The Mall

by Megan McCafferty

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cassandra and Troy have been dating for two years and have a plan. The plan didn't involve Cassie getting the worst case of mono in medical history, missing prom and graduation or Troy dumping her for a "foaming-at-the-mouth mallrodent who tried to spritz her to death." On top of that Cassie loses her job and her parents decide to separate after 25 years of orthodontic/marital bliss.

No, things definitely aren't going to plan. What does ensue however is a summer of life in the mall; a new job, new friends, new love interests and a treasure hunt involving Cabbage Patch Dolls.

I mostly enjoyed this homage to 90's New Jersey, even if being born in 1988 Britain put me at a disadvantage with a lot of the references. I found Cassie funny although not always that likeable and the same goes for most of the side characters. I'd have liked to see more of the mall employees but we seemed to spend so much time in Cassie's head that there wasn't alot of other character development. There wasn't really enough of anything for me...I wanted more treasure hunt, more family, and more friendship building but I feel like it was all rushed and half-done. Despite this, it was an enjoyable read and a solid three stars from me.