katekintailbc | Shug by Jenny Han (Reply)

Shug
by Jenny Han
(Audio)

Annemarie (called Shug) is starting middle school... and everyone she knows is changing. Her gorgeous sister is possibly finally getting a steady boyfriend. Her parents are fighting more than ever and possibly getting a divorce. Her dear childhood friend, Mark, is preferring to hang with the guys instead of her. Her best girl friend starts making friends with the popular girls who like dating and drinking. And she realizes that suddenly is in love with Mark. The only thing that has stayed the same is Jack, the annoying boy at school who always insults her; he's as annoying as ever.

Okay, so, some of this story was really predictable. But I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. I saw the ending coming a mile away, but after such build-up during the whole book, it was immensely satisfying and I cheered out loud.

I thought this was a great presentation of middle school. Things change whether you are ready for them to or not, and kids don't always act the way they should. It was great seeing such a realistic portrayal of the social twists and turns I witnessed and experienced in my middle school years. The book felt honest, and I really liked the characters, especially Shug. I just wanted to hug the kid and tell her it would all work out :-)