How I Came To Read This Book: I salvaged it from a pile my mom was going to donate, wanting to prep for the forthcoming Sweet Valley Confidential!The Plot: Jessica wants to be named the upcoming fall dance queen, namely so she can attend all events for the rest of the year on the arm of inevitable king Bruce Patman. Her main obstacle is Elizabeth's new BFF, Enid, who happens to be dating the head of the dance committee. When Jessica discovers Enid's deep dark secret past, she decides to use it to her advantage, causing rifts all over the place that culminate in a variety of repercussions on the night of the big dance.The Good & The Bad: Well, Sweet Valley books are not meant to be read out of sequence, at least not this early in the series. Although I'm familiar with the plot of the original book (I kept on picturing the TV show weirdly) have not read it right before reading this one a jarring experience. I kept on wondering if the character development they were laying out was actually referencing past events in the last book, or if they were simply just stating stuff in the totally banal way the book tended to. The soap opera saga style of the early High books in particular makes for a jarring experience - this slim volume easily could have been combined with the first few for a more cohesive story, especially since the opening page picks up right where the other one left off. Also, am I crazy - I seriously don't remember this Cara character that is apparently Jessica's bff. It was all about Lila in my Sweet Valley Twin-dominated memories. Anyway, the book is entertaining in a Chronicles of Narnia kind of way. What I mean is, this book laid the foundation for Gossip Girl and the like that now have a firm stronghold on the market. The fact it was published in 1980 but still had plenty of scandal-written plot developments somewhat relevant to today's youth was interesting (also, hello organic foods reference Elizabeth) from a strictly analytical point of view, and in general the book was entertaining enough...if thoroughly predictable, poorly written, and way too short. I can see why this book series was adapted into a TV show - the truncated plot lines and after-school special messaging (see: Enid's conversation with Ms. Dalton) lends itself well to a teen drama. The Bottom Line: A good refresher if you're getting geared up for the release of Sweet Valley Confidential!Anything Memorable?: All I can picture when they reference Ms. Dalton and Mr. Collins, and even the guys the girls are dating, is my Sweet Valley High board game and the little graphics for each of them. Love!50-Book Challenge?: Book #54 in 2010
Slightly different plot from the first book, but mostly the same. This time, though, Jessica gets jealous and manages to ruin not just Elizabeth's life, but Enid's as well. Of course, at the end, Elizabeth finally realizes (AGAIN) that Jessica's responsible for all of their problems (AGAIN) and concocts a plan to punish Jessica (AGAIN). In the end, everyone's laughing at Jessica's expense (AGAIN) and all is forgiven (AGAIN). Come on, this isn't a spoiler, people. So far these books are being formulaic, which is to be expected, but if they're always Jessica-does-something-awful-and-gets-humiliated-at-the-end, I don't know how much more I can take. As it is, I will be reading more of these. God knows why. We all need as much trash as we need substance (okay, maybe that's not true with all things). I can comfort myself with knowing this is less embarrassing than Twilight...right?And they really are cheesy. They are. Elizabeth, the so-called "smart" twin, actually says this in her head at one point during the books: "If they ever broke up, she seriously thought she might die. Literally."*groans*Something else I find slightly disgusting is the decision to remake these books fitting into the 2000s. They first were published in the early 80s, but someone decided to rework them, adding in cell phones, computers, and modern cultural references. God forbid the teenagers today find out that there were decades before this, without the level of technology we have today! We can't let that happen! Their brains couldn't handle the news!And may I just reiterate how abnormal Jessica's behavior is? Only someone who's really evil can treat her sister that way; to perpetuate that she still loves her despite this does not really convince me. Elizabeth is far too forgiving, too. How can you just laugh something like that off? GIRL, SHE MIGHT END UP KILLING YOU SOME DAY. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.
What do You think about Secrets (1983)?
So I was going through a bag of old books, and I was fully prepared to donate all my Sweet Valley High books. I still haven't decided what to do with them, but if I do decide to keep them, here's why:" 'You don't look too happy for someone who's going to the dance tonight with the most fantastic guy on the West Coast.' She forced a weak smile. 'Burt Reynolds is taking me to the dance?' "You just don't find these gems lying around in just any book. Perhaps I'll have to re-read more of them for the sheer excitement of reading about Elizabeth Wakefield's ideal man, Burt Reynolds.
—Chris
So funny that I used to love these books as a kid! Jessica is just downright AWFUL to her twin sister. She is so conniving and scheming. And Elizabeth just takes it! But, I realize as I read on, that the characters do evolve a little bit. So, this is just the set up, it's worth moving on to the next books. I like reading that 80s versions because it's fun to see what has changed and what remains the same for teenage girls. (Which I have not been now for over a decade.)As an adult I'm rereading these. Why? Because I never got to read them all when I was a kid! My mom didn't have the money to get me every book, so I just read a few here and there at my cousin's house or what I could find at the 2nd hand bookstore.
—Monica
Oh, Jessica, Jessica, Jessica! She really sticks her foot in it this time. as the motto goes, 'What Jessica wants, Jessica gets' simply must come true in this one. Jessica is wants two things right now Bruce Patman and the title of queen for the next school dance. She figures the easiest way to Bruce is to get that title as he is a shoo-in for king. The catch is that Elizabeth's best friend Enid is also a candidate. What Jessica does in this book to get her way is low and plain cruel to several people. She has often done things that have me shaking my head at her but this one has me plain ol' mad at her! I feel so bad for Elizabeth and Enid who are caught in the middle and even a bit bad for Ronnie who gets a twisted version of a truth that he was not ready to understand. Plus, just to add to the overall story line, we also get a side plot where rumors begin flying about Ms Dalton having and affair with student Ken Matthews. I do wish we had gotten even a few words on Ken's take of this but we are denied this curiosity. As typical of many Sweet Valley books, this book has a slight 'justice is served' feeling and a satisfactory ending. I always enjoy coming back to these books from time to time. The stories are short and simple but while some true-to-life situations using larger-than-life characters.
—Jamie
