Review Detail

Rose Zarelli is a high school freshman, who in addition to dealing with the novelty of being part of high school, is also mourning her father who died three months ago. She has issues - who wouldn't - and that makes me blunt, teary and quite irate at most times. Her circle of friends no longer understand her or know how to deal with her, there is Jamie whom she likes but is not sure of what is going on with, and his cheer-witch girlfriend who is now out for her blood. All this at a time when most of her peers are obsessed about sex, partying and basically doing things that are incomprehensible to Rose.

Though 14 and unsure if she is ready for the pressures of high school, I felt Rose was quite mature beyond her years. Sure, she had never even kissed a boy before, but she already knew that she would want someone who would respect her. She isn't perfect, she speaks up at inappropriate times, says things that would make the other person uncomfortable and has sudden bouts of crying or rage - but that's what we all are, isn't it? Imperfect. I really felt connected to her - I even felt outrage on her behalf for her treatment by that biggest excuse of a friend, Tracy. She was selfish, snobby, and a grade A jerk who I wouldn't have forgiven in a million years - but Rose keeps trying to save her from herself. Rose's family is so dysfunctional they barely even seem around. Jamie is somewhat okay - I am not swooning over his name anytime soon but I would like to see how this thing plays out and why he feels unworthy of her. (I bet it's the brother) What I liked most was the snark with which Louise Rozett describes Rose, which immediately endears you to her. I think I was grinning continuously while reading this book, a half of which was during travelling when I am sure my fellow passengers were giving me weird looks - I just couldn't help myself! And kudos to the writer for even making a kissing scene make me feel hot - that hasn't happened since Twilight. I felt a bit bad for Robert who basically deserves the title of her best friend (condom incident notwithstanding) but then Tracy even after being the biggest bitch in the history of best friends still gets that one. Sorry for all the swearing (really, I don't consider it but some people might get offended) but I really did hate Tracy.

With that ending, which was brilliant by the way, I want the next book like NOW. I really hope Regina gets what's coming to her. I can't believe Gossip Girl was the inspiration for that but well, if that's how you get payback at cheer-witches like her, who am I to complain?