Possibly better than the first.

books:


	• Second Helpings: A Novel Megan Mccafferty Three Rivers Press, 2003 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 192 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Pretty good sequel

This was a pretty good sequel as far as sequels go. I like Jessica's pessimism laced with optimism and her dark humor. The novel was a nice mix of plot and character. Not sure why the author felt the need to keep up with the Sloppy Firsts angle and give this book such a lame title, but whatever. The reader is "treated" with the author's liberal political views, but not so much that it bogged down the story. Things wrapped up pretty nicely (but not perfectly) for Jessica and her friends/"friends" - I especially liked how she realized Bridget was a better friend than she realized for a long time. I wonder how necessary it is to keep Hope, her long-distance best friend, in the picture - she didn't add a whole lot to the story other than the link between her and "He Who Shall Not Be Named" Marcus.

for more information click here

A teenage male's perspective.

It appears that there are an exorbitant number of female reviews of this book, and few (or none) which are written by males. Not surprising, since the book is aimed at an audience lacking a Y-chromosome. Yet here I am, a 17-year old typical (not) teenage male, writing a review for a book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Jessica's dry-wit was a pleasant backdrop for a story written with a solid premise and foundation. However, despite my enjoyment of this book, and my five-star rating, I found that there had a few aches from this book, things that, albeit being small, made me wonder as to what the author was thinking when she wrote it.

First and foremost, was my profound dislike of Jessica. Yes I know that she is witty, intelligent and observant. But she also happens to be the saddest sort of hypocrite imaginable. A large portion of the book is centered around Jess's differences from all other females. Yet, she acts exactly the same. She takes the same critical approach to many of the people in her life (Sara and Manda) but will still hand around them simply because they are her past, to which she doesn't want to turn her back. Also, I would have hoped that Jessica would not turn out to be the hormone-driven girl she is. She refers to Manda as a skank (no arguments) but she herself cannot stop thinking of guys. Her obsession with Marcus, with a pause for Len, being just one example.

Second: the author's inability to tie in Hope's life in any way shape or form into Jessica's communiqu?s. Clearly, the story is set around J.D and Hope is simply a foil to enhance to former. Yet it is shocking that in two years worth of soul-pouring (I've yet to read Charmed Thirds), Hope has hardly been given two lines for her own life. Sure Megan managed to slot her in at the end, but this is more of a last minute realization on her part that she had completely forgotten about the character was the premise for the writing of these two journals. I wanted to get to know Hope, not as the wall to which Jessica writes, but as her friend. I wanted to know her own issues and what she got out of her relationship with Jess, which otherwise seemed entirely single-ended, in favour of Jessica.

And my final rant to conclude this spiel, is about Jessica and Marcus. One of the most enjoyable parts of the book was the building up their relationship, Yet I was utterly disappointed (though probably from a personal point of view) that Jessica had sex with him on their first official day (hours even) of going out. Yes, it didn't ruin their relationship (I'll leave that for college), but it made it seem all too unreal. Yes they loved each other, and for quite some time before, but it was still their first official day going out. What kind of message are you sending, when Jessica Darling, the girl that countless pre-teens will look up to, has sex on her first day going out? (Not McCafferty's concern, I know, but should have still been considered).

What made up for it all and allowed me to enjoy it? Marcus. Being a male I get the short end of the stick. A lot. No one has faith in my ability to change. And no I am not talking about going from dreg to I.Q. since I am already there (please don't ask for credentials). I mean that no one would even place odds on my ability to go from socially-awkward to accepted. Megan gave Marcus that chance, and he took it, and was able to make something out of it (which I believe to be real, but remains to be seen). Marcus was a true non-conformist, one who people like myself could look up to and respect.

Either way I thought that this was a great book, and I am surprised that males turn their backs to it before they even begin. Sure they will have a vastly different perspective that most girls, but that is not to say that they won't enjoy it. Consider it your guilty pleasure. Enjoy!

for more information click here

Possibly better than the first.

The continuation of the the chronicles of Jessica Darling does not disappoint. This sequel is possibly better than the first in that I vividly recall laugh-out-loud moments while reading! Megan Mccafferty truly has her hand on the pulse of today's teens. So much of what Jessica goes through I did myself. Teen angst endures! Good read if you're still in highschool, feeling nostalgic or want to get a grip of your teenagers reality!

Second Helpings

The book came in with in 2 days and in perfect condition as the seller had promised

reviews: 1, page 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

hot

not?

What's your opinion?

Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

Books for teen girls with brains, but occasionally need absolute fluff
The best of the best (teen books)
Best Books For Teen Girls
Chick-Lit Mania
my favorites.

search for books
helpings, novel, second

Impressum / about us