Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, has to wear lame homemade clothes, and has no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem. Can she talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempt to completely ruin her life?
With hilarious and truthful writing, Kristin Billerbeck uncovers the small--and large--mortifications that teen girls encounter. Readers will fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.
My goodness after reading this book I feel like I just had a whirlwind return to high school. When I first picked up [b:Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel|7092301|Perfectly Dateless|Kristin Billerbeck|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1285101449s/7092301.jpg|7348679] I assumed that it was a novel like [b:Never the Bride: A Novel|5805956|Never the Bride A Novel|Rene Gutteridge|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255782684s/5805956.jpg|5977953] or the film 27 Dresses, I had not realized it was about a senior in high school searching for a prom date. Kristin did a great job of really tapping into the mentality and conversations of teen, almost adult, but not quite there yet girls and guys. On many levels I felt that I could relate in my memories to some of the feelings of the main character.
Truly I could not turn the pages fast enough and I overall enjoyed this story. I think that it could be valuable read for many different people. Very enlightening to both girls, guys and parents who want to care or understand. It reminds me in a way of the movie Ten Things I Hate About You. Both in the wanting to fit in, but wanting to do what is right. I do have to admit however that there were many television and movie references that I seem to be so out of the loop on. But if you know a teenager in 2010 you're sure to be able to catch some of it.
In a way, there were so many different perspectives coming toward the same situation and it was neat to be able to get into the different character's heads and think to experiences in my own life and wonder if I interpreted something differently. Also, I have to admit it makes me wonder about things as my own daughter grows. Truly there is no perfect childhood or youth and I think attempting to stage one would cause more harm than good. But one can only pray for help.
I truly enjoy both adult and youth books from Kristin Billerbeck and cannot wait for more.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2010/07/12/perfectly-dateless/
Reading updates
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Started reading
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12 July, 2010:
Finished reading
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12 July, 2010:
Reviewed