What do you think?
Emily #1
The Year My Life Went Down the Loo
Emily finds it difficult to adjust when her family moves from Seattle to England, and e-mails her friend back home all of her troubles.
221 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 12, 2003
About the author
Katie Maxwell
21 books177 followersKatie Maxwell is a pseudonym of
Katie MacAlister
.
Katie MacAlister is a Seattle-area author of fiction and non-fiction. Her most popular titles are historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance. She also writes Young Adult books under the pseudonym Katie Maxwell and Mysteries under the pseudonym Kate Marsh.
About Katie
as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books later, her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Contact Katie
You can write to Katie at katie@katiemacalister.com or via snail mail at:
Katie MacAlister
c/o Three Seas Literary Agency
PO Box 8571
Madison, WI 53708
Katie MacAlister is a Seattle-area author of fiction and non-fiction. Her most popular titles are historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance. She also writes Young Adult books under the pseudonym Katie Maxwell and Mysteries under the pseudonym Kate Marsh.
About Katie
as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books later, her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Contact Katie
You can write to Katie at katie@katiemacalister.com or via snail mail at:
Katie MacAlister
c/o Three Seas Literary Agency
PO Box 8571
Madison, WI 53708
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 23, 2007
One of those books that might be overlooked as just being a silly Angus-Thongs-wannabe, but actually has a very good and too rarely addressed issue: a cute girl wants guys to like her so she flirts, dresses sexily, etc., and then is surprised when a guy thinks she wants him to do more than like her. She is saved at the last minute, but you get a clear sense of what might have happened. She's not a "bad" girl and it's not "bad" that she wants guys to think she's cute--but there can be bad consequences.
June 6, 2014
The Most Die Hard Romance Fan Will Love This Hilarious, Sweet Book
This book was one of the most hilarious young adult books I’ve read in while. My goal for this year was to diversify my reading bookshelf and I’m glad a good friend of mine recommend this book to me, as it’s a genre I don’t often explore but enjoy reading. I went into reading it optimistic but a little cynical because my usual preference is anywhere from sweet romance to extremely sensual romance. I would describe the romance in The Year My Life Went Down The Loo as a touch of sweet romance. It’s mainly the hilarious email correspondence between two teen girls concerning love, life, school, and family. It was surprisingly entertaining reading about Dru’s and Emily’s boy crushes, puppy-love spells, and mis-adventures concerning their relationships and mishaps with peers and family. I’m not exaggerating when I say I think I lost a few pounds having borderline obnoxious belly laughs in public as I read this book! And truly, we all need to laugh more in this world. I’m so glad my friend recommended this book to me and I discovered this author. Thanks, Katie Maxwell, for writing in a way to brighten a person’s day. I look forward to reading more of her books.
--Laurie Kozlowski
This book was one of the most hilarious young adult books I’ve read in while. My goal for this year was to diversify my reading bookshelf and I’m glad a good friend of mine recommend this book to me, as it’s a genre I don’t often explore but enjoy reading. I went into reading it optimistic but a little cynical because my usual preference is anywhere from sweet romance to extremely sensual romance. I would describe the romance in The Year My Life Went Down The Loo as a touch of sweet romance. It’s mainly the hilarious email correspondence between two teen girls concerning love, life, school, and family. It was surprisingly entertaining reading about Dru’s and Emily’s boy crushes, puppy-love spells, and mis-adventures concerning their relationships and mishaps with peers and family. I’m not exaggerating when I say I think I lost a few pounds having borderline obnoxious belly laughs in public as I read this book! And truly, we all need to laugh more in this world. I’m so glad my friend recommended this book to me and I discovered this author. Thanks, Katie Maxwell, for writing in a way to brighten a person’s day. I look forward to reading more of her books.
--Laurie Kozlowski
April 1, 2012
This is one of my favorite go-to books when I'm feeling down, or even if I just have a free Saturday afternoon. It's an easy read, but Emily has you laughing out loud with her wit, sarcasm, and hilarious anecdotes as her life in America is uprooted and she is transplanted to a tiny town in England. Very relatable for teenagers, or even young women who can still remember how they used to relate, in every adolescent way, to Emily's 15-year-old antics.
April 17, 2012
Emily Williams merasa hidupnya seperti terjatuh ke dalam toilet. Ia merasa sial, sejak ayahnya, pakar sejarah abad pertengahan, mengajaknya beserta ibu dan kakak perempuannya tinggal untuk sementara selama setahun di London demi mengadakan penelitian tentang sejarah. Akibatnya, Emily terpaksa meninggalkan sahabat baiknya, Dru, dan kehidupannya yang serba terpebuhi di Seattle.
Hari pertama Emily tiba di rumah baru mereka di Piddlington-on-the-Weld—well, itu nama kota tempat mereka tinggal—Emily dihebohkan dengan hantu pakaian dalam, yang membuat pakaian-pakaian dalamnya yang sudah ia tata rapi di laci berhamburan dan berserakan di mana-mana di kamarnya. Bukan main bencinya Emily tinggal di London. Apalagi, setelah ia tahu letak mall dan tempat-tempat hang out lainnya tidak begitu dekat dengan rumah tempat tinggalnya, ia serasa tinggal di daerah terpencil, tanpa mall, tanpa bioskop, tanpa tempat nongkrong, dan tinggal bersama orang tuanya yang menurutnya aneh. Dan hantu pakaian dalamnya.
Sampai suatu hari, dekan universitas tempat ayahnya bekerja berkunjung ke rumahnya. Dan ia membawa anak laki-lakinya yang seusia Emily, bernama Aidan. Aidan merupakan siswa sixth-form di sekolah Gobbotle, tempat Emily juga akan bersekolah, hanya saja sebagai siswa fifth-form, yang artinya Emily akan menjadi junior Aidan walaupun mereka sebaya. Sejak pertama kali bertemu dengan Aidan, Emily sudah suka dengan Aidan yang menurutnya tampan, seksi, dan dewasa. Terlebih lagi Aidan langsung mengajaknya ke tempat-tempat hang-out yang ada di daerah London, dan mengenalkannya pada teman Aidan yang sudah kuliah. Ada Devon yang playboy, dan Fang yang pendiam. Keduanya juga sama-sama tampan. Menurut Emily, Aidan pasti tertarik dengannya seperti ia tertarik dengan Aidan. Tapi, saat mereka sedang asyik-asyiknya mengobrol, muncullah cewek cantik yang langsung saja menempel seperti perangko pada Aidan. Cewek ini bahkan memanggil Aidan dengan ‘Sayang’. Mau tak mau, Emily merasa cemburu walaupun ia baru sebatas naksir Aidan.
Di sekolah barunya, sama seperti kebanyakan murid baru lainnya, Emily langsung saja menjadi bulan-bulanan beberapa murid yang menganggapnya Cewek-Pirang-Amerika-Yang-Tentu-Saja-Bodoh. Beruntung kepala sekolah barunya juga tak ambil pusing mengenai kenakalan-kenakalan remaja yang biasa terjadi. Hal paling banter yang diberikan kepala sekolah kepada Emily sebagai hukuman adalah membersihkan lorong sekolah atau kamar mandi selama beberapa hari. Dan ditunjuk sebagai ketua panitia Perayaan Pesta Halloween di sekolah barunya. Beruntung juga, Emily mendapatkan teman yang walaupun sedikit pendiam tapi menurutnya pas dengannya, Holly. Dan juga Emily satu sekolahan dengan Aidan, walaupun tidak sekelas, sehingga Aidan bisa mengenalkan beberapa teman ceweknya yang asyik kepada Emily.
Semuanya berjalan lancar bagi Emily, ia tak terlalu memusingkan adanya masalah-masalah yang timbul karena teman-teman barunya yang usil, dan hantu pakaian dalamnya. Terlebih lagi Aidan sepertinya juga menunjukkan rasa ketertarikan terhadap Emily. Suatu malam, Aidan mengajak Emily ke suatu club. Aidan berjanji pada ayah Emily bahwa ia akan memulangkan Emily sebelum larut malam, dan tak akan mengantar Emily pulang dengan keadaan mabuk. Sesampainya di club, Emily bertemu dengan Devon yang—tentu saja—bersama dengan dua orang gadis, dan Fang yang—juga tentu saja—sendirian. Tak beberapa lama, ternyata Aidan melupakan janjinya, ia mabuk berat. Saking mabuknya Aidan, ia malah menghujani Emily dengan ciuman-ciuman a la orang mabuk yang tentu saja menjijikkan, Aidan bahkan menarik tangan Emily dan mengarahkan ke selangkangannya. Emily yang—untungnya—masih sadar jelas sekali menolak. Aidan kecewa, marah, dan menolak untuk mengantar Emily pulang. Emily pun pulang diantar Fang. Berjalan kaki.
Buku ini merupakan kumpulan email-email Emily kepada sahabat baiknya di Seattle, Dru. Walaupun merupakan kumpulan email-email, tapi pembaca nggak akan dibuat bosan membacanya. Biasanya orang akan cenderung bosan membaca novel yang berupa kumpulan-kumpulan catatan harian, atau apapun. Entah itu karena dalam satu catatan harian, tulisannya terlalu panjang, berbelit-belit, dan tidak straight to the point. Atau bisa juga karena kurangnya dialog yang tercantum di catatan tersebut. Jadi, saya nggak tahu sih, apa karena novel ini merupakan noval Teenlit, sehingga pembaca pun nggak akan bosan membaca catatan harian Emily. Dialog-dialog yang dicantumkan Emily di email-emailnya sama seperti novel-novel lainnya (yang ceritanya nggak berasal dari catatan-catatan harian semacamnya lah), ringan, enteng, lucu, dan benar-benar menyegarkan kalo aku bilang.
Satu lagi, hal yang nggak bikin pembaca novel ini bored adalah, adanya sedikit potongan balasan dari Dru. Kadang-kadang kan, di novel kebanyakan, email yang dicantumkan kan cuma milik tokoh utama aja, nggak ada balesan dari yang dikirimin email.
Jadi pertama saya suka banget sama penulis yang menceritakan Aidan dan Devon yang ternyata mesum abis. Maksudnya adalah kalo kebanyakan novel-novel teenlit—terutama yang ditulis sama penulis Indonesia, nih—terlalu sopan. Ini kan remaja, man. Dan ini dunia semakin modern dan semakin ‘nggak bener’, konyol aja ketika membaca ada orang pacaran dan yang paling banter mereka lakukan adalah ‘sekedar’ candle-light-dinner. Mengutip kata-katanya Mbak Clara Ng di twitter nih, ‘mereka nggak ML?’. Yah, walaupun di novel ini nggak hubungan fisik yang sampai sejauh itu, tapi tetap aja bisa bikin emosi pembacanya naik turun, menurutku sih ujung-ujungnya anti-klimaks. Kayak pas Emily yang memuntahi Devon pas Devon asyik-asyiknya menciumi leher Emily. Jadi, sejujurnya, ketika membaca novel ini, sedikit amaze juga, sih. Keren, lucu, dan bikin saya mikir, ‘nah, ini dia nih!’.
Berhubung saya penasaran sama hubungan Emily dengan ketiga cowok kece ini. Akhirnya saya sampai searching-searching lagi tentang lanjutan buku ini. Gimana-gimana ending buku ini nggantung, lo. Pembaca dibikin penasaran dengan ‘Apakah Emily akan tetep pacaran sama Aidan, atau Em bakalan sama Fang?’ hey, saya lebih setuju kalo Emily sama Fang lho! Oh iya, lanjut tentang pencarian saya, jadi emang ada beberapa seri lanjutan tentang buku ini, banyak deh kalo nggak salah, tapi tiap buku ini nggak dibikin bersambung kayak novel-novel serial lainnya. Jadi lebih mirip kayak serial Tvnya Supernatural, tiap episode itu beda cerita. Nah kalo serial ini, tiap buku beda ceritanya.
Oke, sembari saya menimbang-nimbang apakah saya akan membeli salah satu lanjutannya atau nggak, coba deh baca novel yang—kalo dipasarin di Indonesia—berlabel teenlit ini. Dijamin ketawa terus deh, dengan tingkah konyolnya Emily Williams.
Hari pertama Emily tiba di rumah baru mereka di Piddlington-on-the-Weld—well, itu nama kota tempat mereka tinggal—Emily dihebohkan dengan hantu pakaian dalam, yang membuat pakaian-pakaian dalamnya yang sudah ia tata rapi di laci berhamburan dan berserakan di mana-mana di kamarnya. Bukan main bencinya Emily tinggal di London. Apalagi, setelah ia tahu letak mall dan tempat-tempat hang out lainnya tidak begitu dekat dengan rumah tempat tinggalnya, ia serasa tinggal di daerah terpencil, tanpa mall, tanpa bioskop, tanpa tempat nongkrong, dan tinggal bersama orang tuanya yang menurutnya aneh. Dan hantu pakaian dalamnya.
Sampai suatu hari, dekan universitas tempat ayahnya bekerja berkunjung ke rumahnya. Dan ia membawa anak laki-lakinya yang seusia Emily, bernama Aidan. Aidan merupakan siswa sixth-form di sekolah Gobbotle, tempat Emily juga akan bersekolah, hanya saja sebagai siswa fifth-form, yang artinya Emily akan menjadi junior Aidan walaupun mereka sebaya. Sejak pertama kali bertemu dengan Aidan, Emily sudah suka dengan Aidan yang menurutnya tampan, seksi, dan dewasa. Terlebih lagi Aidan langsung mengajaknya ke tempat-tempat hang-out yang ada di daerah London, dan mengenalkannya pada teman Aidan yang sudah kuliah. Ada Devon yang playboy, dan Fang yang pendiam. Keduanya juga sama-sama tampan. Menurut Emily, Aidan pasti tertarik dengannya seperti ia tertarik dengan Aidan. Tapi, saat mereka sedang asyik-asyiknya mengobrol, muncullah cewek cantik yang langsung saja menempel seperti perangko pada Aidan. Cewek ini bahkan memanggil Aidan dengan ‘Sayang’. Mau tak mau, Emily merasa cemburu walaupun ia baru sebatas naksir Aidan.
Di sekolah barunya, sama seperti kebanyakan murid baru lainnya, Emily langsung saja menjadi bulan-bulanan beberapa murid yang menganggapnya Cewek-Pirang-Amerika-Yang-Tentu-Saja-Bodoh. Beruntung kepala sekolah barunya juga tak ambil pusing mengenai kenakalan-kenakalan remaja yang biasa terjadi. Hal paling banter yang diberikan kepala sekolah kepada Emily sebagai hukuman adalah membersihkan lorong sekolah atau kamar mandi selama beberapa hari. Dan ditunjuk sebagai ketua panitia Perayaan Pesta Halloween di sekolah barunya. Beruntung juga, Emily mendapatkan teman yang walaupun sedikit pendiam tapi menurutnya pas dengannya, Holly. Dan juga Emily satu sekolahan dengan Aidan, walaupun tidak sekelas, sehingga Aidan bisa mengenalkan beberapa teman ceweknya yang asyik kepada Emily.
Semuanya berjalan lancar bagi Emily, ia tak terlalu memusingkan adanya masalah-masalah yang timbul karena teman-teman barunya yang usil, dan hantu pakaian dalamnya. Terlebih lagi Aidan sepertinya juga menunjukkan rasa ketertarikan terhadap Emily. Suatu malam, Aidan mengajak Emily ke suatu club. Aidan berjanji pada ayah Emily bahwa ia akan memulangkan Emily sebelum larut malam, dan tak akan mengantar Emily pulang dengan keadaan mabuk. Sesampainya di club, Emily bertemu dengan Devon yang—tentu saja—bersama dengan dua orang gadis, dan Fang yang—juga tentu saja—sendirian. Tak beberapa lama, ternyata Aidan melupakan janjinya, ia mabuk berat. Saking mabuknya Aidan, ia malah menghujani Emily dengan ciuman-ciuman a la orang mabuk yang tentu saja menjijikkan, Aidan bahkan menarik tangan Emily dan mengarahkan ke selangkangannya. Emily yang—untungnya—masih sadar jelas sekali menolak. Aidan kecewa, marah, dan menolak untuk mengantar Emily pulang. Emily pun pulang diantar Fang. Berjalan kaki.
Buku ini merupakan kumpulan email-email Emily kepada sahabat baiknya di Seattle, Dru. Walaupun merupakan kumpulan email-email, tapi pembaca nggak akan dibuat bosan membacanya. Biasanya orang akan cenderung bosan membaca novel yang berupa kumpulan-kumpulan catatan harian, atau apapun. Entah itu karena dalam satu catatan harian, tulisannya terlalu panjang, berbelit-belit, dan tidak straight to the point. Atau bisa juga karena kurangnya dialog yang tercantum di catatan tersebut. Jadi, saya nggak tahu sih, apa karena novel ini merupakan noval Teenlit, sehingga pembaca pun nggak akan bosan membaca catatan harian Emily. Dialog-dialog yang dicantumkan Emily di email-emailnya sama seperti novel-novel lainnya (yang ceritanya nggak berasal dari catatan-catatan harian semacamnya lah), ringan, enteng, lucu, dan benar-benar menyegarkan kalo aku bilang.
Satu lagi, hal yang nggak bikin pembaca novel ini bored adalah, adanya sedikit potongan balasan dari Dru. Kadang-kadang kan, di novel kebanyakan, email yang dicantumkan kan cuma milik tokoh utama aja, nggak ada balesan dari yang dikirimin email.
Jadi pertama saya suka banget sama penulis yang menceritakan Aidan dan Devon yang ternyata mesum abis. Maksudnya adalah kalo kebanyakan novel-novel teenlit—terutama yang ditulis sama penulis Indonesia, nih—terlalu sopan. Ini kan remaja, man. Dan ini dunia semakin modern dan semakin ‘nggak bener’, konyol aja ketika membaca ada orang pacaran dan yang paling banter mereka lakukan adalah ‘sekedar’ candle-light-dinner. Mengutip kata-katanya Mbak Clara Ng di twitter nih, ‘mereka nggak ML?’. Yah, walaupun di novel ini nggak hubungan fisik yang sampai sejauh itu, tapi tetap aja bisa bikin emosi pembacanya naik turun, menurutku sih ujung-ujungnya anti-klimaks. Kayak pas Emily yang memuntahi Devon pas Devon asyik-asyiknya menciumi leher Emily. Jadi, sejujurnya, ketika membaca novel ini, sedikit amaze juga, sih. Keren, lucu, dan bikin saya mikir, ‘nah, ini dia nih!’.
Berhubung saya penasaran sama hubungan Emily dengan ketiga cowok kece ini. Akhirnya saya sampai searching-searching lagi tentang lanjutan buku ini. Gimana-gimana ending buku ini nggantung, lo. Pembaca dibikin penasaran dengan ‘Apakah Emily akan tetep pacaran sama Aidan, atau Em bakalan sama Fang?’ hey, saya lebih setuju kalo Emily sama Fang lho! Oh iya, lanjut tentang pencarian saya, jadi emang ada beberapa seri lanjutan tentang buku ini, banyak deh kalo nggak salah, tapi tiap buku ini nggak dibikin bersambung kayak novel-novel serial lainnya. Jadi lebih mirip kayak serial Tvnya Supernatural, tiap episode itu beda cerita. Nah kalo serial ini, tiap buku beda ceritanya.
Oke, sembari saya menimbang-nimbang apakah saya akan membeli salah satu lanjutannya atau nggak, coba deh baca novel yang—kalo dipasarin di Indonesia—berlabel teenlit ini. Dijamin ketawa terus deh, dengan tingkah konyolnya Emily Williams.
September 11, 2011
This week’s headline? Teen does England
Why this book? Work in progress
Which book format? Half-price used paperback
Primary reading environment? Carry in purse
Any preconceived notions? Want to hate
Identify most with? Dru, email recipient
Three-word quote? “SimEmily died. Gah.”
Goes well with? Walker’s crisps (sigh)
OMG! R u 4 real? I know it’s a crappy paperback, but this book sucks.
We love playing The Sims? We have email addresses like Dru@Seattlegrrl.com? We totally dye our hair Copper Sunset Splendor (curiously, spelled without the “u,” even though the hair salon is located in London)?
Does this author, like, know any teenagers at all? Ones that aren’t Angela Chase?
Surely, I could just be jealous because this book takes my idea (young adult novel about study abroad) and runs with it, but the whole point of me reading it is that I’m allowed to pick it apart. I have to learn what not to do, you know?
And boy, did I. While I envy the way the author bites into her story and injects her character with more energy than all three of mine combined, I still think there’s something to be said for not being a hack writer.
The entire story is structured as emails, which is completely unrealistic and annoying, but it can be done well — the appeal of Rosie Dunne was how Cecilia Ahern (or her editor) deftly handled the telling of a story through nothing but fictional ephemera and the characters’ own written words.
In this book, the characters’ words were fake teenage slang and forced Brit-speak. So annoying.
When Siskel and Ebert reviewed My Girl, way, way back in the day, I remember one of them saying: cute movie, but why was it necessary for the story to take place in the seventies?*
There was no reason for this particular story to be set in England. The author’s bio claims she’s a “dyed in the wool anglophile,” but so what? Why should we care?
So what would compel this reader, the intended audience, and the author herself to finish? One word: foreplay.
Other cultural accompaniments: SASS books; The Twilight Saga franchise; The Vagina Workshop from The Vagina Monologues; Rosie Dunne/Love, Rosie/Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern; Bongwater by Michael Hornburg/(1997); My Girl(1991)
*Editor's Note (9/12/11) I want to say that I recently watched My Girl as an adult and I do think the seventies setting was necessary because it added dimension to the character of Shelly.
Grade: B
I leave you with this: I am lime green Jell-o.
Why this book? Work in progress
Which book format? Half-price used paperback
Primary reading environment? Carry in purse
Any preconceived notions? Want to hate
Identify most with? Dru, email recipient
Three-word quote? “SimEmily died. Gah.”
Goes well with? Walker’s crisps (sigh)
OMG! R u 4 real? I know it’s a crappy paperback, but this book sucks.
We love playing The Sims? We have email addresses like Dru@Seattlegrrl.com? We totally dye our hair Copper Sunset Splendor (curiously, spelled without the “u,” even though the hair salon is located in London)?
Does this author, like, know any teenagers at all? Ones that aren’t Angela Chase?
Surely, I could just be jealous because this book takes my idea (young adult novel about study abroad) and runs with it, but the whole point of me reading it is that I’m allowed to pick it apart. I have to learn what not to do, you know?
And boy, did I. While I envy the way the author bites into her story and injects her character with more energy than all three of mine combined, I still think there’s something to be said for not being a hack writer.
The entire story is structured as emails, which is completely unrealistic and annoying, but it can be done well — the appeal of Rosie Dunne was how Cecilia Ahern (or her editor) deftly handled the telling of a story through nothing but fictional ephemera and the characters’ own written words.
In this book, the characters’ words were fake teenage slang and forced Brit-speak. So annoying.
When Siskel and Ebert reviewed My Girl, way, way back in the day, I remember one of them saying: cute movie, but why was it necessary for the story to take place in the seventies?*
There was no reason for this particular story to be set in England. The author’s bio claims she’s a “dyed in the wool anglophile,” but so what? Why should we care?
So what would compel this reader, the intended audience, and the author herself to finish? One word: foreplay.
Other cultural accompaniments: SASS books; The Twilight Saga franchise; The Vagina Workshop from The Vagina Monologues; Rosie Dunne/Love, Rosie/Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern; Bongwater by Michael Hornburg/(1997); My Girl(1991)
*Editor's Note (9/12/11) I want to say that I recently watched My Girl as an adult and I do think the seventies setting was necessary because it added dimension to the character of Shelly.
Grade: B
I leave you with this: I am lime green Jell-o.
March 16, 2024
The ✨✨nostalgia✨✨
October 3, 2017
I read this as a tweenager and thought it was hilarious. As an adult rereading it, it's not nearly so funny but it's still a fun, humorous little read. I understand more of the British slang now and Emily's confusion over her boyfriend makes more sense even though it's still annoying. I liked it, but it is definitely dated and definitely caters to a much younger audience. A nice throwback from my past.
May 7, 2021
I loved these books when I first read them in like 2004. And let tell you, they are still funny as f.
Emily is hilarious. The books are written in email format and just flow really well. Em and Co also deal with realize issues (sex, family problems, how to say no) that I think are still relevant.
Emily is hilarious. The books are written in email format and just flow really well. Em and Co also deal with realize issues (sex, family problems, how to say no) that I think are still relevant.
November 5, 2017
I read this book countless times due to it's lightly weighted humor. I love the way it's written, the excellent choice of title, and the love story that never happened.
February 2, 2018
It was.... strange. I liked it, but it wasn't very... PG. :)
April 12, 2018
An easy read.
December 25, 2020
Read years ago, but decided to do a reread. Not as good as before, but then again I read it years ago and had different taste in reading material.
May 9, 2013
I found this book second-hand and immediately picked it up due to its quirky title and also because I'm English living in America- so I loved the concept of my situation in reverse. At first I genuinely enjoyed the story- I could relate to Emily's teenage woes and loved the English references. However the ranty/angry/email format narration got on my nerves VERY QUICKLY. After reading the first few chapters I flipped through the rest and thought "Do I really have to read through a dozen more of these irritating emails?" I wanted a break from the constant unstructured, diary-like writing style and the author just didn't provide one.
Apart from the obnoxious style, I also could not stand Emily after reading only a few chapters of her selfish, slutty, immature actions. I understand that she's a boy-crazy teenage girl but her constant need for male attention drove me INSANE. She had to flirt with every last boy in sight, and basically ignored her only friend at her new school in order to impress the boys. Not to mention how utterly self-centered her emails were to her friend back home. Also, along with her constant whoring around for attention, Emily predictably went after ALL THE WRONG GUYS who treated her terribly, only to realize that a respectful, all round good guy was waiting for her the whole time. Can we say, unoriginal? After all the crap she put everyone through, Emily did not deserve the good guy in the end.
I also got extremely annoyed with her slang. No one, I repeat, NO ONE says "coolio". That isn't American slang, that's just stupid. She said it sooo many times and it drove me up a wall.
To sum it up, this book is not worth the read despite its appearance as a light-hearted, funny teen novel. Will I be reading the sequel about Emily's slutty adventures in Scotland? Absolutely not.
Apart from the obnoxious style, I also could not stand Emily after reading only a few chapters of her selfish, slutty, immature actions. I understand that she's a boy-crazy teenage girl but her constant need for male attention drove me INSANE. She had to flirt with every last boy in sight, and basically ignored her only friend at her new school in order to impress the boys. Not to mention how utterly self-centered her emails were to her friend back home. Also, along with her constant whoring around for attention, Emily predictably went after ALL THE WRONG GUYS who treated her terribly, only to realize that a respectful, all round good guy was waiting for her the whole time. Can we say, unoriginal? After all the crap she put everyone through, Emily did not deserve the good guy in the end.
I also got extremely annoyed with her slang. No one, I repeat, NO ONE says "coolio". That isn't American slang, that's just stupid. She said it sooo many times and it drove me up a wall.
To sum it up, this book is not worth the read despite its appearance as a light-hearted, funny teen novel. Will I be reading the sequel about Emily's slutty adventures in Scotland? Absolutely not.
April 17, 2014
Emily itu cewek Amerika yang suka nongkrong di mal, terobsesi pada make up dan dandanan, self-centered, dan agak manja. Suatu hari dia dan keluarganya harus pindah ke Inggris. Tipikal banget ceritanya si Emily ini, cewek Amerika yang ngeluh-ngeluh kenapa Inggris begitu kuno dan kotanya nggak punya mal! Huh, agak kesel sama karakter remaja begini. Spoiled. If I were her I'll be glad living in a little village! Ah, tapi kan saya bukan remaja lagi, ya. Jadi, ceritanya si Emily ketemu sama cowok, namanya Aidan, anak dekan di tempat ayahnya Emily bekerja selama di Inggris. Dan, ya, Emily langsung terobsesi dengan Aidan ini, yang ternyata satu sekolah dan jadi kakak kelasnya (karena Emily harus mengulang setahun di bawahnya berkat sistem pendidikan di Inggris yang berbeda dengan di Amerika).
Selain Aidan, Emily punya cadangan: Devon dan Fang, teman-teman Aidan yang sudah kuliah. Tentu aja cewek ini mau jadi pacar salah satu dari mereka, seandainya Aidan nggak suka padanya! Apalagi Aidan kelihatan dekat dengan cewek yang namanya Tash.
Makin ke belakang, ceritanya semakin menyebalkan. Banyak typo. Tapi ada satu pelajaran yang menurut saya udah sesuai sama keadaan remaja di sini sekarang. Soal Emily yang dipaksa melakukan 'itu' sama cowok yang dia sukai, Aidan. Katanya, kan, sekarang udah banyak anak sekolah yang terjebak PK, terutama yang cewek-cewek itu. Meski hampir terjebak, tapi akhirnya Emily lepas dari jeratan si PK atau kalau di Inggris disebut 'mixer' ini.
Teknik penulisannya, si Emily ini menulis surel ke sahabatnya di Amerika, Dru. Hm, tapi lumayanlah buat bacaan ringan. Agak terhibur juga karena settingnya ambil Inggris. :D
Selain Aidan, Emily punya cadangan: Devon dan Fang, teman-teman Aidan yang sudah kuliah. Tentu aja cewek ini mau jadi pacar salah satu dari mereka, seandainya Aidan nggak suka padanya! Apalagi Aidan kelihatan dekat dengan cewek yang namanya Tash.
Makin ke belakang, ceritanya semakin menyebalkan. Banyak typo. Tapi ada satu pelajaran yang menurut saya udah sesuai sama keadaan remaja di sini sekarang. Soal Emily yang dipaksa melakukan 'itu' sama cowok yang dia sukai, Aidan. Katanya, kan, sekarang udah banyak anak sekolah yang terjebak PK, terutama yang cewek-cewek itu. Meski hampir terjebak, tapi akhirnya Emily lepas dari jeratan si PK atau kalau di Inggris disebut 'mixer' ini.
Teknik penulisannya, si Emily ini menulis surel ke sahabatnya di Amerika, Dru. Hm, tapi lumayanlah buat bacaan ringan. Agak terhibur juga karena settingnya ambil Inggris. :D
January 9, 2008
Reading Katie Maxwell's The Year My Life Went Down the Loo, which was recommended to me by a friend, I initially thought, "What a self-absorbed little snot this girl is!"
Emily is 16 and her parents have just ruined her life by moving her to England while her father serves as an adjunct professor for a year in Oxford. Queen of hyperbole, Emily sees everything as uber-coolio or the worst thing to ever happen to her. The book is a series of emails mainly from her to her friend, Dru, who is still back in Seattle, nursing a broken leg and a broken heart.
Emily regales Dru with stories of her stormy relationships with hunky Aidan, dreamy Devon, and the patient and sweet Fang. She is also friends with Holly, a fellow fifth year, Peg, and Lalla.
The book spans about 3 months, and I gather is the first in a series.
To be honest, I kind of hated Emily in the beginning. She is so centered on her own inner angst and the turmoil of starting a new school that she can't see the forest for the trees.
However, as the book progresses, you realize that she is actually quite an intelligent and moral young woman who is meeting head on the problems that she faces either as a result of her family's decision to move or as a result of her own actions. I began to actually root for her about halfway through the book, and I'm hoping that if I can get my hands on the others in the series, I'll continue to feel the same "rah, rah, Emily!" spirit as her journey progresses.
Emily is 16 and her parents have just ruined her life by moving her to England while her father serves as an adjunct professor for a year in Oxford. Queen of hyperbole, Emily sees everything as uber-coolio or the worst thing to ever happen to her. The book is a series of emails mainly from her to her friend, Dru, who is still back in Seattle, nursing a broken leg and a broken heart.
Emily regales Dru with stories of her stormy relationships with hunky Aidan, dreamy Devon, and the patient and sweet Fang. She is also friends with Holly, a fellow fifth year, Peg, and Lalla.
The book spans about 3 months, and I gather is the first in a series.
To be honest, I kind of hated Emily in the beginning. She is so centered on her own inner angst and the turmoil of starting a new school that she can't see the forest for the trees.
However, as the book progresses, you realize that she is actually quite an intelligent and moral young woman who is meeting head on the problems that she faces either as a result of her family's decision to move or as a result of her own actions. I began to actually root for her about halfway through the book, and I'm hoping that if I can get my hands on the others in the series, I'll continue to feel the same "rah, rah, Emily!" spirit as her journey progresses.
September 28, 2008
This is the tale of a teen who has been dragged off to England with her progressive (and therefore embarassing) parents and activist (and even more embarrassing) older sister. Injustice after injustice, she feels, is piled onto her life, like how she gets put in the "5th form" in the English school system, effectively putting her back a year from where she should have been in the American! She tries to make the best of it, by flirting it up with a crush-alicious British boy from the 6th form, and a mortifying-yet-fun semester ensues.
The entire story is told in the form of e-mails sent by Emily to her best friend back home, Dru, who seems to be having some boy-troubles of her own.
Emily is pretty lucky to have the parents that she does -- they've done a great job of communicating to her some very important information. Like, for example, the fact that she has a right to say "no" and that if she's made uncomfortable by a boy, that's not the way it's supposed to feel. She proves to the reader that she's grasped these lessons as she stumbles through her relationships, though her convictions are tested by backward-thinking boys. I was proud of her for keeping it up with the "no"s, and for recognising that it was the boy who had the problem, not her, when she said, "I just wish someone would tell him he's not supposed to get so angry [when I say 'no':]."
This was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I took the time to get through it before passing it along!
The entire story is told in the form of e-mails sent by Emily to her best friend back home, Dru, who seems to be having some boy-troubles of her own.
Emily is pretty lucky to have the parents that she does -- they've done a great job of communicating to her some very important information. Like, for example, the fact that she has a right to say "no" and that if she's made uncomfortable by a boy, that's not the way it's supposed to feel. She proves to the reader that she's grasped these lessons as she stumbles through her relationships, though her convictions are tested by backward-thinking boys. I was proud of her for keeping it up with the "no"s, and for recognising that it was the boy who had the problem, not her, when she said, "I just wish someone would tell him he's not supposed to get so angry [when I say 'no':]."
This was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I took the time to get through it before passing it along!
May 1, 2011
Angst of a 16 yo forced to move to a small town in England when her father goes there on a teaching assignment. It is told in the form of emails to her friend back home. However, it is a little unbelieveable that some of thes emails are the equivalent of full book chapter and she uses no internet shorthand. There are no malls, the school uniform is hideous, she is held her back a year behind her age group peers, her 18 yo sister has much more freedom, and her parents go out of their way to mortify her (such as having a "no sex with our daughter" chat with the guy who is escorting her to a party ... "and by the way that includes oral sex, she's too young for that as well."). She finds herself juggling between 3 guys with varying amounts of appeal, as well as providing relationship advise to her friend back home.
A couple of parts defy reason, such as the school being unaware that she'd never had French before. I went to 3 different schools in 6 years in England and always got tested for placement/competency in French at the new school. And since the parents went and met with the headmaster to set her schedule (including the decision to place her back with 15 yos), how would this not have come up? The "ghost" that keeps pulling out all her underwear in her bedroom is never explained, although that may be intended as a subplot for a sequel. Otherwise, it's just a meaningless plot devise to have it happen multiple times without answer.
A couple of parts defy reason, such as the school being unaware that she'd never had French before. I went to 3 different schools in 6 years in England and always got tested for placement/competency in French at the new school. And since the parents went and met with the headmaster to set her schedule (including the decision to place her back with 15 yos), how would this not have come up? The "ghost" that keeps pulling out all her underwear in her bedroom is never explained, although that may be intended as a subplot for a sequel. Otherwise, it's just a meaningless plot devise to have it happen multiple times without answer.
June 21, 2014
I'll admit, I picked up the book in hopes that it'd be similar in wit and style as the Georgia Nicholson series or even Adrian Mole. Sadly, I was mistaken. I got half way through this book before I had to put it down and vowed not to pick it up again. Within pages, I found the main character, Emily, to be extremely irritating, self-centered, and not the least bit funny or witty. Her whiney attitude and inability to get over herself and see any good in her new situation pushed me over the edge. She is a bundle of American teenage stereotypes and not even the good ones (who even says "coolio" anymore, for heaven's sake?) Details that I wish were further expanded on weren't (why does she call her father "Brother"?) and I became bewildered and stuck on these details that could have been glossed over even briefly. The British diary-esque style that I think the author was trying for fell flat and the "American twist" couldn't rescue it.
December 6, 2012
I love this book!! It is so funny I have to be careful I don't take a sip of my drink before reading the next line - you never know when you are going to spew your drink due to laughing.
Emily is uprooted and moved from her cosy home in Seattle, which happens to be close to 2 malls, and placed in a very small town in England. The story is told from the mostly one sided point of view of Emily's emails to her best friend back home. Emily is hilarious and she paints a clear picture for all but her to see. It's fun, heartfelt, and deeply touching. It's also full of hunkalishous British boys, make-up, and fashion tips.
Well worth the read.
Emily is uprooted and moved from her cosy home in Seattle, which happens to be close to 2 malls, and placed in a very small town in England. The story is told from the mostly one sided point of view of Emily's emails to her best friend back home. Emily is hilarious and she paints a clear picture for all but her to see. It's fun, heartfelt, and deeply touching. It's also full of hunkalishous British boys, make-up, and fashion tips.
Well worth the read.
October 18, 2008
Unlike the Georgia Nicholson series which has universal appeal, the Emily Williams series is definitely for YAs. Her dad, whom everyone calls Brother, is teaching in England for a year. The whole family moves from Seattle to Piddlington-on-the-Weld. The story is a series of emails which Emily writes to her friend Dru back home. As a 16 year old, Emily seems pretty normal but her older sister Bess is only 18 yet is given the freedoms of a much older girl. (Disturbing as a mother of teenagers!) Not sure if I will continue reading these...
November 29, 2008
I can't help but compare this book to the Georgia Nicholson series. And in doing so, the Emily series comes out on top. I often got annoyed with Georgia, especially with how she treats her best friend. Emily hasn't done anything to annoy me yet (okay, except perhaps for using the word coolio a little too much). Emily's character just feels more realistic to me. Perhaps it's because she's two years older than Georgia and so a little more mature. Whatever it it, I'm very much looking forward to reading more about Emily.
December 13, 2013
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I would actually give this one 3.5 stars, but I'll admit I would most likely have rated it higher when I was a teen. Since I'm older now I found some of Emily's behavior really annoying and she lacked a lot of the character grow that I enjoy so much in books now. With that said, the portrayal of a junior in high school is fairly spot on- especially in the early 2000s when the book was written- but I'm also not sure how most teenagers today would feel about the book.
August 11, 2014
When I was a preteen I ate this book up because it talked about things no one else was talking about. Looking back, though, it really is just a book of silly teenage drama that feels so stereotypical and melodramatic. The end of the book is so predictable and the height of the drama is so close to the end there was very little closure. I guess it's supposed to make me want to read the next one, but I really wasn't interested in what happened next. The email format was entertaining though and was a cute way to read "chapters".
August 9, 2008
Emily is forced by her family to spend a year in England, where there are no malls and no decent lattes—although there are some very cute boys—and at least she can keep in touch with her best friend by e-mail. Deals with interesting topic: Emily wants guys to think she's hot, but is shocked when a guy expects her to put out. Dealt with sensitively, realistically, non-critically, but warningly.
Lesley@DTH
Lesley@DTH
November 12, 2008
Of course Emily's life didn't really go down the toilet just because her family had to move to England for a year. In fact she has some fairly cool opportunities to learn the ways of the world, which she shares in constant emails to her friend back in Seattle. Its just that she has really horrible judgement in guys! The Year My Life Went Down the Loo, by Katie Maxwell, is a quick, funny read.
February 23, 2011
Emily is forced to move to England for a year while her father is a guest scholar. Her life is over. No malls, no food, weird names of things, and a ghost in her underwear drawer. Then she meets Aidan, who is gorgeous and has a mustache. Things may be looking up, but only if she can overcome the horrible school uniform and being placed back a year!
December 22, 2007
Funny! I would not recommend this to a really conservative teen; however, I would recommend it, otherwise, as it deals with sexual references and situations that many female teens face, but all in a humorous way.
January 17, 2010
Didn't actually finish the book cause it bored me to death.
I hate books that just have babbling and rambling.
It seemed like a knock off of Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging which I enjoy MUCH more than this
I hate books that just have babbling and rambling.
It seemed like a knock off of Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging which I enjoy MUCH more than this
November 23, 2013
I read this book for the first time when I was in junior high. I've read if many times over and over again ever since. It was just good, and Emily is very funny, I think. Although, sometimes the text lingo irritates me.
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