The Best Friend by Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Release: June 1, 2012
Paperback, 215 pages
ISBN: 9780800719630
My rating: 4.25/5.0
My Review:
Another fast read in the Life at Kingston High series by Melody Carlson. Since it had been a few months, it took me a little be to become re-acclimated to who was who in this book but after about 15 pages I realized who Lishia was and who Riley was. The main characters from the previous book have small roles in this book, but mainly this book has a new cast of characters from the same high school.
As with all of Melody Carlson's YA books, she tackles an issue that faces teenagers head on. This time it is loneliness, popularity and what a girl (or boy) will go through to get friends. I could definitely relate and although I wasn't fond of Lishia in the first book (The Jerk Magnet), I found myself very sympathetic to her in this book. And also though she brings all of the consequences of her actions on herself I also could see how easy it was to get sucked in.
While just a little on the cutesy side at times and a little over-the-top, I still really feel like this book can get it's point across while being an entertaining story. I read it quickly in one sitting and had to know what would happen to Lishia, Gillian and Riley. It's sad to think that girls can be that manipulative, but it really is a fact that some can be. But the truth is some can overcome and be true friends as well and that is a good point to be made as well.
I think this is a great series especially for the younger teen set that is just starting to face some of these issues and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Ms. Carlson is great at getting right to the heart of the matter and telling it like it is without being too preachy. I really like that about her books and think teens will as well.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
About the Book:
Lishia Vance is flummoxed. One day she has friends. The next day everyone has turned against her. No explanation. Just complete social isolation. Even her best friend Janelle isn't giving her the time of day. When she makes a connection with Riley Atkins, a popular cheerleader, things start looking up. But is Riley really as good a friend as she seems? Or is Lishia better off without her?
With her signature insight into the lives of teen girls, bestselling author Melody Carlson explores the treacherous world of friendship, loyalty, and choices girls face in high school.
***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free. ***
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