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Princesses Of Iowa, The (2012)

by M. Molly Backes(Favorite Author)

3.65 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1455851892 (ISBN13: 9781455851898)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Candlewick on Brilliance Audio

review 1: I wanted to read this since it was written by a Grinnellian, but I have to admit that YA books are not my usual fare. I was skeptical starting off, but the writing and depth of character drew me in almost immediately and I consumed this book quickly. The confusion, malaise, and "life-or-death" seriousness of high school is captured very well. There are also some very funny moments between the characters ("patriotic small mammals"). I found myself able to relate to Paige, despite not being a "popular" person in high school. Overall, it was a lovely read.
review 2: THE PRINCESSES OF IOWA by M. Molly Backes I received a paperback copy of this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaway program.One of the things I like about this book is it's length. It is 442 pag... morees. I like that the reader is getting his/her moneys worth when they buy this book. Too many recent books are short and leave the reader feeling that they did not receive good value for their money. Paige Sheridan starts her senior year of high school and it is nothing like what she had been planning for the past few years. She was supposed to make a grand entrance with her two best friends and then meet up with her adoring boyfriend.Instead, Paige has just returned from a forced trip to France. The trip should have been a wonderful experience, but it was a nightmare. Her mother packed her off with no notice and signed her up as an unpaid nanny for the summer. She had barely left the home of her charge and saw nothing of Paris. She spent the entire trip wishing she was back home in Iowa. Her mother's motivation for sending her away was because Paige embarrassed her by being in an accident. Her mother is much more interested in her image than she is in her daughter's well being or her feelings. Her mother had sent her away because Paige and her friends had been in a car accident in the Spring. Paige had not been driving and the girls were lucky to escape with their lives. Paige's best friend, Lacey ended up with a horribly damaged leg and has been left permanently injured and walking with a cane.Lacey has been acting coldly toward Paige ever since she returned from France and even Paige's boyfriend is acting strangely. Paige feels like her once perfect world is now falling apart. The only thing Paige has that offers her any degree of happiness is the Creative Writing course she is taking. She initially signed up for it to get an easy credit, but is surprised to find that she enjoys it. She also finds out that the course will not be the easy A she was expecting.This is not just another book on the perils of teenage drinking and driving. In fact, the accident itself is just the catalyst for change. Paige is not happy. She should be. She seems to living her dreams. She is expected to be Homecoming Princess which she and Lacey have dreamed about for years. She is popular. She is beautiful. The rest of the school envies her.So, why does she find herself unhappy. Why is she suddenly talking to people who don't measure up to her social status? Why does she seem to enjoy their company more then that of her so-called best friends.Mr. Tremont's creative writing class is helping Paige to examine her life.The story is predictable in spots, but has a few twists.All in all, it was an enjoyable read. It is definitely "Chick Lit" and if you are looking for a light read, this book will fill the bill. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. It is intended for a young adult audience. less

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