With its emphasis on an upcoming prom, it’s clear that this is a YA book. Almost everyone on the early pages is obsessed with the subject. Whether they’re arguing about the prom theme or debating who’s going with whom, it’s clear that no one will emerge unscathed, even if they will wonder in future years why there was so much fuss.
Ophelia’s problem is mainly about how she doesn’t have a date. But she’s also starting to wonder about her feelings for another girl and this is where we get the first inklings of unease. Ophelia has always envisioned herself as heterosexual. Her fantasy of prom night includes herself in a fabulous dress with a cute boy on her arm. Indeed, she’s entertained any number of crushes on boys that never led anywhere.
Lest you think that’s a warning sign, the author makes it clear that Ophelia isn’t being nutty or delusion. She’s not the only one who’s ever imagined passionate romantic intentions just because a boy ties her shoelace. Any girl who’s started giddily imagining herself married to someone based on such flimsy attentions can relate.
The dramatis personae was overwhelming; it took me a few paragraphs to get the names straight in my head. They’re the typical bunch of teens with the usual social interactions: getting enormous growth spurts; two crushing on the same girl and threatening to wreck the dynamics of the group; trading quips, banter and good-natured slurs. They have a good time…but the cracks are beginning to show.
Ophelia’s love of flowers may lead her to botany but her friends don’t share her passion for flora. What happens when the group dynamic starts to splinter or when Ophelia starts to think there’s something more to her sweaty palms whenever Talia waves her sparkly colored nails at her?
While Ophelia’s sexuality lends a bit of spice to this tale, this YA novel seems yet another ordinary glimpse into the life of adolescent middle American life. It’s pleasant enough but hardly earth-shaking fare.
Ophelia’s problem is mainly about how she doesn’t have a date. But she’s also starting to wonder about her feelings for another girl and this is where we get the first inklings of unease. Ophelia has always envisioned herself as heterosexual. Her fantasy of prom night includes herself in a fabulous dress with a cute boy on her arm. Indeed, she’s entertained any number of crushes on boys that never led anywhere.
Lest you think that’s a warning sign, the author makes it clear that Ophelia isn’t being nutty or delusion. She’s not the only one who’s ever imagined passionate romantic intentions just because a boy ties her shoelace. Any girl who’s started giddily imagining herself married to someone based on such flimsy attentions can relate.
The dramatis personae was overwhelming; it took me a few paragraphs to get the names straight in my head. They’re the typical bunch of teens with the usual social interactions: getting enormous growth spurts; two crushing on the same girl and threatening to wreck the dynamics of the group; trading quips, banter and good-natured slurs. They have a good time…but the cracks are beginning to show.
Ophelia’s love of flowers may lead her to botany but her friends don’t share her passion for flora. What happens when the group dynamic starts to splinter or when Ophelia starts to think there’s something more to her sweaty palms whenever Talia waves her sparkly colored nails at her?
While Ophelia’s sexuality lends a bit of spice to this tale, this YA novel seems yet another ordinary glimpse into the life of adolescent middle American life. It’s pleasant enough but hardly earth-shaking fare.