I'm not really sure how I came across this book, but I will say that I am certainly glad I did. Now, There are several other titles from Ms. Heller, including a soon to be follow up to this book, that I cannot wait to read. I just hope that she adds much more to her resumè, because this book is brilliant.This book is exactly what the title says: The Chronicles of Moxie and is told through the POV of Moxie Summers. Moxie is a kindergarten teacher in the city of Chicago and has no filter when it comes to speaking her mind. I'm going to be honest and tell you that what I love about this book is that our heroine Moxie, is a curvaceous size 16 and has caught the eye of Mr. Hotness. Now, I'm sure that there are some individuals who would believe that this set-up is unrealistic. Well to those individuals, I say "F" you.Here is the situation. Moxie is the step-daughter to Martha (who really thinks that she is Moxie's mother) and Martha is consistently setting Moxie up on dates so she can find "the one". After another disaster, Moxie and her BFF Renee decide to hit the bar. Once Moxie is is good and wasted, she decides the topic she would like to discuss the most is hairy balls vs. non-hairy balls. And with this discussion comes an impromptu bar survey and while conducting this survey with a super hot guy she proceeds to vomit all over his shoes. Not a problem right? It is a complete stranger after all. But this complete stranger happens to be the father to Dillon, the new student in Moxie's class.Dillon, who is so adorable and super smart to boot, and his dad, Miles are new to the Chicago area. Tragedy hit their family hard and they are making a change for the better. From the very beginning you know that Miles is attracted to Moxie, not just the curves but the whole package. While Moxie can read the innuendos that he is sending out, she's not too sure on how to take them. He is the father of a student and her fellow teacher/sworn enemy, Amber continues to insinuate that her and Miles have something going on and once you put some self-doubt into the head of a women, insecure thoughts will not slow down.The sex scenes in this book were written really well. It takes some real "moxie" to sneak into a tent at a school wide camp-out and proceed to deliver an earth shattering orgasm. But for me, it was Miles and his wonderfully dirty mouth. He was always quick with some sort of sexual speak that had even Moxie wide-eyed. Overall, the sex (real or talk) was written very, very, well. Maybe not sheets on fire hot, but fan worthy.This book has a lot of stuff happening. There's the step-mother, a gay BFF, an arch nemesis in the form of a kindergarten Girl Scout. There's Amber (her adult nemesis), a sex toy party and even more vomiting. It is really funny and told so fantastically. The supporting characters are very well written and developed. Here's really the love behind this book. I think that when you can take a character like Moxie and develop her against everything that society says a leading woman should be and do it exceptionally well, you are truly gifted. I also think that it can't be an easy decision to make your leading lady someone like Moxie. And to also develop her where she is so free-spirited and so sure in who she is for the most part. That really does a positive number on a readers self-esteem. So, applause to you Ms. Heller.When I read a book, I always try to imagine the book being "live" whether on T.V. or a movie version. This is one of those books that I can certainly see come to life in a T.V. series (cable, of course). This is definitely worth the read and even a re-read. I don't think you will be disappointed. First, let me tell you why I bought this book. I was at Penned Con in September, and knew I wanted to meet and purchase books by N.M. Silber, since I do work with attorneys. She and Ms. Heller shared a space, and when I saw the cover of this book, I thought…hmm. It’s really pretty and colorful. Do I want it? When I returned to my room that night, I snuck a peek at some reviews and decided I must have it. So I purchased it AND had it signed!Do you know how happy I was when, in October, the ebook was put on sale for $.99? VERY. This means that, yes, I did NOT have to bend up my paperback, signed copy! Ahh it’s the little things…This book is about 26 year old, size sixteen, school teacher Moxie. Moxie is very outspoken, and while she likes to thing she is secure in her own skin, does have some self esteem issues – thanks to a well meaning (?) stepmother. When Moxie isn’t teacher, she seems to have no filter to how she talks or in how she expresses herself. While out drinking after a crappy work week one evening, she imbibes a bit too much and sees a hunk walk into the bar. Her question to him about whether or not he has hairy balls is met with laughter and his dishing out as much as Moxie does. Of course, the night ends terribly as she throws up all over his shoes.At the start of the next school week, Moxie is embarrassed to find that the father of her new student is Mr. does or doesn’t he have Hairy Balls! (Actually, his name is Miles.) (Sidenote: while reading this book, Miles looked a bit like Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies with his longer hair.)This book was genuinely laugh out loud funny for me. While I do not have a parent who actively helps me as far as my love life goes (my parents seem to think I have no business being in a relationship at all), I can relate to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, falling on my ass, feeling like I’m too chubby, or not perky enough, all while trying to actively date and find someone I could possibly fall in love with – just like Moxie does. Though I have to say, Moxie has more nerve as to how she talks back to her step mom.I loved Moxie, I loved her friend Renee, I freaking ADORED Miles and his son Dillion.If you are not easily offended by a potty mouth, and want to read a funny, inspiring love story – then The Chronicles of Moxie is for you!
What do You think about The Chronicles Of Moxie (2000)?
The ending felt rushed, and I had a hard time connecting with both main characters. 3 stars.
—chad
This is what I call a piss ass funny book!
—heythereheyhey
