Road Trip

This was definitely the funniest of all the SVH Senior Year Books. There's usually some overblown drama going on (no date for a dance, I miss my girlfriend, my boyfriend's an alcoholic, etc.) and this one was mainly about fun. If you've read the previous 31 books, you'll recognize the 3 guys on the cover as Jeremy, Conner, and Evan. The 3 of them are on a Road Trip to Arizona, Jeremy to help his family in his new home, and Conner & Evan just for the ride. Jeremy's uptight Mr. Perfect personality is completely opposite from those of Conner & Evan which makes for interesting company on the road. In the other books, Jeremy's been tightly wound, but always described as a nice guy, of course from his girlfriend's perspective. What makes this book interesting and very funny is that we see not only Jeremy, but Evan and Conner and other characters from the perspectives of people they don't know that well. There are also a few surprises, so don't read ahead!

Well I bought this book mainly cuz I'm hooked on the Senior Year series. But I did like it alot. 3 guys (very different guys I might add) go on a road trip to visit Jeremy's family in Arizona so he can help them get settled in. Jeremy is really uptight, Evan is really wild and loose, and Conner is just quiet. It's hard for them all to get along (well, for Jeremy to get along with the other two really), with their different personalities. But a quick side trip to Vegas changes that. Some side stories are : Ken and his U. Mich. scholarship, Tia/Trent development, and there is small mention of Liz and Jessica on a "road trip" of their own. Anyway, it's a great book.

Well,first of all,this book could have done with a better introduction.It's always very important to have a good and solid,not to mention interesting,introduction;to build up the story.The previous books in this series have been nicely told and leaves almost every reader happy.Unfortunately,this particular book is sadly lacking,both mentally and physically.It's been an effort just to finish this book,and even then,you're left with the feeling that you're somehow cheated;especially when that scheming little witch,Melissa Fox,doesn't get what she deserves.Even the author's attempt to make her more human in the past is totally obliterated here;and the good guys,well,they still remain ultimate fools in the end. Conner is still a jerk and makes a decision that would not be agreed by some readers.Jeremy tries to break loose of his rigid nature with the help of Conner and Evan;and in the process,finds that life isn't so bad when you learn to live and let live.The other main character in the book is Ken,and what he does when he learns of a shameful and painful secret;one that destroys everything that he believes in and leaves him shattered. All in all,the book can only be rated as mediocre;the only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I've always been an avid fan of Sweet Valley;no matter what the shortcomings.I only hope the author will endeavor to at least make sure that Melissa Fox will get what she richly deserves.Or something along those lines...