10 Ways to Cope with Boys

This book is the sequel to 10 Things to Do Before You're 16. Beth and Anna now both have boyfriends. Beth is dating Joey, Anna's older bother, and Anna is dating Sam, Joey's best friend. While reading a magazine Anna and Beth come across a quiz called You and Your Lad: Suit Him Or Boot Him? The quiz contains the following questions: 1) How often does he text you? A) At least 10 texts a day B) A couple of times a day C) Once a day D) A few times a week 2) How often do you see him? A) Every day B) About 5 times a week C) On weekends only D) It depends 3) Does he have a nickname for you? A) Yes B) Only in private C) When he's feeling romantic D) No 4) What's your idea of a perfect date? A) Snuggling up in the back seat of a cinema B) A candlelit dinner for 2 in a restaurant C) Watching football on the telly D) A double date with your best friend and her lad 5) What's his idea of a perfect date? A) Snuggling up in the back seat of the cinema B) A candlelit dinner for 2 somewhere expensive-and he's paying C) Watching football from the side of the pitch D) Watching football on the telly 6) Is he a grown-up or a groan-up? A) His favorite thing is a whoopee cushion B) His favorite thing is his MP3 player C) His favorite thing is his dog D) His favorite thing is his teddy bear 7) Is your boyfriend your best friend? A) You could tell him your deepest darkest secret and he would keep it B) He's always ready to hug you when you cry C) He spends as much time with the lads as with you D) You'd never tell him you were fed up about something 8) Has he told you he loves you? A) Yes B) No C) He's just someone you go out with for a giggle D) You don't love him 9) Would you rather have a date with your mate than with your boy? A) Yes B) No C) It depends on where you are going D) You'd be happy to go out with them both at the same time 10) Could you live without a boy? A) No-never B) Yes-but only while you suss out the talent C) You always two-time anyway D) Boys are only ok if you haven't got a good friend to chat with on the Net This is a fun, fast read at only 155 pages. The only thing that I didn't suspect about this book is that it is set in modern-day England. I had to keep reminding myself of that to avoid confusion! Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

Things are finally working out for best friends Beth and Anna. After all, not only have they each celebrated their Sweet Sixteen's, but they both have the hair they've always dreamed of, and the boyfriends they've been craving for so long. But when the two pals decide to take a magazine quiz about relationships, Beth finds herself questioning whether things with Anna's brother, Joey, and herself are as perfect as she originally thought. After all, Joey hardly ever texts her, and when the two supposed lovebirds are together, all Joey wants to do is play video games. Anna, on the other hand, appears to be getting along famously with her steady, Sam. In fact, they're like two peas in a pod. Not only do they text one another all the time, but Sam seems genuinely interested in learning more about Anna, and pleasing her with surprise gifts, and romantic dates. Beth is dying to confide in someone about her boy troubles, but there's no way she can talk to Anna, since she shares DNA with the boy. When Beth and Anna come up with the idea to take the guys to London Dungeons in an attempt to scare the living daylights out of them, and have some fun, however, things still don't look up. Beth feels as if the trip was torturous, and feels utterly defeated. Which makes her begin questioning everything - from whether or not this boyfriend thing is truly working out, to how much stress a boy can cause before you finally kick him to the curb. In a sea of teen chick lit, Caroline Plaisted's tales about Beth and Anna stick out like a shark on dry land. The two girls have contrasting personalities that make them shine in a blend of polar opposites, and absolute synchronicity. Beth is a worry-wart of a person who keeps her feelings inside until she almost bursts; while Anna is a free-spirit who blurts out anything, and everything, that pops into her head. Together, they create a wonderful mix of dialogue that makes it easy for the reader to identify with one or the other - or even a mix of both. While 10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 16 was more of a duo novel, that gave both Anna and Beth time to vent their frustrations, and showcase their personality; 10 WAYS TO COPE WITH BOYS is slightly different, and is mainly told through the voice of Beth, giving the reader the chance to really learn more about this character - from the inner-workings of her mind, to the struggles she battles each day to sort out her crazy life. A sizzling sequel! Erika Sorocco Freelance Reviewer