By Krista McGee
Contemporary Christian Fiction, Young Adult
Published January 10, 2012
Thomas Nelson
336 pages
About the Book
The last thing Addy Davidson wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President’s son.
She’s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn’t even audition for it.
But she got selected anyway.
So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President’s son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.
Addy’s totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her all that she was meant to be.
She’s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn’t even audition for it.
But she got selected anyway.
So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President’s son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.
Addy’s totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her all that she was meant to be.
My Thoughts
I haven't really read much young adult fiction since . . . well . . . probably since high school. However, I've wanted to stretch myself a bit this year so I'm choosing a few young adult novels to round out my bookshelves.
First Date by Krista McGee was a dynamite initiation back into the young adult world. A cross between (a much, much cleaner version of) Gossip Girls and The Bachelor, First Date reminded me of all of the things I loved and hated most about my teen years. (I have no desire to be back in the world of catty high school girls.)
I instantly connected with Addy. Wants to do what's right. Also wants to fit in and be "popular." Struggles with how to reconcile God's way with the world's way. But overall has a good head on her shoulders. I loved the fact that she spoke her mind so freely . . . even when it got her into trouble or introduced a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease. :)
The spiritual elements are strong in this novel. It felt like a real girl working out her faith and how that should look among real people (even if the setting—a reality TV show—is totally unreal). Addy's uncle reminded me of some of the adults in my life during my teen years—that adult friend type who is willing to tell you like it is and you're willing to hear it from them because they're not your parent. :) I also loved the journals from Addy's mom. What a great way to help Addy wrestle through things and still have the perspective of her mom (who died when Addy was a child) . . . and to allow her to see that her mom was flawed too.
I thoroughly enjoyed First Date and look forward to reading the Krista's next novel (coming out this summer). [4.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I haven't really read much young adult fiction since . . . well . . . probably since high school. However, I've wanted to stretch myself a bit this year so I'm choosing a few young adult novels to round out my bookshelves.
First Date by Krista McGee was a dynamite initiation back into the young adult world. A cross between (a much, much cleaner version of) Gossip Girls and The Bachelor, First Date reminded me of all of the things I loved and hated most about my teen years. (I have no desire to be back in the world of catty high school girls.)
I instantly connected with Addy. Wants to do what's right. Also wants to fit in and be "popular." Struggles with how to reconcile God's way with the world's way. But overall has a good head on her shoulders. I loved the fact that she spoke her mind so freely . . . even when it got her into trouble or introduced a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease. :)
The spiritual elements are strong in this novel. It felt like a real girl working out her faith and how that should look among real people (even if the setting—a reality TV show—is totally unreal). Addy's uncle reminded me of some of the adults in my life during my teen years—that adult friend type who is willing to tell you like it is and you're willing to hear it from them because they're not your parent. :) I also loved the journals from Addy's mom. What a great way to help Addy wrestle through things and still have the perspective of her mom (who died when Addy was a child) . . . and to allow her to see that her mom was flawed too.
I thoroughly enjoyed First Date and look forward to reading the Krista's next novel (coming out this summer). [4.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Krista McGee writes for teens, teaches teens, and, more often than not, acts like a teen. Along with her husband and three kids, Krista has lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain.
Thanks for this review, Brooke! I'm trying to get a copy of this as well, but enjoyed your comments and now I want it even more :) Glad you are stretching yourself into YA books and that you enjoyed this one :)
ReplyDeleteblessings,kara
Hey Kara! Thanks for stopping by!
Delete