When I received this book I couldn't wait to get started, I've already read 'The earth, my butt, and other big round things' and it was fantastic, so I was expecting the same from this.
To start of with the book cover was eye-catching, it was different with a good use of bright, colourful words that immediately draw your attention. Then to make the book even better by the end of the first page I was completely hooked. I finished the book within 2 days after enjoying a funny story with a fantastic plot, characters and a special similarity to some peoples lives.
In this story Carolyn Mackler manages to look upon a teenagers life with humour and light heartedness. But somehow making the plot into a deep and meaningful story. I would recommend this story to a girl aged 13 and over.
This book looks at the life of Mara valentine and how her life changes dramatically when her 16 year old tearaway niece, 'V' comes to live with her and her family. Things seem to spin out of control, and along the way she loses friends, gains some, gets herself a new boyfriend and most importantly finds out that straight A grades mean nothing if her future is something she doesn't want.
This is a fantastic story that everyone will enjoy!


Vegan Virgin Valentine   August 23, 2004
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Vegan, virgin, valentine

Imagine, you live a perfect life. Straight A student, perfect job, so smart your about to start Yale in the second year...

That is life for Mara Valentine, that is, until her 16 year old niece V comes to stay. V's mother, Aimee, is Mara's 35 year old, irresponsible older sister, who is heading for Costa Rica in search of one giant orgasm (or to cook traditional South American Cuisine), while chasing her "love" of a surfer dude boyfriend.

Cue the weed-smoking, boyfriend stealing, "ho". Mara's life is about to come crashing down, when her niece, yes, niece V moves to her school. First thing on the agenda: steal Mara's old boyfriend Travis, for a "one period stand" in the showers. Something which Mara would never do, her sex life, is well, non-existent! Little does V know, the only reason her aunt is a vegan, was to concentrate on something other than her break-up with Travis, and oh, she does have SUCH a craving for cheese sandwiches!

Cue the falling in love with your boss, realising your niece is all right, maybe even eating that cheese sandwich?

This is a great book. Although it carries all the ingredients of a normal teenage novel, they are switched around, making new, fresh ideas. Dealing with important issues with humour and sensitivity. Well worth reading.