The Boyfriend List and The Boy Book Review

Author: E. Lockhart
Release Date: March 22, 2005
Pages: 229 (HC)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: From library

Ruby Oliver is 15 and has a shrink. She knows it’s unusual, but give her a break—she’s had a rough 10 days. In the past 10 days she: 

lost her boyfriend (#13 on the list),

lost her best friend (Kim),

lost all her other friends (Nora, Cricket),

did something suspicious with a boy (#10),

did something advanced with a boy (#15),

had an argument with a boy (#14),

drank her first beer (someone handed it to her),

got caught by her mom (ag!),

had a panic attack (scary),

lost a lacrosse game (she’s the goalie),

failed a math test (she’ll make it up),

hurt Meghan’s feelings (even though they aren’t really friends),

became a social outcast (no one to sit with at lunch)

and had graffiti written about her in the girls’ bathroom (who knows what was in the boys’!?!).

But don’t worry—Ruby lives to tell the tale. And make more lists.

What a perfect summer read! The Boyfriend List is funny, romantic, and--best of all--real.

Ruby Oliver was so, incredibly awesome and her voice was so. real. Seriously. She was a normal, witty teenager and I loved her, even if she makes some pretty big mistakes...pretty often. Cause, unfortunately, that happens more often than we'd like to admit. Though I didn't feel like we got to know any of the side characters as well as I would've liked...hopefully hear more about them in book two.

The plot kept me reading until the very end, trying to find out why Ruby and Jackson broke up and why Ruby and Kim are no longer on speaking terms. Lockhart did a brilliant job with the pacing of the novel. I read it in about a day.

The Boyfriend List is a fast, entertaining, gripping read. I can't wait to dive into book 2 of Ruby's adventures, The Boy Book.

Also: Ruby's parents were probably the funniest part of this book. Jus' sayin'.

Plot: Uniquely told and well-executed.

Characters: Ruby was so genuine!

Writing: Very good.

Ending: Wrapped things up well.

Kind Friendly? There was swearing, mentions of sex, and heavy making out.
Should I read it? Yes. Especially if you're a fan of contemporary and/or chick-lit.

Overall:

Author: E. Lockhart
Release Date: September 26, 2006
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: From library

Here is how things stand at the beginning of newly-licensed driver Ruby Oliver's junior year at Tate Prep:

• Kim: Not speaking. But far away in Tokyo.

• Cricket: Not speaking.

• Nora: Speaking--sort of. Chatted a couple times this summer when they bumped into each other outside of school--once shopping in the U District, and once in the Elliot Bay Bookstore. But she hadn't called Ruby, or anything.

• Noel: Didn't care what anyone thinks.

• Meghan: Didn't have any other friends.

• Dr. Z: Speaking.

• And Jackson. The big one. Not speaking.

But, by Winter Break, a new job, an unlikely but satisfying friend combo, additional entries to The Boy Book and many difficult decisions help Ruby to see that there is, indeed, life outside the Tate Universe.

I think I liked The Boy Book even more than The Boyfriend List.

All of the side characters were more present, likable, and realistic in The Boy Book. And it helped that there was a lot of Noel. I found him to be a fascinating character in The Boyfriend List, and I loved that he was in The Boy Book as much as he was.

Our dear, amazing Ruby is starting to grow. Even when it pains her...and me. I can't wait to see how much more she grows in the next two books.

I thought there was a slightly better message to take from this installment, too. If the series continues to develop as well as it did in The Boy Book, then I can see why this is such a beloved series. I can't wait to read the next book.

Plot: Grabbing and fun.

Characters: Ruby continues to be awesome. And Noel's awesome is increased, as is Nora's.

Writing: Very good, again.

Ending: Had a decent message and wrapped things up nicely.

Kid friendly? Eh. There's mentions of sex and swearing.
Should I read it? As long as you've read and liked The Boyfriend List.

Overall: