Author: Megan McCafferty
Format: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary, ChickLit, YA
Source: Library Copy
Published: August 2001 by Three Rivers Press
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
From Goodreads:
“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”
When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?
A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again.
I don't know why I'd never heard of this series until recently, I read book one in one day! And I can't wait until bedtime for my three year old so I can start reading number 2!!
I'm sure that I've mentioned before that I can't stand Diary style books? I hate them. But for some reason, this one works so well in that style. I really felt as if I was in Jessica's head a lot of the time, and the characters seemed so real - as if I was reading my little sisters diary (which, I know nothing about ;) Kate, if you're reading. )
The book opens with the absolute worst thing that could happen to an almost sixteen year old girl, her best friend moves away just days before her sixteenth birthday. Jessica Darling falls into the obligatory funk that all young girls would fall into, but something about her is different about her. She's not absolutely boy crazy (unless we're talking about the fabulous Senior track star, Paul Parlipiano!) and she's not into parties and popularity. On the other hand, she's not the social pariah that is so popular in teen books.
The cast of characters in this book are wonderful! The new girl, Hy, who everyone expects to replace Jessica's missing best friend. Her life long friend and first kiss turned football star, Scotty. Former BFF Bridget who is dating the hunky and popular Burke. Pepe/Pierre/Percy the Black Elvis from her French Class. And of course, mysterious dreg, Marcus Flutie. (One reason I am excite about the rest of the series is that I'm told Marcus plays a great role! I found his character intriguing, and could relate well to him from my high school days.)
I got an extra giggle out of Jessica's summer job in "Sleazeside Heights" and the description of the places and characters made me comparing them to my recent (odd) obsession with Jersey Shore.
I can't say enough good about this book and look forward to the rest of the series! I give Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty 4 hearts! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I kept looking at this book and couldn't figure out why it sounded so familiar to me. Then it hit me this evening when I was looking for something new to read. There it was, plain as day, on my shelf staring back at me. I've never read it. It kept getting shoved aside for something else. Now I'm going to have to read it so I can fully understand what you loved about it. :)
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