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McDonald, Abby
5 Reviews
(4)
YA
In newfound destitution after their father's death, sisters Grace and Hallie are forced to reconfigure their lives as houseguests of a distant wealthy relative in the Hollywood hills. Alternating perspectives highlight the girls' differences as they navigate their own love stories. Although details are fit to a contemporary setting, the methodical unfolding of Sense and Sensibility's plot leaves little new excitement for Austen fans.
Reviewer: Andrea Curtis
(4)
YA
When Sadie's poetry-quoting, foreign-film-watching best friend (and unrequited love interest), Garrett, falls in love with another girl, brokenhearted Sadie recruits a group of friends (and a self-help guidebook) to help her detox from Garrett--and discover what life is like on her own terms. Sadie's travails alternate between relatable and grating in this frothy (self)love story.
Reviewer: Andrea Curtis
(4)
YA
Bliss discovers her boyfriend and best friend hooking up in the limo. Rebel Jolene actually shows up to prom--in "freaking ruffles"--but her date doesn't. Sheeplike Meg is stood up, too, then recruited by the others for a night of hijinks and revenge. McDonald relies on stereotypes in molding the three characters, whose light, entertaining voices take turns narrating this wish-fulfillment adventure.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
(3)
YA
New Jersey–bred environmentalist Jenna spends the summer in the "wild, rugged wilderness" of Canada, where she has trouble fitting in with the local teenagers, who mock her preachy ideals. Exploring nature and listening to her new friends, Jenna learns to appreciate the environment from a new vantage point. A scenic backdrop, a strong cast of secondary players, and believable character development sustain the novel's momentum.
Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor
(4)
YA
Scandal at home causes Tasha to flee to Oxford University; a broken heart motivates her uptight British exchange-student counterpart, Emily, to live for three months in Southern California. As the chapters alternate between Tasha's and Emily's perspectives, the plot falters with too many far-fetched circumstances. Humorous incidents, such as Tasha's experience at a feminist protest, carry the story to a predictable yet entertaining conclusion.
Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot
5 reviews
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