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The Date to Save
The word is out…
Brooks Mandeville, quarterback: Friday is the homecoming game and dance. It is a very big deal.
Natalie Wagner, marching band clarinet: Our band’s halftime show performances are legendary, even if our football team isn’t.
Cinthia Alvarez, Academic Battle team member: Our Academic Battle team has won five years in a row. This Friday, it’ll be six.
Tanner Ericksen, sophomore class candidate for vice president: Holly has to win the election for class president this Friday!
Holly Carpenter, cheerleader, Academic Battle team member, class president candidate: Friday? Everything is on Friday? How can I be in three places at once?
Colin von Kohorn, editor-in-chief of the Prepster: This kind of scheduling incompetence could only have come straight from the top.
Angelica Hutcherson, reporter-at-large: I talked to everyone and my article is going to crack this story wide open…
This is what happens on the wildest day in the history of high school, as told by the people who survived it!
Brooks Mandeville, quarterback: Friday is the homecoming game and dance. It is a very big deal.
Natalie Wagner, marching band clarinet: Our band’s halftime show performances are legendary, even if our football team isn’t.
Cinthia Alvarez, Academic Battle team member: Our Academic Battle team has won five years in a row. This Friday, it’ll be six.
Tanner Ericksen, sophomore class candidate for vice president: Holly has to win the election for class president this Friday!
Holly Carpenter, cheerleader, Academic Battle team member, class president candidate: Friday? Everything is on Friday? How can I be in three places at once?
Colin von Kohorn, editor-in-chief of the Prepster: This kind of scheduling incompetence could only have come straight from the top.
Angelica Hutcherson, reporter-at-large: I talked to everyone and my article is going to crack this story wide open…
This is what happens on the wildest day in the history of high school, as told by the people who survived it!
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2017
25 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Kate Strohm
19 books388 followersStephanie Kate Strohm is the author of Love a la Mode; Prince in Disguise; It's Not Me, It's You; That's Not What I Heard; The Date to Save; and Katy Keene: Restless Hearts. She grew up in Connecticut and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she was voted Winter Carnival Queen. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Her middle-grade debut, Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale, will be released in September.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 3, 2024
This succinct story is an oral documentary, delivered in written format. Quite appealing to this avid reader, it seemed to create the quick, concise medium to appropriately accompany the pace of the plot. In a kind-of-counterintuitive way, I feel like this is a fantastic format for the wary reader, too. Essentially composed of conversations, with few notes added; extraneous minutiae is eliminated. Fewer words means better choices. Each sentence is carefully crafted and I definitely dig the dialogue.
Students at San Anselmo Prep are stars among California high school scholars, with none so bright as Angelica’s older brother. Hutch, however; has graduated. This may very well be Angelica’s time to shine. Things are already looking up.
The school newspaper’s churlish chief-of-staff has rejected every idea Angelica has submitted. And yet, she persisted. Admittedly underwhelmed with the assignment to cover the upcoming Academic Battle, Angelica’s optimism easily overrode the terrible topic to embrace the opportunity.
As any decent investigative reporter knows, one thing leads to another. The initial inquiry into the Academic Battle shows a more serious scenario. A school scheduling snafu that cannot have been coincidence is sure to be catastrophic. Compelled to solve the problem and identify the perpetrator; Angelica nevertheless agrees to help the school mascot when he approaches her with different mystery, affecting the same date.
Countering the wholly consumed Angelica is Becca. The determinedly grumpy, blue-haired-bestie is everyone’s fantasy friend. This fierce non-conformist, is a loyal companion bringing balance with her humor and unique outlook.
I found The Date to Save to be a pleasant read with one paragraph in particular that I dearly love, wherein Ms. Strohm articulates a reader’s feelings about books in a way that I want to capture for a t-shirt or bumper sticker.
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
Students at San Anselmo Prep are stars among California high school scholars, with none so bright as Angelica’s older brother. Hutch, however; has graduated. This may very well be Angelica’s time to shine. Things are already looking up.
The school newspaper’s churlish chief-of-staff has rejected every idea Angelica has submitted. And yet, she persisted. Admittedly underwhelmed with the assignment to cover the upcoming Academic Battle, Angelica’s optimism easily overrode the terrible topic to embrace the opportunity.
As any decent investigative reporter knows, one thing leads to another. The initial inquiry into the Academic Battle shows a more serious scenario. A school scheduling snafu that cannot have been coincidence is sure to be catastrophic. Compelled to solve the problem and identify the perpetrator; Angelica nevertheless agrees to help the school mascot when he approaches her with different mystery, affecting the same date.
Countering the wholly consumed Angelica is Becca. The determinedly grumpy, blue-haired-bestie is everyone’s fantasy friend. This fierce non-conformist, is a loyal companion bringing balance with her humor and unique outlook.
I found The Date to Save to be a pleasant read with one paragraph in particular that I dearly love, wherein Ms. Strohm articulates a reader’s feelings about books in a way that I want to capture for a t-shirt or bumper sticker.
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
September 10, 2017
This was daringly hilarious! I may have rounded the rating up to 4 stars but I don't think it was even a 3.5. Maybe 3.8?
This is a transcript for the oral history of how a chaotic day when the three main events of a school came to happen all on the same date. Actually, four events but no one really remembers that theater exists. And Angelica is set on writing the best article about it so Colin won't reject her story once more from running on the school paper.
The style selected to portray this story was quite daring. Just like you see in the synopsis, the book is all written as if we were reading oral statements from everyone involved.
I confess it took me long to get used to the writing but when I finally warmed up to it, the story had already grabbed me.
And we have it all. We have a mystery that keeps going deeper, schemes going on backstage, small clues here and there. I'm a big fan of romance but it got to a point I didn't care if there was going to be one—there is, though. The book managed to wrap all that in a perfect way, too. (I do confess I was cheering for Angelica to end up with the other guy but no spoilers here).
If you want a pleasing read hard to put down and that will have you go "oh!" with every clue that pop up, this is it for you. This was quirky and clever. Looking forward for anything decides to release next!
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
This is a transcript for the oral history of how a chaotic day when the three main events of a school came to happen all on the same date. Actually, four events but no one really remembers that theater exists. And Angelica is set on writing the best article about it so Colin won't reject her story once more from running on the school paper.
The style selected to portray this story was quite daring. Just like you see in the synopsis, the book is all written as if we were reading oral statements from everyone involved.
I confess it took me long to get used to the writing but when I finally warmed up to it, the story had already grabbed me.
And we have it all. We have a mystery that keeps going deeper, schemes going on backstage, small clues here and there. I'm a big fan of romance but it got to a point I didn't care if there was going to be one—there is, though. The book managed to wrap all that in a perfect way, too. (I do confess I was cheering for Angelica to end up with the other guy but no spoilers here).
If you want a pleasing read hard to put down and that will have you go "oh!" with every clue that pop up, this is it for you. This was quirky and clever. Looking forward for anything decides to release next!
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
September 25, 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars
One day, five events
Oh, San Anselmo Prep how I missed you and your quirky student body! It was so much fun to be back in this world, and to have an all new oral history to enjoy.
I was such a HUGE fan of It's Not Me, It's You, so when I heard Strohm was releasing a companion, I sort of danced a little jig of joy.
In The Date to Save, we get to meet the younger sister of Hutch, one of the main characters from the previous book. While working on an article for the newspaper about the Academic Battle, Angelica discovers that there has been a major scheduling mishap. It was loads of fun navigating the ultra-competitive world of prep school, as she tries to uncover how this monumental mistake occurred.
I really felt for Angelica, because I totally related to living in the shadow of a stellar older sibling. But now he was gone (or so she thought), and she wanted her shot at being the superstar. However, where he was an academic battle star, she wants to be a literary goddess. Strohm showcased so many awesome sides of Angelica, and I was rooting for her to make her mark. It was fantastic to watch her work through her feelings regarding her family, and along the way, find how to define herself.
I was pretty excited to get to catch up with some characters from the previous book. This is really why I love companion books. Everyone knows I never seem to get enough closure when I read a book, so it's a special treat to get to check in with old friends and see what's been going on in their lives since the last book. I was really pleased with the storyline and amount of time Strohm dedicated to Avery and Hutch. I fell in love with these two in INMIY, and was really surprised how I got to know Hutch so much better in this book, where he was more of a supporting character, than in the previous book. The Hutcherson family was so fantastic and I absolutely wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.
I adore books that stray from the traditional narrative format, and found the oral history added to my overall enjoyment and amusement. The format is fun and allows a larger number of characters to be involved in actually telling the story.
Quick Summary
Fun format
Quirky and interesting characters
A nefarious plot
Lots of hijinks
Some mystery and mayhem
A super-sweet-adorable romance
Visits from the alumni
Fantastic banter and cultural references
Terribly fun, fast-paced with a very satisfying ending
Strohm has wormed her way into my heart. When I need to laugh, I know I can count on her to deliver.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
One day, five events
Oh, San Anselmo Prep how I missed you and your quirky student body! It was so much fun to be back in this world, and to have an all new oral history to enjoy.
I was such a HUGE fan of It's Not Me, It's You, so when I heard Strohm was releasing a companion, I sort of danced a little jig of joy.
In The Date to Save, we get to meet the younger sister of Hutch, one of the main characters from the previous book. While working on an article for the newspaper about the Academic Battle, Angelica discovers that there has been a major scheduling mishap. It was loads of fun navigating the ultra-competitive world of prep school, as she tries to uncover how this monumental mistake occurred.
"Sometimes I feel like Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Obviously, my problems are nothing compared to what that guy goes through, but I'd love Ellison's take on being black, female, and the younger sibling of San Anselmo's most famous academic overachiever."
I really felt for Angelica, because I totally related to living in the shadow of a stellar older sibling. But now he was gone (or so she thought), and she wanted her shot at being the superstar. However, where he was an academic battle star, she wants to be a literary goddess. Strohm showcased so many awesome sides of Angelica, and I was rooting for her to make her mark. It was fantastic to watch her work through her feelings regarding her family, and along the way, find how to define herself.
I was pretty excited to get to catch up with some characters from the previous book. This is really why I love companion books. Everyone knows I never seem to get enough closure when I read a book, so it's a special treat to get to check in with old friends and see what's been going on in their lives since the last book. I was really pleased with the storyline and amount of time Strohm dedicated to Avery and Hutch. I fell in love with these two in INMIY, and was really surprised how I got to know Hutch so much better in this book, where he was more of a supporting character, than in the previous book. The Hutcherson family was so fantastic and I absolutely wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.
"a complete and authoritative oral history of the craziest homecoming weekend San Anselmo Prep had ever seen."
I adore books that stray from the traditional narrative format, and found the oral history added to my overall enjoyment and amusement. The format is fun and allows a larger number of characters to be involved in actually telling the story.
Quick Summary
Fun format
Quirky and interesting characters
A nefarious plot
Lots of hijinks
Some mystery and mayhem
A super-sweet-adorable romance
Visits from the alumni
Fantastic banter and cultural references
Terribly fun, fast-paced with a very satisfying ending
Strohm has wormed her way into my heart. When I need to laugh, I know I can count on her to deliver.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
May 8, 2018
So this was super cute and fun and just what I expected from Stephanie Kate Strohm in this companion to It’s Not Me It’s You. I loved seeing the drama unfold as Angelica, Hutch’s little sister, discovers that 3 major school events have been scheduled for the same day - at the same time. It was lighthearted, funny and a perfect summer read.
I really liked a lot of the characters. Angelica was a strong MC, who made it easy to fall into the story. Becca, her best friend was the perfect snarky addition to counter Angelica’s radiant personality. I even grew to like Colin, the school newspaper buttoned-up editor. It was also great getting cameos from Avery and Hutch. It made the stories connected without feeling like you had to have read It’s Not Me, It’s You. I also really liked that the formatting, another oral history, and thought it worked well in audiobook!
I really only have minor complaints. Andrew, running for Sophomore class president, was a real annoying character and I didn’t like him at all. Also, while I love that the audiobook had a full cast narration, a few of the girls were hard for me to differential in the beginning, specifically Holly and Natalie.
This is just a quick, fun, and funny read that’s perfect as we head into the warmer months. It’s one of those books you need to read to get yourself back into a reading mood. The Date to Save is a hilarious look at what happens when the world of high school collide on the busiest day of the year.
I really liked a lot of the characters. Angelica was a strong MC, who made it easy to fall into the story. Becca, her best friend was the perfect snarky addition to counter Angelica’s radiant personality. I even grew to like Colin, the school newspaper buttoned-up editor. It was also great getting cameos from Avery and Hutch. It made the stories connected without feeling like you had to have read It’s Not Me, It’s You. I also really liked that the formatting, another oral history, and thought it worked well in audiobook!
I really only have minor complaints. Andrew, running for Sophomore class president, was a real annoying character and I didn’t like him at all. Also, while I love that the audiobook had a full cast narration, a few of the girls were hard for me to differential in the beginning, specifically Holly and Natalie.
This is just a quick, fun, and funny read that’s perfect as we head into the warmer months. It’s one of those books you need to read to get yourself back into a reading mood. The Date to Save is a hilarious look at what happens when the world of high school collide on the busiest day of the year.
April 30, 2018
3.5 stars - I didn’t like it quite as much as It’s Not Me, It’s You but it was still really great with a lot of laugh out loud moments. My favorite character was Colin. I loved him and honestly, I would have liked to see him end up with Angelica rather than Ben. He was hilarious and I loved the reviews that he wrote of the musicals.
Also, Becca. I adored Becca. She was really funny too. She’s one of those characters with a tough exterior that’s really a softy.
This book is told in a very clever manner, with absolutely no exposition at all - only dialogue. It’s really interesting to see how so much is conveyed just with characters speaking. I don’t think any author could do that technique easily, but Strohm pulled it off.
I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Also, Becca. I adored Becca. She was really funny too. She’s one of those characters with a tough exterior that’s really a softy.
This book is told in a very clever manner, with absolutely no exposition at all - only dialogue. It’s really interesting to see how so much is conveyed just with characters speaking. I don’t think any author could do that technique easily, but Strohm pulled it off.
I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
If you're ever looking for a book that will leave you with just the biggest smile and giddiest feeling when you close the book for the final time, look no further.
Strohm has easily become one of my favorite contemporary authors. She forever brings the funnies, the heart, and so many likeable characters. I forever will be enthralled with this two little book series that not only takes a supremely cool twist on a book format but brings highly memorable characters and just the happiest feeling.
Technically, you can read this as a standalone, but in order to get the most impact - and just because I really want you to read the first book - I do recommend picking up the first one. You will get to truly appreciate the surprise appearances and cameos of our first book characters and also get the little inside jokes that were just amazing. I felt like I was a little miner with a hot pink pick axe picking for gold each time they appeared, and I give so much kudos to Strohm.
Lol, omg, this book has reduced me to little mining references now?? Dear gosh, help us all.
As I said, there are still a few characters from the first book, but we have pretty much a whole new cast and they were amazing. Angelica was good, but to be honest, the side characters really shown for me. I loved Colin, Becca, Tanner E., Holly, Bash, Cinthia, Natalie, Principal Patel, just everyoneeeeeeeeeeeee. Ben was a swoonboat. Every little random side person that would appear was just amazing. I can't even begin to explain, but just know that Strohm is a queen of coming up with the comical side character. It's hard to even come up with a favorite, but I honestly think Colin might be it??? He had an overreacting arc and he was just so fleshed out and HILARIOUS. I loved him.
As I said, Angelica was good, and I did enjoy her voice. However, to be honest, I didn't quite connect with her as much as I wanted to which I did take half a crown off for. However, I still thought she was great. She kicked butt, and she was smart, stuck to her love of words, and you felt for her always being overshadowed by the swoonboat of her brother (it's okay to say swoonboat since he was the love interest in the first book, and I'm not just casually falling in love with main character's brothers now or anything). But she was still a great main character and I loved going her journey with it, but I did want a bit more from her.
The storyline was great as well. I did take that other half a crown for the beginning part, because I didn't think it went together as well as the first one did? I always knew where that one was going, but it did take a while for this one to pick up where it wanted to go and how it got there. Once everything was found out, it was brilliant and it was amazing and it was just so much fun. FUN I DARESAY. Funnies were being had and comic genius was implemented while being totally heartwarming at the same time.
The romance was adorable as always. Just fluffs upon fluffs. SO MUCH FLUFF.
Overall, this was a wonderful follow up to a fantastic first book. It had the same heart, hilarious moments, and feeling of being lighter than the fluff it was giving me. There were two minor things that left me missing a little something, but it was still such a great read. This little two book series will definitely go down as one of the greatest in YA contemporary for me, and if you're looking to start off summer right, please pick this up! 4 crowns and an Ariel rating!
Strohm has easily become one of my favorite contemporary authors. She forever brings the funnies, the heart, and so many likeable characters. I forever will be enthralled with this two little book series that not only takes a supremely cool twist on a book format but brings highly memorable characters and just the happiest feeling.
Technically, you can read this as a standalone, but in order to get the most impact - and just because I really want you to read the first book - I do recommend picking up the first one. You will get to truly appreciate the surprise appearances and cameos of our first book characters and also get the little inside jokes that were just amazing. I felt like I was a little miner with a hot pink pick axe picking for gold each time they appeared, and I give so much kudos to Strohm.
Lol, omg, this book has reduced me to little mining references now?? Dear gosh, help us all.
As I said, there are still a few characters from the first book, but we have pretty much a whole new cast and they were amazing. Angelica was good, but to be honest, the side characters really shown for me. I loved Colin, Becca, Tanner E., Holly, Bash, Cinthia, Natalie, Principal Patel, just everyoneeeeeeeeeeeee. Ben was a swoonboat. Every little random side person that would appear was just amazing. I can't even begin to explain, but just know that Strohm is a queen of coming up with the comical side character. It's hard to even come up with a favorite, but I honestly think Colin might be it??? He had an overreacting arc and he was just so fleshed out and HILARIOUS. I loved him.
As I said, Angelica was good, and I did enjoy her voice. However, to be honest, I didn't quite connect with her as much as I wanted to which I did take half a crown off for. However, I still thought she was great. She kicked butt, and she was smart, stuck to her love of words, and you felt for her always being overshadowed by the swoonboat of her brother (it's okay to say swoonboat since he was the love interest in the first book, and I'm not just casually falling in love with main character's brothers now or anything). But she was still a great main character and I loved going her journey with it, but I did want a bit more from her.
The storyline was great as well. I did take that other half a crown for the beginning part, because I didn't think it went together as well as the first one did? I always knew where that one was going, but it did take a while for this one to pick up where it wanted to go and how it got there. Once everything was found out, it was brilliant and it was amazing and it was just so much fun. FUN I DARESAY. Funnies were being had and comic genius was implemented while being totally heartwarming at the same time.
The romance was adorable as always. Just fluffs upon fluffs. SO MUCH FLUFF.
Overall, this was a wonderful follow up to a fantastic first book. It had the same heart, hilarious moments, and feeling of being lighter than the fluff it was giving me. There were two minor things that left me missing a little something, but it was still such a great read. This little two book series will definitely go down as one of the greatest in YA contemporary for me, and if you're looking to start off summer right, please pick this up! 4 crowns and an Ariel rating!
September 20, 2017
not *quite* as enjoyable as Its Not Me Its You but still full of great characters, authentic voice, humor and cute fluff. I loved the variety of stories being told (not just football/cheerleading but newspaper, theatre, band & quiz bowl) and the tiny mystery plot! one random thing I really appreciated was that the characters were sophomores and rode bikes/got rides with mom bc that's more realistic than everyone magically being 16 and owning a car.
also I got to see my ship from book 1 <3
also I got to see my ship from book 1 <3
December 9, 2017
Hilarious. A joy to read. Much high school shenanigans.
4 and a half stars.
4 and a half stars.
April 17, 2017
I love love love love Stephanie Strohm and couldn't handle my excitement when the galley for this book arrived.
When I heard that Stephanie was writing a sequel to It's Not Me, It's You, I thought that she must be a little crazy. That book was awesome and the format was cool and unique. How could she follow it up with something as awesome?
Well, not only did she follow it up, she outdid herself. The Date to Save follows Angelica Hutchinson as she realizes that all of the big fall events at her high school are scheduled for the same night. Filled with crazy antics, nerdy references (one of the many reasons I love Stephanie), and tons of interesting characters, I was with Angelica each step of the way as she navigated the forces that were trying to stop her reporting while still managing to figure out how to save the day.
Stephanie's voice rings clearly throughout this book. I like each of her books more than the last. She is a powerhouse not to be messed with.
(Also, on a completely personal note, I may or may not have started happy crying when I saw that she mentioned The Book Cellar in the acknowledgements. I never expected to kinda see myself talked about in a book!)
When I heard that Stephanie was writing a sequel to It's Not Me, It's You, I thought that she must be a little crazy. That book was awesome and the format was cool and unique. How could she follow it up with something as awesome?
Well, not only did she follow it up, she outdid herself. The Date to Save follows Angelica Hutchinson as she realizes that all of the big fall events at her high school are scheduled for the same night. Filled with crazy antics, nerdy references (one of the many reasons I love Stephanie), and tons of interesting characters, I was with Angelica each step of the way as she navigated the forces that were trying to stop her reporting while still managing to figure out how to save the day.
Stephanie's voice rings clearly throughout this book. I like each of her books more than the last. She is a powerhouse not to be messed with.
(Also, on a completely personal note, I may or may not have started happy crying when I saw that she mentioned The Book Cellar in the acknowledgements. I never expected to kinda see myself talked about in a book!)
March 4, 2019
This book has a very unique way of telling a story. This format won't be for everyone and it lacks a sense of urgency. However, this was good to pick up now again when I had time. It's a humorous recounting of events that span a couple or so of weeks via interviews and testimonies. 3.5 rounding up to 4 stars.
November 30, 2018
The girl in my books name is Angelica, and she was trying her hardest to be a writer but the leader named Collins didn't think she meets up to the goal to be a writer but when he finally gives her a chance she quits because of her brother.
December 11, 2017
This book was soo fun! I hate that I forgot soo much of it’s not u it’s me. I think I would have enjoyed this one more. It got confusing at first since the povs changed soo much but it was still fun. And a really fast read. I really liked the mc and all of the other characters!
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed it, it was okay.
I wasn’t really interested in Angelica & Ben’s Relationship it seemed kinda rushed. I think that Colin and her would of made a more interesting and better couple.
On the plus side, Avery and Hutch made an appearance. They’re so cuteeee. I kinda disliked how Avery was referred as just Hutch’s girlfriend most of the time. She’s more than that and we didn’t learn about what she did at college. It makes sense though the story is about Angelica. (Ode to animal fries ❤️ So cute) I’m also sad Coco, Michael, and Liam didn’t make a appearance or a least was mentioned. I also liked how We learned more about Becca and I actually like her now. She’s such a secret softie.
I wasn’t really interested in Angelica & Ben’s Relationship it seemed kinda rushed. I think that Colin and her would of made a more interesting and better couple.
On the plus side, Avery and Hutch made an appearance. They’re so cuteeee. I kinda disliked how Avery was referred as just Hutch’s girlfriend most of the time. She’s more than that and we didn’t learn about what she did at college. It makes sense though the story is about Angelica. (Ode to animal fries ❤️ So cute) I’m also sad Coco, Michael, and Liam didn’t make a appearance or a least was mentioned. I also liked how We learned more about Becca and I actually like her now. She’s such a secret softie.
July 15, 2017
Reasons you'll love this book as much as, if not MORE THAN, It's Not Me, It's You:
1. Jane Austen hero references (and NOT Mr. Darcy)
2. A PERFECTLY placed Hamilton reference that made me laugh so hard I had a coughing fit, and I don't even really care about Hamilton.
3. Cats.
4. Cameos from several members of the INMIY gang.
5. a MYSTERY to solve.
6. just. all the laughter. seriously.
(Ok, these are really just reasons *I* loved the book, but seriously, it's good.)
1. Jane Austen hero references (and NOT Mr. Darcy)
2. A PERFECTLY placed Hamilton reference that made me laugh so hard I had a coughing fit, and I don't even really care about Hamilton.
3. Cats.
4. Cameos from several members of the INMIY gang.
5. a MYSTERY to solve.
6. just. all the laughter. seriously.
(Ok, these are really just reasons *I* loved the book, but seriously, it's good.)
February 13, 2018
It didn't grab me in the same way as its predecessor "It's Not Me, It's You" and the premise was a little farther fetched, nor did the dialogue live up to that of "Prince in Disguise." That said, it had it's moments, definitely trolled our current political climate, and was generally a lot of fun.
January 5, 2018
Definitely not as enjoyable as the previous one, so that bummed me out.
August 30, 2019
Many YA novelists seem to feel an obligation to teach a lesson, either in how to deal with the ordinary trials of growing up or in coming to grips with major tragedy. Which is fine, and some of the books I’ve read of that sort are very good indeed. But Strohm’s intent is mostly to entertain, to make her readers laugh, and she accomplishes that goal very successfully. These two books focus on events in two successive years at San Anselmo Prep, a small but high-powered private school in Marin County, California, and there’s some overlap in characters, so I’ll review them together.
Avery Dennis is the do-everything girl of the school, the vivacious blonde no one can say “No: to when she goes hunting for volunteers. She also hasn’t been without a boyfriend since before middle school, has always been the dumper, never the dumpee. That changes when her latest boyfriend, the school’s star athlete, golden boy, and all-around nice guy, breaks up with her a two weeks before prom. Avery is Prom Chairman (naturally) -- how can she not have a date for prom?
Coincidentally, her AP English teacher assigns an oral history project for their last big grade before graduation, and Avery decides to chronicle her entire personal dating history in order to figure out why she was dumped. Unorthodox, but no one can stop Amery when she gets a bee in her bonnet, not even the faculty. She recruits James “Hutch” Hutcherson, her lab partner of four years, class valedictorian, dungeon master extraordinaire, and a national-level young scholar, to help her because no one can solve problems the way he can. Of course, he has his own reasons for helping her out.
Strohm adopts the unusual narrative device of reprinting all the responses to the interviews Avery carries out for her project -- long-time enemies as well as friends and supporters -- which works surprisingly well. The characterizations themselves are sometimes almost clichéd, but every school really does have people like that. And the author has an excellent ear for intelligent teen-speak (San Anselmo Prep has no room for dummies), as when one student observes, upon hearing of Avery being dumped, “It was like we’d all just seen a zebra eat a lion. The world had lost its natural order.” Or the observation by Principal Patel (one of the best characters in the book) that addenda to the student handbook usually originate in reaction to some idea of Avery’s.
Avery and Hutch reappear as supporting characters is The Date to Save, when they both come back for San Anselmo Prep’s homecoming from their freshman year in college, but the focus this time is on Hutch’s kid sister, Angelica, now a sophomore and a very smart cookie in her own right. Angelica is in love with words and yearns to have her fiction printed in the school’s paper, but she keeps getting stonewalled by Colin von Kohorn, the editor, who uses black Post-Its.
Actually, the core of the plot is the fact that Principal Patel doesn’t really understand Google Calendar, so the homecoming football game, the big local competition for Academic Battle (in which Hutch had previously led the school’s team to victory for four solid years, including the national championship his senior year), the fall play, and class elections for student government all fall on the same day in October. What will people like Holly do? She’s not only a cheerleader for the big game, and a key member of the AcaBat team, she’s also running for Sophomore Class President -- and she can’t possibly be in all three places at once, but she can’t skip any of them, either.
Angelica’s assignment for the paper -- she finally has one -- is an article on Academic Battle, since she’s attended the competition for years to watch her brother win, but she discovers the great scheduling screw-up, and also discovers that certain parts of it were deliberate for evil purposes, not just an administrative screw-up. And as she documents her attempts to produce the best news story ever, it becomes an oral history similar to that in the first book. And again, the results are frequently hilarious. I recommend both books to readers of any age.
Avery Dennis is the do-everything girl of the school, the vivacious blonde no one can say “No: to when she goes hunting for volunteers. She also hasn’t been without a boyfriend since before middle school, has always been the dumper, never the dumpee. That changes when her latest boyfriend, the school’s star athlete, golden boy, and all-around nice guy, breaks up with her a two weeks before prom. Avery is Prom Chairman (naturally) -- how can she not have a date for prom?
Coincidentally, her AP English teacher assigns an oral history project for their last big grade before graduation, and Avery decides to chronicle her entire personal dating history in order to figure out why she was dumped. Unorthodox, but no one can stop Amery when she gets a bee in her bonnet, not even the faculty. She recruits James “Hutch” Hutcherson, her lab partner of four years, class valedictorian, dungeon master extraordinaire, and a national-level young scholar, to help her because no one can solve problems the way he can. Of course, he has his own reasons for helping her out.
Strohm adopts the unusual narrative device of reprinting all the responses to the interviews Avery carries out for her project -- long-time enemies as well as friends and supporters -- which works surprisingly well. The characterizations themselves are sometimes almost clichéd, but every school really does have people like that. And the author has an excellent ear for intelligent teen-speak (San Anselmo Prep has no room for dummies), as when one student observes, upon hearing of Avery being dumped, “It was like we’d all just seen a zebra eat a lion. The world had lost its natural order.” Or the observation by Principal Patel (one of the best characters in the book) that addenda to the student handbook usually originate in reaction to some idea of Avery’s.
Avery and Hutch reappear as supporting characters is The Date to Save, when they both come back for San Anselmo Prep’s homecoming from their freshman year in college, but the focus this time is on Hutch’s kid sister, Angelica, now a sophomore and a very smart cookie in her own right. Angelica is in love with words and yearns to have her fiction printed in the school’s paper, but she keeps getting stonewalled by Colin von Kohorn, the editor, who uses black Post-Its.
Actually, the core of the plot is the fact that Principal Patel doesn’t really understand Google Calendar, so the homecoming football game, the big local competition for Academic Battle (in which Hutch had previously led the school’s team to victory for four solid years, including the national championship his senior year), the fall play, and class elections for student government all fall on the same day in October. What will people like Holly do? She’s not only a cheerleader for the big game, and a key member of the AcaBat team, she’s also running for Sophomore Class President -- and she can’t possibly be in all three places at once, but she can’t skip any of them, either.
Angelica’s assignment for the paper -- she finally has one -- is an article on Academic Battle, since she’s attended the competition for years to watch her brother win, but she discovers the great scheduling screw-up, and also discovers that certain parts of it were deliberate for evil purposes, not just an administrative screw-up. And as she documents her attempts to produce the best news story ever, it becomes an oral history similar to that in the first book. And again, the results are frequently hilarious. I recommend both books to readers of any age.
August 13, 2018
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Editor of the Prepster, Angelica Hutcherson, goes on a journey of intrigue! Politics! Uniform thievery! Scheduling disasters! Insincere senior students! And worst of all, decreasing french fry crispiness! Or in other words, Homecoming week at San Anselmo Prep High School.
The Date to Save by Stephanie Strohm, has a unique writing style. Most of the characters talk in past or occasionally present tense implying all the events in story have already occurred. But they also leave their comments or notes about how other characters tell the story, whether supportive or argumentative. These notes are often hilarious. In my opinion this was an excellent choice. They lead to some of the best sections of dialogue in the book as the characters argue for or against how another character tells the story. The first third of the book is primarily to introduce all the main characters, as well as how they relate to other characters in the book. In addition, we learn some of the more entertaining details of each characters history at the school ranging from Becca Horn’s “Blitzkrieg Tuba Factory” (which got school funding) to Colin von Kohorn’s obnoxiously serious and critical yet incredibly skilled journalism. Angelica had been assigned by Colin to write an article for the school newspaper, The Prepster, on Academic Battle. Although Angelica had never been a fan of Academic Battle, she wasn’t going to let this opportunity for a major story in The Prepster pass her by. But then a much more important news story revealed itself, something which would blow away anything The Prepster had ever seen before! Angelica and her friend, Holly Carpenter, student presidential candidate, realized that the fall play, homecoming dance, student election speech, homecoming football match, and Academic Battle, had all been scheduled in the same day! The Academic Battle story would have to go on hold. Angelica and her friends had to save homecoming from disaster! But then the problems began to stack up: stolen uniforms, corrupt student politicians, blackmailing, and incompetent administration. Will Angelica and her friends be able to keep up? Will Holly be able to make the time for all five of the events? Will Angelica ever finish her story? Is Homecoming doomed? And will the cafeteria ever have crispy French fries again? Whether they succeed or fail, this homecoming day will definitely be a date to save!
I would recommend this book to any young adult of high school age or above. The book does an amazing job emulating real high school students and experiences, from public affection to slang usage! From its seamless integration of over forty different side stories varying from the irony of using black post-it notes to arguments over public affection of cheerleaders, The Date to Save gives the reader an incredible simulation of a real high school experience and scheduling disaster. The Date to Save has earned 5 newsworthy stars from me!
Reviewed by Zander H., age 16, Gulf Coast Mensa
The Date to Save by Stephanie Strohm, has a unique writing style. Most of the characters talk in past or occasionally present tense implying all the events in story have already occurred. But they also leave their comments or notes about how other characters tell the story, whether supportive or argumentative. These notes are often hilarious. In my opinion this was an excellent choice. They lead to some of the best sections of dialogue in the book as the characters argue for or against how another character tells the story. The first third of the book is primarily to introduce all the main characters, as well as how they relate to other characters in the book. In addition, we learn some of the more entertaining details of each characters history at the school ranging from Becca Horn’s “Blitzkrieg Tuba Factory” (which got school funding) to Colin von Kohorn’s obnoxiously serious and critical yet incredibly skilled journalism. Angelica had been assigned by Colin to write an article for the school newspaper, The Prepster, on Academic Battle. Although Angelica had never been a fan of Academic Battle, she wasn’t going to let this opportunity for a major story in The Prepster pass her by. But then a much more important news story revealed itself, something which would blow away anything The Prepster had ever seen before! Angelica and her friend, Holly Carpenter, student presidential candidate, realized that the fall play, homecoming dance, student election speech, homecoming football match, and Academic Battle, had all been scheduled in the same day! The Academic Battle story would have to go on hold. Angelica and her friends had to save homecoming from disaster! But then the problems began to stack up: stolen uniforms, corrupt student politicians, blackmailing, and incompetent administration. Will Angelica and her friends be able to keep up? Will Holly be able to make the time for all five of the events? Will Angelica ever finish her story? Is Homecoming doomed? And will the cafeteria ever have crispy French fries again? Whether they succeed or fail, this homecoming day will definitely be a date to save!
I would recommend this book to any young adult of high school age or above. The book does an amazing job emulating real high school students and experiences, from public affection to slang usage! From its seamless integration of over forty different side stories varying from the irony of using black post-it notes to arguments over public affection of cheerleaders, The Date to Save gives the reader an incredible simulation of a real high school experience and scheduling disaster. The Date to Save has earned 5 newsworthy stars from me!
Reviewed by Zander H., age 16, Gulf Coast Mensa
January 15, 2018
I adored It's Not Me, It's You and so my hopes were high for its sequel/spinoff. I was not letdown as it was just as it's just as enjoyable as the first.
This time, our lead voice is the sister of one of last book's best voices. Angelica Hutcherson is the little sister of a genius. And is always referred to as Hutch's Little Sister. All she wants is to be herself and have her own identity. AND---to write fiction for the school newspaper. When she's assigned to cover the Academic Battle, she uncovers a scheduling disaster. And this begins another San Anselmo Prep "oral history."
These books won't be every reader's cup of tea. But that is okay. I appreciate some fluff now and again, and these for sure fall into that category. I'm not even embarrassed to admit my liking, because the narrative is genius. It makes it easy to read, each character gets a voice, and it's sort of like reading a movie script. Best of all: there's always at least one sarcastic, witty, hilarious character that leaves me giggling throughout. (Cressida and Becca)
I absolutely LOVE the world Strohm has created in San Anselmo Prep. These books are lighthearted, witty, and so much fun. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a quick, easy, unputdownable read. I could seriously read infinite books in this style, set in this world.
This time, our lead voice is the sister of one of last book's best voices. Angelica Hutcherson is the little sister of a genius. And is always referred to as Hutch's Little Sister. All she wants is to be herself and have her own identity. AND---to write fiction for the school newspaper. When she's assigned to cover the Academic Battle, she uncovers a scheduling disaster. And this begins another San Anselmo Prep "oral history."
These books won't be every reader's cup of tea. But that is okay. I appreciate some fluff now and again, and these for sure fall into that category. I'm not even embarrassed to admit my liking, because the narrative is genius. It makes it easy to read, each character gets a voice, and it's sort of like reading a movie script. Best of all: there's always at least one sarcastic, witty, hilarious character that leaves me giggling throughout. (Cressida and Becca)
I absolutely LOVE the world Strohm has created in San Anselmo Prep. These books are lighthearted, witty, and so much fun. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a quick, easy, unputdownable read. I could seriously read infinite books in this style, set in this world.
March 19, 2019
J’avais envie d’une lecture légère et je ne savais pas trop dans quoi je m’embarquais en commençant ce roman. Pour la légèreté, pas de souci. Si le thème de la compétition entre enfants est bien présent et abordé avec justesse, on est plus dans une histoire sympathique et un peu délurée que dans un drame. Ce qui surprend toutefois, c’est le style du récit.
En effet, on se rend compte qu’on est devant une sorte de pièce de théâtre : le récit est raconté par tous les protagonistes (et il y en a, des personnages), comme s’ils étaient devant nous et nous racontaient l’histoire, se coupant les uns les autres, ajoutant des détails, donnant leur point de vue, etc. Le livre est donc constitué d’une suite de commentaires des uns et des autres, certains personnages, comme Angelica et Colin, étant plus présents, d’autres ne venant qu’ajouter une information. C’est intéressant, mais un peu perturbant et j’admets que j’ai dû imaginer qu’ils se trouvaient tous sur une scène, devant moi, pour arriver à m’y faire (et à partir de là, c’était plus fluide dans mon esprit !).
Lien: http://sophielit.ca/critique.php?id=2102
En effet, on se rend compte qu’on est devant une sorte de pièce de théâtre : le récit est raconté par tous les protagonistes (et il y en a, des personnages), comme s’ils étaient devant nous et nous racontaient l’histoire, se coupant les uns les autres, ajoutant des détails, donnant leur point de vue, etc. Le livre est donc constitué d’une suite de commentaires des uns et des autres, certains personnages, comme Angelica et Colin, étant plus présents, d’autres ne venant qu’ajouter une information. C’est intéressant, mais un peu perturbant et j’admets que j’ai dû imaginer qu’ils se trouvaient tous sur une scène, devant moi, pour arriver à m’y faire (et à partir de là, c’était plus fluide dans mon esprit !).
Lien: http://sophielit.ca/critique.php?id=2102
April 13, 2024
3.5 stars!
I remember how obsessed I was with It's not Me, It's You. Then this sequel happened. I loved it as well.
I found the starting a bit slow and Angelica wasn't as fun a character as Avery was... And I struggled to reach the middle portion of the book. But I did not want to DNF this one, because I loved its predecessor. So I just had to go for it right?
When the "crimes" started happening, that's when my interest peaked. From there it was all fun. The scheduling conflict and its unraveling was really fun to read... The AcaBat was amazing and I really wished to be a part of it as well. Everything came along perfectly by the end of the book, so it left me on a high and quite happy.
I also liked the "guest appearances" of Hutch and Avery here.. and how subtly Avery also had a huge role in causing the main problems in this book.
The only disappointment I felt with the ending was that I really wanted to see what happened on Angelica's date.. but anyway, I liked the inclusion of their articles in the ending.
Was this book as impressive as the previous one? No. Did I like it? Yes. Will I still recommend it? Absolutely.
I remember how obsessed I was with It's not Me, It's You. Then this sequel happened. I loved it as well.
I found the starting a bit slow and Angelica wasn't as fun a character as Avery was... And I struggled to reach the middle portion of the book. But I did not want to DNF this one, because I loved its predecessor. So I just had to go for it right?
When the "crimes" started happening, that's when my interest peaked. From there it was all fun. The scheduling conflict and its unraveling was really fun to read... The AcaBat was amazing and I really wished to be a part of it as well. Everything came along perfectly by the end of the book, so it left me on a high and quite happy.
I also liked the "guest appearances" of Hutch and Avery here.. and how subtly Avery also had a huge role in causing the main problems in this book.
The only disappointment I felt with the ending was that I really wanted to see what happened on Angelica's date.. but anyway, I liked the inclusion of their articles in the ending.
Was this book as impressive as the previous one? No. Did I like it? Yes. Will I still recommend it? Absolutely.
September 26, 2017
At first I didn't really like this book simply because I wasn't used to reading a story in this format. it was confusing at first but then I got used to it and I actually enjoyed it. The main character, Angelica, bothered me a bit with her kind of whiney personality. Later as I continue to read, she became a more well rounded individual who truly cared about what she was doing.
The characters gave me a nice little look at what goes on in a fancy prep school with their differences and similarities with just normal kids. The story is a little chaotic at first but I think that was done on purpose for the sake of how this story goes. It really did make me feel like I was in high school looking into the inner workings of the various clubs and activities that happen at school.
I believe this book is geared toward teens since the content is based in high school. I'm not in high school, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It's got a happy ending where all the conflicts got squared away and it makes you feel pretty awesome. 5 stars out of 5 for me.
The characters gave me a nice little look at what goes on in a fancy prep school with their differences and similarities with just normal kids. The story is a little chaotic at first but I think that was done on purpose for the sake of how this story goes. It really did make me feel like I was in high school looking into the inner workings of the various clubs and activities that happen at school.
I believe this book is geared toward teens since the content is based in high school. I'm not in high school, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It's got a happy ending where all the conflicts got squared away and it makes you feel pretty awesome. 5 stars out of 5 for me.
September 30, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. As always, an honest review.
The premise is that all of the high school’s major fall activities are scheduled on the same day. Homecoming, Academic Battle competition, student government elections, and the fall play. It’s a perfect setup to demonstrate the chaos, drama, fun, and hard work that goes into high school activities. The Date to Save is written from multiple students’ points of view, switching perspectives every few paragraphs. It sounds confusing, but isn’t and also works really well for this book. In general the plot is okay. Some was good, but other parts didn’t hold my interest. As an adult who reads YA, I’m probably not the target audience. I think teens would relate much more, as they’re currently living very similar experiences. I like that the author goes beyond the typical stereotypes of teens. Each character felt well developed, even if some of them absolutely annoyed me. Overall, a good book. Nothing spectacular, but had some good aspects going for it.
The premise is that all of the high school’s major fall activities are scheduled on the same day. Homecoming, Academic Battle competition, student government elections, and the fall play. It’s a perfect setup to demonstrate the chaos, drama, fun, and hard work that goes into high school activities. The Date to Save is written from multiple students’ points of view, switching perspectives every few paragraphs. It sounds confusing, but isn’t and also works really well for this book. In general the plot is okay. Some was good, but other parts didn’t hold my interest. As an adult who reads YA, I’m probably not the target audience. I think teens would relate much more, as they’re currently living very similar experiences. I like that the author goes beyond the typical stereotypes of teens. Each character felt well developed, even if some of them absolutely annoyed me. Overall, a good book. Nothing spectacular, but had some good aspects going for it.
May 1, 2022
It only took me a few pages into the story to realize this is a companion novel to It's Not Me It's You, which was confirmed about two pages after that point by name dropping Avery. Like its predecessor, this book had me laughing almost immediately, which is a VERY good sign! There was a part about these two teenagers that felt like a long buildup, but we then got to the point of it.
Once this story starts unfolding and getting to the realization that everything is happening on the same day, it really reminded me of the first High School Musical movie. There was some moments that did not really hit as strong as it could have, but overall it was a solid story.
Verdict: I will not say no if Stephanie Kate Strohm wants to come back to this world, because I think it is the best outside of Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink series. If I could have more books in either of these worlds then I will be a happy camper.
Once this story starts unfolding and getting to the realization that everything is happening on the same day, it really reminded me of the first High School Musical movie. There was some moments that did not really hit as strong as it could have, but overall it was a solid story.
Verdict: I will not say no if Stephanie Kate Strohm wants to come back to this world, because I think it is the best outside of Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink series. If I could have more books in either of these worlds then I will be a happy camper.
May 16, 2020
Angelica is so tired of living in the shadow of her now graduated older brother, "Hutch". She always feels like she will never measure up. Also, she wants to write for the Prepster, but the editor and chief, Colin, abhors fiction. Then he gives her an assignment to report on the Academic Battle that is going on during Homecoming weekend, along with student council elections, the football game, and the fall play. This is a scheduling disaster. Who did this? And there is another mystery for Angelica to unravel. This story was so fun and once again insightful. When I was done, i wanted to slow clap this story. I enjoyed the diversity and the different levels to teenage angst. This story brought me joy!!!!
December 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three stars.
This was ok. I wasn’t super into it or anything. I found the characters not overly interesting, and the big high school drama of the calendar mess up also wasn’t that interesting. I truly didn’t care who won student council, or who eventually played in band or who won the acabat final or whatever the hell it was. I have listened to other books by this author and I have liked them more than this. Though I can understand them all being so caught up in this high school intrigue, my high school days were nothing like this (though I did go in New Zealand and Australia, so I’m guessing it is very different). I did like all the different perspectives told orally by each student though, that’s what gave this book three stars for me. Apart from that it is pretty forgettable.
Three stars.
This was ok. I wasn’t super into it or anything. I found the characters not overly interesting, and the big high school drama of the calendar mess up also wasn’t that interesting. I truly didn’t care who won student council, or who eventually played in band or who won the acabat final or whatever the hell it was. I have listened to other books by this author and I have liked them more than this. Though I can understand them all being so caught up in this high school intrigue, my high school days were nothing like this (though I did go in New Zealand and Australia, so I’m guessing it is very different). I did like all the different perspectives told orally by each student though, that’s what gave this book three stars for me. Apart from that it is pretty forgettable.
April 22, 2025
4.5 stars. I wanted a light, fun read that I could turn my brain off while reading, and this was definitely the right choice. It was such a fun book with some great characters, especially Colin and his younger brother, both of whom were unintentionally hilarious. I loved all of the main characters except the freshman class president and the principal, who got on my nerves even though they also had their amusing moments. My favorite relationship by far was the friendship between Cinthia and Colin and I loved the way that they welcomed Angelica into their fold. I also really loved Tanner E and Holly, they are so cute. The format of this book, the way that it is just one giant transcript of Angelica's interview was really well done.
October 22, 2017
Not quite as good as the first book/companion, It's Not Me, It's You, but still pretty fun, especially when things start picking up at the end. Just like protagonist Angelica, I got swept up in the drama of too many events scheduled on the same day at the same time - yes, that is the central point, and it is so much drama that you'll probably fall in like as well. I really like this whole "oral history" format, getting to see all the different interviews working together and very obviously disproving other people at the same time, like a conversation. I hope Strohm writes more oral histories, especially at the drama-prone San Anselmo Prep.
December 29, 2017
This book is in the middle of okay, and the I liked it, but more towards the I liked it. At the beginning it was kind of confusing, because the story is almost told in a text format, because it switches perspective every five sentences or so. But it only switches to people who are relevant to the topic being discussed. It does have humor, and was funny. However, it didn't really have a plot during the first half of the book, and I had no idea where the story was headed. As a result, it didn't feel that suspenseful to me. On the other hand, the characters were really likable and comical. Once I got the hang of the formatting it was interesting and fun to get different people's perspectives.
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November 15, 2022The Date to Save has the same unique format as It's Not You, It's Me, an oral history, basically a spliced collection of interviews with a huge number of students at the school. And it's the same school. The Date to Save didn't have as strong as a focus or plot I didn't think. I wasn't really emotionally invested this go-round. There's a lot going on, and it's all pretty petty. That said, I do really enjoy the format, and the audiobook is absolutely fantastic. It's amazing to write such a vast cast of characters and have the book come out comprehensible rather than confusing. Overall, fun but not Strohm's best.
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