Mallory breaks up with her boyfriend after discovering his intimate emails to a girl who is his "wife" in an online game. She is also helping her dad clean out her grandmother's house. Grandma has moved into an assisted living facility. Mallory discovers an old notebook in which her grandmother wrote a list of things to do in 1962, when she was a junior in high school -- just like Mallory is now.
Mallory is so disillusioned by her life, and disappointed in her boyfriend that she decides she will stop using computers, cell phones and other technology, and that she will complete the tasks on her grandmother's list.
You can imagine some of the hassles that Mallory faces not being able to use technology. Basically, she loses almost all contact with her friends, because they only communicate by cell phone or "Friendspace." She can't use the internet to do her homework. And the tasks on the list aren't easily accomplished in the 2010's either. Things like sewing a dress for homecoming, and starting a pep squad!
There are a few characters that make Going Vintage more than a typical high school story. Mallory's younger sister is perfect. They have their squabbles, as sisters will, but they also have each others' backs. Oliver, the potential new boyfriend is my favorite. I love his quirkiness, and how he just fits into Mallory's "vintage" ideas without even meaning to. And Grandma, who turns everything on its head and really enables the defining moments in Going Vintage.
Mallory learns some lessons and does some maturing, which is expected in a contemporary, but really Going Vintage is just a funny, light book about contemporary teens. I think these characters will easily resonate with my students, and I'll be happy to recommend Going Vintage to many of them.
Published by Bloomsbury, March 26, 2013
eARC obtained from NetGalley
320 pages
Rating: 4/5
I have seen this one around a lot, and glad that you enjoyed. Mallory sounds like a character easy to cheer for, and watch learn and grow.
ReplyDeleteBrandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
This definitely sounds cute! I would applaud any of my students who gave up technology to complete such a quest:) I agree with Brandi; the character growth would be nice to watch. Oliver even has a vintage sounding name. Great review.
ReplyDelete-Jenna
Can't wait to read this one!! I really enjoyed Lindsey's last YA, and it seems like this one features the same great aspects (teens that feel 'real', good parents, and an adorable love interest).
ReplyDeleteYea! I'm glad you liked it. It sounds like a great read and I have it on my wish list. :) I enjoy watching character growth in a book. I also like the idea of "going vintage". Thanks for the great review, Annette.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to read my copy of this, and especially now after reading your review. I'm in the mood for a light contemporary that will make me laugh out loud, and this will absolutely do the trick. Great review, Annette!
ReplyDeleteI've been itching to read this one. Great review.
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