Review Detail

I liked Sam in the original All-American Girl novel and I actually like her even more now, in the sequel Ready or Not. Unlike Mia in the Princess Diaries series, Sam is a bit naive, but not totally clueless when it comes to dating.

She and David (the president's son, if you haven't read the first book) have been dating for a year now. When he asks her if she wants to go to Camp David for Thanksgiving with them and play Parcheesi, etc., she assumes that he's using Parcheesi as a euphemism for...it. That's right. The big IT. S-E-X.

The entire book is mostly Sam's journey to finding out whether she really is ready&or not, to do the deed with David. She wavers back and forth over the big decision and even turns to her big sister Lucy for advice.

I'd like to say here that Meg Cabot lets out one of womankind's big secrets via Lucy's advice. I'm not going to tell you what it is here, but I will say, to any guys out there reading this: dudes, don't read it. There are some things you don't want to know and we don't want you to know. Really. I mean it (of course, hordes of boys are now going to rush out and read the book in secret, but I did my best).

In between (and no, I'm not going to tell you what happens at Camp David you'll just have to find out for yourself), Sam stands up to the President and his family initiative, which includes some provisions she can't stand behind, and battles with the 'Right Way' group at school, led by the ever-annoying and smarmy Kris Parks. She goes through some tough times, but always manages to find some way out that keeps her true to herself.

Given the book's topic, I should insert a small warning here that sex is definitely discussed (in some depth), as is the use of condoms and other contraceptives. If you're a parent with a younger teen, this would be a great book to read together and get those lines of communication open. Nothing's really too explicit, so the age range recommended by the publisher (12 and up) is valid, though I imagine some parents would put a 14 and up label on it (of course, still others would put an 18 and up label, but let's not go there).

Fans of the first book will definitely like this one. The tie-in with her art lessons is also again present, and leads to some funny moments (like when Sam doesn't realize that 'life drawing' = naked people). This is another fun book from Meg Cabot that her fans will surely enjoy.