THE BLONDE OF THE JOKE
BENNETT MADISON
YA contemporary
Harper Collins
ISBN# 978-0-06-125560-1
260 pages
$16.99
Hardback—Available now
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Val knew there was something different about Francie the first day she showed up in her Physics class. Blonde, brass, and gutsy, Francie was everything Val wanted to be. Then Francie decides to let her become her partner in shoplifting at the upscale mall. So both the mousy brunette and flashy blonde go on a wild ride of stealing. Francie sees something in Val, a wild streak. Val is unaware of this hidden part of herself. The risks for stealing get higher and both of them continue to shoplift. Along the way other secrets are revealed. Secrets that will either bring them closer or pull them apart.
I enjoy this story of a teen, who felt invisible at her school until Francie appears in her life. The voice is unique and engaging. At times hilarious and sarcastic, you can’t help but be entertained. Francie is at times way over the top in her outrageous behavior. I could see why Val would be attracted to her. Val at first seems gullible but in fact is stronger than she thinks. The only thing I felt was missing was the secret of Val’s dying brother. And the ending tended to be a bit abrupt.
The secrets of shoplifting were very revealing. Who knew what a simple rubber band could accomplish? What makes this book engaging is how Val opens up from her shell to the very end when she makes a final decision that turns her life upside down.
Bennett Madison learned everything about shoplifting from working at the Gap. He lives in New York City. You can visit him at www.bennettmadison.net
Kim
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
August 09
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I was pretty into this book at first but it threw me off once things changed from shoplifting to deep psychological stuff. Still...definitely a thought provoker!
ReplyDelete