Elaine loves to help out at her mother’s restaurant. It’s one of the only places that she feels like she belongs. At school she’s somewhat of an outsider ( Although it’s really unclear why she doesn’t have normal dorky friends like most non-popular high school kids). But what hurts the most is that she feels left in the dust by her former best friend Sim. He’s popular and just a little bad and Lainey wishes he were still in her life. And maybe as more than just a friend. So when he all-of-a-sudden shows up and starts asking for favors, Elaine is more than happy to do what she can to keep him in her life. Even if it means making some terrible decisions.
I found this book to be pretty sad. As I mentioned before, it’s really strange to me that Lainey doesn’t really have friends. Her puppy-dog devotion to Sim is absolutely bad news, and everyone other than her can tell this from a mile away. While her relationship with him is depressing, it is a power dynamic that is seen far too often for high school girls. As the book progresses, Elaine has some growing up to do, and while you’re not exactly left with a happily ever after, you at least get the sense that things are heading in the right direction for her.
Also, I wasn’t thrilled with the constant concern about weight. Elaine has put quite a bit of effort into losing 2 sizes, but it takes some of the fun out of the cooking. There are a few body positive messages, but not nearly enough to compensate for the negative ones.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – There’s kissing and talking about kissing. A boy is shirtless in a girl’s bed, although they are just friends. A boy puts his arm around a girl’s shoulders. A boy tells a girl he’s “too wasted to jump” her.
Profanity – “jerk,” “hell in a handbasket,” “heck,” “screw” although not in reference to sex, “Jeez,” “suck,” “stupid,” “crap,” “jackass,” “hell,” “darned,”
Death, Violence and Gore – A boy is bullied by his brother. Elaine’s father died when she was young. Laine wishes she could slap someone.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Stoners are listed as a high school social group. A teen has quit smoking. There is a keg and marijuana at a high school party. A boy smokes (and it seems like possibly he smokes more than just cigarettes). At a party a boy hands off his drugs and another kid gets in trouble for it.
Frightening or Intense Things – A character runs away from home, triggering an investigation. A teen gets in trouble with the law jeopardizing future plans.
