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854 reviews by:
becca_osborn
A bunch of my teen girls are reading this series, so I thought I ought to start on it.
The books are pretty different from the TV series. While I appreciate what's happening in both (because I understand that sometimes TV can be fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants because of ratings and renewal) I do prefer the books. I've enjoyed seeing how Shepard handles the girls breaking down in this picture-perfect small town--which has my interest, since I grew up in a similar town (but not nearly as rich). Some of the situations (especially the ones the liars get out of) seem unrealistic--but to Shepard's defense, unrealistic things like this can happen in rich, small towns. Honestly, with some of the things she's written about Rosewood, I'd love to share a cuppa with Shepard and compare notes on crazy small town life. :)
I appreciate that Shepard writes about serious issues for teens--underage drinking, self-injury, teen pregnancy, divorce and remarriage, parents expecting teens to keep huge secrets, abuse, manipulation, etc. I also appreciate that Shepard doesn't make a judgement call (IMHO) on any of these "issues", but leaves it up to the teens to decide what they think.
While most definitely a YA novel, (some of the descriptions are cheesy--but it's YA) Shepard hits the 'teen girl' characters on the head. The unsure-ness that comes with being a teen, the emotions, the worrying and appearance upkeep, the dramatic friend-changing cycle...great stuff.
I'd recommend this series to younger teens and anyone who enjoys 'fluff' reading. It's a dark and cute series, if one can imagine those worlds colliding. :)
I'm usually not much of a 'fluff' reader, but this has been a fun change of scenery, and I've really enjoyed discussing it with the teens I work with.
Aria is my "spirit liar". ;)
The books are pretty different from the TV series. While I appreciate what's happening in both (because I understand that sometimes TV can be fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants because of ratings and renewal) I do prefer the books. I've enjoyed seeing how Shepard handles the girls breaking down in this picture-perfect small town--which has my interest, since I grew up in a similar town (but not nearly as rich). Some of the situations (especially the ones the liars get out of) seem unrealistic--but to Shepard's defense, unrealistic things like this can happen in rich, small towns. Honestly, with some of the things she's written about Rosewood, I'd love to share a cuppa with Shepard and compare notes on crazy small town life. :)
I appreciate that Shepard writes about serious issues for teens--underage drinking, self-injury, teen pregnancy, divorce and remarriage, parents expecting teens to keep huge secrets, abuse, manipulation, etc. I also appreciate that Shepard doesn't make a judgement call (IMHO) on any of these "issues", but leaves it up to the teens to decide what they think.
While most definitely a YA novel, (some of the descriptions are cheesy--but it's YA) Shepard hits the 'teen girl' characters on the head. The unsure-ness that comes with being a teen, the emotions, the worrying and appearance upkeep, the dramatic friend-changing cycle...great stuff.
I'd recommend this series to younger teens and anyone who enjoys 'fluff' reading. It's a dark and cute series, if one can imagine those worlds colliding. :)
I'm usually not much of a 'fluff' reader, but this has been a fun change of scenery, and I've really enjoyed discussing it with the teens I work with.
Aria is my "spirit liar". ;)
