Megan McCafferty’s debut novel received perhaps unwanted publicity earlier this year when it was one of the books embroiled in the Kaavya Viswanathan plagiarism scandal.
It’s about Jessica Darling, who is devastated when her best friend Hope moves away, leaving her with just the “Clueless Crew” (Manda, Bridget and Sara) for company. With her mother caught up in the plans for Jessica’s sister’s wedding and her father unable to communicate except through Jessica’s running, she feels alone in the world. Until, that is, druggie dropout Marcus Flutie starts talking to her. Not only is he the bad influence of all bad influences, he was best friends with Hope’s brother who died of an overdose, so Jessica can’t even confide in Hope about him.
When a new girl at the school turns out not to be what she seemed and Jessica starts writing for the school newspaper, she starts to work out what it is she needs from her friends, family and herself.
Taking place over a full year in Jessica’s life, Sloppy Firsts will take you back to high school and remind you how happy you are not to be there anymore. Jessica’s intelligent and angst-ridden voice is entertaining, funny and painful by turn. I found myself reading quicker and quicker to find out how things turn out for her, but since this is the first book of a trilogy, the ending left me wanting more.
Sloppy Firsts is a great example of YA chick lit, but is actually shelved in the adult section too - like it says on the back cover “a good read for anyone between the ages of 15 and 99.” Recommended.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Like this? Try The Boy Book by E Lockhart
