Search - Second Helpings

This is the second installment in the series centering around the growing pains of Jessica Darling. This book may be even better than the first one. As before there is plenty of angst as she finishes high school in New Jersey, and grapples with feelings towards a boy she thinks she should hate, while trying to decide what college to go to. Often minor characters in this book seem one-dimensional, but as soon as you think you have them figured out, they surprise you with some depth, which makes the story more realistic and is an important lesson to Jessica about her assumptions about people. All I can say is: I'm so glad I'm finished with being a teenager!

The year 2000 ended on a mixed note for Jessica. She got her period back and renewed her long-distance friendship with best friend Hope, sure, but she lost her close friendship with Marcus Flutie, the boy who broke her heart. Picking up in the summer before her senior year, Jessica attends a summer writing program with stereotypically goth/emo writers and decides to attend Columbia University. However, her parents won't let her go anywhere near the Big Apple, and September 11 also affects her decision.

Meanwhile, Jessica's trying to be a good girlfriend to Len Levy, her rival for valedictorian and Marcus Flutie's best friend. Which means that He Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned is around. A lot. And still sending mixed messages. On top of that, Marcus works at the "old fogues" home where Jessica's grandmother, the spirited and beloved Gladdie, lives. Will Jessica be able to experience some semblance of a happy ending to her high school years?

As with the previous book in the series, SECOND HELPINGS is a deliciously funny account of high school. Adults will be glad they don't have to go through the ordeal again, while high schoolers will want Jessica as their best friend. Megan McCafferty's books are well on their way to immortalization.

A cute read, but if you haven't read the prequel (Sloppy Firsts), I would do so before reading this one, or it might be a bit confusing.

I gave this book to my older teen but will definitely wait to give it to my younger teen. I loved this book and several times just burst out laughing. I really felt for Jessica and her high school troubles.

I loved the first book, but this was seemed chock full of Urban Dictionary filler, and after ignoring The One Who Will Not Be Mentioned for most of it, had a sudden rather unrealistic ending that felt tacked on and glossed over.

Great sequel, do read 'Sloppy Firsts' first. I am looking forward to 'Charmed Thirds', 'Fourth Comings', and 'Perfect Fifths'.