Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
There's just something about reading stories that you can relate to that make them a joy to read. As someone who grew up feeling like her own version of THE QUEEN OF SECOND PLACE, relating to Cassie Howard was easy. She's pretty, she has friends, she's been on a date or two, she gets good grades--etc., etc., etc. But for Cassie, being a second-bester isn't good enough. She's looking for A-List status, for the admiration of her peers and, maybe more importantly, for her own self-worth.
When she falls in love at first sight--yet again--with the new boy who has transferred to her school, Cassie knows that sophomore year will never be the same. She's determined that this time, for once, she'll be the one coming out on top, at least where Kevin Matthews is concerned. But no sooner does Cassie catch Kevin's attention than her nemesis, Sterling "Fourteen-Karat" Carter, moves in for the kill.
Throughout the story, it's never quite clear if Sterling is as unabashedly vicious as she is out of jealousy or just pure spite. When she learns of Cassie's interest in Kevin, Sterling is, of course, even more interested in landing him as her boyfriend. As Cassie becomes more and more desperate to gain the first place position in this one thing, more important than any that has come before it, her values and morals somehow fall by the wayside. Suddenly she's driving a car without a license, she's plagiarizing parts of a one-act play, she's ditching her friends to work out yet another scheme to get Kevin to notice her.
As Cassie's plans backfire and even second place seems a long way away, it's up to her to realize that people might actually have more than one talent. As her self-assurance and self-confidence both take a tumble and grow as never before, Cassie might just learn that second place doesn't always mean losing, and that good things do come to those who wait.
THE QUEEN OF SECOND PLACE is a thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable read. True to life characters and engaging dialogue make this book a winner, and, if you're like me, you'll be looking forward to reading more about Cassie and her high-school adventures in QUEEN B.
There's just something about reading stories that you can relate to that make them a joy to read. As someone who grew up feeling like her own version of THE QUEEN OF SECOND PLACE, relating to Cassie Howard was easy. She's pretty, she has friends, she's been on a date or two, she gets good grades--etc., etc., etc. But for Cassie, being a second-bester isn't good enough. She's looking for A-List status, for the admiration of her peers and, maybe more importantly, for her own self-worth.
When she falls in love at first sight--yet again--with the new boy who has transferred to her school, Cassie knows that sophomore year will never be the same. She's determined that this time, for once, she'll be the one coming out on top, at least where Kevin Matthews is concerned. But no sooner does Cassie catch Kevin's attention than her nemesis, Sterling "Fourteen-Karat" Carter, moves in for the kill.
Throughout the story, it's never quite clear if Sterling is as unabashedly vicious as she is out of jealousy or just pure spite. When she learns of Cassie's interest in Kevin, Sterling is, of course, even more interested in landing him as her boyfriend. As Cassie becomes more and more desperate to gain the first place position in this one thing, more important than any that has come before it, her values and morals somehow fall by the wayside. Suddenly she's driving a car without a license, she's plagiarizing parts of a one-act play, she's ditching her friends to work out yet another scheme to get Kevin to notice her.
As Cassie's plans backfire and even second place seems a long way away, it's up to her to realize that people might actually have more than one talent. As her self-assurance and self-confidence both take a tumble and grow as never before, Cassie might just learn that second place doesn't always mean losing, and that good things do come to those who wait.
THE QUEEN OF SECOND PLACE is a thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable read. True to life characters and engaging dialogue make this book a winner, and, if you're like me, you'll be looking forward to reading more about Cassie and her high-school adventures in QUEEN B.
Helpful Score: 1
this book is marvelous! hard to put down. roberts creates a beautifully written story through the eyes of a high school girl who's always ALMOST the best.
