PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME is an absolutely winsome novel, easily one of the sweetest reads this year. It's the literary equivalent of pictures of cute kittens and puppies, and will leave you sighing happily and "aww-ingâ at the end.
The book crackles with humor, mostly the result of the stellar protagonist. Leigh has just the right balance of "intelligent college student" and "blind, drama-attracting girl" to win over both lovers of intelligent AND just-for-fun fiction. Leigh's snarky and self-deprecating narration is charmingly funny, and there are enough hints of cultural references that will make even the most well-read reader smile indulgently. PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME takes the classic narrative formula--well-put-together main character realizes her non-debilitating blindness and overcomes that critical flaw to become a better and happier person--and rebuilds it again as something that will ring true for us. It's tried-and-true, without making us sick of the "tried."
Ultimately, your enjoyment of PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME may depend on how much the conventions bother you. However, I absolutely loved this novel and would pick it up again at a moment's notice to have more than my fair share of funny, sweet, and sigh-worthy romance. Readers who adored but have for the most part outgrown Meg Cabot's books will find a fantastic alternative in Alicia Thompson's debut novel.
The book crackles with humor, mostly the result of the stellar protagonist. Leigh has just the right balance of "intelligent college student" and "blind, drama-attracting girl" to win over both lovers of intelligent AND just-for-fun fiction. Leigh's snarky and self-deprecating narration is charmingly funny, and there are enough hints of cultural references that will make even the most well-read reader smile indulgently. PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME takes the classic narrative formula--well-put-together main character realizes her non-debilitating blindness and overcomes that critical flaw to become a better and happier person--and rebuilds it again as something that will ring true for us. It's tried-and-true, without making us sick of the "tried."
Ultimately, your enjoyment of PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME may depend on how much the conventions bother you. However, I absolutely loved this novel and would pick it up again at a moment's notice to have more than my fair share of funny, sweet, and sigh-worthy romance. Readers who adored but have for the most part outgrown Meg Cabot's books will find a fantastic alternative in Alicia Thompson's debut novel.
Reviewed by Angela S. for TeensReadToo.com
Leigh is in her first year as a freshman at a small California college and, so far, college is not what she thought it would be.
Despite majoring in Psychology, Leigh cannot diagnose and solve any of her own problems.
Like the fact that her boyfriend, Andrew, wants to take things to the next level, even though Leigh's feelings for their relationship are almost non-existent. She's much more interested in Andrew's roommate, who is really attractive, but more often than not moody and not easy to be around.
With her teachers putting a lot of pressure on her (much more than she expected) and a few catty girls making Leigh's life difficult, Leigh is starting to wonder if college was for her after all.
Written with humor and heart, this is a wonderful book that teenagers and young adults can relate to. The main character is believable and honest. And, even though the storyline sometimes falters, Leigh's character holds the book together nicely.
Leigh is in her first year as a freshman at a small California college and, so far, college is not what she thought it would be.
Despite majoring in Psychology, Leigh cannot diagnose and solve any of her own problems.
Like the fact that her boyfriend, Andrew, wants to take things to the next level, even though Leigh's feelings for their relationship are almost non-existent. She's much more interested in Andrew's roommate, who is really attractive, but more often than not moody and not easy to be around.
With her teachers putting a lot of pressure on her (much more than she expected) and a few catty girls making Leigh's life difficult, Leigh is starting to wonder if college was for her after all.
Written with humor and heart, this is a wonderful book that teenagers and young adults can relate to. The main character is believable and honest. And, even though the storyline sometimes falters, Leigh's character holds the book together nicely.
