage girl)
- you have now what Jessica's mother desperately tries to inculcate in her daughter : perspective. And it will make you laugh twice harder.
- if you had known about Marcus Flutie as a young adult, your love life would have been irrevocably ruined as he'd have crushed and buried six feet underground any other real male walking this earth, condemning you to a life of celibate in favour of his unknowing - but eternal - fictional love.
*The asterisk where there is more text inside the brackets than out of it :
I only - and will ever - read the first two books of this five books series. The fact that the action then moves from Pineville, NJ, to someplace else is too much for me to handle (which is ironic, considering getting out of Pineville is Jessica's #1 life goal), and way out of my comfort zone. Even if it's logical for JD story to move on (or you know, just stop at the end of book 2, which would have probably been okay), I like some routine. I mean, I almost had a fit when JK Rowling let slip that HP7 would barely take place at Hogwarts (I did had a fit, but very privately in my own room with shutter closed, which makes it "almost").
I'm also pretty sure that what I enjoyed in the JD series was the Pinveville High-sized closed trial and not the Prada soundalike vibes I got from the opinion of many reviewers, pointing to "don't read the rest", and I'm completely fine fine it.
I was surprised to get so into my rereading of these two books - as much as you can be with a demanding 5 months old anyway - and I didn't expect to obsess over it that much. When I wasn't reading it, I was constantly thinking about it!
The portrayal of Jessica's peers, her family, her crush(es)** and her unforgettable grandmother are golden, smart, sometimes mean in this very honest way teenagers tend to think they got it all solved, but always hilarious.
** the more chilled second asterisk
I will never EVER get over that introduction of Paul Parlipiano in book 1, nor the dialogue/inner dialogue Jess has with Bridget (and herself) when she sees Marcus again at the first day of school in book 2. I laughed to tears!
This (part of a) series is definitely one of the two*** contemporary YA that I will recommend over and over again, to anybody who'd listen no matter the age - and, I dare to hope, the gender, even if I'm well aware these books probably speak much more to girls than they'd do with guys. But guys, you'd definitely learn some stuff!
*** the more sober last asterisk :
(the other one being, obviously, the great Melina Marchetta)
Go have some fun with the Brainiac, the Beauty Queen and the Nonconformist, I highly doubt you'll regret it.
July 13, 2014
This was as good as the first book in all the right ways. I enjoyed Jessica's voice and her frank and often witty observations. I liked even better her growing maturity without having to regress from the progress in the first book. Marcus' development was as engaging, even if most of it was off-screen. And I particularly liked that Megan McCafferty took some interesting turns and difficult decisions in the course of the book that denied easy answers or simple options.
It wasn't perfect. The indecision and misreads in her relationship with Marcus dragged on in the latter part of the book. And Jessica's casual, comprehensive dismissal of conservative politics was as ignorant as it was lazy. She stung some liberal politics worse and more in-depth, so I'm not actually griping about political slant, here, so much as that the conservative take-down was lazy and unexamined—which was somewhat out of character for Jess, really.
Minor weaknesses aside, I was as charmed by the wit, humor, and emotional engagement as I was with the first. And the ending of this book was pretty near perfect.
It wasn't perfect. The indecision and misreads in her relationship with Marcus dragged on in the latter part of the book. And Jessica's casual, comprehensive dismissal of conservative politics was as ignorant as it was lazy. She stung some liberal politics worse and more in-depth, so I'm not actually griping about political slant, here, so much as that the conservative take-down was lazy and unexamined—which was somewhat out of character for Jess, really.
Minor weaknesses aside, I was as charmed by the wit, humor, and emotional engagement as I was with the first. And the ending of this book was pretty near perfect.
September 4, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Second Helpings is the second installment in the Jessica Darling series. Just like the previous book, this one was okay as well. Jessica did have her funny moments here and there but this honestly felt like background noise to me. It's easy to listen to but I wasn't overly invested into any person or thing throughout the book.
As for the romance? It was okay but I didn't really care for Jessica being obsessed with losing her virginity. I also thought the whole thing with Marcus seem anti-climactic. Like for some reason, I was just expecting more from him and them. So I was a little disappointed that he didn't really do much and she just kind of welcomed him into her arms.
In the end, I'm glad that I got the opportunity to dive into this one but I think I'm going to hold off diving into the third book.
Second Helpings is the second installment in the Jessica Darling series. Just like the previous book, this one was okay as well. Jessica did have her funny moments here and there but this honestly felt like background noise to me. It's easy to listen to but I wasn't overly invested into any person or thing throughout the book.
As for the romance? It was okay but I didn't really care for Jessica being obsessed with losing her virginity. I also thought the whole thing with Marcus seem anti-climactic. Like for some reason, I was just expecting more from him and them. So I was a little disappointed that he didn't really do much and she just kind of welcomed him into her arms.
In the end, I'm glad that I got the opportunity to dive into this one but I think I'm going to hold off diving into the third book.
March 26, 2017
If the first and second book had been written into one (without so many pages), I'd make that book into my chick lit fav of all time.
The second one has considerably more Marcus Flutie, but I rated it 1 star less than Sloppy Firsts. If we were to compare the chemistry in both, Second Helpings has a great deal more. Then what contributed to the demise of that one star?
That effin' obsessive talk about the protagonist's virginity.
What is wrong with chick lit? From The Princess Diaries to Perfect Chemistry to Anna and the French Kiss
(and hundreds of others I can think of), there's this forever present whining about the main character's virginity.
What is this, Red and Black? You know what, fine, I get it, you want to lose your virginity STAT to the One (does anyone notice the irony here?). Don't shove it in my face. My poor face has nothing to do with you losing your virginity.
Jessica Darling's compulsive need to have sex comes in only second to Mia Thermopolis (Princess Diaries), whose I-Need-2-Have-Sex Disorder (IN2HD for short) stretches over the span of maybe 4 books.
But Jessica Darling is supposed to be my cynical, angsty, sporty and smartass-y heroine! Where's she gone??
It's sad how every chick lit book feels compelled to address the issue of one's virginity. Really. I can understand the kissing in the rain trope, but this? Nuh-uh. This just promotes whining.
The second one has considerably more Marcus Flutie, but I rated it 1 star less than Sloppy Firsts. If we were to compare the chemistry in both, Second Helpings has a great deal more. Then what contributed to the demise of that one star?
That effin' obsessive talk about the protagonist's virginity.
What is wrong with chick lit? From The Princess Diaries to Perfect Chemistry to Anna and the French Kiss
(and hundreds of others I can think of), there's this forever present whining about the main character's virginity.
What is this, Red and Black? You know what, fine, I get it, you want to lose your virginity STAT to the One (does anyone notice the irony here?). Don't shove it in my face. My poor face has nothing to do with you losing your virginity.
Jessica Darling's compulsive need to have sex comes in only second to Mia Thermopolis (Princess Diaries), whose I-Need-2-Have-Sex Disorder (IN2HD for short) stretches over the span of maybe 4 books.
But Jessica Darling is supposed to be my cynical, angsty, sporty and smartass-y heroine! Where's she gone??
It's sad how every chick lit book feels compelled to address the issue of one's virginity. Really. I can understand the kissing in the rain trope, but this? Nuh-uh. This just promotes whining.
April 22, 2011
Ok, I haven't wanted to stop reading to write a review for a while, but I feel these books deserve my attention.
My lord, do I love Jessica Darling! This girl has such a fresh and entertaining voice, I'm amazed at Megan McCafferty's writing skills! I know the concept of this series is nothing new, (girl writes in journal a la Bridget Jones)...but I couldn't put it down. Jess's take on life is so refreshing and funny, here's a couple of quotes that had me giggling:
On her sister's extravagant lifestyle...
Only their idea of simplicity is ...expensive. Bethany's letter was probably written with ink hand-squeezed out of an imported Indian Ocean squid on thick linen paper cushiony enough to wipe even the most hyperallergenic ass.
On her ex-friend Manda, the class skank...
This coming from a girl whose moral compass is in the form of two erect nipples pointing toward the nearest penis.
!!!! I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but that is funny shit!!!!
I'm very happy this is a 5 book series and look forward to sharing Jessica's uni experience, I hope she can keep this level of awesome up. A very big thank you to the lovely Nic, who sent me a copy overnight. She's just like having a book fairy!
My lord, do I love Jessica Darling! This girl has such a fresh and entertaining voice, I'm amazed at Megan McCafferty's writing skills! I know the concept of this series is nothing new, (girl writes in journal a la Bridget Jones)...but I couldn't put it down. Jess's take on life is so refreshing and funny, here's a couple of quotes that had me giggling:
On her sister's extravagant lifestyle...
Only their idea of simplicity is ...expensive. Bethany's letter was probably written with ink hand-squeezed out of an imported Indian Ocean squid on thick linen paper cushiony enough to wipe even the most hyperallergenic ass.
On her ex-friend Manda, the class skank...
This coming from a girl whose moral compass is in the form of two erect nipples pointing toward the nearest penis.
!!!! I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but that is funny shit!!!!
I'm very happy this is a 5 book series and look forward to sharing Jessica's uni experience, I hope she can keep this level of awesome up. A very big thank you to the lovely Nic, who sent me a copy overnight. She's just like having a book fairy!
April 9, 2015
Tak. Teď hlavně doufám, že je fakt sobota a já nemusím za hodinu vstávat. Ehm.
Je tak trochu výstižné, že jsem zůstala vzhůru celou noc a četla knihu o dívce, která je mi kromě jiného podobná i svými problémy se spaním. Rozhodně je lepší celou noc číst než pár hodin zírat do stropu. A koneckonců, jak řekla Marylin Monroe, “Who said nights were for sleep?” I když upřímně pochybuju, že to ta ubohá žena myslela zrovna takhle.
Jessica je úžasná hrdinka. Číst z její perspektivy je zábavné, a přece se člověk zamyslí. Kniha se odehrává v roce 2001/2002 v USA, ale myslím, že by se Jessičiny postřehy mohly aplikovat i na naši střední školu. Postavy v knize bych našla i ve svém okolí. A ráda bych se považovala za Jesiccu samu, ale faktem zůstává, že ona je mnohem odvážnější, chytřejší a vůbec všechno co mě v šest ráno nenapadá a já můžu jen doufat, že Jenn Sweet je moje alter-ego.
Tak že bych konečně byla schopná usnout?
P.S.: Tady prostě CHCI happy end. A jestli ho dostanu až na konci páté knihy, budiž. Ale jestli nebude, budu mít další důvod, proč si sarkasticky stěžovat v "deníčku", jak je život nefér.
Je tak trochu výstižné, že jsem zůstala vzhůru celou noc a četla knihu o dívce, která je mi kromě jiného podobná i svými problémy se spaním. Rozhodně je lepší celou noc číst než pár hodin zírat do stropu. A koneckonců, jak řekla Marylin Monroe, “Who said nights were for sleep?” I když upřímně pochybuju, že to ta ubohá žena myslela zrovna takhle.
Jessica je úžasná hrdinka. Číst z její perspektivy je zábavné, a přece se člověk zamyslí. Kniha se odehrává v roce 2001/2002 v USA, ale myslím, že by se Jessičiny postřehy mohly aplikovat i na naši střední školu. Postavy v knize bych našla i ve svém okolí. A ráda bych se považovala za Jesiccu samu, ale faktem zůstává, že ona je mnohem odvážnější, chytřejší a vůbec všechno co mě v šest ráno nenapadá a já můžu jen doufat, že Jenn Sweet je moje alter-ego.
Tak že bych konečně byla schopná usnout?
P.S.: Tady prostě CHCI happy end. A jestli ho dostanu až na konci páté knihy, budiž. Ale jestli nebude, budu mít další důvod, proč si sarkasticky stěžovat v "deníčku", jak je život nefér.
July 18, 2014
I loved the book so much more than the first one. Marcus is so sexy!!! I want him badly. Damn fictional characters why can't they be real and why can't this be my life.
April 29, 2019
I will do my best to refrain my flailing and fangirling in this review, but it's going to be really difficult, because this series gives me so many feels. SO. MANY. FEELS. Seriously, if you like contemporaries at all and are not easily offended, then you really need to read the Jessica Darling series posthaste. Second Helpings follows Jessica through her senior year of high school, and had me even more on the edge of my seat than the first one.
As I mentioned in my review for Sloppy Firsts, I love Jessica. She is so well-characterized that I feel like I know her up and down. I can tell you her strengths, her weaknesses, and how she fails to see herself properly, as most people do in high school. Jessica grows up a lot in this book, learning to go for what she really wants and to see herself more objectively. In Sloppy Firsts, Jessica did a lot of things to please others, but now she's focused on herself.
One thing (out of many) that I love about this series is that it's so obvious that Jessica doesn't know what she wants. Though, from my perspective, I can tell the right choice from the wrong one, I know Jessica so well that I understand when she missteps. She works out her difficulties in her journal, rehashing them over and over again, trying to process her feelings, particularly about boys. Relationships are confusing, and it can be really difficult to tell how you actually feel about someone, especially if they're also your friend. McCafferty shows that all teen relationships don't last forever, and that romance isn't easy or found at first sight.
In my previous review, I mentioned that I was still a bit unsure about Marcus Flutie. Let the record show that I am no longer unsure. Before I got too far into Second Helpings, I was shipping Jessica and Marcus something fierce. Basically, in book one, he didn't really overcome his sketchy past enough to be someone I could really endorse as a hero, but, by now, he's made good, now using his talents for good rather than substance abuse. He and Jessica have such a strong mental connection, and chemistry like whoa. Also, it's hilarious how, for two forthright, honest people, they have a huge amount of trouble admitting their feelings for one another.
Though I've decided not to rate down for this because I just loved this book so much, this edition had a surprising number of typos. Also, that ending was mean. Just mean. I am very afraid that I will not like the next book, mostly because I have no idea what will happen and I have nerves just thinking about all the bad, but realistic, decisions I will need to watch Jessica make. MAKE GOOD CHOICES, JESSICA.
To reiterate, you should probably be reading this series. Do it. So you can flail with me. Please?
As I mentioned in my review for Sloppy Firsts, I love Jessica. She is so well-characterized that I feel like I know her up and down. I can tell you her strengths, her weaknesses, and how she fails to see herself properly, as most people do in high school. Jessica grows up a lot in this book, learning to go for what she really wants and to see herself more objectively. In Sloppy Firsts, Jessica did a lot of things to please others, but now she's focused on herself.
One thing (out of many) that I love about this series is that it's so obvious that Jessica doesn't know what she wants. Though, from my perspective, I can tell the right choice from the wrong one, I know Jessica so well that I understand when she missteps. She works out her difficulties in her journal, rehashing them over and over again, trying to process her feelings, particularly about boys. Relationships are confusing, and it can be really difficult to tell how you actually feel about someone, especially if they're also your friend. McCafferty shows that all teen relationships don't last forever, and that romance isn't easy or found at first sight.
In my previous review, I mentioned that I was still a bit unsure about Marcus Flutie. Let the record show that I am no longer unsure. Before I got too far into Second Helpings, I was shipping Jessica and Marcus something fierce. Basically, in book one, he didn't really overcome his sketchy past enough to be someone I could really endorse as a hero, but, by now, he's made good, now using his talents for good rather than substance abuse. He and Jessica have such a strong mental connection, and chemistry like whoa. Also, it's hilarious how, for two forthright, honest people, they have a huge amount of trouble admitting their feelings for one another.
Though I've decided not to rate down for this because I just loved this book so much, this edition had a surprising number of typos. Also, that ending was mean. Just mean. I am very afraid that I will not like the next book, mostly because I have no idea what will happen and I have nerves just thinking about all the bad, but realistic, decisions I will need to watch Jessica make. MAKE GOOD CHOICES, JESSICA.
To reiterate, you should probably be reading this series. Do it. So you can flail with me. Please?
December 21, 2010
After learning of Marcus' betrayal and vowing to never speak his name again, Jessica prepares for her senior year by getting the heck out of dodge...er...Pineville by enrolling in a teenage writers camp called SPECIAL. SPECIAL doesn't really turn out to be the escape Jessica hopes. As if lusting after her writing mentor weren't enough, Jessica is now stuck for the next six weeks dealing with a bunch of hormone-crazed or suicidal teens she has nothing in common with. That is until she accidentally turns in her actual journal instead of her class-required journal for credit and her mentor is suitably impressed. Embarrassed by his praise but full of new ambitions for college and life after Pineville High, Jessica returns to face her senior year and the one boy she wishes she'd never laid eyes on. That is until he turns her world upside down. Again.
Since I fell hard and fast for practically every single thing about Sloppy Firsts I couldn't help but be a little disappointed with Second Helpings. There were tons of great things about this book - Jessica is dead-on with her descriptions of the sheer terror every teen faces in trying to decided what college to attend (I mean really, it's only your ENTIRE FUTURE we're talking about here people) and the odd, bittersweet goodbyes of any senior year. Every bit of that was totally relate-able and hilarious as always. It was Jessica's somewhat subtle change in tone and her sex-crazed mission that put me off this time. Instead of finding her voice snarky and irreverent, she became whiny and pessimistic and downright annoying. But that's not what really got me - it was her whole 'I'm not with Marcus, so I'm gonna be with somebody' motto that lead to her ill-advised quest to lose her virginity with Len. To be honest, I was actually a bit bored until Marcus entered the picture once again - so of course, I was delighted with the ending, it was just a lot of the details leading up to the big finale that left me with mixed feelings on this one.
Since I fell hard and fast for practically every single thing about Sloppy Firsts I couldn't help but be a little disappointed with Second Helpings. There were tons of great things about this book - Jessica is dead-on with her descriptions of the sheer terror every teen faces in trying to decided what college to attend (I mean really, it's only your ENTIRE FUTURE we're talking about here people) and the odd, bittersweet goodbyes of any senior year. Every bit of that was totally relate-able and hilarious as always. It was Jessica's somewhat subtle change in tone and her sex-crazed mission that put me off this time. Instead of finding her voice snarky and irreverent, she became whiny and pessimistic and downright annoying. But that's not what really got me - it was her whole 'I'm not with Marcus, so I'm gonna be with somebody' motto that lead to her ill-advised quest to lose her virginity with Len. To be honest, I was actually a bit bored until Marcus entered the picture once again - so of course, I was delighted with the ending, it was just a lot of the details leading up to the big finale that left me with mixed feelings on this one.
December 30, 2010
So this book is obviously the best of the series. No, I haven't read them all yet... but it's just obvious. If it was 1998 and the Jessica Darling series was N*SYNC, Second Helpings would be Justin Timberlake, in all his curly-haired, bleach blond glory. I really can't put my love for this book into words. I felt like my heart was exploding when it ended, in both a good and a not-so-good way.
Jessica is obviously growing up. That was one of the main factors the allure of this series. Most books--and series, for that matter--you get a glimpse into a small fragment of the character's life, perhaps spanned out over 4 or 5 books. With Jessica, we get to read about her teen years through her twenties. I love that. I love seeing the growth and progression of a character.
Jessica is still doing her own, crazy thing in Second Helpings. She teeters between mature/immature and I love it. She does stupid things and says things that cause facepalms. Is that not all part of growing up?! I love that Meg Mc lets her main character make mistakes and pay for them. I am pretty positive I said something similar about Natalie in Not That Kind of Girl. I think Jess, Nat, and I should all hang out, because I've been down that road as well.
And holy &*(&)W% MARCUS. Their relationship is so painful and wonderful all at the same time. It's PAINDERFUL. The almost/kinda-love triangle was almost nonsensical at times, but Meg Mc drew my sympathy for each of the parties involved. Gosh, if only all love triangles could be this redonkulous and well-done.
When I closed this book, the way I felt can only be described as the equivalent of drinking a glass of 4 of bad, boxed wine while flying on a magic carpet: I was a little queasy, but MAN DID I FEEL GOOD.
Also... (minor spoiler that doesn't actually mean anything at all until you read it in context) YOU. YES, YOU melted my heart. That is all.
Jessica is obviously growing up. That was one of the main factors the allure of this series. Most books--and series, for that matter--you get a glimpse into a small fragment of the character's life, perhaps spanned out over 4 or 5 books. With Jessica, we get to read about her teen years through her twenties. I love that. I love seeing the growth and progression of a character.
Jessica is still doing her own, crazy thing in Second Helpings. She teeters between mature/immature and I love it. She does stupid things and says things that cause facepalms. Is that not all part of growing up?! I love that Meg Mc lets her main character make mistakes and pay for them. I am pretty positive I said something similar about Natalie in Not That Kind of Girl. I think Jess, Nat, and I should all hang out, because I've been down that road as well.
And holy &*(&)W% MARCUS. Their relationship is so painful and wonderful all at the same time. It's PAINDERFUL. The almost/kinda-love triangle was almost nonsensical at times, but Meg Mc drew my sympathy for each of the parties involved. Gosh, if only all love triangles could be this redonkulous and well-done.
When I closed this book, the way I felt can only be described as the equivalent of drinking a glass of 4 of bad, boxed wine while flying on a magic carpet: I was a little queasy, but MAN DID I FEEL GOOD.
Also... (minor spoiler that doesn't actually mean anything at all until you read it in context) YOU. YES, YOU melted my heart. That is all.
January 26, 2013
I was so very convinced that the second instalment of Jessica Darling series couldn't possible be better than the first. I seem to continuously underestimated these books. Yes, because this book to me was...
Perfect.
Way better than the first because now that I know Jessica and her world I am hopelessly compelled to it all. I really wasn't expecting things to turn out as they did and so the surprise was so much sweeter than I could ever hope for.
This book has touched so many things inside of me I can't even start to discriminate them one by one. All I can say is that when a book touches you as this one has touched me, there's nothing more you could ask for.
This was... something. I can't exactly put these feelings into words so this attempt seems pointless but I know this though: this is a book which I'll hold dear for many years to come. (I felt like *squeeing* all the time.)
Perfect.
Way better than the first because now that I know Jessica and her world I am hopelessly compelled to it all. I really wasn't expecting things to turn out as they did and so the surprise was so much sweeter than I could ever hope for.
This book has touched so many things inside of me I can't even start to discriminate them one by one. All I can say is that when a book touches you as this one has touched me, there's nothing more you could ask for.
This was... something. I can't exactly put these feelings into words so this attempt seems pointless but I know this though: this is a book which I'll hold dear for many years to come. (I felt like *squeeing* all the time.)
August 19, 2010
The first book left me wanting more, but this one left me going "huh". I think what I liked about Jessica was lost in this one. She turned into a boy crazy, sex starved, mouthy girl. The whole Len situation ticked me off too. I applauded her for not giving in to Scotty, but then she turned around and dated Len for all the wrong reasons. I just didn't get why she went in that direction. Throughout most of the book I was bored until Marcus walked in. Don't get me wrong he annoyed the poo out of me as well, but I could handle him better than I could Jessica. One thing that really bothered me and I know it is trivial is when Marcus and Jessica finally do the deed and he tells her that he is happy she waited for him to be her first. Umm she would have slept with Len in a heartbeat if he would have let her. The author really missed the mark on that one, she shouldn't have made Jessica so obsessed with sex if she wanted her relationship with Marcus to be sweet IMO.
I will read the next one even though I have no clue as to why the author even wrote a third novel in this series. I mean this one ended okay and there are no loose ends so I say end it, but she didn't so I will preserver on. I just don't know where this story can go. Does Jessica cheat on Marcus? Does Len come back into the picture?
I will read the next one even though I have no clue as to why the author even wrote a third novel in this series. I mean this one ended okay and there are no loose ends so I say end it, but she didn't so I will preserver on. I just don't know where this story can go. Does Jessica cheat on Marcus? Does Len come back into the picture?
August 20, 2025
I think I love this book more than
Sloppy Firsts
, it's a great sequel and amazing continuation of Jessica and Marcus' love story. It's just too bad that the next three books exist and ruin how awesome the first two books are, because seriously, things could have ended here and have been perfect.
Edit 8/20/25 - And yet, I will continue to always read the next three books. Maybe with age, they'll be more relatable.
Edit 8/20/25 - And yet, I will continue to always read the next three books. Maybe with age, they'll be more relatable.
July 10, 2014
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first one. I felt Jessica, the MC, was less annoying and whiny in this one. Some reviews seemed to think just the opposite, but I'm so glad I continued with the series. There were still some moments that made me want to smack Jessica up side the head though. All in all a fun series and I look forward to finding book 3 at my favorite used bookstore.
April 14, 2009
How I Came To Read This Book: My friend Anna insisted I read it.
The Plot: After a rather explosive time in Jessica's life - including the burning of her precious journals - everyone's favourite darling is back and ready to tackle senior year with more biting, raw commentary on the happenings at Pineville. The problems are just as realistic and dramatic - for a teenager - as ever in Jessica's life, ranging from boyfriends to sex to friends to family to expectations for college.
The Good or Bad: This was my fave Jessica Darling book. I reread them both before the third one came out and still stuck to this one as my fave. I felt like it was the most complete - the first one is a bit too immature, the third is too sporadic, and the fourth is too short within the timeframe of the book. Again, the books are very timely, perhaps reading them again in a few years will make the lingo/pop culture almost archaic, however that could be said of most chick lit/YA fiction. If you're going to read it, at least read a good series.
Anything Memorable?: After reading Sloppy Firsts & Second Helpings, I wrote Megan McCafferty an email and she wrote me back!
Bottom Line: Part of one of my fave book series of all time - a definite read.
50 Book Challenge?: Nope
Retro Review: In Megan McCafferty's Second Offering in the Jessica Darling sagas, we get introduced to her life as a Senior. With even more pessimistic yet realistic views of life as a suburban teenager, get ready for the rollercoaster ride of Jessica's life as she goes through new steps in boyfriends, sex-type-stuff, friends, dealing with the past, her family, and altogether your typical teenager life.
The thing I love about this book is that its SO real. The average teen book out there puts the main character in some weird crazy situation that only a small majority can relate to: ex, death of a parent, living in a trailer park, etc. etc. McCafferty isn't afraid to address the fact that hwile in the GRAND scheme of things JD's probs are probably trivial, in her life, they are her world. Which is why i think I (and many others) can relate.
If you're looking for a book where you feel at one with the characters and the plot, definately pick up Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings for a sometimes sad, sometimes touching, sometimes downright painfully hilariously embarassing and ALWAYS real plot!!!
The Plot: After a rather explosive time in Jessica's life - including the burning of her precious journals - everyone's favourite darling is back and ready to tackle senior year with more biting, raw commentary on the happenings at Pineville. The problems are just as realistic and dramatic - for a teenager - as ever in Jessica's life, ranging from boyfriends to sex to friends to family to expectations for college.
The Good or Bad: This was my fave Jessica Darling book. I reread them both before the third one came out and still stuck to this one as my fave. I felt like it was the most complete - the first one is a bit too immature, the third is too sporadic, and the fourth is too short within the timeframe of the book. Again, the books are very timely, perhaps reading them again in a few years will make the lingo/pop culture almost archaic, however that could be said of most chick lit/YA fiction. If you're going to read it, at least read a good series.
Anything Memorable?: After reading Sloppy Firsts & Second Helpings, I wrote Megan McCafferty an email and she wrote me back!
Bottom Line: Part of one of my fave book series of all time - a definite read.
50 Book Challenge?: Nope
Retro Review: In Megan McCafferty's Second Offering in the Jessica Darling sagas, we get introduced to her life as a Senior. With even more pessimistic yet realistic views of life as a suburban teenager, get ready for the rollercoaster ride of Jessica's life as she goes through new steps in boyfriends, sex-type-stuff, friends, dealing with the past, her family, and altogether your typical teenager life.
The thing I love about this book is that its SO real. The average teen book out there puts the main character in some weird crazy situation that only a small majority can relate to: ex, death of a parent, living in a trailer park, etc. etc. McCafferty isn't afraid to address the fact that hwile in the GRAND scheme of things JD's probs are probably trivial, in her life, they are her world. Which is why i think I (and many others) can relate.
If you're looking for a book where you feel at one with the characters and the plot, definately pick up Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings for a sometimes sad, sometimes touching, sometimes downright painfully hilariously embarassing and ALWAYS real plot!!!
April 18, 2010
i am mentally prepping myself for summer books by starting off with this series.
i enjoyed "second helpings" - even if the cutesy, mildly double-entendred titles aren't really doin' it for me.
the perks:
1. same ole jessica d., same ole marcus flutie (my soft spot for brilliant redheaded male poets in literature is legendary), same ole clueless crew, same ole letters to hope marking the end of each month, all good as far as i'm concerned
2. more emotional-based storylines, less stupidly overhyped drama-based storylines (hy, girl, i be lookin' at you)
3. nirvana-ed out len and manda! best odd couple yet!
4. gladdie! jessica's money-savvy grandmother was a pleasant surprise.
5. pepe!!! i love pepe. seriously, he is my favorite of all the minor characters COMBINED. more pepe! i demand it!
6. "mac" - i too had a gay guru named "mac" in college - although i didn't fantasize about him naked, pass him in a journal of my scandalous imaginings, and then have to get graded by him for a course. i do love that jessica manages to form weird crushes on homosexual men...
7. i can see so much of myself and my life in these books that it makes me feel like mccafferty is ripping off my life at times. but in a good way.
the clunks:
1. again, i hate feeling like they're setting up the NEXT book at the end of this book. it makes it feel like the book has no ending. fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, crap i'm addicted to a series that has a writer that can't write endings.
2. the first half of the year is not nearly as exciting/good as the second half
3. i wanted a better "graduation speech"
4. like the first one, you will figure out jessica's life LONG before she does. she is NO nancy drew. to the point where it can be a little aggravating and self-centered.
see you after the third.
i enjoyed "second helpings" - even if the cutesy, mildly double-entendred titles aren't really doin' it for me.
the perks:
1. same ole jessica d., same ole marcus flutie (my soft spot for brilliant redheaded male poets in literature is legendary), same ole clueless crew, same ole letters to hope marking the end of each month, all good as far as i'm concerned
2. more emotional-based storylines, less stupidly overhyped drama-based storylines (hy, girl, i be lookin' at you)
3. nirvana-ed out len and manda! best odd couple yet!
4. gladdie! jessica's money-savvy grandmother was a pleasant surprise.
5. pepe!!! i love pepe. seriously, he is my favorite of all the minor characters COMBINED. more pepe! i demand it!
6. "mac" - i too had a gay guru named "mac" in college - although i didn't fantasize about him naked, pass him in a journal of my scandalous imaginings, and then have to get graded by him for a course. i do love that jessica manages to form weird crushes on homosexual men...
7. i can see so much of myself and my life in these books that it makes me feel like mccafferty is ripping off my life at times. but in a good way.
the clunks:
1. again, i hate feeling like they're setting up the NEXT book at the end of this book. it makes it feel like the book has no ending. fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, crap i'm addicted to a series that has a writer that can't write endings.
2. the first half of the year is not nearly as exciting/good as the second half
3. i wanted a better "graduation speech"
4. like the first one, you will figure out jessica's life LONG before she does. she is NO nancy drew. to the point where it can be a little aggravating and self-centered.
see you after the third.
February 26, 2009
I read Second Helpings because I wanted an easy read. Although I was really surprised to find that the main character and I shared a sense of humor with a lot of similar feelings thus making this book not only easy but enjoyable.
I liked the book most for its style. Jessica, the narrator who tells the story in first person, is smart, witty, and has a talent for writing. We see her true thoughts and feelings as the story is told through the pages of her journal. Even from the very beginning it is clear that she has a typical cynical seventeen year olds out look on life. Jessica's savvy attitude and profound intellect bring forth a very revealing and truly likable story.
We are introduced to Jessica's life as she enters the summer before her senior year. She has been accepted to the writing course program at SPEICAL, a prestigious summer arts intensive. After a few eye opening experiences Jess goes back home to Pineville with a few new ideas about how her senior year should go.
She's made the decision to break free from her perfect suburbia snow globe world.
In thinking about how to get more from her life she finds that she is unexplainably interested in sex. And although she has tried to get every sexual thought or interest out of her head it just doesn't seem to want to go away, especially those about Him. So while trying to make the right choices about college, friends, family,love, lust, and just plain sex Jess becomes something of a mess.
The book continues to flow all the way to the end where scandalous gossip and end of the year flings wrap it up.
Read this book.
PS: This is the second book of the series although reading the first one isn't necessary. I didn't
I liked the book most for its style. Jessica, the narrator who tells the story in first person, is smart, witty, and has a talent for writing. We see her true thoughts and feelings as the story is told through the pages of her journal. Even from the very beginning it is clear that she has a typical cynical seventeen year olds out look on life. Jessica's savvy attitude and profound intellect bring forth a very revealing and truly likable story.
We are introduced to Jessica's life as she enters the summer before her senior year. She has been accepted to the writing course program at SPEICAL, a prestigious summer arts intensive. After a few eye opening experiences Jess goes back home to Pineville with a few new ideas about how her senior year should go.
She's made the decision to break free from her perfect suburbia snow globe world.
In thinking about how to get more from her life she finds that she is unexplainably interested in sex. And although she has tried to get every sexual thought or interest out of her head it just doesn't seem to want to go away, especially those about Him. So while trying to make the right choices about college, friends, family,love, lust, and just plain sex Jess becomes something of a mess.
The book continues to flow all the way to the end where scandalous gossip and end of the year flings wrap it up.
Read this book.
PS: This is the second book of the series although reading the first one isn't necessary. I didn't
June 7, 2010
Jessica, Jessica, Jessica. You are wearing on me a bit. My sentiments about your "horrible" life were only compounded after this book. And I'm starting to think you are a bit of a hypocrite, in light of your conversation with Paul. And really, it took you a whole year to figure out Marcus, Taryn, Bridget and Pepe...aren't you the salutatorian?
Why do I feel like I'm reading an better version of Twilight?
Yet, I stand by my 3 stars. It took me about 3 days to finish this book, and that's got to count for something.
Maybe my expectations for this book are just too high. It is what it is: a high school girl's journal. And really, was my high school journal any more enlightening?
I will continue on (if my friend Lauren remembers to bring the books in for me :)...although I have a funny feeling I may have already read the best Jessica Darling book.
Why do I feel like I'm reading an better version of Twilight?
Yet, I stand by my 3 stars. It took me about 3 days to finish this book, and that's got to count for something.
Maybe my expectations for this book are just too high. It is what it is: a high school girl's journal. And really, was my high school journal any more enlightening?
I will continue on (if my friend Lauren remembers to bring the books in for me :)...although I have a funny feeling I may have already read the best Jessica Darling book.
November 10, 2017
Marcus Flutie, you have stolen my heart. You. Yes. You. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
July 7, 2021
As I mentioned in my review of Sloppy Firsts (which can be found on Goodreads) I have been rereading (or listening to the audiobook of) a bunch of my high school/early college years' favorites. I was thrilled when I learned the Jessica Darling series had been rereleased in audiobook version!
Second Helpings is the second book in the Jessica Darling series and really sets the rest of the series up. What I do remember clearly is Jess being completely relatable, and even with double decades passing by, I still remember how I felt at that age and have the journal entries to back it up. I remember what felt SOOO important at the time, the unknowingness of the repercussions of 9/11 and that nagging guilt of doing the opposite of what your parents want from you. In SH Jess starts to show some real growth as she finishes off her Senior year of high school. She begins to understand that Bridget is more important to her than she realizes. Lastly, Jess's constant battle of love/hate for Marcus Flutie finally comes to a head. The ending of SH doesn't leave the reader on the edge of their seat like SF did but you will still find yourself picking up the third in the series.
As for the audiobook, the same reader/narrator read for both, in my SF review I said, "the reader's tone is matter of fact without being whiny or know-it-all-y which is important given Jessica's vibe throughout the book. Also, diction and clarity was A+, I listen at 2x the speed so this is KEY." The quality of the audioplayer on Netgalley was severely lacking compared to usual audioplayers I use to access audiobooks but I was willing to put up with that fact for this ARC.
Second Helpings is the second book in the Jessica Darling series and really sets the rest of the series up. What I do remember clearly is Jess being completely relatable, and even with double decades passing by, I still remember how I felt at that age and have the journal entries to back it up. I remember what felt SOOO important at the time, the unknowingness of the repercussions of 9/11 and that nagging guilt of doing the opposite of what your parents want from you. In SH Jess starts to show some real growth as she finishes off her Senior year of high school. She begins to understand that Bridget is more important to her than she realizes. Lastly, Jess's constant battle of love/hate for Marcus Flutie finally comes to a head. The ending of SH doesn't leave the reader on the edge of their seat like SF did but you will still find yourself picking up the third in the series.
As for the audiobook, the same reader/narrator read for both, in my SF review I said, "the reader's tone is matter of fact without being whiny or know-it-all-y which is important given Jessica's vibe throughout the book. Also, diction and clarity was A+, I listen at 2x the speed so this is KEY." The quality of the audioplayer on Netgalley was severely lacking compared to usual audioplayers I use to access audiobooks but I was willing to put up with that fact for this ARC.
April 4, 2018
Have you ever pulled an early 2000’s teen lit book off your shelf, not even sure why because you had better options you could have been reading, then read it and really liked it but felt like the world’s biggest loser because it wasn’t exactly Shakespeare but it was a super fun guilty pleasure anyway??
..... uh.... Yeah, um, me neither..... 🤥
..... uh.... Yeah, um, me neither..... 🤥
August 27, 2021
In this book, Jessica is back and she's in the end of high school. She and Marcus left things on a bad note in the last one and they aren't together in most of this book. She dates Lynn-- another overachiever-- and then they break up because he's a hard pass on sex and he thinks she's moving to quickly for him. She ends up going to prom with the guy from French class and he's dating Bridgette. Her and Bridgette get closer in this and then in the end she finally gets deflowered by Marcus. She decides to go to Columbia in NYC so we'll see if they can stay together in college. I think its so interesting to hear about the decision to go to NYC so close after 911. Definitely reminiscent of a really scary time for our country!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2016
Is it too weird that Gladdie is one of my favorite characters? No, I guess not. She's just that awesome. And so are the Silver Meadows residents.
Still as funny as the previous ones, Jess keeps as clueless as some of us still are. Because life is hard... And then you get to college.
Still as funny as the previous ones, Jess keeps as clueless as some of us still are. Because life is hard... And then you get to college.
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