Double Love

I'm thirteen years old living in a world where the new teen books at Barnes and Noble is all about the trashy, rich Paris Hilton wanna-bes. Most teen books today are all about how much sex you can have and how fast you can get it. Every new book series out is about cliques and how speical and great the girls in them are. I am terribly offended when I read those books. Books like Gossip Girl and A-List should not be in the hands of young girls. Sweet Valley touches on these subjects in a classy, subtle way. It takes you back to what used to be the simplicity of life. They may be dull to girl today, and that's a shame because they teach wonderful morals at the end of each story. Yes, they may cow-tow to some obvious stereotypes, and use some crazy plots, but they are so much more age appopriate!

Even though I've outgrown the reasonable age for reading any of the Sweet Valley books, having not read any of the series, I took out to read this first book out of curiosity. I am surprised to say that I enjoyed reading the book, and am planning to read another as well! This book introduces the Wakefield Twins of Sweet Valley, Jessica and Elizabeth. Jessica is the popular, snobbish and immature who feels like the World revolves around her. Elizabeth is the calm, understanding Wakefield sister who forgives her better half no matter what she does. In this book, Jessica steals Todd Wilkins away from Liz, even though she knows Liz likes him. Of course it also talks about Jessica's meetings with Rick Andover, the courtroom trial between the Patmans and the Fowlers, who goes with whom to the school dance, Ned's `affair' with Marianna, and Steve's relationship with Betsy, etc. How can people not like this book? Ok, if you are a Sweet Valley fan and have read a lot of books in the series, then you can find some reason why you might not like this book. But for someone like me who is reading it for the first time, its great! It has so many twists and turns, good introduction to the characters, love, jealousy, etc everything rolled into one. Jessica stealing Todd from Liz, Liz mocked for something she didn't do, twins suspecting their parents marriage being destroyed, feel that their brother is dating a drug addict, how much more adventure do you need in a book? I felt that this was a great start to the series, and I definitely don't mind continuing to read the next one to see how it goes.

This book is the first Sweet Valley book ever written. I read all the Sweet Valley books and every series. Sweet Valley University is my favorite, but I also love Sweet Valley High. This book is a classic. Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield have fallen for Todd Wilkens. Jessica knows she can have any guy at school- but she's wondering why Todd isn't jumping at the chance of getting to date her. Elizabeth secertly likes Todd- and is really sad that Todd chose Jessica over her. But, Todd really likes Elizabeth, and Elizabeth really likes Todd. Jessica wants Todd, and gets him with a few lies here, and a few lies there. Then, one day, Rick Andover asks her out. The night he takes her out she has a terrible time. He takes her to Kelly's and tries to take advantage of her. The police come, and drive her home. They think she's Elizabeth, and Jessica doesn't bother correcting them until they've sped away. Caroline Pearce sees this, and soon the whole school knows. So all these rumors are going around school about Elizabeth, and Bruce Patman is hitting on her. Then a huge story comes around, a very huge story, and soon the school is only talking about it. The Fowlers and the Patmans are feuding and want to make big changes around the school. Also, Steven confesses his love for Tricia Martin and everyone thinks Ned Wakefield is having an affair with Marriana West. Plus, when Jessica goes to the dance with Todd, she gets annoyed at how little affection he shows for her. The only reason he kissed her passionetly, and asked her to the dance is because of a misunderstanding which I won't spoil. Jessica wants to get even with Todd, so she tells Elizabeth that Todd was assaulting her. Elizabeth believes it, and when Todd tries to talk to her, or calls her, Elizabeth tries to act cold toward him, but feels awful. The book countinues on, and Enid is dating Ronnie Edwards. Soon many events happen, and Elizabeth and Todd are together. They soon figure out Jessica's lies, and tell eachother that they loved eachother all along. They kiss passionently, and know that the reason they were acting so cold toward eachother was because of Jessica's lies. They kiss and share romantic moments. Then Elizabeth plans to get revenge on Jessica. To find out if the plan works, or if the romance lasts, read it! This is a great book!

I know a lot of people criticise the Sweet Valley books for being 'unrealistic', etc. That's just what they're supposed to be - pure escapism. I love this book and all the other early books - they're fantastically politically In-correct. I mean, Jessica is such a complete witch but, you can't help rooting for her. Liz is also a great sympathetic character but, at the same time, you can't help wanting to give her a slap. I agree with the previous reviewer about the SV series becoming 'hip'. It's a shame. SV was unique in its own way - by making the series modern turns it into any other Teen book series. I'd definitely reccommend reading this SV book - and any other early books you can get hold of.

i have always believed that fiction books are just that: fiction. they are a great way to get away from the problems of real life for a little while and just relax. hello, isn't that what tv is all about? i am 21 now, and i read just about every one of the sweet valley high books when i was younger and i loved them. they are great books, well-written, and give some important moral lessons, even if the settings are not everyday-normal. i would recommend these books to any young girl who realizes, understands, and expects fiction books to be fun entertainment.