Series: Sweet Valley High #9
Published by Bantam Books on October 1, 1984
Pages: 149
“Love on the run…”
Roger Barrett has always had a hopeless crush on glamorous, wealthy Lila Fowler. The only attention Lila ever pays to him, though, is to make fun of him in front of her friends. But why shouldn’t she, he thinks. After all, he’s clumsy and shy and works secretly as a janitor after school.
When Roger wins the qualifying heat for a big race, he becomes a school celebrity overnight. And to his surprise, even Lila starts to chase after him. But Roger knows if he runs in the race finals, he’ll lose his job. Will Lila still notice him when he’s no longer a star?
Oh. My. Gosh. The girls in Sweet Valley need to turn off the freakin’ waterworks before I bang my head into a wall, like, one hundred and thirty-seven times in sixty-seven states! For real.
This book was less annoying than the first eight books. I actually kinda sorta enjoyed it—in some weird way. But, Jessica and her crew are still despicable human beings that I can’t stand. Lila is a klepto for crying out loud. Who the world is she to put anyone down for being weird freaks of nature? I think SHE is a weird freak of nature.
Anyway, all the normal issues aside, once again we have a book with a character who continually brushes away her tears because the object of her affection didn’t notice her. Maybe I’m not a normal human girl—I crushed on guys but if we weren’t a couple, I didn’t turn into a psycho if he started talking to another girl. Jealous? Sure. CRYING? Why? If there’s not a ring on that finger, there’s nothing to worry about. Especially in high school.
I thought the writing was a bit better in this book. It was closer to how I remember the series being. This book made me remember the appeal—am I seriously admitting this? Lord help me. These books have already rotted my brain cells. I.can’t.even…
About Francine Pascal
Francine Pascal is the creator of the Sweet Valley High series and one of the world’s most popular fiction writers for teenagers and the author of several bestselling novels, My Mother Was Never A Kid (Hanging out with Cici), My First Love and Other Disasters, as well as the series Fearless. Her adult novels include, Save Johanna! and If Wishes Were Horses (La Villa) and the non-fiction, The Strange Case of Patty Hearst. Pascal is on the Advisory Board of The American Theatre Wing. Her favorite sport is a monthly poker game. She lives in New York City and France
Desensitisation…??? ??
Possibly. And you know what’s worse? My kids now insult one another with, “Thanks, Jessica!” O.o It’s like the new “Bye Felicia”
Oh my goodness I am so cracking up over that now!!!
Right? I almost feel like it needs to go viral hah
?