The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald
April 12th, 2011 by Candlewick Press
From the Publisher:
Three unlikely allies team up for a night of rebellion, romance, and revenge in a high-stakes dramedy from acclaimed young author Abby McDonald. They’ve spent years at the same high school without speaking a word to one another, but that’s all about to change. Popular Bliss was having the perfect prom until she found her BFF and boyfriend making out in the back of a limo. Bad girl Jolene wouldn’t be caught dead at the prom, yet here she is, trussed up in pink ruffles, risking her reputation for some guy - some guy who is forty minutes late. And shy, studious, über-planner Meg never counted on her date’s standing her up and leaving her idling in the parking lot outside the prom. Get ready for The Anti-Prom, Abby McDonald’s hilarious, heart-tugging tale about three girls and one unforgettable prom night.
Review:
Bliss, Jolene, and Meg aren't exactly BFFs. In fact, they don't know anything about each other at all. Well, maybe a few things, but those are mostly rumors. It's prom night and for Bliss, the social event of the year! Everything is going according to plan until Bliss stumbles upon her boyfriend making out with her so-called best friend Kaitlin in the back of a limo. Making out is putting it mildly. The two are going at it like it's the end of the world! Bliss is devasted, but quickly seeks revenge. Insert Jolene the rebel, the bad girl, the...outcast. Jolene is only at the prom in order to make fun of the spectacle, but deep down, she is disappointed her "date" didn't show. As Jolene is sulking in the storage closet, Bliss stumbles in with sly smile and even more sly plan. Because Jolene doesn't have any others plans and is always up for an adventure, she agrees to help Bliss get her revenge on her boyfriend and Kaitlin. Insert Meg. Well, more like insert Meg's car. As Bliss and Jolene race to the parking lot and head to Kaitlin's house to steal her journal, they almost get run over by Meg. Meg has had a disappointing night as well. Her date canceled at the last second and she is humiliated. It doesn't take long for Jolene and Bliss to coax Meg into joining their mission of revenge. Meg is the wallflower of school. Very forgettable, if you remembered her at all. Meg is looking to finish school and move on with her life - if she can find it. Things are going according to Bliss's plan - they have Kaitlin's journal with her darkest secrets; secrets that would destroy her socially. As they make their way all over town trying to bring down Bliss's boyfriend and friend with the help of the journal, Jolene opens up about her non existent relationship with her disappearing father, and Meg realizes that being the quiet one was her choice. Bliss? Bliss thinks maybe revenge wasn't what she needed after all. Maybe Bliss needs a new set of friends.
Anti-Prom is a fun and fast read. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. The characters are developed and vary widely. I was looking for the cliche popular girl junk, but there was something more waiting. Bliss has a giving heart, she just hasn't an opportunity to be...nice. Jolene is rough and crass. I really enjoyed her story and the way she blossomed through out the story. Meg was a little quiet for me. I think of the Family Guy character when I say her name. Meg is the forgettable one in the story and for me. I would have liked to see a tad more from her and her story. I think Jolene's willingness to help Bliss was a little rushed. Bliss and Jolene are on polar opposite sides of the social spectrum. It seemed a little too easy when Jolene agreed to Bliss's plan. Things get wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow at the end, but not without a lot of self discovery!
3.75 Stars
Here are some quick thoughts from other readers on The Anti-Prom Banned Book Tour. I encourage you to follow the links and read/comment on their thoughtful reviews.
"Throughout the little adventure she [Bliss] goes on with the other two girls, she learns something…learns something good." ~Ivy Reads
"Lasting impressions: Like The Breakfast Club and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants had a baby. So much fun!" ~Logan E. Turner
Thank you Candlewick Press for providing the tour book.
