The True Meaning of Cleavage

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

Best friends Sari and Jess are freshmen. Suddenly, when they had used to both despise the popular "in" crowd, Sari's chasing after the hottest senior in school, David, who just happens to already have a girlfriend. Jess is afraid that Sari's lusting after David will result in the end of their friendship. If Sari's turned to the dark side of parties and boys, she's not going to want to hang out with outcast Jess anymore. It's possible: Sari is hot and stylish. Jess couldn't care less about appearances and being accepted. How will their freshman year turn out?

This book was surprisingly very good. I loved Jess's voice: so wise, and yet so vulnerable at times. Jess is a protagonist you will want to root for through her difficult journey.

Reader reviewed by Alexandra

Upon entering high school, Sari and Jess expect to encounter popularity contests. Almost immediately, Sari sets her focus on the Big Man On Campus, David Cole, who is dating the popularity queen, Thea. Jess is worried that Sari will end their friendship for the "in" crowd. As Sari blantantly, recklessly persues David, she catches his attention but he doesn't leave Thea. She also earns herself a reputation that is whispered about in bathrooms and scrawled on stall doors. Then the "Prada Mafia" tricks Jess into revealing a secret, which thrusts both of them into an unwanted spotlight and clinging to their friendship for dear life. This book is incredibly real and has characters with whom you can easily identify, whether you're a Sari, a Jess, or a Thea.

Reader reviewed by Dylana

This book was incredibly realistic and I could relate to the main character so much. The main character Jess is just entering high school with her best friend Sari. She's just a normal, plain jane and doesn't stick out much from the crowd. She's fine with that. Until Sari starts falling madly in love with David, the most popular and cutest senior in school. Does he even know that Sari exists? Sari starts becoming obsessive and meets David in secret, even though he has a girlfriend. Jess is scared of losing her friend, seeing her friend get hurt, or for Sari to join the popular clique. Find out how Jess deals when you read this great book.

Reader reviewed by kelso

the one phrase i can say about this is book is it was horrible and yet addictive just like heroin! haha i remeber picking up the book and from page 1 i ated it yet i could not put it down! DON'T START THIS BOOK INLESS YOU HAVE ALOT OF TIME AND LIKE THE SHOW DAYS OF ARE LIVES!
kelso

Reader reviewed by Krysten Weller

Mariah Fredericks has written a novel that showcases the difficulty of friendships, popularity, and dating. Jess and Sari are best friends, but complete opposites. Jess is nervous about starting school and facing the popular clique known as the "Prada Mafia." However, her best friend, Sari, is finding high school to be an exciting place. While Jess hangs back and stays in safer territories, Sari goes out of her way to be noticed by a popular upperclassman named David. David also takes a liking to Sari as well, at least physically.

Unfortunately, David has a long-time girlfriend named Thea who is not about to be replaced. Jess fears that Sari will leave her behind as she embarks on a newer (and cooler) path.

Fredericks shows you the questions of loyalty and betrayal that can enter even the closest of friendships. Jess tries to keep Sari from getting hurt by David, but Sari's judgment becomes clouded and she assumes that Jess is simply jealous of her relationship. In the end, Jess learns who her true friends really are and a lesson about the dangers of putting everything on the line for the sake of popularity.

Fredericks has created a series of well-rounded and believable characters in this novel. The high school setting is very realistic and it can easily put the reader right back into the school hallways.

We also see friendships being put to the test, as Sari believes she must go beyond Jess to find popularity and solace. In the end, we see each how each girl finds her place and comes to terms with who they really are.

The novel is an excellent example of how young women struggle to fit in and find their place in the world.