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Lifted
When 15-year-old Poppy Browne moves from Boulder, CO, to Pleasant Acres, TX, with her professor mother, she has to attend Calvary High even though she's not Baptist. She makes friends with the popular girls and has a date for the Sadie Hawkins dance. Poppy gets caught in an ex-BFF rivalry between her friend Mary Jane and another schoolmate, Bridgette. Then she starts shoplifting. The first time, it's an accident. The second, it's induced by peer pressure. Subsequently, however, it's for the rush. Poppy, Mary Jane, and Whitney steal regularly, and Poppy doesn't know whether or not she can stop. Eventually, she overcomes her fear of disappointing Mary Jane and Whitney, but she still faces the consequences when her mother finds out what she has been doing. Although the story is not entirely compelling, the rivalry between Mary Jane and Bridgette; the suspense of finding out whether Poppy will get caught; and her developing romance with “shithead” Dave, the preacher's son, build enough tension to grab readers' attention.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2010
13 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 28, 2017
Lifted is definitely designed for a younger age group - it would most likely be enjoyed by 13 - 16 year-olds. The characters are likeable, and it's an easy and enjoyable read. Super simple plot-line and incredibly arbitrary ending, but decent overall.
June 26, 2010
"Lifted" is Wendy Toliver's best book yet! I loved it! I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. She completely drew me in with the intriguing plot line and the fabulous characters. This is a great teen read.
Poppy Browne is the daughter of a single mother who also is a college professor. She has just moved her and Poppy to Texas from Boulder, Colorado and has enrolled Poppy in a private religious school. Grades are everything to her mother. (I loved this part of the plot. How often do we see parents push their children HARD to do something really well - only to have it result in negative behavior elsewhere in their child's life??).
We meet Poppy as she starts her first day in school. Poppy isn't sure what to expect and soon finds out that appearances are everything here. She also learns that there are a lot of secrets that people are hiding as well. I think Toliver did a great job portraying a smaller town and how everyone THINKS they know everything about everyone else. As they say you should never judge a book by its cover.
Poppy becomes good friends with two of the most popular girls at school. And that's when Poppy learns their secret -- they love to shoplift. Toliver deals with some serious subject matter (shoplifting and addiction) in a way that is not overbearing and obnoxious. She pulls you into the story with such conviction that I found myself wanting Poppy to be real!
I found this to be spot-on regarding Poppy's experiences in school, her relationships with friends and especially her relationship with her single mom.
While I found myself wanting more in some areas of the book overall I think this is a good, strong, character-driven book that most teens should read (and would enjoy reading). 4 stars
Poppy Browne is the daughter of a single mother who also is a college professor. She has just moved her and Poppy to Texas from Boulder, Colorado and has enrolled Poppy in a private religious school. Grades are everything to her mother. (I loved this part of the plot. How often do we see parents push their children HARD to do something really well - only to have it result in negative behavior elsewhere in their child's life??).
We meet Poppy as she starts her first day in school. Poppy isn't sure what to expect and soon finds out that appearances are everything here. She also learns that there are a lot of secrets that people are hiding as well. I think Toliver did a great job portraying a smaller town and how everyone THINKS they know everything about everyone else. As they say you should never judge a book by its cover.
Poppy becomes good friends with two of the most popular girls at school. And that's when Poppy learns their secret -- they love to shoplift. Toliver deals with some serious subject matter (shoplifting and addiction) in a way that is not overbearing and obnoxious. She pulls you into the story with such conviction that I found myself wanting Poppy to be real!
I found this to be spot-on regarding Poppy's experiences in school, her relationships with friends and especially her relationship with her single mom.
While I found myself wanting more in some areas of the book overall I think this is a good, strong, character-driven book that most teens should read (and would enjoy reading). 4 stars
July 1, 2010
I loved this book. It started off good from page one and it took me no time at all to read. I loved the character of Poppy. She was very laid back and was a very likable character.
I also loved her relationship with David in the book. They both get along so easily and have such a fun relationship.
I really liked the topic of this book as well, shoplifting is a very serious thing and it happens all the time. It isn't something that people think about a lot. I like the way that Wendy deals with the situation in the book. And the way that Poppy feels after she shoplifts, excitement and then depressed, is the real way that someone would feel. I like that it is put that way in the book. It showed true emotions, I think.
I like the way that it was dealt with by Poppy's mom as well. There was no screaming, no cops involved, and it was handled in a very mature way. That made the book even more enjoyable to read, to me anyways.
But this really was an all around great book, and one that I know I will read again!
I also loved her relationship with David in the book. They both get along so easily and have such a fun relationship.
I really liked the topic of this book as well, shoplifting is a very serious thing and it happens all the time. It isn't something that people think about a lot. I like the way that Wendy deals with the situation in the book. And the way that Poppy feels after she shoplifts, excitement and then depressed, is the real way that someone would feel. I like that it is put that way in the book. It showed true emotions, I think.
I like the way that it was dealt with by Poppy's mom as well. There was no screaming, no cops involved, and it was handled in a very mature way. That made the book even more enjoyable to read, to me anyways.
But this really was an all around great book, and one that I know I will read again!
May 31, 2017
I wish there was the ability for half stars. This book is really a 2.5 for me. It is a very easy/quick read.
This is about a girl who moves to a new state/school. Her new friends get her into shoplifting. And she fast becomes addicted to it. On top of that, she stresses over grades, boys, and another girl that she wants to be friends with as well. Most of the characters were very flat, to me. The only character that really surprised me in this whole book, was Bridgette.
The ending... did not exist. I feel like the book is missing at least another 2 chapters if not an epilogue. I want to know how some of the conflicts worked out. Did the printer run out of ink? Very disappointing, but honestly, it's not going to be very memorable book even if it did have resolution.
This is about a girl who moves to a new state/school. Her new friends get her into shoplifting. And she fast becomes addicted to it. On top of that, she stresses over grades, boys, and another girl that she wants to be friends with as well. Most of the characters were very flat, to me. The only character that really surprised me in this whole book, was Bridgette.
The ending... did not exist. I feel like the book is missing at least another 2 chapters if not an epilogue. I want to know how some of the conflicts worked out. Did the printer run out of ink? Very disappointing, but honestly, it's not going to be very memorable book even if it did have resolution.
October 13, 2021
Poppy Browne has just moved to a new town with her mother, who expects nothing but excellence from her daughter. Her mentor, Bridgette, showing her around school on the first day turns out to be kind of a drag so Poppy's glad to have some of the popular girls bring her into their group. But these girls have a secret. When Poppy falls in love with an expensive pair of jeans at the mall her friends "help" her to get them. Mary Jane and Whitney talk Poppy into stealing. What Poppy didn't expect was to love the rush so much. Soon Poppy has a problem.
There's some tension between Bridgette and Mary Jane who used to be best friends. Poppy s torn between two boys. It's typical teenage goings on at school. This is a story about peer pressure, addiction and high school.
There's some tension between Bridgette and Mary Jane who used to be best friends. Poppy s torn between two boys. It's typical teenage goings on at school. This is a story about peer pressure, addiction and high school.
November 5, 2018
More like a 3.5
I liked it overall, but the ending was so anti climatic, like really? Everything got solved in a few sentences with 3 pages left in the book.
I liked it overall, but the ending was so anti climatic, like really? Everything got solved in a few sentences with 3 pages left in the book.
March 2, 2019
I loved it couldn't put it down
May 6, 2025
It took me long, but it’s by far one of my favorite books
July 14, 2012
Better than I expected it would be. This book is Mean Girls, if Mean Girls could actually happen, set in a podunk Texas town with ordinary teenage girls.
Wendy Toliver, like many other authors, got her start writing Chick Lit for the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy line. I loved those books as a teen! (Come on, I'm almost twenty, I think I'm no longer a teen). They were like Harlequin, but without the sex. The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren was just one of her contributions, as well as Miss Match. I picked this book up because the hot pink spine called to me. When I found out Toliver was a former Simon Pulse author, and that it was about an addiction to shoplifting, I knew I'd give it a shot.
The beginning was dull. Poppy, our heroine (oddly enough, the nickname for my grandfather), is a dull as dishwater girl trying to be toted as a Mary-Sue. Beautiful. The first fascinating detail about her is she hung out with the Goths. Not because she had to, or because she agreed with their lifestyle, beliefs, and outfits - but because that's where she'd ended up in school. This was refreshing, to see a heroine who ended up being friends with people JUST BECAUSE. I also thought it was interesting that her ex, Spence, did not end up doing what I thought he did (minor spoiler stage left) .
I liked Whitney, Mary-Jane, and Bridgette. They were bitches - but believeably. Wrapped up in their own teenage lives, disdaining others. And Poppy, not trying to make enemies, straddling a friendsghip with Whitney and MJ but still talking and being friends with Bridgette on the side. I LOVED the ending. It was a little cheesy, but the twist was really what got me going. I could see that character doing that, making that choice. And you gotta remember - these girls are fifteen. They may not have done what Poppy asked. But I can remember being fifteen and having a best friend and feeling betrayed and hurt and yet still wanting to have that talk, to make amends and not just lash out and hurt the other person back.
The writing, while certainly not the greatest, was made up for by the main characters and the twists and turns. I read a lot of YA fiction and so I can earnestly say this was just like every other book, and yet, it was still a gem to read, and the character growth and development really surprised me.
And the romance! I am not a fan as I used to be, so this was subtle, developing on the side, while Poppy concentrated on her friendships. I loved that! So many protagonists worry about a boyfriend and boys (or girls/girlfriends) and to have one focusing on her friends was just lovely.
All in all, worth it if you're interested in a 15 year old's portrait of addiction.
Wendy Toliver, like many other authors, got her start writing Chick Lit for the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy line. I loved those books as a teen! (Come on, I'm almost twenty, I think I'm no longer a teen). They were like Harlequin, but without the sex. The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren was just one of her contributions, as well as Miss Match. I picked this book up because the hot pink spine called to me. When I found out Toliver was a former Simon Pulse author, and that it was about an addiction to shoplifting, I knew I'd give it a shot.
The beginning was dull. Poppy, our heroine (oddly enough, the nickname for my grandfather), is a dull as dishwater girl trying to be toted as a Mary-Sue. Beautiful. The first fascinating detail about her is she hung out with the Goths. Not because she had to, or because she agreed with their lifestyle, beliefs, and outfits - but because that's where she'd ended up in school. This was refreshing, to see a heroine who ended up being friends with people JUST BECAUSE. I also thought it was interesting that her ex, Spence, did not end up doing what I thought he did (minor spoiler stage left) .
I liked Whitney, Mary-Jane, and Bridgette. They were bitches - but believeably. Wrapped up in their own teenage lives, disdaining others. And Poppy, not trying to make enemies, straddling a friendsghip with Whitney and MJ but still talking and being friends with Bridgette on the side. I LOVED the ending. It was a little cheesy, but the twist was really what got me going. I could see that character doing that, making that choice. And you gotta remember - these girls are fifteen. They may not have done what Poppy asked. But I can remember being fifteen and having a best friend and feeling betrayed and hurt and yet still wanting to have that talk, to make amends and not just lash out and hurt the other person back.
The writing, while certainly not the greatest, was made up for by the main characters and the twists and turns. I read a lot of YA fiction and so I can earnestly say this was just like every other book, and yet, it was still a gem to read, and the character growth and development really surprised me.
And the romance! I am not a fan as I used to be, so this was subtle, developing on the side, while Poppy concentrated on her friendships. I loved that! So many protagonists worry about a boyfriend and boys (or girls/girlfriends) and to have one focusing on her friends was just lovely.
All in all, worth it if you're interested in a 15 year old's portrait of addiction.
September 15, 2010
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Just before her sophomore year, Poppy Browne is taken from her normal life in Boulder and unwillingly put into a new town, Pleasant Acres. There, Poppy will be attending Calvary High, a Baptist school that has its fair share of sins and secrets.
Right off the bat, Poppy causes quite a stir with her nose piercing and a few snarky comments, which gets her noticed by the popular girls, Whitney and Mary Jane. She's never felt the need to fit in, as back in Colorado she hung out with the tats and pierced crowd. But now she faces a dilemma of which clique to befriend. Should she choose the ever-popular and extremely gorgeous girls, or the "Good News Choir" that features Bridgette Josephs, the all-around overachiever and Poppy's very own Calvary High tour guide?
Intrigued by Mary Jane and Whitney, Poppy finds herself getting friendly with the two, wondering how she climbed up the social ladder so quickly. Unfortunately, Poppy will soon discover that being friends with these two girls probably wasn't the best choice to make. Turns out they have an itch for shoplifting.
Before she knows it, Poppy is lifted into an entirely foreign world filled with an irresistible and charmingly arrogant preacher's son, old grudges, revenge schemes, and a whole new temptation complete with a rush that is full of expensive merchandise. Can Poppy handle such things as crushes, a best friend's boyfriend issues, and backstabbing, or will she need a quick prayer and some major forgiveness to get her through the year?
Wendy Toliver realistically portrays a girl swept into a world of stolen goods where the rush takes control and the actions become impulsive. Poppy, as the central character, gives the novel a lighter feel, with her hilarious outlook on life and love. LIFTED has all the important qualities that make it a good read: it's fun, smart, and extremely addictive, just like the main character and her frowned upon new habit.
Just before her sophomore year, Poppy Browne is taken from her normal life in Boulder and unwillingly put into a new town, Pleasant Acres. There, Poppy will be attending Calvary High, a Baptist school that has its fair share of sins and secrets.
Right off the bat, Poppy causes quite a stir with her nose piercing and a few snarky comments, which gets her noticed by the popular girls, Whitney and Mary Jane. She's never felt the need to fit in, as back in Colorado she hung out with the tats and pierced crowd. But now she faces a dilemma of which clique to befriend. Should she choose the ever-popular and extremely gorgeous girls, or the "Good News Choir" that features Bridgette Josephs, the all-around overachiever and Poppy's very own Calvary High tour guide?
Intrigued by Mary Jane and Whitney, Poppy finds herself getting friendly with the two, wondering how she climbed up the social ladder so quickly. Unfortunately, Poppy will soon discover that being friends with these two girls probably wasn't the best choice to make. Turns out they have an itch for shoplifting.
Before she knows it, Poppy is lifted into an entirely foreign world filled with an irresistible and charmingly arrogant preacher's son, old grudges, revenge schemes, and a whole new temptation complete with a rush that is full of expensive merchandise. Can Poppy handle such things as crushes, a best friend's boyfriend issues, and backstabbing, or will she need a quick prayer and some major forgiveness to get her through the year?
Wendy Toliver realistically portrays a girl swept into a world of stolen goods where the rush takes control and the actions become impulsive. Poppy, as the central character, gives the novel a lighter feel, with her hilarious outlook on life and love. LIFTED has all the important qualities that make it a good read: it's fun, smart, and extremely addictive, just like the main character and her frowned upon new habit.
June 9, 2010
From my blog: (\__/)nymfaux
Lifted is a story of Poppy Browne, a teen who moves to a new city/state/school and her journey of getting hooked on shoplifting. Wendy Toliver also does an amazing job of bringing her characters and their relationships to life. At first I didn't want to like Poppy's mom for putting so much pressure on her. I did want to like the nice girl, who tries to befriend Poppy and orient her to the school. I didn't want to like girls who shoplift.
But just like real people, all of these characters are more than just one thing; they aren't simply good or bad, and bad choices don't automatically make you a bad person. Poppy doesn't like all of the choices she's making, but she doesn't know how to stop herself, or who to trust. I honestly don't know if I've ever imagined shoplifting like a drug before, and how this kind of behavior can affect and change a person's life. I think Lifted gives a real and honest portrayal of how easy it can be to make bad choices. Wendy also does a great job of giving Poppy a relateable voice, with a sense of humor. It really endeared me to the character whenever Poppy would say something angsty, right before she shared her truthful feelings with the reader.
It was SOOOOOO good, I'm still trying to think of anything I can compare it to. I almost cried a couple of times, just because Wendy totally hit the right spot.
And I'm not going to tell you any more, so I suggest you pick up your own copy and see for yourself.
Lifted is a story of Poppy Browne, a teen who moves to a new city/state/school and her journey of getting hooked on shoplifting. Wendy Toliver also does an amazing job of bringing her characters and their relationships to life. At first I didn't want to like Poppy's mom for putting so much pressure on her. I did want to like the nice girl, who tries to befriend Poppy and orient her to the school. I didn't want to like girls who shoplift.
But just like real people, all of these characters are more than just one thing; they aren't simply good or bad, and bad choices don't automatically make you a bad person. Poppy doesn't like all of the choices she's making, but she doesn't know how to stop herself, or who to trust. I honestly don't know if I've ever imagined shoplifting like a drug before, and how this kind of behavior can affect and change a person's life. I think Lifted gives a real and honest portrayal of how easy it can be to make bad choices. Wendy also does a great job of giving Poppy a relateable voice, with a sense of humor. It really endeared me to the character whenever Poppy would say something angsty, right before she shared her truthful feelings with the reader.
It was SOOOOOO good, I'm still trying to think of anything I can compare it to. I almost cried a couple of times, just because Wendy totally hit the right spot.
And I'm not going to tell you any more, so I suggest you pick up your own copy and see for yourself.
May 6, 2011
Poppy Browne is a quirky, independent 15 year old who finds herself in a private Christian high school in Texas after her mother takes a teaching position that relocates the two from Colorado and Poppy's public high school. Before Poppy has a chance to adjust to her new shiny, happy surroundings, she's befriended by two of the most dazzling and popular girls in school and plunges headfirst into their convoluted world where nothing is as innocent as it seems. As Poppy begins to spin out of control, she finds comfort from an unlikely source, a preacher's son, but can't figure out if he's a black hat or white hat kind of guy.
"Lifted" is a well-written and emotionally satisfying read that made me simultaneously nostalgic for high school and relieved to be well on the on the other side! Toliver deftly captures the turmoil of high school life, touching upon deeper issues that influence teen behavior such as parental alcoholism, infidelity, and teen sexuality without being heavy-handed or preachy. Poppy is an engaging and authentic narrator whose voice rings true. The characters are fully dimensional and defy stereotypes, creating a plot that keeps the reader guessing up to the end. Themes of betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance, friendship, and love will resonate with readers of all ages.
"Lifted" is a well-written and emotionally satisfying read that made me simultaneously nostalgic for high school and relieved to be well on the on the other side! Toliver deftly captures the turmoil of high school life, touching upon deeper issues that influence teen behavior such as parental alcoholism, infidelity, and teen sexuality without being heavy-handed or preachy. Poppy is an engaging and authentic narrator whose voice rings true. The characters are fully dimensional and defy stereotypes, creating a plot that keeps the reader guessing up to the end. Themes of betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance, friendship, and love will resonate with readers of all ages.
January 7, 2011
I started this book thinking that it would be nothing spectacular, it’s not like Poppy has a supernatural power and there are angels involved. After reading it , I’m happy to say it was spectacular in it’s own way.
Poppy is a young girl who is smart, strong- willed and independent. Her popular friends get her into shoplifting and they seem to like it, for now. The thrill, the excitement and afterwards the guilt was extremely well written. I really understood that the girls shoplifted just for the rush they got of doing something risky that has the potential to get them in serious trouble. Not only Poppy, but Whitney and Mary Jane are making these bad decisions they don’t think trough.
The plot is fast paced and therefore it makes the story a very quick read. From the very start the story drew me in. When Poppy gets confronted with her actions, she comes aware of how she feels, what she thinks and what values are more important to her. She really learned from her past mistakes and she becomes a responsible young adult.
Lifted is the first book I read by Wendy Toliver, but I know it’s not going to be the last.
I recommend Lifted to everyone who loves intense, character driven reads.
Poppy is a young girl who is smart, strong- willed and independent. Her popular friends get her into shoplifting and they seem to like it, for now. The thrill, the excitement and afterwards the guilt was extremely well written. I really understood that the girls shoplifted just for the rush they got of doing something risky that has the potential to get them in serious trouble. Not only Poppy, but Whitney and Mary Jane are making these bad decisions they don’t think trough.
The plot is fast paced and therefore it makes the story a very quick read. From the very start the story drew me in. When Poppy gets confronted with her actions, she comes aware of how she feels, what she thinks and what values are more important to her. She really learned from her past mistakes and she becomes a responsible young adult.
Lifted is the first book I read by Wendy Toliver, but I know it’s not going to be the last.
I recommend Lifted to everyone who loves intense, character driven reads.
March 19, 2014
Poppy’s the new girl in small town Texas and when she falls in with the “in” crowd, things might just be going right in her social life. Poppy’s new best friends Mary Jane and Whitney are the quintessential southern belles, complete with the “y’alls” and twang of the region.
When Poppy’s best friends decide to introduce her to the means behind their generosity, at first, Poppy’s appalled. But then, the thrill gets to her and she’s constantly craving the next big rush.
A good read overall with great insight into shoplifting. I also liked Poppy’s growth through the story, she’s not just a girl who steals. The whys behind her actions bring into question her relationships with her mom, her friends, the other kids at school, even the kids she left behind when she moved here. That, I think is what I liked most about the book.
When Poppy’s best friends decide to introduce her to the means behind their generosity, at first, Poppy’s appalled. But then, the thrill gets to her and she’s constantly craving the next big rush.
A good read overall with great insight into shoplifting. I also liked Poppy’s growth through the story, she’s not just a girl who steals. The whys behind her actions bring into question her relationships with her mom, her friends, the other kids at school, even the kids she left behind when she moved here. That, I think is what I liked most about the book.
February 6, 2011
I actually loved this book, but the ending was awful, and I really expected more. This is about a girl named Poppy, and she moved to Pleasant Acres in Texas with her mom. She is super smart, because her mother always wants her to get good grades. But when she moves there she becomes friends with two popular girls, Mary Jane, and Whitney. They shoplift, and convinced Poppy to join them. Soon, Poppy gets hooked, she doesn't care about the merchandise, she just likes the thrill. She always has the urge to lift something. Slowly Poppy's life crashes down, and things go out of hand. This book was truly amazing, but I was really shocked, and upset how it ended. Right in the last chapter I was so excited to read what happens, but it was really unimpressive, which is sad because this book was amazing. i just think the author could have made the ending a bit better.
March 4, 2015
Sometimes books are a joy to read, and this is one of those. Why? Probably because the reading level is kinda low, but also because it is really well written. I wasn't stopping my read to laugh about characterization or plot pacing or anything else. I read it for the plot, and there's nothing wrong with a plot-driven novel. Especially when it isn't trying to be anything else.
In my old age, I'd call this a problem novel because Poppy has a problem with shoplifting. She isn't sure why she does it, but she's good at it. It comes easy to her, especially when she learns the basics from her two new friends at her new Baptist school. But it's a novel about friendship, too. Making friends at a new school is rough, and Poppy makes some interesting choices with friends and boys.
I would have loved this book in 6th or 7th grade, and I think it'll be popular here at PCHS, too.
In my old age, I'd call this a problem novel because Poppy has a problem with shoplifting. She isn't sure why she does it, but she's good at it. It comes easy to her, especially when she learns the basics from her two new friends at her new Baptist school. But it's a novel about friendship, too. Making friends at a new school is rough, and Poppy makes some interesting choices with friends and boys.
I would have loved this book in 6th or 7th grade, and I think it'll be popular here at PCHS, too.
July 5, 2010
I am a little torn on this book. On one hand, Wendy Toliver was able to capture Poppy's essence and it was easy to picture yourself in her shoes; on the other, I didn't find the ending believable.
Lifted started off slow at first, and I found the stereotyping of Texas a little annoying but it soon picked up and I was interested in seeing where the story would go.
Poppy's sorry starts off on their move to Texas - for some reason, her mom has decided to leave Colorado, and move to Texas. I was never sure, what they're running from, that part really wasn't clear.
Read more: http://www.pageturnersblog.com/#ixzz0...
Lifted started off slow at first, and I found the stereotyping of Texas a little annoying but it soon picked up and I was interested in seeing where the story would go.
Poppy's sorry starts off on their move to Texas - for some reason, her mom has decided to leave Colorado, and move to Texas. I was never sure, what they're running from, that part really wasn't clear.
Read more: http://www.pageturnersblog.com/#ixzz0...
Read
May 1, 2011This well written novel tackles a topic not often explored in YA -- shoplifting. I wasn't sure I even wanted to read it, but the characters pulled me into the story. Poppy, the main character, was extremely likable and having grown up going to a Christian high school, I thought Toliver's portrayal of these teens was spot on. The struggle Poppy goes through, promising herself that she'll quit, hating herself for not controlling her compulsion, felt very real.
Unfortunately, the ending wraps up a little too neatly for some characters while other threads are left dangling. Overall, this is a very enjoyable read. I finished it the day I started, so it's a good, quick read.
Unfortunately, the ending wraps up a little too neatly for some characters while other threads are left dangling. Overall, this is a very enjoyable read. I finished it the day I started, so it's a good, quick read.
Read
December 8, 2010Again, I didn't finish the book. Nothing really pushed to finish it though. It just seemed like one of those books that I can't finsih but seem very enticing. The beginning was kinda ehh... And it was, I dunno. I don't know if it's good or if it's bad. I liked that main character though. But again, Converse! And also, the girl on the cover didn't match the girl in the book but, whatever.... That tends to happened but it kinda pisses me off in books. Sigh... So i didn't finish it and yeah. IO have nothing else to say but I have to stop doing that. But I'm sure that is not anytime soon.
February 16, 2011
Lifter, a good girl, a bad habit. Stealing... too the point of addiction.
I was kind of showen a side to girls with an addiciton to stelling, but I think it could have gone deeper. This book only seemed to skim the top of the emotions and issues. And the ending really disapointed me.
BUT: the actual plot was definatly enjoyable and I did'nt have to pause when reading. I would definatly recommend as a genral read! :)
I was kind of showen a side to girls with an addiciton to stelling, but I think it could have gone deeper. This book only seemed to skim the top of the emotions and issues. And the ending really disapointed me.
BUT: the actual plot was definatly enjoyable and I did'nt have to pause when reading. I would definatly recommend as a genral read! :)
September 27, 2012
Surprised to say that I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that made me want to keep reading. It was even thrilling at times wondering if they would be caught.
The characters felt more authentic than most in teen fiction but I was frustrated with the mouthy main character freezing up at all the most important times-I became frustrated that she didn't just stop the drama she knew was wrong.
The characters felt more authentic than most in teen fiction but I was frustrated with the mouthy main character freezing up at all the most important times-I became frustrated that she didn't just stop the drama she knew was wrong.
June 24, 2010
Read my full review.
Bottom Line - All in all, good book, with a solid message, one in which I think many teen's should read, it's not just about shop lifting but any sort of addiction one can have really. I give it a solid 3 mushrooms, enjoyable but I'm not totally sold!
Bottom Line - All in all, good book, with a solid message, one in which I think many teen's should read, it's not just about shop lifting but any sort of addiction one can have really. I give it a solid 3 mushrooms, enjoyable but I'm not totally sold!
July 16, 2010
I picked this book up on a whim at the library, so I didn't have high hopes. But I ended up really enjoying it.
Poppy moves to a new town and befriends two girls who introduce her to the adrenaline rush of shoplifting. Poppy quickly realizes she can't stop, and steals more and more to get the thrill.
The ending surprised me, and I would read other books by this author.
Poppy moves to a new town and befriends two girls who introduce her to the adrenaline rush of shoplifting. Poppy quickly realizes she can't stop, and steals more and more to get the thrill.
The ending surprised me, and I would read other books by this author.
December 8, 2011
I loved this book for so many reasons! First of all, I personally know the author and that is just extremely cool on so many levels. Second, the book was a fun, easy read that kept you wanting more. Loved the characters and the story line! A fun read for a Saturday afternoon! Well done, Wendy! ♥
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September 2, 2010Poppy had never stolen anything in her life before moving to Pleasant Acres and meeting Mary jane and Whitney. But what Poppy walks out of the mall with her two new friends and her first pair of stolen jeans, she's hooked. FIC Toliver 334136
October 21, 2010
The end was positively unrealistic. I didn't believe Poppy as a character at all. And also: lilacs don't bloom in Texas. The bushes can grow but they don't bloom, so the fact Poppy could have picked some in a vase in October bothered me.
July 29, 2010
A fun read with strong characters and a twisty plot. Unfortunately, the ending was a bit to pat for me...
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August 18, 2010Wendy's best book yet! I got totally swept away in Poppy's story.
December 26, 2010
Realism is not really my genre, but this was interesting.
November 10, 2010
Well-written, a bit too heavy on the moral aspects for my tastes but probably just right for a younger reader, a few nice plot twists especially towards the end.
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