Book #11

(April Book Binge #1) Vegan Virgin Valentine by Carolyn Mackler. Normally a fan of most things YA, I have to say that this book was just alright for me. Good story - I loved the character V, but I wasn’t crazy about the heroine.

Remember how in the Traveling Pants books, you cry a lot? That’s because the characters stories move you to tears. Mara, the main character in Vegan Virgin Valentine does a lot of crying, but I never cried with her. In fact, a couple times, I was annoyed at her crying and wanted to give her a good, “suck it up!” lecture.

That said, I’m a 30-year-old woman, and this book is not directed at me. Perhaps in my wizened (apparently that means shriveled up) years wise old age, I’m able to see what is and isn’t worth crying about - when I’m reading anyway. BUT, many a YA book have made me cry because I was so involved with the characters and their relationships. I did not feel this relationship with Mara.

Now, enough cons, here are the pros. I loved the parents, especially the mom. I would have loved to see more interaction with her, because she seemed great. I also loved V. How about a sequel featuring her senior year?

I’m still going to read Mackler’s other books. I have seen too many recommendations for her to discount, so I’m not giving up. Plus, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is a great title, and worthy of inspection.