Review Detail

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.