Kiss and show
There are a lot of YA books with protagonists who are dying to confess something, even when the so-called confessions aren't very enlightening or entertaining. But occasionally you'll come across a book that contains something with substance, and the confessions have a bit of weight to them. I wasn't expecting that when I began reading this book.
According to Evangeline, it all started when she found a romance paperback under her mother's bed and read about the "crimson kiss." Deciding she wants in on the action, Evangeline begins to go about school trying out different kissing partners - the hot jock, the wiseacre, even a random Starbucks patron. Helping her in her quest for the perfect kiss is her best friend Adrienne, who's always there for Evangeline even when homework and volunteer hours demand their attention. But soon, Evangeline starts getting into trouble - mouthing off to the guidance counselor, getting her phone number graffiti'd in the restrooms, and mistakenly kissing a guy Adrienne is crushing on. To make matters worse, her mom and dad are talking again, and she can't believe her mother would forgive her father for his cheating ways. Before long, Evangeline has to face the consequences that come with indiscriminate kissing.
Despite a standard opening and flippant prose, I really ended up enjoying this book. Although Evangeline as a character never quite gelled for me, I like what van Draanen wanted to do with her. And unlike quite a few YA heroines, Evangeline has agency as well as a good deal of charisma. This is a character that engages your curiosity and eventually your sympathy. What's even more admirable is how the plot and characters around Evangeline react to her - and not every reaction is a negative one. Jock Robbie becomes sincerely infatuated with Evangeline (who leaves every one of her kissers in the dust) and clearly wants to pursue a relationship. Her father, however, isn't happy about his estranged (by her choice) daughter's new behavior. A lot of writers include stories about divorce, but this is one of the few times I've read about parents separating - and how the kid is affected. It's done quite well, slowly coming to dominate the plot as Evangeline has to learn a little bit about forgiveness and fairness.
Although too weighty to be pure fluff, Serial Kisser maintains an energetic attitude and boasts a fun cast of characters. At times, Evangeline comes across as broadly drawn, and the choppy paragraphs and occasionally generic prose can be boring. However, this is largely a good book and a pleasant read. Rating: 4 Aerosmith songs out of 5.
Despite a standard opening and flippant prose, I really ended up enjoying this book. Although Evangeline as a character never quite gelled for me, I like what van Draanen wanted to do with her. And unlike quite a few YA heroines, Evangeline has agency as well as a good deal of charisma. This is a character that engages your curiosity and eventually your sympathy. What's even more admirable is how the plot and characters around Evangeline react to her - and not every reaction is a negative one. Jock Robbie becomes sincerely infatuated with Evangeline (who leaves every one of her kissers in the dust) and clearly wants to pursue a relationship. Her father, however, isn't happy about his estranged (by her choice) daughter's new behavior. A lot of writers include stories about divorce, but this is one of the few times I've read about parents separating - and how the kid is affected. It's done quite well, slowly coming to dominate the plot as Evangeline has to learn a little bit about forgiveness and fairness.
Although too weighty to be pure fluff, Serial Kisser maintains an energetic attitude and boasts a fun cast of characters. At times, Evangeline comes across as broadly drawn, and the choppy paragraphs and occasionally generic prose can be boring. However, this is largely a good book and a pleasant read. Rating: 4 Aerosmith songs out of 5.
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