Sloppy Firsts: A Novel

Book Description

“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again.

Download Description

When her best friend, Hope, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, 16-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. Jessica is a fish out of water at school, a stranger at home, and now -- with the only person with whom she could really communicate gone -- more lost than ever. How is she supposed to deal with the boy-and-shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad's obsession with her track meets, and her nonexistent love life? Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica's predicament, from the dark days following Hope's departure to her hopelessly mixed-up feelings about the intelligent and mysterious bad-boy who works his way into her life. Sloppy Firsts is right in line with some of the great teen crossover works of popular culture, like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and is sure to appeal to readers of all ages who appreciate the inherent humor of high school angst.

Customer Reviews:

Light, funny, and somewhat cliche.......2007-10-17

Though we've seen countless novels like this one before, and countless characters resembling Jessica Darling, this book will make for a fun read. If you're in the mood for some teen-angst, high-school drama, this book hits the spot. There's nothing really unique about this novel, but Megan McCafferty still finds a way to make it so good, that you'll be eager for more.

Light, Fluffy, And Entirely Unmemorable.......2007-09-06

After reading all the praise this book has gotten from the legions of readers who seem to find it absorbing, humorous, and realistic, I was disappointed to find both the plot and the characters extremely clichéd and formulaic.

I'm not saying that I found the book horrible. It was very quick and light, written in a straightforward journal format, making it a fluffy, effortless read. If you're looking for a lightly humorous chick lit novel, this book will fill those requirements.

However, if you're looking for a smart, unique novel that you're going to remember in years to come, I wouldn't recommend this. Most of the characters are either stereotypical or one-dimensional, with the exception of Marcus, who was quite unusual. Jessica was the traditional "smart, misunderstood runner girl". You can find her type in all sorts of teenaged novels. She irritated me. She was incredibly intelligent, a gifted runner, and great at writing, and yet her attitude toward life was generally pretty negative.

With all of her talent, you'd think Jessica would be confident, not pessimistic, which is why she struck me as fake. As for her friends, they were like characters from a soap opera. The plot was monotonous and unsurprising, with no truly exciting twists, right up to the end, which was neither final enough to provide closure nor enough of a cliffhanger to have you eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Instead of this novel, read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen, or Just Listen, also by Sarah Dessen. I found all these novels to be much more realistic depictions of high school.

Sloppy Firsts.......2007-08-27

I read this book a few years ago when I saw it in the book store. I'm a rather picky reader and thought this might be fun to pass some time. I was attached to the character Jessica Darling by the end of this book and even more thrilled to find out that there was a second out at the time. Even more so I bought the third one just as it had been released and the same thing now with the Fourth Comings. Megan has created a character that simply comes to life in the reading. I would suggest to most who like coming of age stories to read this. Its quiet heart warming.

Chuckle, Chuckle, Ha Ha, Hee Hee, Tear.......2007-08-16

The first time I read this book, I was in 8th grade and I still love it to this day! I have read it at least 15 times and have never grown tired of it. Jessica Darling is me in a nutshell...if I were a female track star. Everything else is me...yes, I graduated salutatorian of my class and am currently going to Columbia University. I LOVE this series and you should too...especially if you are an angst-filled teenager.

Welcome Back.......2007-08-10

As Charles Dickens once very aptly obsevered: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Of course Dickens wasn't referring to high school, but the French Revolution. But today, in our current American society his words can be no closer to the truth when discussing the legally mandated ritual called high school.

Everyone has his or her story. From the glory days full of football games, after-hour parties, and social ruling to the lesser exuberant memories our being an outsider, not understanding anything going on around you, and the unfortunately bullyness. Yet despite the pangs of High School and the sometimes harsh memories that come along with it, it is a time in our lives that years removed somehow becomes glorified as "the best time of your life," wither that statement is true or not.

McCafferty has constructed an unlikely heroine who reminds us exactly why we hated high school so much... and exactly why we will probably always look back on it with fond memories of times pass. Jessica Darling is you. Jessica Darling is me. Jessica Darling is everyone. Whither you can relate to everything she says, or just a few of the experiences she goes through during these novels, there is a little bit of everything within our heroine.

Unlike the heroines of classic literature that defeat the sociality structures (Dicken's "A Tale of Two Cities"), learn the true meaning of love (a la Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"), Jessica Darling's one true clam to fame is not only surviving high school, but figuring it out before she leaves the hallowed halls. Most people figure it out sooner or later, but usually when they are removed from the experience.

What McCafferty is trying to say to the audience at large is that life matters. Everything that has happened to you, is happing to you, and will happen you have an effect that you can never dream off. The point of life isn't just sitting back and waiting for the next step. But it is embracing the here and now.

McCafferty is able to do these through a narrative that reads more like a self-aware John Hughes script, rather than 95% of book one would find in their local "young adult fiction" section. And the true genius and charm of the book doesn't from Jessica's stories of high school. But through your own memories, that while reading this book you are able to relive again vicariously through the eyes of Jessica. This book was not written for the tween set as a way to drool over what those "magical four years" will be like (a la "Dawson's Creek"), but as a way for people past that experience to look back and realize just how much their high school years truly means.

I cannot recommend this book enough, especially to fans of the budding new genre of self-aware coming-of-age stories such as "Prep," "Boy meets Boy," and the "Rules of Attraction." In all honestly I must request that everyone in their post high-school years, but still young enough to remember the impact John Hughes has on society to order a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed in the least!

Average customer rating:

Second Helpings? Yes Please.
Loved it!!
Great Read!
Fabulous
Second Helpings

Second Helpings: A Novel
Megan Mccafferty
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0609807919
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Book Description

“Knowing that I’ve just done something that will take decades off my parents’ lives with worry, you’ll excuse me for not getting into the fa-la-la-la-la Yuletide spirit this year. . . . The only difference between Christmas 2001 and Christmas 2000 is that I don’t have a visit from Hope to look forward to. And Bethany has already packed on some major fetal flab. Oh, and now Gladdie doesn’t need to ask a bizillion questions about my boyfriend, because she’s already gotten the dirt from you know who.”

Jessica Darling is up in arms again in this much-anticipated, hilarious sequel to Sloppy Firsts. This time, the hyperobservant, angst-ridden teenager is going through the social and emotional ordeal of her senior year at Pineville High. Not only does the mysterious and oh-so-compelling Marcus Flutie continue to distract Jessica, but her best friend, Hope, still lives in another state, and she can’t seem to escape the clutches of the Clueless Crew, her annoying so-called friends. To top it off, Jessica’s parents won’t get off her butt about choosing a college, and her sister Bethany’s pregnancy is causing a big stir in the Darling household.

With keen intelligence, sardonic wit, and ingenious comedic timing, Megan McCafferty again re-creates the tumultuous world of today’s fast-moving and sophisticated teens. Fans of Sloppy Firsts will be reunited with their favorite characters and also introduced to the fresh new faces that have entered Jess’s life, including the hot creative writing teacher at her summer college prep program and her feisty, tell-it-like-it-is grandmother Gladdie. But most of all, readers will finally have the answers to all of their burgeoning questions, and then some: Will Jessica crack under the pressure of senioritis? Will her unresolved feelings for Marcus wreak havoc on her love life? Will Hope ever come back to Pineville? Fall in love with saucy, irreverent Jessica all over again in this wonderful sequel to a book that critics and readers alike hailed as the best high school novel in years.

Customer Reviews:

Second Helpings? Yes Please. .......2007-07-29

After a cliff hanger of an ending that we experienced with "Sloppy Firsts", "Second Helpings" is a welcomed read.

Jessica and Marcus's relationship is much different in this novel, than in the previous. Mostly due to the fact that Marcus had confessed he originally was interested in Jessica as a sexual conquest. I, once again, was thoroughly entertained by the character of Marcus Flutie. He has this inane ability to understand people and their motivations. And by people, I mostly mean Jessica.

Compared to "Sloppy Firsts", I think that "Second Helpings" has improved. We now are quite familiar with all of the characters, and yet McCafferty continues to surprise us with revelations about everyone.

While "Sloppy Firsts" ended in heartbreak, "Second Helpings" ends in a very different manner. I think that readers will be entertained to learn how Jessica deals with the changes in her life, and the discovery of different aspects of the lives of her friends. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quick, and entertaining read.

Loved it!!.......2007-06-05

I do not know if I liked "Second Helpings" better than "Sloppy Firsts" but I know I am awaiting to read the third (which I just ordered).
"Second Helpings," was LOL funny and very interesting. The protagonist has an awesome outlook and personality that keeps you glued to the book. This book is good for young adults, as well as adults (I am 22).
One of my favorite books!

Great Read!.......2007-01-09

I bought this book for my younger sister. She loved it so much she had me read it, although I am out of my teen years this book was entertaining in reminding you how "dramatic" teen life was. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good laugh.

Fabulous.......2006-10-28

I absolutely adore the Jessica Darling books. I love that these books are amusing yet not totally trivial. Pick it up, and you won't be able to put it down. I rated the book 4/5 stars because, let's face it, nobody actually talks like Jessica and her friends.

Second Helpings.......2006-07-06

The book came in with in 2 days and in perfect condition as the seller had promised

Alma Lynne Designs Duplicate Stitch Darling Duplicates for Little Girls

Average customer rating:

Alma Lynne Designs Duplicate Stitch Darling Duplicates for Little Girls
Alma Lynne Designs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000WW6Q4U

Product Description

Patterns for Precious Angel, Bunny Wabbits and A "Beary" Little Bear

Average customer rating:

Cruise Girl
rose darling
Manufacturer: Midwood Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KQPE9Q

Darling Dresses : Crochet Collection for Little Girl Dolls (American School of Needlework #1109)

Average customer rating:

Darling Dresses : Crochet Collection for Little Girl Dolls (American School of Needlework #1109)
Hazel Pitre , and Eileen Henkelman
Manufacturer: American School of Needlework
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0881953601

Product Description

These 11 1/2" porcelain-look dolls are precious in their crocheted finery make with worsted weight yarn. Thers's Prudence in her yellow party dress; Sarah, a little Victorian lady in her Sunday best; Pricilla with her blue dress and pinafore; Nichole in her nautical sailor dress; and Emily in her elegant dress, coat and hat ensemble.

Average customer rating:

Darling Girl
Oliver Spalding
Manufacturer: Isis Audio Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Biographies & Memoirs | Large Print | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0753196328

The Oxford Bookworms Library: Stage 2: 700 Headwords Grace Darling (Oxford Bookworms Library 2)

Average customer rating:

The Oxford Bookworms Library: Stage 2: 700 Headwords Grace Darling (Oxford Bookworms Library 2)
Tim Vicary , and Tricia Hedge
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

Readers | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0194229742

Book Description

All they could hear was the wind, and the waves crashing on to the rocks. All they could see was the night. They could not see the ship, broken in two. They could not see the people holding on to the dark wet rock, slowly dying of cold. And they could not hear the cries for help - only the wind. How could they save the people on the rock? Was their wooden boat stronger than the iron ship? Were a man and his daughter stronger than the great waves that broke the ship in two? The Forfarshire was wrecked off the north-east coast of England in 1838. This is the true story of Grace Darling - a girl who became a famous heroine on that stormy night.

WHERE THE GIRLS WERE DIFFERENT: Country Full of Swedes; A Sack of Turnips; Big Buck; Gold-Fever; The Albino and Darling Jill; Honeymoon; Spence Cooperates; The Doggone Douthits; My Old Man; All Kind of Pep; Balm of Gilead; A Day's Wooing; A Big Mistake

Average customer rating:

WHERE THE GIRLS WERE DIFFERENT: Country Full of Swedes; A Sack of Turnips; Big Buck; Gold-Fever; The Albino and Darling Jill; Honeymoon; Spence Cooperates; The Doggone Douthits; My Old Man; All Kind of Pep; Balm of Gilead; A Day's Wooing; A Big Mistake
Erskine Caldwell
Manufacturer: MacFadden Bartell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HK8F2I

6 Titles By Zindel - The Pigman - The Pigman's Legacy - My Darling My Hamburger - Amazing and Death-defying Diary of Eugene Dingman - Girl Who Wanted a Boy - A Star for the Latecomer

Average customer rating:

6 Titles By Zindel - The Pigman - The Pigman's Legacy - My Darling My Hamburger - Amazing and Death-defying Diary of Eugene Dingman - Girl Who Wanted a Boy - A Star for the Latecomer
Paul Zindel and Bonnie Zindel
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NXWZHA

Product Description

6 massmarket paperback Titles By Zindel - The Pigman - The Pigman's Legacy - My Darling My Hamburger - Amazing and Death-defying Diary of Eugene Dingman - Girl Who Wanted a Boy - A Star for the Latecomer

Average customer rating:

Darling girl,
Clara Marcelle Farrar Greene
Manufacturer: Dramatists Play Service
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007F363Q

Book Description

With little formal education and even fewer business skills, Wilbur and Orville Wright solved the scientific mystery that defeated the greatest minds of their day. This collection of six hundred letters between the two brothers traces the genesis of their flying machine, from their initial frustration to their bursts of discovery and the thrill of ultimate success. Witness the resourcefulness, good humor, and sheer pluck of America's most famous brothers.

Miracle at Kitty Hawk: The Letters of Wilbur and Orville Wright

Average customer rating:

Miracle at Kitty Hawk: The Letters of Wilbur and Orville Wright
Fred C., ed. Kelly
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Young
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VNG636

Miracle at Kitty Hawk;: The letters of Wilber and Orville Wright

Average customer rating:

Miracle at Kitty Hawk;: The letters of Wilber and Orville Wright
Fred C Kelly
Manufacturer: Farrar
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007DZQ4U

Average customer rating:

Miracle at Kitty Hawk: The Letters of Wilbur and Orville Wright
Orville Wright, Fred C. Kelly Wilbur Wright
Manufacturer: Da Capo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSV1OW

Miracle at Kitty Hawk: Unpublished letters of the Wright brothers

Average customer rating:

Miracle at Kitty Hawk: Unpublished letters of the Wright brothers
Wilbur Wright
Manufacturer: Atlantic Monthly Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007I7I32

Book Description

This essential guide to tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome tackles problems faced both at home and at school, such as adjusting to the diagnosis, the effect on siblings and classroom difficulties. Dr. Chowdhury offers advice on how to manage symptoms, describing psychological techniques such as habit reversal and massed practice and reviewing available medical treatments. In clear, accessible language, this book explains the clinical signs and symptoms of Tourette and related conditions, and their possible causes. Presenting practical strategies for dealing with associated difficulties, including low self-esteem, anger-management and bullying, this book will be invaluable to parents, teachers, social workers other professionals.

Customer Reviews:

Extremely useful.......2006-10-04

This is by far the most useful book I have read on Tourette Syndrome, as well as one of the best books I have read on special needs in general. "Tics and Tourette Syndrome" is short enough and concise enough that an overwhelmed parent can read it in one sitting. Do not be fooled by the book's length, however. Word for word, this book contains more useful information than any other book I have read; there is no filler, there are no anecdotes.

If you have time for only one book on Tourette's, this is the book. That is a very tired line, I know, but in this case it really is true. I have recommended this book to other parents of children with Tourette's as well as to friends and relatives, in an effort to dispel misconceptions about what Tourette's is and is not.

A general guide.......2006-09-02

This book is good for general information. Give you all the topics about Tourette Syndrome. It's excellent for parents and professionals that are beginning reader about TS. Help you a lot to begin to understand all concerning with the Tourette Syndrome.

Book Description

For centuries the dutch oven has been the world's most portable camp stove. the pioneers on the frontier made good use of their dutch ovens and developed a tasty array of recipes. Unfortunately, much of their knowledge has been lost or forgotten in more recent times.

Robert L. Ririe is one of the nation's most experienced dutch-oven chefs. After cooking and experimenting with dutch ovens for decades, he has restored and recorded many of these early pioneer skills in this very unique cookbook.

Lets Cook Dutch is one of the most complete books in its feild. For the beginner, there is a valuable chapter of general instructions converning the preparation, usage and maintenance of dutch ovens, fire preparation, etc. This chapter is followed by eleven more, each filled with mouth-watering recipes. These chapters include: sauces, meat dishes, meat with vegetables, quick meals, poultry and fish, desserts, breads and rolls. Other informative chapters deal with more advanced details such as cooking for groups, cooking in emergencies, and complimentary side dishes.

This book will make dutch-oven cooking an enjoyable and delicious experience for everyone, both at home and on the trail.

Customer Reviews:

Okay...needs more recipes.......2007-05-07

I was a bit disappointed by this book. There wasn't a great variety of recipes and most were geared to outdoor cooking. I'll be looking for another cookbook.

The start of a love affair: this book, dutch ovens and me.......2001-08-19

15 years ago I came across this book. Since then I and my family have enjoyed dozens of meals cooked in dutch ovens, both while camping and at home. All of my dutch oven cooking was not from this book, but this book taught me how. I was a complete novice. I didn't even know what a dutch oven was. Now I'm called on for every local block party in Mount Prospect, Illinois to cook my famouns secret cobbler recipies. Well they are all from this book. Great for beginners!

A very good Dutch oven cook book with about 50 recipes.......1999-01-14

A good inrtoduction on preparing and cooking with a Dutch oven on charcoal. There is a section on Dutch oven tools that has good ideas but leaves out a charcoal starter which I use all the time. The book also includes a lot of recipes and good ideas.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books