What do you think?
Rate this book
Glory Prep #1
It's All About Us
Tall, blonde Lissa Mansfield is used to being one of the "in" crowd--but being accepted by the popular girls at posh Spencer Academy boarding school in San Francisco is turning out to be harder than she thought. And then there's her New-York-loudmouth roommate, Gillian Chang, who's not just happy to be a Christian herself--she's determined to out Lissa, too! If Lissa can just keep her faith under wraps long enough to hook Callum McCloud, the hottest guy in school, she'll be golden.
But when Callum pressures her to go all the way with him, Lissa has to decide for herself how far is too far. How can she see that line when he's so gorgeous and popular and she's so dazzled? And besides, she's too busy shopping for a Valentino and booking the hottest celeb for the Benefactors Ball. Who knew finding a place at Spencer Academy would be so complicated?
But when Callum pressures her to go all the way with him, Lissa has to decide for herself how far is too far. How can she see that line when he's so gorgeous and popular and she's so dazzled? And besides, she's too busy shopping for a Valentino and booking the hottest celeb for the Benefactors Ball. Who knew finding a place at Spencer Academy would be so complicated?
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
42 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Adina
89 books628 followersShelley Adina is the author of 24 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, and Hachette, and a dozen more published by Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk and contemporary romance as Shelley Adina, and as Adina Senft, writes Amish women’s fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty. She won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or hanging out in the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 6, 2015
So, here was my literal thought process when I bought this book: Browsing around the used bookstore “OH LOOK SHELLEY ADINA! I like Shelley Adina! It’s not her steampunk books, but eh, it’s two dollars, no big deal. Let’s give it a shot.”
And I’ll say this—this is not a terrible book, nor hilariously awful. At the very worst, it’s fluff with contemporary Christian themes set in it, but not too much to scare away those atheist teenagers. And even the Christian angle could have been a lot worse than it actually was. Unfortunately, the fact that this was a Christian YA book is why I didn’t like it.
Now, I’m not harping on it for having Christian themes or having characters struggle with their faith. I like that if it’s well done and not preachy. But the problem with All About Us is that the brand of Christianity they’re selling feels like the kind that‘s mocked in Saved!—wherein praying to God will totally help you land that hot boy and you two can have purity rings and you can shut down the bitchy mean girl who’s not a believer. (And she’s probably not pure either.)
(Always invoke scary mean girl Mandy Moore.)
Lissa’s Christian friends seem to think that missing Bible study or church is automatically backsliding, and that spending ONE NIGHT ALONE WITH A GUY is the path to self-destruction and hell. Also, apparently nobody aside from a small handful of characters know what Christianity is all about—resident mean girl Vanessa even says “What are Christians all about?” like it’s some sort of minority sect. I know this takes place in the den of sin that is San Francisco, but I’m very certain there’s a good concentration of Christian churches there. And aside from the constant dilemma of “BUT I HAVE TO STAY PURE OR GOD WON’T LOVE ME!” (which really if you can quote chapter and verse, I’d take a closer look at the New Testament sometime), there’s really nothing here to outright suggest that Lissa and her friends are hardcore born again Christians. I knew people in high school who went to my church who did go regularly, and went to parties and probably did things that a so-called good Christian teenager would never ever ever do, and they were still faithful.
(There’s even moments where it gets really snide at times too. Like, Lissa mentions that Gillian is playing a Rebecca St. James CD at lunch and she says “Whether the other students knew it or not, Christian music was filtering into their subconscious.” Believe it or not, I have several Christian artists in my iTunes library, and there are Christian bands who are pretty mainstream. You’re not a special little snowflake, Lissa. Or even worse, Lissa’s first reaction to Gillian is saying “Oh wait, you’re going to pray to your Buddha?” In fairness, Lissa gets called out on that immediately and she at least apologizes but…seriously?!)
Lissa is unbelievably naïve. If she had been raised in a small Midwestern town , and suddenly thrust into a glitzy private school, then I could buy her suddenly have a crisis of faith by trying to be more popular or falling for Vanessa’s tricks. But if she’s the daughter of an A-list director and her mother is works with big name charities with Angelina (seriously, Angelina Jolie is a plot point in this), there’s no way she’d be that oblivious and naïve. Sheltered, yes. So naïve that she couldn’t tell when somebody was sucking up to her for connections is stretching it. Or when each time she’s in trouble at school, her first thought is “OH MY GOSH MY HIGH SCHOOL LIFE IS RUINED I’M GOING TO BE EXPELLED!!!!” First off, you’re a blonde white girl whose famous parents are shelling out big bucks to your school. You could kill someone on-campus and probably get away with it. Secondly, not even private schools are that harsh for drinking or having a boy in the room if it’s a minor, first-time infraction. Again, if this was a character from a believable background where they would be that sheltered, it would make sense, but not for someone in Lissa’s position.
There is really nothing else to say about this book. The rest of the characters range from bland to eye-rolling clichés (mostly Vanessa’s bitchy mean girl crew). The only one I really liked was Carly, because she at least has a more interesting story than the naïve white girl going to private school for the first time, and Carly barely had any on-page time. Gillian seemed fun at times, but I didn’t like that she’s so overtly preachy. She’s the one who harps on Lissa missing Bible practice, about seeing a guy who’s not a Believer, I’m incredibly shocked that Gillian doesn’t outright slut-shame Lissa at the end for spending a night with a guy, but she toes that line.
As I said, it’s not a terrible book, but definitely one I can’t recommend. I will say this, having read Adina’s later steampunk books, and really enjoying them, I can tell that she has definitely improved since 2008. (I haven’t read her other faith books, just because they really don’t interest me.) But even for just being fluffy on the surface, the Christian angle doesn’t work for me, and I think it actually backfires in how it’s presented throughout the book. I’m probably just going to stick with her Magnificent Devices series for the time being.
(Btw, I should mention every single time I’d look at the title, ‘All About Us’ would start running through my head. Yes, that ‘All About Us. ’)
And I’ll say this—this is not a terrible book, nor hilariously awful. At the very worst, it’s fluff with contemporary Christian themes set in it, but not too much to scare away those atheist teenagers. And even the Christian angle could have been a lot worse than it actually was. Unfortunately, the fact that this was a Christian YA book is why I didn’t like it.
Now, I’m not harping on it for having Christian themes or having characters struggle with their faith. I like that if it’s well done and not preachy. But the problem with All About Us is that the brand of Christianity they’re selling feels like the kind that‘s mocked in Saved!—wherein praying to God will totally help you land that hot boy and you two can have purity rings and you can shut down the bitchy mean girl who’s not a believer. (And she’s probably not pure either.)
(Always invoke scary mean girl Mandy Moore.)
Lissa’s Christian friends seem to think that missing Bible study or church is automatically backsliding, and that spending ONE NIGHT ALONE WITH A GUY is the path to self-destruction and hell. Also, apparently nobody aside from a small handful of characters know what Christianity is all about—resident mean girl Vanessa even says “What are Christians all about?” like it’s some sort of minority sect. I know this takes place in the den of sin that is San Francisco, but I’m very certain there’s a good concentration of Christian churches there. And aside from the constant dilemma of “BUT I HAVE TO STAY PURE OR GOD WON’T LOVE ME!” (which really if you can quote chapter and verse, I’d take a closer look at the New Testament sometime), there’s really nothing here to outright suggest that Lissa and her friends are hardcore born again Christians. I knew people in high school who went to my church who did go regularly, and went to parties and probably did things that a so-called good Christian teenager would never ever ever do, and they were still faithful.
(There’s even moments where it gets really snide at times too. Like, Lissa mentions that Gillian is playing a Rebecca St. James CD at lunch and she says “Whether the other students knew it or not, Christian music was filtering into their subconscious.” Believe it or not, I have several Christian artists in my iTunes library, and there are Christian bands who are pretty mainstream. You’re not a special little snowflake, Lissa. Or even worse, Lissa’s first reaction to Gillian is saying “Oh wait, you’re going to pray to your Buddha?” In fairness, Lissa gets called out on that immediately and she at least apologizes but…seriously?!)
Lissa is unbelievably naïve. If she had been raised in a small Midwestern town , and suddenly thrust into a glitzy private school, then I could buy her suddenly have a crisis of faith by trying to be more popular or falling for Vanessa’s tricks. But if she’s the daughter of an A-list director and her mother is works with big name charities with Angelina (seriously, Angelina Jolie is a plot point in this), there’s no way she’d be that oblivious and naïve. Sheltered, yes. So naïve that she couldn’t tell when somebody was sucking up to her for connections is stretching it. Or when each time she’s in trouble at school, her first thought is “OH MY GOSH MY HIGH SCHOOL LIFE IS RUINED I’M GOING TO BE EXPELLED!!!!” First off, you’re a blonde white girl whose famous parents are shelling out big bucks to your school. You could kill someone on-campus and probably get away with it. Secondly, not even private schools are that harsh for drinking or having a boy in the room if it’s a minor, first-time infraction. Again, if this was a character from a believable background where they would be that sheltered, it would make sense, but not for someone in Lissa’s position.
There is really nothing else to say about this book. The rest of the characters range from bland to eye-rolling clichés (mostly Vanessa’s bitchy mean girl crew). The only one I really liked was Carly, because she at least has a more interesting story than the naïve white girl going to private school for the first time, and Carly barely had any on-page time. Gillian seemed fun at times, but I didn’t like that she’s so overtly preachy. She’s the one who harps on Lissa missing Bible practice, about seeing a guy who’s not a Believer, I’m incredibly shocked that Gillian doesn’t outright slut-shame Lissa at the end for spending a night with a guy, but she toes that line.
As I said, it’s not a terrible book, but definitely one I can’t recommend. I will say this, having read Adina’s later steampunk books, and really enjoying them, I can tell that she has definitely improved since 2008. (I haven’t read her other faith books, just because they really don’t interest me.) But even for just being fluffy on the surface, the Christian angle doesn’t work for me, and I think it actually backfires in how it’s presented throughout the book. I’m probably just going to stick with her Magnificent Devices series for the time being.
(Btw, I should mention every single time I’d look at the title, ‘All About Us’ would start running through my head. Yes, that ‘All About Us. ’)
June 10, 2008
Lissa Mansfield has been transferred to Spencer Academy, where all the rich kids go. Her father is a well-known movie director, and the family always follows wherever he’s filming. At her old school, Lissa was the most popular girl in her class—at Spencer, not so much. She wants so desperately to fit in with the in crowd that she closes her eyes and her heart to what God teaches.
Read more of this review here: http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
Read more of this review here: http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
February 19, 2020
I didn’t like Lissa all that much. She seemed beyond clueless about just about everything. Her dream guy wasn’t much and she was completely obsessed with him, to the point that she neglected her friends and schoolwork. And how could she not have known Vanessa was a horrible person??!! There was also too much name dropping for me. Lissa made it sound like Angelina Jolie was her BFF and her dad had George Lucas on speed dial. I’m not a big fan of pop culture references like that in my books. I also thought it ended VERY abruptly. There was a lot that was unresolved. It was a fast read and I’m a sucker for books set at a boarding school (think the Private series) so I overall enjoyed this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2015
I really liked this book.
It had all of them elements I love – romance, action, and faith. The action was the typical, teen book kind, but still awesome. The faith wasn't quite as strong as I prefer, but good nonetheless. And the romance was sweet – for the most part. (How sweet can it be when “the guy” ends up being a jerk?)
But the story was really good. I enjoyed it.
The main reason I didn't like it was Lissa. She had a complete collage of bad choices. Like everything she did was, just, wrong. Seriously. Pretty much everything she did, I wouldn't have done. She was so going downhill. But things straightened out in the end, of course. It was just irritating how she was basing, like, her entire life on her popularity. Ick.
The cover is cute. Perfect for a contemporary, teen book. Don't care too much for the outfits though. A little too much skin showing if you ask me.
I was really wrapped up in this book. Whenever I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it. There were several times when I had to ask someone who I was supposed to be speaking with to repeat what they said. Definitely preoccupied.
I can't wait to get to the next one, which is, according to my sister, even better.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Lissa – Wow. Talk about making wrong choices. Big time. She fumbled so many times and while I love her, you gotta admit that some people just don't get it. I can't believe she trusted Vanessa. Really? Like the girl who made you late, spilled soda on you, loaned bad shampoo, dumped you in the ocean, and did a bunch of other things is going to suddenly be your best friend and offer you the world. Seriously? And she even knew Vanessa was a jerk and thought she changed. Yeah right. She wasn't too bright with Callum either. Oh my goodness, I can't believe it actually happened. That she and he actually... I was so hoping they wouldn't. I wished Gillian had ratted. So wish. *sigh*
Gillian – Okay. So she was great. I was so agreeing with her, like, the whole time. Except for the silk spreading part in the beginning. Weird. She was a great friend. Shoulder to cry on, inspirational coach, preacher when necessary. Every time she tried to set Lissa straight I was like “Yes! Listen to reason. Listen to Gillian. She is WAY smarter than you at the moment!” I think I'll like her book. Unless she denounces reason as well. Please, don't, Gillian. Please don't.
Carly – So she was sweet too. I didn't see to much of her, but she seemed nice. Really shy. Not quite as rich as Lissa and Gillian. Oh my goodness. That part was amusing. So they were all gonna go to the most expensive place they could find and she was like, “The stuff I can afford is at Macy's.” And I was like, goodness, girl, I shop at thrift stores. Macy's is fine dining.
Vanessa – Talk about shark. Literally. I could so see her swimming in that ocean, coming out and biting at the others then backing away and coming back all concerned and chummy. She played that so well. Like as well as Moa Tse Tzung (yes, I had help spelling that) was at dictatorship. Spectacular. In a way that ended lives. Okay, so maybe I'm being a little over dramatic. Whatever. You get the picture. She was evil.
Callum was a total jerk. But, of course, we all knew that, didn't we? Okay, so not really. He did wear sheep's clothing really well. But, like Kaz said, the fact that they even had to discuss what they were discussing meant it was a bad thing. And you probably didn't even get that unless you read the book. But then if you haven't read the book, you shouldn't be reading the spoiler section anyway, so it doesn't matter. It's your fault.
So Lissa's parents were, like, amazing. Well, somewhat. They really should have been there more, but for not being very involved, they were great. They pulled through. And as for when her dad found out, I couldn't have imagined a better reaction. I so wanted to melt. *sigh* And her mom doing her best to help out. They were great.
Dani and Emily were idiots. They hung out with Vanessa. What's more to say? Ms. Curzon was nice. And kind of strange. Not sure I really get her yet. Hmm. Working on that one. Callum's friends were idiots. You would have thought Lissa would've backed out or something when she saw the alcohol. Just shows how far she drifted, I guess.
Kaz – Well, lookie here. I saved the best for last. Thought I forgot him, didn't you? As if. He was such a sweetheart. With a capital S-W-E-E-T-H-E-A-R-T. I so knew he was going to show up at the dance. So knew. He was just like that. *sigh* Goodness. I need a guy like that. Sweet even on the bad days, convicting when needed, friend always. So romantic. And sweet. And strong. And awesome. And dreamy. And– fine, I'll shut up. It's not my fault he's so adorable, and cute, and– Okay. I hear you. Silence is golden. Right. Golden. Like Kaz's–
It had all of them elements I love – romance, action, and faith. The action was the typical, teen book kind, but still awesome. The faith wasn't quite as strong as I prefer, but good nonetheless. And the romance was sweet – for the most part. (How sweet can it be when “the guy” ends up being a jerk?)
But the story was really good. I enjoyed it.
The main reason I didn't like it was Lissa. She had a complete collage of bad choices. Like everything she did was, just, wrong. Seriously. Pretty much everything she did, I wouldn't have done. She was so going downhill. But things straightened out in the end, of course. It was just irritating how she was basing, like, her entire life on her popularity. Ick.
The cover is cute. Perfect for a contemporary, teen book. Don't care too much for the outfits though. A little too much skin showing if you ask me.
I was really wrapped up in this book. Whenever I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it. There were several times when I had to ask someone who I was supposed to be speaking with to repeat what they said. Definitely preoccupied.
I can't wait to get to the next one, which is, according to my sister, even better.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Lissa – Wow. Talk about making wrong choices. Big time. She fumbled so many times and while I love her, you gotta admit that some people just don't get it. I can't believe she trusted Vanessa. Really? Like the girl who made you late, spilled soda on you, loaned bad shampoo, dumped you in the ocean, and did a bunch of other things is going to suddenly be your best friend and offer you the world. Seriously? And she even knew Vanessa was a jerk and thought she changed. Yeah right. She wasn't too bright with Callum either. Oh my goodness, I can't believe it actually happened. That she and he actually... I was so hoping they wouldn't. I wished Gillian had ratted. So wish. *sigh*
Gillian – Okay. So she was great. I was so agreeing with her, like, the whole time. Except for the silk spreading part in the beginning. Weird. She was a great friend. Shoulder to cry on, inspirational coach, preacher when necessary. Every time she tried to set Lissa straight I was like “Yes! Listen to reason. Listen to Gillian. She is WAY smarter than you at the moment!” I think I'll like her book. Unless she denounces reason as well. Please, don't, Gillian. Please don't.
Carly – So she was sweet too. I didn't see to much of her, but she seemed nice. Really shy. Not quite as rich as Lissa and Gillian. Oh my goodness. That part was amusing. So they were all gonna go to the most expensive place they could find and she was like, “The stuff I can afford is at Macy's.” And I was like, goodness, girl, I shop at thrift stores. Macy's is fine dining.
Vanessa – Talk about shark. Literally. I could so see her swimming in that ocean, coming out and biting at the others then backing away and coming back all concerned and chummy. She played that so well. Like as well as Moa Tse Tzung (yes, I had help spelling that) was at dictatorship. Spectacular. In a way that ended lives. Okay, so maybe I'm being a little over dramatic. Whatever. You get the picture. She was evil.
Callum was a total jerk. But, of course, we all knew that, didn't we? Okay, so not really. He did wear sheep's clothing really well. But, like Kaz said, the fact that they even had to discuss what they were discussing meant it was a bad thing. And you probably didn't even get that unless you read the book. But then if you haven't read the book, you shouldn't be reading the spoiler section anyway, so it doesn't matter. It's your fault.
So Lissa's parents were, like, amazing. Well, somewhat. They really should have been there more, but for not being very involved, they were great. They pulled through. And as for when her dad found out, I couldn't have imagined a better reaction. I so wanted to melt. *sigh* And her mom doing her best to help out. They were great.
Dani and Emily were idiots. They hung out with Vanessa. What's more to say? Ms. Curzon was nice. And kind of strange. Not sure I really get her yet. Hmm. Working on that one. Callum's friends were idiots. You would have thought Lissa would've backed out or something when she saw the alcohol. Just shows how far she drifted, I guess.
Kaz – Well, lookie here. I saved the best for last. Thought I forgot him, didn't you? As if. He was such a sweetheart. With a capital S-W-E-E-T-H-E-A-R-T. I so knew he was going to show up at the dance. So knew. He was just like that. *sigh* Goodness. I need a guy like that. Sweet even on the bad days, convicting when needed, friend always. So romantic. And sweet. And strong. And awesome. And dreamy. And– fine, I'll shut up. It's not my fault he's so adorable, and cute, and– Okay. I hear you. Silence is golden. Right. Golden. Like Kaz's–
September 13, 2008
What a fun book! I picked this up at the Writing Popular Fiction Masters residency at Seton Hill University this summer during a book-signing event for graduates and mentors of the program. Shelley is one of the graduates of the Masters program and an all around nice person.
This is a young adult "Gossip Girls" type book with Christian bent. The Christian message is not overly thumpy (i.e., it does not hit you over the head), so if you're thinking "ugh! preachy!" it's not.
It's about staying true to your morals. And knowing who your true friends are, even when you're starstruck by the most handsome guy and you *just* want to be part of the in crowd.
Lissa Mansfield, the main character, is a brand new student at a posh boarding school in SanFran. The story chronicles part of her first term there and the ups and downs of trying to fit in, get the cute guy, and still remain true to her faith... even though she's a bit embarrassed by it.
I'll admit to being way older than the target audience, so some of the cultural references were lost on me, in my 30-somethingness, but I found myself caught up in the story, probably because I've been stupid in love, not listened to my friends because of it, and learned that it's not the best plan.
Basically... high school. Except this high school is way more fun than mine was!
I liked how Shelley presented the moral dilemmas of the story, Lissa's embarrassment of being openly Christian when it's really not cool to do so, and the perils of compromising your morals for something you really want.
In the end, it all works out. Mostly. But not without some pain, just like real life.
I was expecting a well-written book, but I didn't expect to get into it as much as I did! Brava Shelley!
This is a young adult "Gossip Girls" type book with Christian bent. The Christian message is not overly thumpy (i.e., it does not hit you over the head), so if you're thinking "ugh! preachy!" it's not.
It's about staying true to your morals. And knowing who your true friends are, even when you're starstruck by the most handsome guy and you *just* want to be part of the in crowd.
Lissa Mansfield, the main character, is a brand new student at a posh boarding school in SanFran. The story chronicles part of her first term there and the ups and downs of trying to fit in, get the cute guy, and still remain true to her faith... even though she's a bit embarrassed by it.
I'll admit to being way older than the target audience, so some of the cultural references were lost on me, in my 30-somethingness, but I found myself caught up in the story, probably because I've been stupid in love, not listened to my friends because of it, and learned that it's not the best plan.
Basically... high school. Except this high school is way more fun than mine was!
I liked how Shelley presented the moral dilemmas of the story, Lissa's embarrassment of being openly Christian when it's really not cool to do so, and the perils of compromising your morals for something you really want.
In the end, it all works out. Mostly. But not without some pain, just like real life.
I was expecting a well-written book, but I didn't expect to get into it as much as I did! Brava Shelley!
September 5, 2008
This was my first "Christian fiction," and while it started off decently, the story ended too abruptly to have any closure. Lissa is a teen Christian who has to deal with her religious beliefs and the lifestyle she wants to lead. When the pressures of a demanding boyfriend and the schemes of a conniving classmate had built to a crescendo, the author leaves me hanging by simply ending the story. I wanted to see Lissa's revelation and understanding. Instead, it's like Lissa
August 8, 2017
Love the writing style of this story. She addresses the real struggle of being a Christian as a teenager and fighting hormones, boys and fitting in. This is better writing than some of the old Silhouette teen romances I read as a teen and addressing real issues rather than painting a Cinderella fairytale romantic ending with no flesh vs. spirit dilemmas. Fun, light story with real issues. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 1, 2024
It was a good Christian book, explaining the problems teens face and how to deal with them while still being true to their faith. I absolutely LOVED Gillian and while that ending made me want to THROTTLE someone, it was prbly for the best. All in all good read.
May 14, 2021
Stopped pg 21. Was so boring!!
March 24, 2015
This book has been read and reviewed for Reading Thru the Library.
Lissa Mansfield is used to being the most popular girl in school and getting everything that she wants, until she has to transfer to Spencer Academy in San Francisco. At Spencer Academy, the popular girls make fun of her, she has a crush on the “hottest” guy in school, and her roommate is proudly Christian and Chinese. On top of these horrible, awful things, Lissa is expected to get a celebrity guest speaker for the upcoming Benefactor’s Day ball and that darn Angelina Jolie has yet to say yes. The result of this concoction of somber situations is this book.
MRW I get the first Christian fiction book on the shelf:
I really wanted this book to exceed my expectations, which it didn’t. It had a couple of funny lines, but most of the dialogue came off as stuffy and unnatural, and the characters were such jerks. They were completely dissociated. The main character Lissa is probably the most passable character, but she is the only one that seems to feel anything other than…privileged. But as much as those things made reading this book feel like I was wading through sludge, I can accept them.
This is a young adult Christian book, after all. A book with Christian themes for those agnostic and atheist teenagers…I understand treading lightly so as not to alienate your target audience and I understand trying to stay hip and relevant with IM conversations, celebrity name drops, and discussing name brand clothing at great length. But the way Lissa treats being Christianity like she’s in the closet…like she’s a closet Christian…I don’t get it. People were very openly Christian and very popular for it when I was in high school, which was around the same time as this book takes place. So I don’t know.
One thing that I’m taking away from this book is that if you’re a) white and b) rich, then God loves you.
I feel like this line really epitomizes the book quite adequately: “This is why God gave us the iPod.” (69)
It should go without saying that I will not be reading anymore of this series.
Lissa Mansfield is used to being the most popular girl in school and getting everything that she wants, until she has to transfer to Spencer Academy in San Francisco. At Spencer Academy, the popular girls make fun of her, she has a crush on the “hottest” guy in school, and her roommate is proudly Christian and Chinese. On top of these horrible, awful things, Lissa is expected to get a celebrity guest speaker for the upcoming Benefactor’s Day ball and that darn Angelina Jolie has yet to say yes. The result of this concoction of somber situations is this book.
MRW I get the first Christian fiction book on the shelf:
I really wanted this book to exceed my expectations, which it didn’t. It had a couple of funny lines, but most of the dialogue came off as stuffy and unnatural, and the characters were such jerks. They were completely dissociated. The main character Lissa is probably the most passable character, but she is the only one that seems to feel anything other than…privileged. But as much as those things made reading this book feel like I was wading through sludge, I can accept them.
This is a young adult Christian book, after all. A book with Christian themes for those agnostic and atheist teenagers…I understand treading lightly so as not to alienate your target audience and I understand trying to stay hip and relevant with IM conversations, celebrity name drops, and discussing name brand clothing at great length. But the way Lissa treats being Christianity like she’s in the closet…like she’s a closet Christian…I don’t get it. People were very openly Christian and very popular for it when I was in high school, which was around the same time as this book takes place. So I don’t know.
One thing that I’m taking away from this book is that if you’re a) white and b) rich, then God loves you.
I feel like this line really epitomizes the book quite adequately: “This is why God gave us the iPod.” (69)
It should go without saying that I will not be reading anymore of this series.
to-read-i-own-it
November 4, 2012Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Meet Lissa Mansfield. She's about to start her junior year at Spencer Academy. The daughter of a well-known director (yes, he's worked with THAT Lucas) and a fundraising dynamo, the family is relocating to San Francisco for the next two years. Lissa has agreed to become a boarding student at Spencer during that time to be closer to her father's work location. Lissa is confident that the move from Santa Barbara to Spencer Academy will be easy enough. After all, she's outgoing and popular at her old high school.
Lissa is determined to befriend Vanessa Talbot, the It Girl of the Academy. If she can become friends with Vanessa, then it's a sure thing that Callum McCloud, the absolute hottest guy on campus, will take notice of her. But from the start, things don't go as smoothly as Lissa would hope. To add insult to injury, Lissa is getting a new roommate, Gillian Chang.
Lissa is a Christian with strong values. However, Lissa keeps her religion to herself. That becomes harder to do when Gillian shows up. Gillian is outspoken, very Christian in her beliefs, and a bit pushy. Lissa and Gillian form a tentative friendship, but as Lissa's desires to get into the popular crowd start to happen, Gillian is negative and derogatory of everything Lissa does.
Lissa is soon tested to her limits. She is forced to weigh her religious convictions against her desires to have a gorgeous boyfriend and popularity. When things go horribly wrong one night with Callum, Lissa agrees to let God guide her on the path she was meant to lead.
This new series by Shelley Adina is a breath of fresh air. It has all the excitement and drama that teens have come to love. It takes the drama and turmoil found in THE IT GIRL and PRIVATE series', but it gives teens a look at God's guiding love through the situations that face everyone as they grow up. Ms. Adina is a wonderful addition to this addicting genre of teen fiction.
Now, I'm off to find out Gillian's story in the second book of the series, THE FRUIT OF MY LIPSTICK.
Meet Lissa Mansfield. She's about to start her junior year at Spencer Academy. The daughter of a well-known director (yes, he's worked with THAT Lucas) and a fundraising dynamo, the family is relocating to San Francisco for the next two years. Lissa has agreed to become a boarding student at Spencer during that time to be closer to her father's work location. Lissa is confident that the move from Santa Barbara to Spencer Academy will be easy enough. After all, she's outgoing and popular at her old high school.
Lissa is determined to befriend Vanessa Talbot, the It Girl of the Academy. If she can become friends with Vanessa, then it's a sure thing that Callum McCloud, the absolute hottest guy on campus, will take notice of her. But from the start, things don't go as smoothly as Lissa would hope. To add insult to injury, Lissa is getting a new roommate, Gillian Chang.
Lissa is a Christian with strong values. However, Lissa keeps her religion to herself. That becomes harder to do when Gillian shows up. Gillian is outspoken, very Christian in her beliefs, and a bit pushy. Lissa and Gillian form a tentative friendship, but as Lissa's desires to get into the popular crowd start to happen, Gillian is negative and derogatory of everything Lissa does.
Lissa is soon tested to her limits. She is forced to weigh her religious convictions against her desires to have a gorgeous boyfriend and popularity. When things go horribly wrong one night with Callum, Lissa agrees to let God guide her on the path she was meant to lead.
This new series by Shelley Adina is a breath of fresh air. It has all the excitement and drama that teens have come to love. It takes the drama and turmoil found in THE IT GIRL and PRIVATE series', but it gives teens a look at God's guiding love through the situations that face everyone as they grow up. Ms. Adina is a wonderful addition to this addicting genre of teen fiction.
Now, I'm off to find out Gillian's story in the second book of the series, THE FRUIT OF MY LIPSTICK.
February 6, 2009
Review by Jill Williamson
Since Lissa Mansfield’s director father is moving up to San Francisco for a project, Lissa decides to transfer to posh boarding school, Spencer Academy, for the next two years. Her number one goal is this: befriend the popular crowd ASAP and gain the interest of hottie, Callum McCloud.
Unfortunately, Lissa’s new roommate is a Christian, just like Lissa. This should be a good thing, but Gilliam Chang is determined to keep Lissa in check every minute, which doesn’t exactly make her look very cool. And when things heat up with Callum, Lissa has to decide how far is too far. Will she consult God or her Christian friends on how to deal with her struggles, or rely on her own slightly skewed perspective?
This was a great book. It realistically deals with the everyday pressure for girls to get a boyfriend and to keep him. I identified with Lissa’s struggles. I could see where she was coming from, even though it almost hurt to watch her make mistakes. Shelley Adina tells it like it is and her characters reflect that. They are honest, funny, sometimes shallow, and very realistic. Nicely done. Recommended.
Since Lissa Mansfield’s director father is moving up to San Francisco for a project, Lissa decides to transfer to posh boarding school, Spencer Academy, for the next two years. Her number one goal is this: befriend the popular crowd ASAP and gain the interest of hottie, Callum McCloud.
Unfortunately, Lissa’s new roommate is a Christian, just like Lissa. This should be a good thing, but Gilliam Chang is determined to keep Lissa in check every minute, which doesn’t exactly make her look very cool. And when things heat up with Callum, Lissa has to decide how far is too far. Will she consult God or her Christian friends on how to deal with her struggles, or rely on her own slightly skewed perspective?
This was a great book. It realistically deals with the everyday pressure for girls to get a boyfriend and to keep him. I identified with Lissa’s struggles. I could see where she was coming from, even though it almost hurt to watch her make mistakes. Shelley Adina tells it like it is and her characters reflect that. They are honest, funny, sometimes shallow, and very realistic. Nicely done. Recommended.
March 18, 2013
Anyways... this book. This wonderful fantatical (Is that even a word? Meh, I'm using it anyway book. This book kind of reminds of another series I began reading way back in June by Melody Carlson. That book was called Mixed Bags and incorporated the same sort of high school life. Although they are similar, I must say that I like this series better. Both are christian so it's not that that makes the difference. However, the actually set up of the novels are different. It's all about us is written in the first person and each following novel follows suit. Each narrator is someone different from this small Christian group and each learns to grow in their faith while finding out more about themselves and each other.
It's not easy being them because they are the few Christians at this humongous private school and it seems that people are coming at them from all sides sometimes, but they persevere.
I admire their characters, in a way, and I think that's what makes this series so alluring and fun to read. Real problems for girls are incorporated into the plot in interesting ways and that makes it worth while!
It's not easy being them because they are the few Christians at this humongous private school and it seems that people are coming at them from all sides sometimes, but they persevere.
I admire their characters, in a way, and I think that's what makes this series so alluring and fun to read. Real problems for girls are incorporated into the plot in interesting ways and that makes it worth while!
October 5, 2009
This book was well written, but right off the bat I have to say I don't like the premise of the book. The title is "it's all about us", and that seems to be the theme as well. The characters even say "it's all about us, and God", as if God is an afterthought. Maybe I'm being silly, but in my mind, it's all about God, not me, and that's the message I'd want my teen daughter to get.
Having got that out of the way, it was a well written book. It kept my attention, for sure. I found the main character highly unlikeable, but again, as mentioned in a previous review, it could be the first person narrative. The other characters didn't really seem fleshed out, so it's hard to say much about them. I will continue to read the series, and I'm hoping for a little bit of growth and change. It looks like the following books are told from the point of view of different girls, so maybe that will help. Honestly, I'm not sure if I would recommend this to young teens, but I guess I would recommend it to YA lovers.
Having got that out of the way, it was a well written book. It kept my attention, for sure. I found the main character highly unlikeable, but again, as mentioned in a previous review, it could be the first person narrative. The other characters didn't really seem fleshed out, so it's hard to say much about them. I will continue to read the series, and I'm hoping for a little bit of growth and change. It looks like the following books are told from the point of view of different girls, so maybe that will help. Honestly, I'm not sure if I would recommend this to young teens, but I guess I would recommend it to YA lovers.
June 29, 2011
It's all about us is about a girl called Lisa Mansfield who is used to being in th 'in crowd' but when she moves to Spencer Academy she has to start at the bottom and move her way back up. And then she meets her new loudmouth roommate who is also Christian. But being Christian isn't exactly the cool thing to be so she has to try even harded to be popular. So is pushing God out of the way the best way of getting to the group. When she gets pressured into 'going all the way' with Callum McCloud, the hottest guy in school will she carry on with it or do what she knows is right?
It's all about us is a great book that taught me that it doesn't matter if you're popular or not. It's just about having supportive friends that know what's best for you and won't let you do otherwise.
It's all about us is a great book that taught me that it doesn't matter if you're popular or not. It's just about having supportive friends that know what's best for you and won't let you do otherwise.
May 6, 2015
If you believe in God, maybe this is the book for you, but i said only MAYBE. Besides of the very well present Christian matter the book is a cliche, nothing more. All the time the characters mention what God says and teaches, and it become very annoying by the middle of the book. In addition, they are very shallow and there isn't a deep character to balance the others, this aspect makes this a Christian book melt with the cliche american girl who was popular and isn't anymore. I'm sorry for those who liked the book, but i didn't.
September 23, 2008
now about the series:
ohmygosh! this is one of the best chicklit series I've read in a while. it has real life problems and temptations and even forgiving friends when they royally screw up.
*if it interests anyone....contest on my blog for books1&2*
http://sparksoflava.blogspot.com/2008...
that's what I meant when I clicked on the copy to sell/swap button.
ohmygosh! this is one of the best chicklit series I've read in a while. it has real life problems and temptations and even forgiving friends when they royally screw up.
*if it interests anyone....contest on my blog for books1&2*
http://sparksoflava.blogspot.com/2008...
that's what I meant when I clicked on the copy to sell/swap button.
April 8, 2010
I thought this was a good first book in a series, even though I've already read book 7 or something!
I learned about the characters, what makes them tick, and they are all set up for further novels.
I liked the theme of how far is too far, and how to honor your commitment to God and also fit in at school. I don't think it's mutually exclusive, and I think the characters will learn that throughout the series.
I learned about the characters, what makes them tick, and they are all set up for further novels.
I liked the theme of how far is too far, and how to honor your commitment to God and also fit in at school. I don't think it's mutually exclusive, and I think the characters will learn that throughout the series.
December 21, 2011
I haven't read this book in years. Which makes sense, I guess since it was around that time that I realized that Chick lit just isn't my genre. Even back then, I didn't like it. In this book, we have characters that are shallow, cliches and/or stereotypes; annoying and constant preachiness; a Mary Sue protagonist; an impossibly sexy and seemingly perfect love interest, etc. The writing isn't that bad, but it wasn't enough to distract me from the boring plot and annoying characters
June 24, 2015
The first christian novel I really like. It shows different situations we encounter everyday that test our personal friendships and faith, it's a story a lot of christian girls can relate too. It was also the first time I encounter a book character where I wanted to slap and hug at the same time. I really like the way the message was shown in the end of the novel, the protagonist accepted her mistake but had to deal with the consequences of her actions.
October 10, 2010
In some ways I really liked the book, but in others... I couldn't quite believe in the plausibility 100%. It had good development, but was also somewhat predictable. I like Firefly, so I thought the references to that were kinda cool, though at the same time... I don't particularly enjoy books with lots of 'pop culture' references.
July 26, 2011
What a fun book! i thought this book would be like a gossip girl meets church type story. i thought brand name labels would rule the story, i assure you they did not. this book was soo good. i dont come across alot of stories that put a teenager in a school setting trying to keep faith and such things. this book was such a fresh look into the world of private school and religion. definetly a fave
April 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was another young adult novel (but I kind of enjoy them.) I liked how this was written from a real perspective. The real struggles that exist between what society says is right and what the bible says is good and right. Well written. I hope to be able to find the next book in the series.
August 5, 2008
i thought this book was so good, and I am going to read the whole series.
Currently reading
June 21, 2009I really loved this book!!!!!!! Cant wait to read more.
July 9, 2009
Frikkin Uh-Mazing!
January 4, 2010
Worth Reading! All of these books are amazing! The are out of a teenage girl's perspective. Amazing books!
May 22, 2010
AAAHHHMMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGG!
February 12, 2011
it waz okayish i kinda liked it....not the best of all the books on a bookshelf.
June 8, 2011
I loved this whole series! Wonderful characters, and I loved following their stories, with a final payoff in the last book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews