The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them (Ruby Oliver #2)

Reader reviewed by Jannah

this is the second book of this series (there is a third) and i am in love with the whole thing. It seems that Ruby Oliver is always getting into trouble: first there is the Nora-Boob incident, and then there is  the Noel incedent, and the Kim and Jackson incidents, it seems like her life will never stop filling with drama, after he rbig fight with Kim over Jackson, she now has to deal with kissing Angelo and wanting to date Noel but she cant, I fell in love with these books only about 4 weeks ago and I'm SO excited to see what E. Lockhart can come up with next in the book: The Treasure Map for Boys- it is the third book in this series!!! over all i totally and completely recommend this to anyone and everyone (mainly girls though)

Reader reviewed by Jocelyn

THE BOY BOOK is a continuation of the adventures of Ruby Oliver, or Roo, as she is called by friends and family, who was introduced, along with many of said friends and family, in the fantastic book THE BOYFRIEND LIST. In this second installment, Ruby is still not speaking to two of her old group of friends, only sort of speaking to the other one, and also still not even friendly with her old boyfriend, Jackson--now Kims boyfriend, and Ruby and Kim wouldnt be on speaking terms even if Kim were at Tate Prep rather than all the way in Tokyo.

Its not all bad, though. Ruby and Nora might have another shot at friendship. And Rubys got Meghan and Noel. Maybe even Angelo. And shell always have her therapist, Dr. Z. Shes got her parents, too, as crazy as they may be, and possibly even Hutch, who helps her dad out sometimes, despite his weirdness.

The excerpts from Kim and Rubys boy book start out each chapter with a bit of hilarity, and the rest of the book is brilliant as well. This is a fun but not entirely fluffy, well-written book that is full of wonderful characters. Not only were the characters interesting and real, but their relationships were, too; there were no excessive, unrealistic fairy-tale endings here. That doesnt mean it all ended in tragedy; things usually do work out okay, in this book and in real life, but that doesnt mean it ends like Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella. That can be good and bad (there were some things Id have loved to see work out, but realistically, I guess they couldnt), but more good than bad. Im hoping to read more about Ruby Oliver in the future. This is an honest, funny book, and as much as I loved THE BOYFRIEND LIST, I liked this one even better!

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

Ruby Oliver is back and more beloved than ever!

At the start of junior year, Roos ex-best friend Kim is in Japan, and shes still not speaking with her ex-boyfriend Jackson, whom Kim stole because she believed they were meant for each other. The only two people shes sort of friends with are Noel, a guy who can be in any social group or none at all anytime he wants, and Nora, the only one out of her original group of four friends who will still speak with her. Roo continues her therapy sessions with Dr. Z and starts an internship at the zoo.

Here are the boys in her life: Angelo, a hot family friend whom shes scamming with, meaning that they make out but arent technically together; Jackson, the dreaded ex whos been sending her notes although hes Kims boyfriend; and Noel. Roo cant figure out her feelings for Noel. Sure, there have been moments when she thought he was going to kiss her. But Roos not in therapy for no reason; she has to work out her feelings.

With her reputation and social life only beginning to recover from her leper-like end of sophomore year, she has to do the right thing so that she wont end up alone again. And sometimes the right thing isnt always the thing she wants.

I enjoyed THE BOY BOOK so much more than its prequel. In this book, Roo and her friends come up as more rounded and human characters. Anyone can relate to someone in the book, and I can understand each characters actions, though they may not be the best ones. E. Lockhart is a master of teen dialogue, and there is something in this book for every reader.