Jess is a typical high school student who wants her back side smaller, her front side bigger and a date with the handsome Ben Jones. Her mother is a feminist and her dad lives far away. She doesn’t talk to her dad very often, but he does send her a silly horoscope everyday, which happen to be the chapter titles. She feels like she lives in the shadow of her beautiful, over-achieving best friend Flora.
The theme of this book seems to be that even if things go awry everything will still be okay. Jess seems to have mishaps at every turn. When she is supposed to shop for a birthday present her grandmother floods the kitchen and she misses the party. When it is finally her time to shine at the talent show she gets sick and can’t attend.
The story is told from Jess’ point of view and we are privy to her personal thoughts. This really helps readers understand how Jess is feeling during the story. When an embarrassing video tape of Jess mysteriously disappears before anyone can see it she thinks “Thank you, you guardian angel, whoever you are. This is the best moment of my life so far!” (page 80). After receiving a speech from one of her teachers about how she should try harder she thinks, “A shame there isn’t a prize for underachievement. I’d walk it.” (page 7).
The setting in England might be confusing to some readers in America. Some of the words might be hard to decipher for younger readers and they might not understand the importance of the geographic distance from where Jess lives to St. Ives where her dad lives. The time is a modern shown by the fact that Jess’ dad sends her text messages and Exterminator 3, which came out in 2003, is referenced.
This is the first book of four books about Jess Jordan and the style will keep readers coming back for more. “The way the author handles the situation and adds a few levels of conflict and a few possible love triangles will have readers ready for the second installment. This title will appeal to fans…who like heroines who have a little vinegar to go with their sugar.” (Patrick 2004).
Reference List:
Patrick, Amy. "Review of Girl, 15, Charming but Insane." School Library Journal 50, no. 9 (2004): 211. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2056/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=113&sid=bf241bbb-0fb5-4254-84cb-0c636be40609%40sessionmgr114&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2Z Q%3d%3d#db=lih&AN=14408206 (accessed October 1, 2011).
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