Ten Things We Did Review

Author: Sarah Mlynowski
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Pages: 352 (Hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review through Teen Book Scene

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

This is the first book I've read by Mlynowski, but believe me when I say that it won't be my last.

From page one I knew I was going to like Ten Things We Did, because I was already chuckling. And as the novel went on, I discovered that it was more than just a funny book. Ten Things We Did tackles a variety of issues, such as teen sex, STDs, and family issues in a way that isn't preachy or boring, but always honest, light, and enjoyable.

April is an easy to like main character, with her own sad past and issues to work out. In fact, each character had their distinct own personality. Whether it was the controlling roomate Vi, or the super-sweet Hudson, or the slightly creepy Lucy, I had no trouble connecting to any of the characters. Each even had their own storyline, with their own problems to work out, making the book that much more readable.

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) is fun and fast without being fluffy or forced. It's an awesome summer read that I'd quickly recommend to teens--and their parents--everywhere.

Plot: Unrealistic and incredibly entertaining.

Characters: They were all great. Except--no, won't say anything

Writing: Fast and easy to read. Lots of (great) dialogue.

Ending: Kinda predictable, but still how it should've ended.

Kid friendly? Sex is a big part of this one. There's also language, and teen drinking.
Should I read it? Yes, you really should!

Overall:

I've got a giveaway for this one going on now. Go check it out!