
Author: E. Lockhart
Publication Date: 9/26/06
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Blurb: Here is how things stand at the beginning of newly-licensed driver Ruby Oliver's junior year at Tate Prep:
• Kim: Not speaking. But far away in Tokyo.
• Cricket: Not speaking.
• Nora: Speaking--sort of. Chatted a couple times this summer when they bumped into each other outside of school--once shopping in the U District, and once in the Elliot Bay Bookstore. But she hadn't called Ruby, or anything.
• Noel: Didn't care what anyone thinks.
• Meghan: Didn't have any other friends.
• Dr. Z: Speaking.
• And Jackson. The big one. Not speaking.
But, by Winter Break, a new job, an unlikely but satisfying friend combo, additional entries to The Boy Book and many difficult decisions help Ruby to see that there is, indeed, life outside the Tate Universe.
Review:
"The Boy Book" is the second book about Ruby Oliver. While I thought the first book was great by itself and didn't actually require a sequel, I enjoyed this installment just as much as the first one. In this book Ruby continues learning about relationships with boys and her friends and figuring out how to balance both, although very often she remains her own worst enemy. Once again, plenty of lessons about love, friendships, female empowerment, written in a very clever and engaging way. Needless to say, loved it.
I won't linger on raving about this novel and will finish this review with this Public Service type bit of seemingly common dating knowledge that sometimes gets forgotten, quoted directly from Ruby's Boy Book and applicable to men of all ages:
Boy-Speak: Introduction to a Foreign Language
What he says: I never felt this way before.
What is understood: He loves me!
What he means: Can we get to the nether regions now?
What he says: I'll call you.
What is understood: He'll call me.
What he means: I don't want to see you again.
What he says: It's not you, it's me.
What is understood: He's got some meaningful problem going on in his life that's blocking him from being anyone's boyfriend, even mine, though he likes me so much.
What he means: I like someone else.
What he says: We're just really good friends.
What is understood: Nothing is going on between him and that other girl.
What he means: We have a flirtation, but I don't want you to bug me.
What he says: I am so messed up.
What is understood: He needs my support and help.
What he means: I want you to leave me alone.
5/5 stars