the fruit of my lipstick

Author: Shelley Adina

Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA

Favorite Character: Gillian-she was pretty cool and upbeat. Everybody needs a person like her around.

Summary: Gillian Chang is the loud one of them. The one who is fearless and who speaks her mind to anyone and everyone. Somehow, though, she starts changing and for what? To hook the guy she's been crushing on, Lucas Hayes, who never seems to be satisfied with her. Gillian's relationship leads her to shut her friends out, so even they aren't sure if Gillian is innocent of helping other students cheat on tests, after all, she's turned into someone they no longer know.

Review: Much better than the first book. This one didn't drag; it flowed neatly and easily. I was afraid that since this book was by Gillian's point of view, that the author wouldn't be able to give her a definite character, but I was wrong. Gillian is way different than Lissa.

Gillian can stand up for herself and for her friends. She feels independent and able to care for herself, even when Lucas is definately ruining her. She doesn't see what is right in front of her and her friends aren't able to show it to her. After a while, Gillian stops talking to them. These things happen in real life. The relationship in this book isn't necessarily abusive, but the same concept applies to a truly hurtful one. The victim thinks it's their fault. Gillian thinks she really is too loud and should be more serene like an Asian girl is "supposed" to be like.

I loved this story. It totally helps you understand situations which you might encounter, so that if you see a resemblence then you know that you aren't overreacting. Stuff like this is abuse, even if it isn't exactly physical! Great lesson with awesome characters. Details are what make or break a story and this book had all the necessary fluff it needed to make it worthwhile.

Rating: 4/5

other books in the series:

1. it's all about us

3. be strong and curvaceous

4. who made you princess?

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