Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein


Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Author
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.

Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

When I saw Pretty Amy's cover on Goodreads, it immediately caught my interest. That dress is GORGEOUS! I then went on to reading the blurb and then further went on to request for a review copy from Lisa Burstein because this sounded like an original premise for a contemporary YA novel. And it was just that. Pretty Amy explores what every teen would never dream of: being arrested on prom night. That alone makes you curious doesn't it?

While I enjoyed most of the story, I did find many faults with the characters. Some of the absolute worst people are in this book, ones that I would never want to meet in real life. 
The only thing I really liked about Amy was her humor. She's got quite the knack to have smart comebacks from time to time. She really lacked self-confidence though. I hated how she constantly had to put other people down most of the time to make herself feel better. This does relate to teens now days I completely understand, but it somewhat annoyed me when she took pleasure in other people's problems and faults. Her whining really did put me on an edge!
Her mother, on the other hand, is a different story altogether. I seriously think, that out of all the YA novel moms out there, she's the worst of the worst. A pain in the butt this lady is.  Her dad was one character I liked though. He, Joe and AJ (her parrott) were probably the most likeable ones in the story. But the unlikeable ones? You gotta love to hate 'em!

This story was very character-driven, so if you don't like the characters, it's going to be one bumpy ride. I liked the ups and downs though, it made me really get to understand Amy's character even more. Pretty Amy is definitely one contemporary not to pass up! Lisa Burstein's writing is amazing, and can't wait for more from her. One debut definitely not to miss.

**Thank you to Lisa Burstein for sending me Pretty Amy for review!**

If you like this, try...

• Prom Night: All the Way by Megan Stine ◆ Goodreads