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The Snowy Series #1
The cheerleader
Here is what it was like to grow up in the 1950s in the years of ponytails, pajama parties, proms, and "parking", when to be popular was important and when, if you were a girl, being important meant being a cheerleader. THE CHEERLEADER is a best-selling novel about the loss of innocence, the growth of passion, and the awakening of ambition."A classic."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY"One of the truest portraits of an American girl ever written."--DETROIT FREE PRESS"It's heartbreaking at times, hilarious at others, and she's got it all down beautifully."--PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER"If future historians and sociologists are ever impelled to find out what it was like to be a high school student in America at mid 20th century, they will need go no farther than THE CHEERLEADER for documentation and enlightenment...Utterly honest, accurate, and sympathetic."--KANSAS CITY STAR"A devastatingly accurate portrait of the '50s."--LIBRARY JOURNAL
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
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650 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 7, 2014
It’s difficult to write a review of a book like this. There’s so much the author has to say that ought to be noted, and there’s so much I need to say about my reactions to it. Very briefly, it’s 1955 and Henrietta Snow -- known to everyone as “Snowy” -- is fifteen and a sophomore at a small-town New Hampshire high school. Almost everyone she knows is blue-collar, but she and a small number of her friends are determined to go to college. She’s smart and an excellent student and an over-achiever in all her endeavors, from girl scouts to the school newspaper, and especially with the varsity cheerleading squad, the activities of which provide one of the principal foci of the narrative. But as important as it is to her to make straight-A marks, and to be on all the committees, and become an officer of NHS, and to acquire all the other awards of teenage success, the biggest thing in her life, and in the lives of her friends -- of every girl in the school, actually -- is to be dating the “best” boy, to be wearing a letterman’s sweater and going steady. And the best boy, the biggest catch, is Tom Forbes, star of woodshop, center on the varsity football team, and certified hunk. With the help (mostly) of her two closest friends, Bev (the most beautiful girl in school) and Puddles (who’s afraid of nothing), Snowy catches her prize, . . . and then the whole course of the following two years becomes more serious, more trying, deeper, as the narrative matures along with the girls. There’s a huge supporting cast, many of whom are developed in just as many dimensions as the four key characters. And there are a large number of continuing plot threads -- just as in real life -- from making the squad and buying the right prom dress, to getting a driver’s license and figuring out the dynamics of going parking after a date, to dealing with the crises in her friends’ own love lives -- and also with sudden tragedy. And surrounding everything is the constant dance of dating and sex.
I know things are quite different for girls Snowy’s age today and for a reader under the age of thirty, the world of the late ‘50s is likely to seem like another planet. The thing is, I graduated from high school about four years after Snowy’s class did, so my memories are very similar to those of her group, even though I went to high school in a semi-large city in the Southwest and my father was a college-educated professional. Nor was I part of that high-octane circle of class officers and prom queens; I was a nerd, pure and simple. But I grew up in the same sort of social straitjacket, just as agonizingly ignorant of the facts of life as most of the kids at Gunthwaite HS. Reading this amazing book was like traveling back in time, MacDougall gets everything so completely right. The style is entertaining and funny, and there are plenty of quotable lines, but for some of us there’s also that strong undercurrent of truth that will suck you right in and bring it all back to you. I can’t recommend this book too highly.
I know things are quite different for girls Snowy’s age today and for a reader under the age of thirty, the world of the late ‘50s is likely to seem like another planet. The thing is, I graduated from high school about four years after Snowy’s class did, so my memories are very similar to those of her group, even though I went to high school in a semi-large city in the Southwest and my father was a college-educated professional. Nor was I part of that high-octane circle of class officers and prom queens; I was a nerd, pure and simple. But I grew up in the same sort of social straitjacket, just as agonizingly ignorant of the facts of life as most of the kids at Gunthwaite HS. Reading this amazing book was like traveling back in time, MacDougall gets everything so completely right. The style is entertaining and funny, and there are plenty of quotable lines, but for some of us there’s also that strong undercurrent of truth that will suck you right in and bring it all back to you. I can’t recommend this book too highly.
February 20, 2009
i loved this book when i was 12 or 13. it was my first "dirty" book.
August 30, 2015
If this had been historical fiction about the 70s, I'd be able to end my search for a psychedelic historical-fiction YA read. Instead it's historical fiction about the 50s written in the 70s.
What I enjoyed so much, I think, is the way MacDougall evoked a sense of nostalgia for an era while at the same time working in grittier details, ones that would have been much less likely in a book written in the 50s. When the story opens, Snowy can't imagine anything more important than making the cheerleading squad, and Tom can't imagine going to college or wanting more from a date than seeing how far he can get.
They're teenagers, so they spend a lot of time thinking about sex. They're teenagers, so they also go to school and go on dates and try to fit in; they're teenagers, so they worry about friends and parents and going steady and going to college.
Most of the book covers Snowy's sophomore year of high school—enough of the book, in fact, that I was susprised that we did end up seeing her go through her junior and senior years. She changes over the course of the book, though: she gets more secure, more confident; she comes to want different things from relationships and friendships and life in general. Her friends change, too. Tom changes. It's really nice to see.
Also nice to see: the characters, Snowy included, aren't always likable. Tom, early on, is really primarily motivated by getting into girls' pants. Snowy is so focused on her image that she's terrified of breaking the mold; more than once in the book, she's so desperate for certain status symbols (the awful-awful badge, although that arguably has more to do with maintaining her image than a status symbol; entry to the varsity cheerleading squad) that she sets aside ethics.
I do wish the second two years had been covered more thoroughly. I'd love to read more about Snowy, although I think I'll be passing on the sequels—am more interested in her youth, and in the historical-fiction element, than in her adult life.
What I enjoyed so much, I think, is the way MacDougall evoked a sense of nostalgia for an era while at the same time working in grittier details, ones that would have been much less likely in a book written in the 50s. When the story opens, Snowy can't imagine anything more important than making the cheerleading squad, and Tom can't imagine going to college or wanting more from a date than seeing how far he can get.
They're teenagers, so they spend a lot of time thinking about sex. They're teenagers, so they also go to school and go on dates and try to fit in; they're teenagers, so they worry about friends and parents and going steady and going to college.
Most of the book covers Snowy's sophomore year of high school—enough of the book, in fact, that I was susprised that we did end up seeing her go through her junior and senior years. She changes over the course of the book, though: she gets more secure, more confident; she comes to want different things from relationships and friendships and life in general. Her friends change, too. Tom changes. It's really nice to see.
Also nice to see: the characters, Snowy included, aren't always likable. Tom, early on, is really primarily motivated by getting into girls' pants. Snowy is so focused on her image that she's terrified of breaking the mold; more than once in the book, she's so desperate for certain status symbols (the awful-awful badge, although that arguably has more to do with maintaining her image than a status symbol; entry to the varsity cheerleading squad) that she sets aside ethics.
I do wish the second two years had been covered more thoroughly. I'd love to read more about Snowy, although I think I'll be passing on the sequels—am more interested in her youth, and in the historical-fiction element, than in her adult life.
November 27, 2022
If you've never read this book, no explanation is possible. If you've read this book, no explanation is necessary. Trite, I know. No amount of praise can do credit to this perfect book. I first read it in 8th grade and then loaned it to a friend (little did I know my father was "seeing" her mother-true story) who never returned it. I've reacquired and reread this book countless times since 1974. It's probably the most underrated work of Young Adult American fiction in existence today.
September 27, 2007
Simply the best coming-of-age book I have ever read. I read this in high school, and have read it many times since. The other two books in the "Snowy Trilogy," are good--not as good as this--still, it was so satisfying for me to actually have an opportunity to follow a character through her life. I adore this book.
February 24, 2009
MacDougall went to my high school in my home town. The book came out in 1973 and I graduated in 1976 so you know this was THE book to read in high school. I read it then, and again 30 years later. It still rings true today.
I would have given it 5 stars but for these minor annoyances:
-call me crazy but I like chapters. The book is divided into two sections but that's it, no chapters. I like the author to say, "It's okay to take a short break here."
-Too much narrative and exposition at the beginning with really looong paragraphs.
-Not enough narrative and expostion towards the end. Weeks, months, and various settings would whiz by in every other 2 or 3-line paragraph. I wanted to put the brakes on.
Other than that, it was a good read.
I would have given it 5 stars but for these minor annoyances:
-call me crazy but I like chapters. The book is divided into two sections but that's it, no chapters. I like the author to say, "It's okay to take a short break here."
-Too much narrative and exposition at the beginning with really looong paragraphs.
-Not enough narrative and expostion towards the end. Weeks, months, and various settings would whiz by in every other 2 or 3-line paragraph. I wanted to put the brakes on.
Other than that, it was a good read.
February 11, 2010
One of my all time favorite books. First read it in 6th grade and have a very dog eared copy that I will never part with. My sister gave me a newer copy a few years ago! I am so pleased to see how many people share my love of this book! Didn't love the following two books but always wondered what happened to my friend Snowy!
July 12, 2018
A few weeks ago a friend I've known since high school sent me a digital copy of our high school's band/concert album. That prompted me to pull "The Cheerleader" off my bookshelf after all these decades, and once again I loved the story. The nostalgic yet realistic details immersed me in Snowy's 1950s teenage experiences. They also vividly reminded me of my own 1970s teenage mindset, desires, and experiences when I had first read this novel. Timeless and true.
April 3, 2016
Nancy Pearle (BOOK LUST) included this book on her list of recommended vintage books. It is the story of the cliche 50's high school girl. Blond ponytail, cheerleader, honor society, school newspaper. She has it all including the handsome boyfriend football hero. It's just too neat and tidy. No real conflict almost no real life issues. How did (or will) any teenage girl connect to this story?
August 20, 2021
I think I would have loved this if I had read as a teenager. Being much past that, it was familiar. I believe the author captured all the high school feelings of wanted to be accepted, of fitting in and being popular.
May 28, 2021
Full confession - I originally read this in high school, and loved it then. Snowy's drive to achieve, to not live her parents' lives, to be someone, resonated so strongly with me then, that 45+ years later, I still remembered bits of it. Nancy Pearl (of NPR fame, and someone I met, and now follow on Twitter) talked about it in one of her tweets. So I went on a search to find it. And honestly? The book is still excellent. Written about high school in the 1950s, the dresses and the prestige of being a Varsity cheerleader is very much part of the story, but the feelings, and the desire to be seen, and part of the “in” crowd, to be recognized by the boys, was such a theme of my high school days that the book still feels fresh. And there is a sequel, too.
June 29, 2015
Three years in the life of Henrietta Snow, "Snowy," starting sophomore year at a New Hampshire high school in 1955. Not as pretty as her best friend Bev, not as outgoing as Puddles, Snowy works her talent and brains, striving to make the varsity squad, strait A's, and--with help from her friends--social success. There's competition between the friends, especially for boy's attention, but they stay together and share the milestones of growing up.
I really rooted for Snowy. She worked so hard and I identified with her ambitions. This third-person point-of-view stays with her most of the time but jumps to different characters now and then for an insightful glimpse (of friends, boyfriends). Very entertaining, a great realistic portrait of a girl who makes something of herself.
I really rooted for Snowy. She worked so hard and I identified with her ambitions. This third-person point-of-view stays with her most of the time but jumps to different characters now and then for an insightful glimpse (of friends, boyfriends). Very entertaining, a great realistic portrait of a girl who makes something of herself.
May 30, 2022
I originally read this book in high school. I adored it and over the years my hardcover copy (first edition) was lost. I tried for a time to get a copy but sadly it was out of print. Recently just for giggles I checked on Amazon and was I surprised to see it available again.
I have to say I still enjoyed it but my teenage self was way more emotionally invested. But I was kind of living the same story as Snowy at the time so it makes sense. What a great walk down memory lane. Though I was in high school in the 70s not the 50s noxema and Wind Song perfume were still popular. A fun read still!
I have to say I still enjoyed it but my teenage self was way more emotionally invested. But I was kind of living the same story as Snowy at the time so it makes sense. What a great walk down memory lane. Though I was in high school in the 70s not the 50s noxema and Wind Song perfume were still popular. A fun read still!
December 27, 2008
I read this book as a teenager and the enduring message for me was toward the end when Snowy has a chance to get back together with her boyfriend but declines, saying, "It would be going backward." That really rang true for me at the time and continues to do so. There have been many occasions where I've had to ask myself if I'd be going backward if I did this or didn't do that.
I'm quite delighted to see that many other woman read this book- when I checked it out of our local library in 1986, I was the first!
I'm quite delighted to see that many other woman read this book- when I checked it out of our local library in 1986, I was the first!
August 2, 2015
I can see both why this book went out of print and why some people love it. It’s the story of the life of a high schooler in the 50’s, with lots of time- and place-evoking details. At first it was interesting to read about how some things hadn’t changed in fifty years, like doing homework at lunch and different groups of friends and trying out for teams and gossip. But then I got bored because the story is so mundane and the characters aren’t all that interesting. I’ll just say I’m glad we have sex-ed in schools now.
October 28, 2008
Life as a female high school student in New Hampshire in the mid 50's, small town, LOTS of groping going on.
April 12, 2014
The first parts were somewhat dull and childish. The latter part held my attention. Loved the ending. I agree with those who say it offers a good look into that time period.
April 28, 2025
Let me preface by saying this is the 2nd time I’ve read this book. In the late 70’s while in high school myself I bought the paperback at second hand bookstore while on a co-ed Explorer’s camping trip in Cape Cod. What I recollected then were Tom and Snowy’s date “milestones,” the girls’ gossip and attraction of popular boys. Despite trying out for squads I wasn’t one of the elite cheerleaders, pom pom girls or a majorette, but I graced the high school champion football field with color guard. I always remembered this book and loved it then.
They say some things never change and when I read this story and with a mature mind I loved reminiscing of small town high school days and worries. I enjoyed Snowy’s strong attitude of pursuing honors coursework, having a goal, working since a scholarship was necessary for her college education and ultimately loving and leaving Tom. Still a shocker that she “did it” and then left him! I found it interesting that the girls would date and then sleep over a friend’s house on a regular basis – my gang was into Friday sleepovers that were pure girl’s time (and yes many of us still hang out to this day!). Saturday was reserved for date night or baby-sitting.
Glad I got to experience the Class of 1957 once again!
April 2025 (3rd time): Re-read a favorite book for a library challenge. I finally got another paperback copy of this book for my collection! Once again, I enjoyed revisiting Snowy, Tom and the gang and their 1950s high school adventures. Same feelings in my 2011 review, but for some reason Bev’s personality and sneakiness came across more this time!
They say some things never change and when I read this story and with a mature mind I loved reminiscing of small town high school days and worries. I enjoyed Snowy’s strong attitude of pursuing honors coursework, having a goal, working since a scholarship was necessary for her college education and ultimately loving and leaving Tom. Still a shocker that she “did it” and then left him! I found it interesting that the girls would date and then sleep over a friend’s house on a regular basis – my gang was into Friday sleepovers that were pure girl’s time (and yes many of us still hang out to this day!). Saturday was reserved for date night or baby-sitting.
Glad I got to experience the Class of 1957 once again!
April 2025 (3rd time): Re-read a favorite book for a library challenge. I finally got another paperback copy of this book for my collection! Once again, I enjoyed revisiting Snowy, Tom and the gang and their 1950s high school adventures. Same feelings in my 2011 review, but for some reason Bev’s personality and sneakiness came across more this time!
June 12, 2014
6/14: I wish I could do separate date sets when I reread. Oh, well - I've been wanting to visit Snowy and friends for awhile and finally sat down to reread. And promptly got entirely sucked in once again.
2/12: Reread! It was so fun reading it and knowing what was going to happen to all of these characters as adults. (Poor Jack.) It was also interesting to realize that these girls were my grandmother's age, but when they were dealing with cheerleading and Getting Fresh in 1955, she had just gotten married. I wonder what she'd think of this book?
I think I need to buy my own copy of this - I love dipping into the 1950s with Snowy.
5/11: Story of a high school girl in 1955, but more Mad Men than Malt Shop. I'm not even sure how to review it, because I just loved it. The snippets of lyrics in the background were great, and the emotions and relationships just rang so true. The (unsentimental) details of a 1950s small town were so perfect, I felt like I was there. I'm afraid to read the sequels, though. Or track down the TV show. I just want to reread! (But what did happen to Tom??)
2/12: Reread! It was so fun reading it and knowing what was going to happen to all of these characters as adults. (Poor Jack.) It was also interesting to realize that these girls were my grandmother's age, but when they were dealing with cheerleading and Getting Fresh in 1955, she had just gotten married. I wonder what she'd think of this book?
I think I need to buy my own copy of this - I love dipping into the 1950s with Snowy.
5/11: Story of a high school girl in 1955, but more Mad Men than Malt Shop. I'm not even sure how to review it, because I just loved it. The snippets of lyrics in the background were great, and the emotions and relationships just rang so true. The (unsentimental) details of a 1950s small town were so perfect, I felt like I was there. I'm afraid to read the sequels, though. Or track down the TV show. I just want to reread! (But what did happen to Tom??)
July 16, 2019
Skimmed the last 75 pages, there really isn’t a story, just the daily life of a popular girl and her schoolmates in the 50s. Funnily enough, my copy of the book could not be any more 1973 if it tried. I can see how this might have been risque at the time, but 45 years later, the way it is written seems so innocent and simple, even though it was supposed to be a 70’s book about a simpler time. No interest in reading anymore about Snowy, although I did love reading about Awful-Awfuls and how they are a real thing that I now need. I had way more interest in how the 70s saw the 50s, and what they would order in a cafe and what their daily life consisted of, and how kids went to see movies back then, and the mannerisms and view of anything sexual. Interpersonally and emotionally, things are so different yet the same.
January 4, 2009
I really liked this book! I read a review of the fouth book in this series - The Husbands' Bench - and thought the series would be a good read. I had a difficult time finding the book - but finally located it on Amazon.com - so I asked Jeff for the series for Christmas. I read the Cheerleader in a day! It is set in the '50's. It is about 3 friends going to high school in a small New Hampshire town - their loves and fears. I am sorry that my vacation is over because I want to read the other three books now!
July 10, 2012
I first read this book when I was about 14 years old... I distinctly remember at that time being sadly disappointed that Snowy didn't stay with Tom, but the next time I read it, I was quite a lot older and realized how "grown up" that decision would be for a girl that age! I am re-reading it now because I just found out there are 4 sequels and I can't wait to read those as well.. It certainly brings back a lot of emotion and memories of high school and all that it emcompassed. I just finished it over the weekend and the stupid thing made me cry all over again... :)
January 31, 2013
I remember reading this back in the early 1980s when I first started working on the Bookmobile and aboslutely loving it. I'm not one to re-read a book but this struck a chord and I must have read it three times. I wonder if it has held up as well but since it takes place in the 50s and is a great coming-of-age novel of a teen girl finding herself, it might be relevant today. The sequel SNOWY was good but only because I wanted to find out where she went in life. Last night I was delighted to find three more in the "series" so will have to hunt them down.
September 7, 2011
Like so many fans of the series, of which this book is the first, I read it in high school and fell in love with the three girls at the center of the story. I always hoped there would be a sequel, and when "Snowy" came out, I bought it instantly. I own all four books and am avidly awaiting the fifth. These are normal girls/women, facing all the everyday challenges we all do and I think of them and Ruth Doan MacDougall as valued old friends. I'm often surprised her books aren't better known.
December 7, 2015
This was given to me by a friend as one of her favorite books of all time. I had never heard of it and didn't really read about it, except for the cover and forward, before picking it up.
I can see how this has a cult following. What an amazing work. Frank, honest, real and such a powerful ending. I wasn't sure what I expected, but given the name and cover I know I didn't expect what was inside. Very good.
I can see how this has a cult following. What an amazing work. Frank, honest, real and such a powerful ending. I wasn't sure what I expected, but given the name and cover I know I didn't expect what was inside. Very good.
June 4, 2016
I've re-read this book every decade...
This is a timeless coming of age tale that transcends generations. Although it's set in the 50's, I read it in the 70's, when it was published. The story of a teen aged girl's first love is deeply felt, and conveys the emotions in an economy of words. I just finished it and, at age 56, I finally understand the end isn't a teen love tragedy. All first loves remain intact and changeless in memory.
This is a timeless coming of age tale that transcends generations. Although it's set in the 50's, I read it in the 70's, when it was published. The story of a teen aged girl's first love is deeply felt, and conveys the emotions in an economy of words. I just finished it and, at age 56, I finally understand the end isn't a teen love tragedy. All first loves remain intact and changeless in memory.
July 31, 2007
This book is perfect. I first read it as a teenager and have read it repeatedly since; I've even struck up a friendship with Ruth Doan MacDougall. (I'm such a book geek that it still gives me a thrill when I receive a Christmas card from her.) I greatly envy anyone who hasn't read it, because they get to read it for the first time.
October 21, 2008
I read this cheezy book when I was in grade school - I checked it out of the library actually. What is funny is that I distinctly remember references to "blow jobs" and "lipstick on [his] fly" and for the life of me couldn't figure out why a girl would be kissing a boy on the front of his pants or blowing on him! LMAO! Oh, to be so innocent again!
February 11, 2011
I'm getting a lot of skeptical reactions to this book choice, but it's lovely so far and feels very true. You have to love a teenage heroine (Henrietta Snow, called Snowy) who gets the object of her affection (the dashing, bespectacled Tom) to notice her by drinking three milkshakes at one sitting. Go Snowy go!
June 23, 2012
I have read this book over and over,....I grew up in the same era..and MacDougall has it down to a tee with a few exceptions. I have known these people ,,by other names of course, in another high school in another state,,
It is like reliving it all over again. Achingly sad at moments, but such is life and that was life in the 50's
Routing for Snowy all the way!!!
It is like reliving it all over again. Achingly sad at moments, but such is life and that was life in the 50's
Routing for Snowy all the way!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews