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The Book of Luke
Emily Abbott has always been considered the Girl Most Likely to Be Nice -- but lately being nice hasn't done her any good. Her parents have decided to move the family from Chicago back to their hometown of Boston in the middle of Emily's senior year. Only Emily's first real boyfriend, Sean, is in Chicago, and so is her shot at class valedictorian and early admission to the Ivy League. What's a nice girl to do?
Then Sean dumps Emily on moving day and her father announces he's staying behind in Chicago "to tie up loose ends," and Emily decides that what a nice girl needs to do is to stop being nice.
She reconnects with her best friends in Boston, Josie and Lucy, only to discover that they too have been on the receiving end of some glaring Guy Don'ts. So when the girls have to come up with something to put in the senior class time capsule, they know exactly what to do. They'll create a not-so-nice reference guide for future generations of guys -- an instruction book that teaches them the right way to treat girls.
But when her friends draft Emily to test out their tips on Luke Preston -- the hottest, most popular guy in school, who just broke up with Josie by email -- Emily soon finds that Luke is the trickiest of test subjects . . . and that even a nice girl like Emily has a few things to learn about love.
291 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2007
66 people are currently reading
12187 people want to read
About the author
Jenny O'Connell
9 books254 followersPublished chick-lit under the name Jennifer O'Connell.
I haven't been called Jenny in years (thankfully), but I thought it was fitting to publish my teen book under the name that still makes me think of high school.
My high school days may be long behind me, but I have a lot in common with Vanessa, the main character in PLAN B. Like Vanessa, I also went to a small private school. I was also mildly obsessed with college from fifth grade on, thanks to a book I read in which one of the characters went to Dartmouth. But unlike Vanessa, my brother wasn't a TV star. And he didn't drive me crazy. I actually still like him. As for creating a How To guide for guys, like Emily does in THE BOOK OF LUKE, I can't say that I know enough to write an entire guide, but I did have a blast writing the tips at the beginning of each chapter. And I wish a guide like this did exist when I was in high school (and college and even after that!).
Last summer I was on Martha's Vineyard doing research for my upcoming Martha's Vineyard Novel series (tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). I hope this books capture what I love so much about the island
Although she's written about a reality dating show, a prescient pastry chef, and a woman who inspired an 80's rock hit, Jennifer has not spent hours dissecting The Bachelor, she can barely follow the directions on the back of a Betty Crocker box, and she can only dream of a long-haired, guitar-thrashing rocker even giving her a second glance.
I haven't been called Jenny in years (thankfully), but I thought it was fitting to publish my teen book under the name that still makes me think of high school.
My high school days may be long behind me, but I have a lot in common with Vanessa, the main character in PLAN B. Like Vanessa, I also went to a small private school. I was also mildly obsessed with college from fifth grade on, thanks to a book I read in which one of the characters went to Dartmouth. But unlike Vanessa, my brother wasn't a TV star. And he didn't drive me crazy. I actually still like him. As for creating a How To guide for guys, like Emily does in THE BOOK OF LUKE, I can't say that I know enough to write an entire guide, but I did have a blast writing the tips at the beginning of each chapter. And I wish a guide like this did exist when I was in high school (and college and even after that!).
Last summer I was on Martha's Vineyard doing research for my upcoming Martha's Vineyard Novel series (tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). I hope this books capture what I love so much about the island
Although she's written about a reality dating show, a prescient pastry chef, and a woman who inspired an 80's rock hit, Jennifer has not spent hours dissecting The Bachelor, she can barely follow the directions on the back of a Betty Crocker box, and she can only dream of a long-haired, guitar-thrashing rocker even giving her a second glance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
April 6, 2011
I had a really hard time relating to the main character. I can't really believe that someone who is supposedly so nice could do what she did to Luke. It makes it look like her being nice for most of her life was just her being fake; she was only nice because that's the correct way to act. I also don't see how continuously lying could ever seem like a good idea; of course it's only going to cause more problems in the end. She had so many chances to tell the truth. I have no clue why she would break up with Luke when she could have just explained herself beforehand to save herself some drama, especially when she wanted him back anyway. The ending was rushed too. I can't imagine anyone forgiving Emily that quickly, although her friends weren't blameless either.
I found some of the tips funny, but most of them were just really petty. Who cares if a guy doesn't carry around an umbrella with him? It's just rain. Or play the air guitar? or shouts at the tv? People aren't perfect and you can't expect them to change just to be who you want them to be. I guess that was one of the morals of the story, but at the end I'm still not convinced Emily learned her lesson. It seemed like everyone else knew and they were speaking such wise words to her, but her reactions didn't really seem like she really got it.
I found some of the tips funny, but most of them were just really petty. Who cares if a guy doesn't carry around an umbrella with him? It's just rain. Or play the air guitar? or shouts at the tv? People aren't perfect and you can't expect them to change just to be who you want them to be. I guess that was one of the morals of the story, but at the end I'm still not convinced Emily learned her lesson. It seemed like everyone else knew and they were speaking such wise words to her, but her reactions didn't really seem like she really got it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2012
To be honest, I loved this book. When I picked it up, I thought it was going to be the cliched good-girl-loves-bad-boy. But oh wait, that's what this story was... But I don't know. I still liked it. I liked the aspect of this girl who had her feelings bottled up for so her, had her real self bottled up for so long, and finally let it all out by being a bitch.
Sigh. I guess that's it. To be honest, I only read this book because the main guy character's name was Luke, and I currently have this major crush on this guy named Luke. So I figured that if there was a happy ending, then YAY, I get a happy ending too. I know it's sad but whatever. Okay, so to wrap this view up...I officially give The Book of Luke 4.5 stars. I enjoyed reading it and would seriously read it again...
Sigh. I guess that's it. To be honest, I only read this book because the main guy character's name was Luke, and I currently have this major crush on this guy named Luke. So I figured that if there was a happy ending, then YAY, I get a happy ending too. I know it's sad but whatever. Okay, so to wrap this view up...I officially give The Book of Luke 4.5 stars. I enjoyed reading it and would seriously read it again...
February 15, 2015
I spent 2 weeks trying to read this. TWO WEEKS! Whoever said that 'the best is yet to come' obviously didn't spend 14 days trying to make sense of or even tolerate reading this book.
1. Emily is so bloody whiny and judgmental!. If anything bad happens to her, like say, if her father decides to stay back in Chicago for just a few more months, she immediately assumes that he has a secret girlfriend.
Emily-logic. Don't ask.
2. Luke is one of those annoying seniors you had back in High School. The ones who would expect the all the students to fall at their feet and worship the ground they walk on. I have no clue how we're supposed to even like this guy. He's such an asshat!
And breaking up with your girlfriend by email just because you don't have the balls to do it in person doesn't make your argument valid. It makes you a pansy.
1. Emily is so bloody whiny and judgmental!. If anything bad happens to her, like say, if her father decides to stay back in Chicago for just a few more months, she immediately assumes that he has a secret girlfriend.
Emily-logic. Don't ask.
2. Luke is one of those annoying seniors you had back in High School. The ones who would expect the all the students to fall at their feet and worship the ground they walk on. I have no clue how we're supposed to even like this guy. He's such an asshat!
And breaking up with your girlfriend by email just because you don't have the balls to do it in person doesn't make your argument valid. It makes you a pansy.
March 26, 2011
I thought this book horribly flat. The writing wasn't good at all and the characters just too stuck up and annoying. The writing was bad mainly because everything was so flat out stated: "'Just get out,' I ordered, and TJ did just that. The main character, Emily, is so stuck up and she doesn't even know it - and that's the type of person I hate the most. She doesn't admit that she's wrong when she hurts others because she blinds herself by thinking that other people did things wrong, too, and so what she did is excusable.
I basically skipped through this book, pages at a time. I didn't lament the loss of reading.
The ending was too fake and didn't seem believable at all. The entire novel was jarringly 2D and it didn't get a single emotion out of me. The characters too; imagine yourself, say, shopping or something. You pass by hundreds of people that you don't even notice, or if you do notice someone, you easily forget them. They don't strike an impression in you. The people in this book are just like that, and it makes the book terrible.
I only read this because my friend loved it. I don't know what she was thinking, but... let this just testify the fact that different people have different opinions.
I basically skipped through this book, pages at a time. I didn't lament the loss of reading.
The ending was too fake and didn't seem believable at all. The entire novel was jarringly 2D and it didn't get a single emotion out of me. The characters too; imagine yourself, say, shopping or something. You pass by hundreds of people that you don't even notice, or if you do notice someone, you easily forget them. They don't strike an impression in you. The people in this book are just like that, and it makes the book terrible.
I only read this because my friend loved it. I don't know what she was thinking, but... let this just testify the fact that different people have different opinions.
July 4, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Reading the other reviews a lot of people are complaining that Emily was a snob, but I think that's kind of the point. This nice girl who's tired of being nice and tries to just do what she wants and say what she wants... but somehow ends up back in that cycle anyway.
I think the beginning was a little slow. I remember it was page 44 and they were just starting to really talk about Luke, but not even the initial time capsule plan, I don't think. And the ending was too short. I think the events were okay, just the conversations need to be longer. The realizations needed to be deeper. I think they were getting there and Emily was realizing things, but I think I little bit more time spent thinking over things, or talking things through, and it would have been golden.
I do like the relationship between Luke and Emily though. Maybe in the end Emily admits that she doesn't understand why some relationships work out and others fail, but I don't think it's that big of a mystery, at least in this case. Luke wanted someone who was real, a girl who would speak her mind and say what she thinks, and to an extent, Emily did that with him. Putting aside all the lies and everything else, Emily was pretty real with him.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book a lot. I in no way think Emily is the perfect person, and I wanted to just grab her hair and ask her what she was doing at times, but I think... you can still see her feelings for Luke. At least I could still understand her struggle, even if I couldn't relate to it, even if I didn't think she was doing the right thing. I could still see the feelings behind it all and I think that's kind of the point of the entire story. People aren't necessarily bad people just because they make mistakes and do stupid things.
I think the beginning was a little slow. I remember it was page 44 and they were just starting to really talk about Luke, but not even the initial time capsule plan, I don't think. And the ending was too short. I think the events were okay, just the conversations need to be longer. The realizations needed to be deeper. I think they were getting there and Emily was realizing things, but I think I little bit more time spent thinking over things, or talking things through, and it would have been golden.
I do like the relationship between Luke and Emily though. Maybe in the end Emily admits that she doesn't understand why some relationships work out and others fail, but I don't think it's that big of a mystery, at least in this case. Luke wanted someone who was real, a girl who would speak her mind and say what she thinks, and to an extent, Emily did that with him. Putting aside all the lies and everything else, Emily was pretty real with him.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book a lot. I in no way think Emily is the perfect person, and I wanted to just grab her hair and ask her what she was doing at times, but I think... you can still see her feelings for Luke. At least I could still understand her struggle, even if I couldn't relate to it, even if I didn't think she was doing the right thing. I could still see the feelings behind it all and I think that's kind of the point of the entire story. People aren't necessarily bad people just because they make mistakes and do stupid things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2015
Dear God, what a terrible book. Now, where to start...
The Book of Luke is not anywhere close to its intriguing title. It is instead filled with a bunch of idiotic senior girls who clearly have nothing better to do in their spare time and therefore resort to "testing" out their tips for a guy on how to be a better boyfriend on an equally stupid boy. Let's breakdown the characters, shall we?
Emily This girl, who, although comes off as sooooo nice , is really a judgmental nincompoop. Her dad doesn't move with the rest of the family right away? He's cheating on the mom. (And might I add that she makes no attempt to ask her dad WHY he's not moving at the same time? She ignores him, refuses to call him, and basically thinks of him as a cheating mansl!t, without even giving him the benefit of the doubt.) Her friends, after not having seen them for TWO YEARS, start trying out new things that are actually appealing to high school girls, such as makeup? They've changed, and they definitely won't accept Emily back. Luke, the über-hot and most popular guy at school won't give in to her contemptible flittering tactics? She'll just have to try harder further degrade herself. Sigh, life is so hard for our protagonist...
Josie Let me get this straight: this chick allows her friend to try out their strategies and hints from the guide on her own ex-boyfriend, just so that she can get back with him? Basically, she's letting Emily train her ex so that she can swoop in and try out the new and improved 2.0 version of him. Gee, nothing could possibly go wrong with that idea!
Lucy She's whatever. She managed to not get on my nerves, at least not to the point where I can remember what she actually did.
Luke AKA the guy who's less appealing than a trash can filled to the brim with garbage. He treats girls as lackeys because, y'know, they're sophomore girls who have nothing better to do. He breaks up with his girlfriend BY EMAIL, which is totally okay because he's freaking Luke Preston. He completely debases girls, a clear sign of a great boyfriend!
Emily's mom This woman isn't even a major character, but I'd really like to slap her. Her annoying emphasis on manners are so superfluous to the story and only make Emily seem more half witted when she puts her mom's manners to use.
The romance is so horribly contrived and awkward, and even Emily admits it a few times. And yet it makes sense, because it pairs two shallow and moronic characters together - a true match made in heaven. The ending is equally pitiful, because it pieces together everything as if nothing had ever happened. DO NOT read this book even if you have nothing better to do - it seriously sucks.
The Book of Luke is not anywhere close to its intriguing title. It is instead filled with a bunch of idiotic senior girls who clearly have nothing better to do in their spare time and therefore resort to "testing" out their tips for a guy on how to be a better boyfriend on an equally stupid boy. Let's breakdown the characters, shall we?
Emily This girl, who, although comes off as sooooo nice , is really a judgmental nincompoop. Her dad doesn't move with the rest of the family right away? He's cheating on the mom. (And might I add that she makes no attempt to ask her dad WHY he's not moving at the same time? She ignores him, refuses to call him, and basically thinks of him as a cheating mansl!t, without even giving him the benefit of the doubt.) Her friends, after not having seen them for TWO YEARS, start trying out new things that are actually appealing to high school girls, such as makeup? They've changed, and they definitely won't accept Emily back. Luke, the über-hot and most popular guy at school won't give in to her contemptible flittering tactics? She'll just have to try harder further degrade herself. Sigh, life is so hard for our protagonist...
Josie Let me get this straight: this chick allows her friend to try out their strategies and hints from the guide on her own ex-boyfriend, just so that she can get back with him? Basically, she's letting Emily train her ex so that she can swoop in and try out the new and improved 2.0 version of him. Gee, nothing could possibly go wrong with that idea!
Lucy She's whatever. She managed to not get on my nerves, at least not to the point where I can remember what she actually did.
Luke AKA the guy who's less appealing than a trash can filled to the brim with garbage. He treats girls as lackeys because, y'know, they're sophomore girls who have nothing better to do. He breaks up with his girlfriend BY EMAIL, which is totally okay because he's freaking Luke Preston. He completely debases girls, a clear sign of a great boyfriend!
Emily's mom This woman isn't even a major character, but I'd really like to slap her. Her annoying emphasis on manners are so superfluous to the story and only make Emily seem more half witted when she puts her mom's manners to use.
The romance is so horribly contrived and awkward, and even Emily admits it a few times. And yet it makes sense, because it pairs two shallow and moronic characters together - a true match made in heaven. The ending is equally pitiful, because it pieces together everything as if nothing had ever happened. DO NOT read this book even if you have nothing better to do - it seriously sucks.
November 11, 2010
There's a quote in the book that I think best describes Emily, it says something like "Doing nice things doesn't make you nice if you don't mean it; it just makes you a liar." coz that one sentence fit her to a T. Throughout the book, she keeps saying that she is tired of how people label her as a nice person. She does things that is the opposite of how she feels but she'd do it because it was the right/nice thing to do. So its no surprise that Emily eventually tries to get rid of her goody two shoes image. At the same time, Emily was dumped by her boyfriend causing her to feel even more dissatisfied with her life.
And just like any other girl would do, she commiserated with her BFF's, one of which was dumped through an email, and as they talked they discovered they have the same boy pet peeves. Enter the idea of "training" a boy on how to become a better boyfriend. They did some research and decide that they need to "test" it on some boy to see if it would work. Enter Luke Preston, the ex-boyfriend of her BFF.
Another quote came to mind as she began her "make Luke fall for me games" and it goes something like "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." Anyone knows that a.)nothing good comes out of lying; and b.)one shouldn't play games with peoples emotions, but I digress.
Channeling her inner bitch, she pursued the guy without any thought of how wrong it is. It is only later when she falls for the guy that she begins to feel guilty of all the lies she told/did. Yada Yada Yada... The truth eventually comes out.
I have to tell the truth though, I find the ending a little unrealistic. The problem was resolved quickly and tied into a neat little bow. Her BFF's forgave her for deceiving them that she feels nothing for the boy her BFF Josie plans on taking back. Luke forgave her after her dastardly deeds was found out in a very public way. I think that they even made up. Her life is all rainbows again without her suffering much for her actions.
And just like any other girl would do, she commiserated with her BFF's, one of which was dumped through an email, and as they talked they discovered they have the same boy pet peeves. Enter the idea of "training" a boy on how to become a better boyfriend. They did some research and decide that they need to "test" it on some boy to see if it would work. Enter Luke Preston, the ex-boyfriend of her BFF.
Another quote came to mind as she began her "make Luke fall for me games" and it goes something like "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." Anyone knows that a.)nothing good comes out of lying; and b.)one shouldn't play games with peoples emotions, but I digress.
Channeling her inner bitch, she pursued the guy without any thought of how wrong it is. It is only later when she falls for the guy that she begins to feel guilty of all the lies she told/did. Yada Yada Yada... The truth eventually comes out.
I have to tell the truth though, I find the ending a little unrealistic. The problem was resolved quickly and tied into a neat little bow. Her BFF's forgave her for deceiving them that she feels nothing for the boy her BFF Josie plans on taking back. Luke forgave her after her dastardly deeds was found out in a very public way. I think that they even made up. Her life is all rainbows again without her suffering much for her actions.
May 10, 2018
Emily Abbott has always been known as nice, what with her mom being the epitome of all thing etiquette and good manners. Emily always does the right thing. But after her father decides to move them back to Boston but actually not going with them to tie up some "loose ends" and her boyfriend Sean breaks up with her on moving day, Emily decides that being nice is no longer an option. She's tired of always doing the good thing and then get nothing good out of it. And after agreeing that all guys are jerks, Em together with her now-reconciled bffs, come up with a handbook of "Guy don'ts" for the guys of the future. Now the only thing left is for Emily to test if the guide works on the coolest and hottest guy on school with a heartbreaker reputation, Luke Preston. And this is one heck of an unexpected, thrilling ride for Emily.
Reading The Book of Luke is exhilarating. It's filled with so much drama, humor and swoony romance. Emily is relatable with an adorable personality. Though sometimes she comes across a bit selfish and self-centered, I can totally understand that she's going through a lot. Luke Preston however... What can I say? Luke is a hundred degree hot. He's charming and he has a way to him that he can make even the simplest remarks make you weak in the knees. I just find it disappointing that we didn't get to see the his past self. I actually thought there was some reason behind the geek-to-hot change. But oh well, I still love him.
The Book of Luke is full of realizations and life lessons. It was honestly more than what I expected. I first thought that this is another book I'll read to pass the time with and then just forget about eventually but thankfully that wasn't the case. I would definitely urge everyone to give this book a shot.
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Reading The Book of Luke is exhilarating. It's filled with so much drama, humor and swoony romance. Emily is relatable with an adorable personality. Though sometimes she comes across a bit selfish and self-centered, I can totally understand that she's going through a lot. Luke Preston however... What can I say? Luke is a hundred degree hot. He's charming and he has a way to him that he can make even the simplest remarks make you weak in the knees. I just find it disappointing that we didn't get to see the his past self. I actually thought there was some reason behind the geek-to-hot change. But oh well, I still love him.
The Book of Luke is full of realizations and life lessons. It was honestly more than what I expected. I first thought that this is another book I'll read to pass the time with and then just forget about eventually but thankfully that wasn't the case. I would definitely urge everyone to give this book a shot.
Check this out >> Click!
July 15, 2012
Okay, I officially love MTV books! The Book of Luke was that good. You should seriously go get this book right now, that’s how much I loved it.
Emily was a great character and I loved how she took charge in the story. She knew what she wanted to shape a boy into and she did…well, sorta. Emily and Luke’s relationship was brilliantly written. I liked how it actually showed how they progressed into it instead of “oh my god I’m in love with you” right from the beginning type of thing.
The story line is awesome too. The main idea is Emily and Luke’s relationship, but adding the book of Luke into the mix makes it all that more entertaining. I like how in the beginning of each chapter, there’s a “Guy’s Guide Tip” that you can read. I thought they were all funny and thoughtful.
Something I didn’t like was that Emily’s old friends from Chicago were forgotten. It was like one minute, she was talking to them on the phone, and then the next they disappeared entirely. I also wanted to see more of her dad in the book.
The Book of Luke is definitely a fun read for both boys and girls. I enjoyed the hilarity and romance in this novel and I hope to see some more Jenny O’Connell books in the future.
Emily was a great character and I loved how she took charge in the story. She knew what she wanted to shape a boy into and she did…well, sorta. Emily and Luke’s relationship was brilliantly written. I liked how it actually showed how they progressed into it instead of “oh my god I’m in love with you” right from the beginning type of thing.
The story line is awesome too. The main idea is Emily and Luke’s relationship, but adding the book of Luke into the mix makes it all that more entertaining. I like how in the beginning of each chapter, there’s a “Guy’s Guide Tip” that you can read. I thought they were all funny and thoughtful.
Something I didn’t like was that Emily’s old friends from Chicago were forgotten. It was like one minute, she was talking to them on the phone, and then the next they disappeared entirely. I also wanted to see more of her dad in the book.
The Book of Luke is definitely a fun read for both boys and girls. I enjoyed the hilarity and romance in this novel and I hope to see some more Jenny O’Connell books in the future.
June 30, 2011
I read this book last summer and it was great! This is a good summer read for all who love a love story.
May 21, 2021
Me: picks this book because of the "it was all a bet" trope
Also me (when it was all a bet): shocked pikachu face
Comments:
1. I kept forgetting the main girl's name. I had to write it out so I wouldnt forget her name is Emily.
2. Emily kept commenting about how she wanted to shed her good girl image. Girl, you did it dont worry.
3. It felt like things were never explored deep enough- the romances the friendships the characters etc
4. I oddly think it was a more realistic experience of high school because the girls all based their actions around this moral high ground aspect that was super ill-conceived. Like the author really nailed the short sightedness of my teen experience.
5.I don't necessarily agree that only Emily was to blame. I think an honest conversation needed to be had between Emily Josie and Lucy about all of their faults instead of Emily just apologizing to everyone.
6. Speaking of apologies, everything was forgiven so quickly? The ending felt super abrupt.
Also me (when it was all a bet): shocked pikachu face
Comments:
1. I kept forgetting the main girl's name. I had to write it out so I wouldnt forget her name is Emily.
2. Emily kept commenting about how she wanted to shed her good girl image. Girl, you did it dont worry.
3. It felt like things were never explored deep enough- the romances the friendships the characters etc
4. I oddly think it was a more realistic experience of high school because the girls all based their actions around this moral high ground aspect that was super ill-conceived. Like the author really nailed the short sightedness of my teen experience.
5.I don't necessarily agree that only Emily was to blame. I think an honest conversation needed to be had between Emily Josie and Lucy about all of their faults instead of Emily just apologizing to everyone.
6. Speaking of apologies, everything was forgiven so quickly? The ending felt super abrupt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2012
Seeing as how it is Valentines week I’ve decided to switch things up a bit. I am obviously still going to post my rants, but instead of embracing the ugly, the perverse, or the just plain weird (like I usually do) I decided to bring you LOVE. (Stop laughing… it’s not nice.) That’s right people, for the remainder of the week I will bring you love in all of its forms, from the cheeky pop-coulter type all the way down to the classic “If I can’t have you no one can” obsessive type.
So… for all of my ladies out there that enjoy daily doses of reality avoidance (aka kids, dishes, husbands who refuse to pass over the remote so you can watch “What Not To Wear”) I give you this.
LOVE WEEK! <—- cue floating hearts.
Today’s lovey dovey read is “The Book of Luke” by Jenny O’Connell. Don’t fret… this is not a biblical reference.
Emily is nice. She brings cupcakes to new neighbors, holds doors, and always says please. For her, there was never another option; her mother is a renowned “etiquette guru” and if Emily couldn’t think of something nice to say, she was taught to say nothing at all. Unfortunately, her upbringing completely unprepared her for being dumped. Shouldering a backpack full of scorn she (with the help of her 2 best friends) decide that revenge is far more refreshing than regret, and devise a plan of action, but since getting even with Sean (her ex) wasn’t an option (she very conveniently moves away) she chooses Luke. The egotistical, extremely hot ex of her best friend Josie. The Plan: write down everything wrong with boys & then share them with the world. The Problem: said boy isn’t as crappy as everyone says he is. Can Emily keep herself together long enough to write the book? What would happens if her little secret got out, and will “nice Emily” every come home or is she lost forever?
I REALLY wanted to like this book, honestly… I did, but the more I read, the more it felt like I was reading the book version of “John Tucker Must Die.” There were (of course) several distinct differences, but I kept finding myself waiting for Brittney Snow to pop out of the book and flash me her annoyingly perfect smile and say something like “For reals!!” *giggle. It’s only redeeming quality (for me) was Luke, who (surprise) had more depth than the lead character. I felt bad for him, and at one point even found myself screaming “PAY ATTENTION YOU STUPID BOY!!!” at my Kindle (*hangs head in embarrassment*)
I know… I know… you are probably reading this review and asking yourself what in God’s name this book has to do with love, but I assure you… it is definitely in there. As a matter of fact, love is the big fat white elephant in the room throughout the entire read.
So here is my advice to you. If you HAVE NOT seen “John Tucker Must Die” and you don’t mind a little teen angst, (because this IS a YA novel) then go for it… the overall concept is a good one, and there are some genuinely sweet moments. If you HAVE seen JTMD, then don’t bother… you already know what’s going to happen.
Overall… cute, but overdone.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you aren’t honest with yourself… who are you going to be honest with?
So… for all of my ladies out there that enjoy daily doses of reality avoidance (aka kids, dishes, husbands who refuse to pass over the remote so you can watch “What Not To Wear”) I give you this.
LOVE WEEK! <—- cue floating hearts.
Today’s lovey dovey read is “The Book of Luke” by Jenny O’Connell. Don’t fret… this is not a biblical reference.
Emily is nice. She brings cupcakes to new neighbors, holds doors, and always says please. For her, there was never another option; her mother is a renowned “etiquette guru” and if Emily couldn’t think of something nice to say, she was taught to say nothing at all. Unfortunately, her upbringing completely unprepared her for being dumped. Shouldering a backpack full of scorn she (with the help of her 2 best friends) decide that revenge is far more refreshing than regret, and devise a plan of action, but since getting even with Sean (her ex) wasn’t an option (she very conveniently moves away) she chooses Luke. The egotistical, extremely hot ex of her best friend Josie. The Plan: write down everything wrong with boys & then share them with the world. The Problem: said boy isn’t as crappy as everyone says he is. Can Emily keep herself together long enough to write the book? What would happens if her little secret got out, and will “nice Emily” every come home or is she lost forever?
I REALLY wanted to like this book, honestly… I did, but the more I read, the more it felt like I was reading the book version of “John Tucker Must Die.” There were (of course) several distinct differences, but I kept finding myself waiting for Brittney Snow to pop out of the book and flash me her annoyingly perfect smile and say something like “For reals!!” *giggle. It’s only redeeming quality (for me) was Luke, who (surprise) had more depth than the lead character. I felt bad for him, and at one point even found myself screaming “PAY ATTENTION YOU STUPID BOY!!!” at my Kindle (*hangs head in embarrassment*)
I know… I know… you are probably reading this review and asking yourself what in God’s name this book has to do with love, but I assure you… it is definitely in there. As a matter of fact, love is the big fat white elephant in the room throughout the entire read.
So here is my advice to you. If you HAVE NOT seen “John Tucker Must Die” and you don’t mind a little teen angst, (because this IS a YA novel) then go for it… the overall concept is a good one, and there are some genuinely sweet moments. If you HAVE seen JTMD, then don’t bother… you already know what’s going to happen.
Overall… cute, but overdone.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you aren’t honest with yourself… who are you going to be honest with?
July 21, 2013
Emily's always been the nice girl. The brain, who's focused on getting into a great college, and hasn't got time for any of that "Standing up for yourself" nonsense. But when her boyfriend dumps her on the SAME DAY her parents are moving the family out of town against her wishes, the same day, too, that her Dad announces he's not coming with them, Emily starts thinking it might be time to stop being so nice.
Moving back to her old town means Emily reconnects with her old friends, and one of them has just been callously dumped by her boyfriend too - by email, no less. The girls hatch a scheme: to create a guidebook for future generations about what not to do when dating an awesome girl. Using the ex, Luke, as a guinea pig for research purposes, and getting to dump him as hard as he dumped Emily's friend when they're done with him? Well, call that a perk.
Have you guys seen John Tucker Must Die? The 2006 movie starring Brittany Snow and Jesse Metalfe (and a super cute Penn Badgley)? Then, to be honest, you really don't need to read The Book of Luke. I know that sounds harsh ("Way harsh, Tai.") but I kept coming back to this movie while I read O'Connell's novel. This book is just okay. It's nothing you haven't seen, or read, before.
Emily's a bit of a frustrating character. Like so many girl protagonists in YA before her, she gets sick of being the quiet girl and overcompensates by being kind of a bitch over the course of the novel, before reigning it in after a wake up call near the end of the book.
The Book of Luke deals with a bunch of familiar teen issues: growing up and what that means. Discovering that your parents aren't perfect, and that not everything they do is about you. Realising that guys think and act based on the same principles that girls do, and aren't, in fact, an alien species. Leaving people behind, and being left behind yourself, and how hard that can be. All of these are worthy subjects. The only thing is that I've seen them too many times before - and seen them handled a lot better.
Unfortunately, this book was only okay. It's not something I think I benefited from reading, and not something I'd ever read again. If you're after great coming of age YA, I'd offer alternative suggestions such as Looking For Alibrandi, The Duff, Bridget Jones' Diary (because let's face it, Bridge is still trying to grow up), or The Perks of Being A Wallflower. And hey, John Tucker Must Die is a pretty great/awful chick flick if you want to get the gist of The Book of Luke!
Moving back to her old town means Emily reconnects with her old friends, and one of them has just been callously dumped by her boyfriend too - by email, no less. The girls hatch a scheme: to create a guidebook for future generations about what not to do when dating an awesome girl. Using the ex, Luke, as a guinea pig for research purposes, and getting to dump him as hard as he dumped Emily's friend when they're done with him? Well, call that a perk.
Have you guys seen John Tucker Must Die? The 2006 movie starring Brittany Snow and Jesse Metalfe (and a super cute Penn Badgley)? Then, to be honest, you really don't need to read The Book of Luke. I know that sounds harsh ("Way harsh, Tai.") but I kept coming back to this movie while I read O'Connell's novel. This book is just okay. It's nothing you haven't seen, or read, before.
Emily's a bit of a frustrating character. Like so many girl protagonists in YA before her, she gets sick of being the quiet girl and overcompensates by being kind of a bitch over the course of the novel, before reigning it in after a wake up call near the end of the book.
The Book of Luke deals with a bunch of familiar teen issues: growing up and what that means. Discovering that your parents aren't perfect, and that not everything they do is about you. Realising that guys think and act based on the same principles that girls do, and aren't, in fact, an alien species. Leaving people behind, and being left behind yourself, and how hard that can be. All of these are worthy subjects. The only thing is that I've seen them too many times before - and seen them handled a lot better.
Unfortunately, this book was only okay. It's not something I think I benefited from reading, and not something I'd ever read again. If you're after great coming of age YA, I'd offer alternative suggestions such as Looking For Alibrandi, The Duff, Bridget Jones' Diary (because let's face it, Bridge is still trying to grow up), or The Perks of Being A Wallflower. And hey, John Tucker Must Die is a pretty great/awful chick flick if you want to get the gist of The Book of Luke!
September 6, 2011
I'm going to fully admit that "The Book of Luke" surprised me with how engaging it was. I honestly didn't put it down for several stretches because I think as far as teenage issues and life is concerned, Jenny O'Connell got it right. Everything from Emily's frustration with moving in the middle of her senior year, breaking up with her boyfriend, and feeling betrayed by her parents in measures to wanting to be a different person and the emotions that came across her growing attraction with Luke. I did get somewhat annoyed at the emphasis of Emily being a "nice girl" because it seemed a little telling considering everything Emily does in this book could be considered mean and blunt. We don't really have a balancing comparison of what her life was like before the nice girl thing was dropped. In fact, it seems like she'd been pretending more than being "nice" in some considerations, but there were others we could see Emily was trying to do the right thing - just not necessarily in a balanced light. In addition, there were several cliches I could point out in the dialogue and assumptions about guys/girls that made me side-eye the book a little. But I enjoyed what it offered, and it kept me reading.
To summarize the plot briefly, Emily ends up moving from Chicago back to Boston to finish up her senior year after her Dad's company moves him there. But then on moving day, her Dad decides to stay behind, and Emily is less than thrilled, having to go with her mom and brother TJ back to where she used to live. Emily doesn't have a problem fitting back in, but sharing her guy problems inspires her, along with her friends, to write a manual on how guys should treat girls. And to prove that they work? Emily has to try out the suggestions with the popular, but supposedly ungrateful jerk Luke, who so happens to be a former boyfriend of one of Emily's friends. Emily swears that she won't get attached and thinks she has the upper hand, but if you see where this story's going, chances are you won't be surprised how the ball keeps rolling. But it's a sweet ride, and while there are times Emily and Luke can both be indulgent and self-centered, both of them are actually kind of cute together in other places, so it balanced out.
The ending came across a bit quickly (probably more than realistically plausible), but for a light, quick offering, I'd likely read "The Book of Luke" again.
Overall score: 3.5/5
To summarize the plot briefly, Emily ends up moving from Chicago back to Boston to finish up her senior year after her Dad's company moves him there. But then on moving day, her Dad decides to stay behind, and Emily is less than thrilled, having to go with her mom and brother TJ back to where she used to live. Emily doesn't have a problem fitting back in, but sharing her guy problems inspires her, along with her friends, to write a manual on how guys should treat girls. And to prove that they work? Emily has to try out the suggestions with the popular, but supposedly ungrateful jerk Luke, who so happens to be a former boyfriend of one of Emily's friends. Emily swears that she won't get attached and thinks she has the upper hand, but if you see where this story's going, chances are you won't be surprised how the ball keeps rolling. But it's a sweet ride, and while there are times Emily and Luke can both be indulgent and self-centered, both of them are actually kind of cute together in other places, so it balanced out.
The ending came across a bit quickly (probably more than realistically plausible), but for a light, quick offering, I'd likely read "The Book of Luke" again.
Overall score: 3.5/5
April 28, 2015
3.5 Stars
When we first meet Emily she is being forced to move back to Boston, her boyfriend dumps her and it turns out her father is not coming with them! But being back in Boston is not all bad. She reconnects with her old best friends, Josie and Lucy, and together they come up with a perfect idea for their senior time capsule: an instruction book for guys teaching them the right way to treat girls. Of course, they decide they should test it out and who better to test it on than Luke Preston - Josie's ex boyfriend who dumped her by email! Determined not to be a nice girl anymore Emily launches herself into the plan with gusto - but things don't go according to plan...
This was a fun read. I like Jenny O'Connell's writing style - she always creates really interesting characters. I really liked Emily despite the fact that what she was doing was really mean. And there is no way round that - the three friends are being incredibly mean. But you can see why they do it which makes it work. Also you get a good insight into Emily and her home life - and you take the journey with her as she learns that not all things are black and white.
I really loved Luke. I liked how Jenny O'Connell made him three dimensional. He wasn't just another hot guy but came across as a real person with flaws. He hasn't always done the right thing but he's not being intentionally mean. And I loved the scenes with him and Emily. They really seemed to connect - they told each other things they hadn't told anyone else.
My favourite aspect of the story though was Emily and her father and I was a bit disappointed this wasn't explored a bit more. I would also have liked more on Emily reconnecting with her friends and looking at her relationship with her friends back in Chicago. I would rather have had the 'test out the guide' plot end a bit sooner and have these elements become the focus but overall I enjoyed the book. And I'm definitely interested in reading whatever Jenny O'Connell writes next.
When we first meet Emily she is being forced to move back to Boston, her boyfriend dumps her and it turns out her father is not coming with them! But being back in Boston is not all bad. She reconnects with her old best friends, Josie and Lucy, and together they come up with a perfect idea for their senior time capsule: an instruction book for guys teaching them the right way to treat girls. Of course, they decide they should test it out and who better to test it on than Luke Preston - Josie's ex boyfriend who dumped her by email! Determined not to be a nice girl anymore Emily launches herself into the plan with gusto - but things don't go according to plan...
This was a fun read. I like Jenny O'Connell's writing style - she always creates really interesting characters. I really liked Emily despite the fact that what she was doing was really mean. And there is no way round that - the three friends are being incredibly mean. But you can see why they do it which makes it work. Also you get a good insight into Emily and her home life - and you take the journey with her as she learns that not all things are black and white.
I really loved Luke. I liked how Jenny O'Connell made him three dimensional. He wasn't just another hot guy but came across as a real person with flaws. He hasn't always done the right thing but he's not being intentionally mean. And I loved the scenes with him and Emily. They really seemed to connect - they told each other things they hadn't told anyone else.
My favourite aspect of the story though was Emily and her father and I was a bit disappointed this wasn't explored a bit more. I would also have liked more on Emily reconnecting with her friends and looking at her relationship with her friends back in Chicago. I would rather have had the 'test out the guide' plot end a bit sooner and have these elements become the focus but overall I enjoyed the book. And I'm definitely interested in reading whatever Jenny O'Connell writes next.
November 5, 2018
Let me start with the fact even the title has the love interests name in it. What?! Come on. Why aren't we teaching young readers NOT to fall for the vacuous, selfish and frankly RUDE guy at school who expects you to like him, and the rubbish way he treats you, which inherently suggests he's not that bothered about making an effort with you. Because, let's face it, why does he need to?
The thing is, I actually read this book as a young teenager and loved it. Since then I've become more critical as a reader, but also just as a person, and can see the enormous flaws with the characters, the silly plot and the horrendous lesson to be learned with telling stupid lies.
That's what this book is - a collective of stupid lies Emily (who is apparently a nice girl, but I'm not sure nice girls would be so nasty) tells because one of her best friends (although I'm not sure a good friend would ask you to play stupid games to hurt people!) was cheated on and dumped by her gorgeous (read, asshat) boyfriend. So Emily is basically convinced by her friends to teach Luke a lesson, to make him a better person, and then dump him. She's also not allowed to develop feelings for a person she's expected to invest so much time in. but she is expected to mess about with his. I just can't stomach this. I mean, I don't think I need to tell you what happens to be honest.
I do like the way Jenny O'Connell writes. She absolutely has the teenager voice nailed, and I did find it to be a quick and relatively enjoyable read in that regard. But I was so frustrated by all the double standards, nasty girls, the stupid plot and cocky boys. I don't even know where to begin. Emily isn't a nice girl, neither are her vindictive and manipulative "friends". Luke isn't a nice guy from start to finish, but he still doesn't deserve a malicious game to be played on him. I can't get behind any of the characters, and the plot makes my blood boil.
And just to save you some time: If you've seen John Tucker Must Die, you've basically read this book.
The thing is, I actually read this book as a young teenager and loved it. Since then I've become more critical as a reader, but also just as a person, and can see the enormous flaws with the characters, the silly plot and the horrendous lesson to be learned with telling stupid lies.
That's what this book is - a collective of stupid lies Emily (who is apparently a nice girl, but I'm not sure nice girls would be so nasty) tells because one of her best friends (although I'm not sure a good friend would ask you to play stupid games to hurt people!) was cheated on and dumped by her gorgeous (read, asshat) boyfriend. So Emily is basically convinced by her friends to teach Luke a lesson, to make him a better person, and then dump him. She's also not allowed to develop feelings for a person she's expected to invest so much time in. but she is expected to mess about with his. I just can't stomach this. I mean, I don't think I need to tell you what happens to be honest.
I do like the way Jenny O'Connell writes. She absolutely has the teenager voice nailed, and I did find it to be a quick and relatively enjoyable read in that regard. But I was so frustrated by all the double standards, nasty girls, the stupid plot and cocky boys. I don't even know where to begin. Emily isn't a nice girl, neither are her vindictive and manipulative "friends". Luke isn't a nice guy from start to finish, but he still doesn't deserve a malicious game to be played on him. I can't get behind any of the characters, and the plot makes my blood boil.
And just to save you some time: If you've seen John Tucker Must Die, you've basically read this book.
September 10, 2015
When I first read about this book online, I knew that I had to get to it. I love books that have a plot around some he-said-she-said, boy vs girl storyline. I wasn't disappointed to say the least.
I think this book is great for any teen who knows the ordeals that goes into choosing a friends and someone we can potentially love. It's also great for girls who think that guys are genetically stupid and just don't know how to treat girls right. Jenny O'Connell makes it clear in this novel that boys aren't the only ones who make stupid decisions and ultimately hurt those around them. Sometimes the problems that seem to be most troublesome between the two sexes is just a mess of misunderstandings.
I love the idea of Emily, a girl who's a nice girl, and is done with that persona. I personally think that it's insulting whenever anyone who knows me describes me as "nice." It's a thing you say about your neighbour or someone you don't really know how to describe. And though I do applaud Emily for finally speaking out for herself and taking life in her own hands, I also see how her efforts to be not nice end up in a really big mess.
One problem I did have with the characters is Josie's part in it. The guide was to just reform guys and let them know exactly what they're doing wrong. However, halfway into the novel, she expresses wanting to take Luke back for herself. It makes the relationship between Emily and Luke seem wrong no matter how it may end. And then Josie lets Emily off and even sets her back up with Luke. Both these abrupt changes seem too forced as if her actions are what helps O'Connell get the outcomes she wants from the story. Besides that, I liked the book. And I'll recommend it to teens anywhere.
I think this book is great for any teen who knows the ordeals that goes into choosing a friends and someone we can potentially love. It's also great for girls who think that guys are genetically stupid and just don't know how to treat girls right. Jenny O'Connell makes it clear in this novel that boys aren't the only ones who make stupid decisions and ultimately hurt those around them. Sometimes the problems that seem to be most troublesome between the two sexes is just a mess of misunderstandings.
I love the idea of Emily, a girl who's a nice girl, and is done with that persona. I personally think that it's insulting whenever anyone who knows me describes me as "nice." It's a thing you say about your neighbour or someone you don't really know how to describe. And though I do applaud Emily for finally speaking out for herself and taking life in her own hands, I also see how her efforts to be not nice end up in a really big mess.
One problem I did have with the characters is Josie's part in it. The guide was to just reform guys and let them know exactly what they're doing wrong. However, halfway into the novel, she expresses wanting to take Luke back for herself. It makes the relationship between Emily and Luke seem wrong no matter how it may end. And then Josie lets Emily off and even sets her back up with Luke. Both these abrupt changes seem too forced as if her actions are what helps O'Connell get the outcomes she wants from the story. Besides that, I liked the book. And I'll recommend it to teens anywhere.
April 21, 2009
High school senior Emily Abbott has always been nice. That’s what happens when your mother is a nationally known etiquette guru.
Well, look where nice has gotten her. Several weeks before Christmas, her dad makes the decision to move the family back to Massachusetts, where they grew up, and then several days later announces that he is going to stay in Chicago for a little while. Then her boyfriend Sean breaks up with her the morning she is leaving on her front step, in front of her whole family.
So Emily is done with being nice. Her old best friends Josie and Lucy welcome her back, and together they begin boy-bashing. Why are all guys so rude, oblivious, obnoxious, and just plain clueless? The three decide to put together a not-so-nice guide to set the guys straight.
But before they can reveal this information to everyone, they must test it first. And there is no better guy to test it on than Josie’s ex-boyfriend, Luke Preston, the hottest and most popular guy in school, who broke up with her through email. Emily is going to make Luke fall for her, give him a few lessons in guy etiquette, and then dump him to get back at him for what he did to Josie and other girls.
Except somewhere in the middle of her game, her actions stop feeling manipulative and start feeling…genuine. Emily is torn between her love for her sort-of boyfriend Luke and her dedication to her friends and their project. Her attempt to keep both by lying to everyone could just end up losing her everyone she cares for…unless she’s brave enough to come clean to everyone.
Jenny O’Connell has a real ear for teen dialogue a great story going, and the result is a fun and charming book that’s worth reading.
Well, look where nice has gotten her. Several weeks before Christmas, her dad makes the decision to move the family back to Massachusetts, where they grew up, and then several days later announces that he is going to stay in Chicago for a little while. Then her boyfriend Sean breaks up with her the morning she is leaving on her front step, in front of her whole family.
So Emily is done with being nice. Her old best friends Josie and Lucy welcome her back, and together they begin boy-bashing. Why are all guys so rude, oblivious, obnoxious, and just plain clueless? The three decide to put together a not-so-nice guide to set the guys straight.
But before they can reveal this information to everyone, they must test it first. And there is no better guy to test it on than Josie’s ex-boyfriend, Luke Preston, the hottest and most popular guy in school, who broke up with her through email. Emily is going to make Luke fall for her, give him a few lessons in guy etiquette, and then dump him to get back at him for what he did to Josie and other girls.
Except somewhere in the middle of her game, her actions stop feeling manipulative and start feeling…genuine. Emily is torn between her love for her sort-of boyfriend Luke and her dedication to her friends and their project. Her attempt to keep both by lying to everyone could just end up losing her everyone she cares for…unless she’s brave enough to come clean to everyone.
Jenny O’Connell has a real ear for teen dialogue a great story going, and the result is a fun and charming book that’s worth reading.
May 26, 2011
Now-a-days, teen girls read "What to Look For in a Boy" guides, but nobody has written a "Don't Do This" guide directly towards boys, and that's what best friends Emily, Josie, and Lucy are thinking about doing. The morning Emily leaves Chicago to move back to Boston, her boyfriend Sean breaks up with her. Not only did her boyfriend just break up with her, Emily's dad is staying in Chicago to finsh things up and she has to say good-bye toher chance to becoming valedictorian of her graduating class, but that's still not it. She also has to say good-bye to her acceptance to Brown. As she moves back to Boston, Emily reunites with her old best friends Josie and Lucy who also think that boys should be taught a lesson. For their senior time capsule project, they come up with the idea to teach future guys how to become a good boyfriend. The girls choose Emily to test their tips on the hottest guy in school, Luke Preston, but will Emily fall for Luke in the end? Will not being the nice girl anymore catch up with her?
Through the ups-and-downs these three best friends experience with each other,"The Book of Luke" is perfectly suited for high-school girls, but too much of a chick-flick for guys. Girls can relate some way to what is happening in their everyday lives. If this book had to be decribed in one word, that word would have to be excellent.
Through the ups-and-downs these three best friends experience with each other,"The Book of Luke" is perfectly suited for high-school girls, but too much of a chick-flick for guys. Girls can relate some way to what is happening in their everyday lives. If this book had to be decribed in one word, that word would have to be excellent.
March 24, 2013
This book was alright, read something similar before but nevertheless I enjoy a witty romance novel.
Emily is your typical school girl but she's nice to everyone, in fact she's so nice that only one girl doesn't like her, because she tries to hard to be liked.
So when she gets uplifted to Chicago and back again to Hollywood 2 years later she's surprised to see not much has changed other than Luke Preston. The once invisible guy who left Emily a valentines card and a box of chocolates on the day she moved away is now one hot smouldering mouth watering piece of hotness that has every girl in school going gaga. And he is the sexy piece of ass that just dumped her friend by email.
Newly dumped Emily is hurting and aims all of her anger at arrogant Luke. For the capsule her and her 2 best friends are determined to reform him and change him into the perfect boyfriend. And Emily is the one whose going to do it. Whilst documenting everything. What could possibly go wrong?
Kinda predictable but I'm a sucker for HEA endings so...
Emily is your typical school girl but she's nice to everyone, in fact she's so nice that only one girl doesn't like her, because she tries to hard to be liked.
So when she gets uplifted to Chicago and back again to Hollywood 2 years later she's surprised to see not much has changed other than Luke Preston. The once invisible guy who left Emily a valentines card and a box of chocolates on the day she moved away is now one hot smouldering mouth watering piece of hotness that has every girl in school going gaga. And he is the sexy piece of ass that just dumped her friend by email.
Newly dumped Emily is hurting and aims all of her anger at arrogant Luke. For the capsule her and her 2 best friends are determined to reform him and change him into the perfect boyfriend. And Emily is the one whose going to do it. Whilst documenting everything. What could possibly go wrong?
Kinda predictable but I'm a sucker for HEA endings so...
January 16, 2012
This review might come across as harsh, and I apologize...I'm just in a bad mood.
On my Young Adult Contemporary Romance Spree, I stumbled upon this book and decided to give it a shot. My thoughts at the end of the book was--meh. I thought the book wasn't that bad but it wasn't great either. Although the story is a bit different from the books I've read, I think the execution was pretty meh. Yes, I'm using a lot of "mehs" because this book should've been called 'The Book of Meh'. No joke. I didn't like the main character much..I thought she was a bit whiny and I don't understand some of the things she did.
My advice to you is, if you have nothing else to read and bored out of your mind, this book can help. It's something to read!
On my Young Adult Contemporary Romance Spree, I stumbled upon this book and decided to give it a shot. My thoughts at the end of the book was--meh. I thought the book wasn't that bad but it wasn't great either. Although the story is a bit different from the books I've read, I think the execution was pretty meh. Yes, I'm using a lot of "mehs" because this book should've been called 'The Book of Meh'. No joke. I didn't like the main character much..I thought she was a bit whiny and I don't understand some of the things she did.
My advice to you is, if you have nothing else to read and bored out of your mind, this book can help. It's something to read!
August 5, 2014
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
I really hoped to like this book. I honestly really did. And overall, my favorite part was the love story part. But I was honestly really irritated by Emily and her lies, the book, the lying overall, and then Josie and Lucy were horrendous. I honestly didn't mind Lucy that much, but Josie irritated me a lot and she was honestly a bad friend in my opinion. The lies were constant and I honestly just wanted something more real. Overall, Luke and Emily were cute together, but I wish there was something more real for the story
I really hoped to like this book. I honestly really did. And overall, my favorite part was the love story part. But I was honestly really irritated by Emily and her lies, the book, the lying overall, and then Josie and Lucy were horrendous. I honestly didn't mind Lucy that much, but Josie irritated me a lot and she was honestly a bad friend in my opinion. The lies were constant and I honestly just wanted something more real. Overall, Luke and Emily were cute together, but I wish there was something more real for the story
August 18, 2023
me surpreendi demais com esse livro, achei que ia ser uma coisa meio morna, sem muito sabor mas ainda entregando o mínimo. mas não, veio um livro adolescente muito bom, com um plot bom. poderia trabalhar mais os personagens secundários ou alguns eventos que foram cortados e apenas mencionados? sim, claro. mas entendo também terem sido cortados (pro livro ficar menor, no caso).
será que ainda existe esse selo mtv no mundo editorial? e a qualidade dos livros é sempre essa vibe adolescente filme netflix pra ver de tarde comendo pipoca sem pensar muito?
será que ainda existe esse selo mtv no mundo editorial? e a qualidade dos livros é sempre essa vibe adolescente filme netflix pra ver de tarde comendo pipoca sem pensar muito?
August 28, 2016
I like reading teen contemporary romance because it's closer to the reality of what could happen to me (hopeless romantic in me thinking), or at least most of the time it is, but this was nothing special.
I actually got extremely annoyed with the female characters--they're all made out to be snobby and controlling of their boyfriends--which is already true for 75% of the female population. Give guys a break, jeeze.
I actually got extremely annoyed with the female characters--they're all made out to be snobby and controlling of their boyfriends--which is already true for 75% of the female population. Give guys a break, jeeze.
August 25, 2016
Wow! I never thought I'd be so into this book! It definitely suits my present situation. I am planning to change a person but because I read this I think I'll just influence him and not exactly change him.
Emily is totally like me. I'm nice but so sick of being one. Everyone thinks you'll always do the nicest best thing. But actually, I know how to screw things up, intentionally or accidentally.
I only have 3 words. NOBODY IS PERFECT.
Emily is totally like me. I'm nice but so sick of being one. Everyone thinks you'll always do the nicest best thing. But actually, I know how to screw things up, intentionally or accidentally.
I only have 3 words. NOBODY IS PERFECT.
November 27, 2008
This book was a trainwreck that happened in really slow motion. It started off kind of shaky but then picked up speed and then it just kind of crashed. And for about 150 pages it just kept getting worse and worse. It's a totally cliche story. Character development is weak and there's so much pointless dialogue that you feel like you're totally drowning in lame conversation.
Skip.
Skip.
June 17, 2011
This book was slightly slow at first and i feel like it kept dragging on but the last half of the book are what made this book very good. It had the usual 'love story' plot but with a twist, the guide. Through the last few chapters i had to stop reading a few times because i got so connected with the characters that i got a little emotional. This book was a great read, with an amazing ending!! :)
September 22, 2009
My 13 year old daughter wanted to read this book so I read it to make sure it was ok for her. She won't be allowed to read it at this time because although I really like the story, there are too many four letter words and sexual references. I might let her read it in a few years.
July 20, 2011
Mucho más que una guía para chicos!!! <3
July 17, 2011
I love Luke<3
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