Sweet Valley High Collection: Double Love, Secrets, Playing with Fire

Sweet Valley High #1-3

by Francine Pascal (Creator), Kate William

Double Love
Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are identical twins at Sweet Valley High. It's a game of double love when Jessica sets her sights on Todd Wilkins - the one boy Elizabeth really likes. For what Jessica wants, Jessica usually gets...

Secrets
Jessica is determined to be chosen as queen of the fall dance. The only person standing in her way is Enid Rollins, Elizabeth's best friend. Then Jessica discovers a secret about Enid's past. If she spreads the gossip, it could cost Enid both her reputation and the boy she loves. Can Elizabeth stop her scheming twin?

Playing With Fire
When Jessica starts to date rich, handsome Bruce Patman, Elizabeth is worried. Bruce may be Sweet Valley's most eligible guy, but he's also arrogant, demanding and way too fast. Can Jessica possibly play Bruce's game and win?

Genres: Young Adult, Childrens

449 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 1992

About the author

Francine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread from my childhood, and I really enjoyed the three stories, and it was interesting to see how much times have changed since these stories were written.
There are good lessons to learn for teens in these books, such as loyalty, trust, friendship and doing the right thing. I didn't like some aspects such as the male egos, women being treated as less than and sidelined, but I suppose this shows how times, writing and feminism have changed since the 80s.
I would love a revamp of this series!

[Jen]

I read these when I was younger and absolutely loved this series! However, re-reading it as an adult takes on a whole different perspective. I was so disappointed in the writing and characters. Unfortunately, this was a series I should have left to my childhood as now my perspective on it is tainted.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, these books are hilarious. They are out of print and hard to find. The 80's nostalgia is fabulous. Did I mention that I'm 29 and have read 12 of these puppies this year. Lovelovelove!

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like these books so much anymore. They're fun, but so silly.

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't you ever get tired of defending her?"

My question exactly.

Let's start with the most obvious thing. Jessica Wakefield is evil. She is the worst character I've ever encountered (for in story reasons). She is cruel, narcissistic, extremely manipulative, and has no regard for other people's feelings. I didn't think it was possible for a character to be so cruel, but the more I read, the more she proved me wrong. She did some janky stuff throughout these books.

Congratulations, Francine Pascal, for creating a series with such captivating (and although not always likeable) characters. I feel like that, along with the drama filled plot, is really what brought these books together as wonderful reads.

I love the sister dynamic between Elizabeth and Jessica, but it did frustrate me knowing that Elizabeth often doesn't pick up on her sister's psychopathic behavior. Like, you live with this girl, why can't you tell?!

Why can't you see the truth, Liz?



I loved the writing! It was smooth, descriptive, and encapsulating. I could picture every scene playing out in my head as if it were a TV show.

Sweet Valley High is an intense drama-filled reading fest. I enjoyed it immensely, from the first page to the very last. I'm surprised at myself for never bothering to pick it up before, but better late then never!

[Kris KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha! I read these when I was a young teen and loved them- had almost the entire series!

[Playground of Randomness · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I absolutely loved this series as a teen, as an adult I find that Jessica is unbearable.

Nonetheless I persisted since I have a growing collection of these books and now I feel like I have no choice but to carry on.

These first 3 books of the Sweet Valley High series introduce us to the students of Sweet Valley High. Although TBH I'm just invested in the Wakefields and their drama. And somehow Jessica almost always seems to be the problem.

This was a fun but overdone book but I enjoyed it immensely. I wish I had Power Play to dive into that one next.

[Genessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgia! I read these books probably more than 15-20 years ago, so I can't go into detail about what they're about. However, I remember them being wholesome, feel-good novels and great novels for young adults!

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found at a charity store while killing time before going to the dentist.
Bought it to find out why a couple of girls in my Year 7 class were obsessed with these books.
Still have no idea. All three stories were almost unreadable.
Gave it a second star for nostalgia / reminding me of old friends.

[torlesse :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first 3 books when I was like 11 ish and I remember really enjoying it. It was an easy read that had a little bit a romance. Idk why I liked it but ye ahahha

[Terra Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double Love
In Double Love, Elizabeth and Jessica both have their eye on Todd. Todd likes Elizabeth, but Jessica keeps getting in the way, flirting with him, telling him how popular Elizabeth is, seeing other boys, etc. It makes you wonder if the only reason Jessica wants Todd is because she knows her sister likes him.

Jessica also goes out with a troublemaker one night that ends up her being taken home by the cops. In a mix-up, they think she is Elizabeth and soon rumors are going around school about Elizabeth being in trouble with the cops.

I didn't really like Jessica in this novel, she just seems so self-centered. In other books in the series, she's decent, just not this one.

Secrets
In Secrets, Jessica is nominated to be the prom queen. Jessica worries that another girl, Enid, will win, so she tries to sabotage Enid from winning. Enid has a secret, and Jessica tells Enid's boyfriend, Ronnie. Ronnie becomes jealous and angry and they break up.

Luckily, Elizabeth steps in and fixes things so in the end Jessica has a surprise herself. It's been a while since I read these books, I don't remember how selfish Jessica always was. Elizabeth was my favorite as a kid.

Playing with Fire
In Playing with Fire, Jessica is dating Bruce. Bruce is popular and very rich. It was odd to see Jessica running around getting treated like dirt. I don't know why Jessica wants to be with him when he doesn't treat her very well.

This was a change from the last two stories in this book as Jessica wasn't being selfish.

Overall I enjoyed this book, it was fun to read these again since I read them as a kid. I have read a couple of Francine Pascal's novels where Elizabeth and Jessica are in their thirties and it's interesting to read who they end up with down the road and how the author switches things around.

More of my book reviews can be found at http://bookswithkari.blogspot.com/

[Pete Payton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Sweet Valley always rules.

[E.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double Love: Jess is actual human garbage. In what universe would she be considered "helpful?" She reminds me way too much of my childhood "best friend." Glad Jessica got what she deserved in the end.

Secrets: Again...Wow, Jessica. I guess George came in for Enid in the end, but ruining her love life was worth getting the fall queen crown (although Ronnie was also a turd. Jealousy issues, much?)? Shallow bitch.

Playing with Fire: As much as I hate Jessica, no one deserves to be in an abusive relationship like that. Bruce can die in a fire. JESSICA PLS JUST GET WITH WINSTON. HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAAAARES.

[Sheila Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the cover but just not the story.

[Tara Calaby]

Collects Sweet Valley High 1-3. See individual books for my reviews.

[LOL_BOOKS]

BUT WHAT IF MY ANSWER IS D - SWEET VALLEY HIGH?

YOU'RE A SOCIOPATH. :(

[Margarita Malixi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So nice to go back to stories about the twins. It reminded me so much of my childhood reads! :)

[KLB · Rating 3 out of 5]

great