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Stories About Melissa #1
Ta Ta for Now!
Melissa begins her freshman year with one goal in mind, getting Brian Jackson to be her boyfriend. She will soon learn that things don't necessarily turn out the way you plan them, the value of true friendship, and the importance of family.
The Stories about Melissa series is a coming of age series that follows Melissa, her family, and her friends. Similar to Sweet Valley High, each book is novella length. There will be eight books in the series.
Stories about Melissa reading order:
Ta Ta for Now!
xoxoxo
Ciao
TTYL
With Love
Adios
The Stories about Melissa series is a coming of age series that follows Melissa, her family, and her friends. Similar to Sweet Valley High, each book is novella length. There will be eight books in the series.
Stories about Melissa reading order:
Ta Ta for Now!
xoxoxo
Ciao
TTYL
With Love
Adios
152 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2011
30 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Lopez
102 books2,118 followersSign up for my Newsletter for more information about my writing: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61969e...
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy published works, as both Bethany Lopez and DJ Bryce, and has been publishing since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy published works, as both Bethany Lopez and DJ Bryce, and has been publishing since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 5, 2011
Man, I forget what being fourteen felt like but this story brought it all back.
This was a cute, bittersweet tale about Melissa, Missy. Fourteen years old, just starting school again with the main goal of catching heart-throb Brian's eye. This story is narrated by Missy through a journal she writes in, given to her by her twelve-year old sister Megan, who told her "maybe if you write down your thoughts, you won't talk so much." Melissa is the oldest in a family of four children(she longs to be an only child!). So we hear the tales, dramas, heartbreaks of a typical fourteen-year old, everything felt so deeply and all at once.
Bethany Lopez did a fabulous job portraying this age, you really felt like you were fourteen again, right along with Missy, going through it with her. This story was funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Missy's family was so adorable and lovable, along with her friend Jess.
A sweet and lovely story!
This was a cute, bittersweet tale about Melissa, Missy. Fourteen years old, just starting school again with the main goal of catching heart-throb Brian's eye. This story is narrated by Missy through a journal she writes in, given to her by her twelve-year old sister Megan, who told her "maybe if you write down your thoughts, you won't talk so much." Melissa is the oldest in a family of four children(she longs to be an only child!). So we hear the tales, dramas, heartbreaks of a typical fourteen-year old, everything felt so deeply and all at once.
Bethany Lopez did a fabulous job portraying this age, you really felt like you were fourteen again, right along with Missy, going through it with her. This story was funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Missy's family was so adorable and lovable, along with her friend Jess.
A sweet and lovely story!
Want to read
June 29, 2012Hmmm....looks interesting, will start soon.
August 29, 2018
I enjoyed how the story was told through diary entries, which made it interesting and a speedy read. I didn't like how Melissa was so selfish in wishing she was an only child and the way she behaved when her parents shared their news with the family. I thought Melissa personal growth was good and believable and would love to see her continue to grow more. The ending was nice and I would like to continue with the series.
November 9, 2011
This is a witty and entertaining book made up of entries in a diary. It is written by a fourteen-year-old girl named Melissa. It depicts her life after she is given a diary by her twelve-year-old sister, Megan, right before she starts her first year in High School. The writing is that of a fourteen-year-old, full of drama, sarcasm and sprinkled with great humor.
Melissa is happy that her body finally is looking like that of a teenage girl. She is sure she will knock Brian Jackson’s socks off. He’s the boy she has a crush on. She finally gets her wish when he asks her to go to the movies with him. Soon he invites her to the prom. On that date, he drank too much and becomes rude to her. It breaks her heart until he apologizes and they make up.
All went perfect until her new best friend Layla becomes a horrible monster around Melissa. She makes up the most awful lies about her and Bryan being together after he left her alone at the prom. Finally Melissa has enough so she punches Layla in the nose and gets suspended for it. Her parents are outraged over her conduct and forbid her to see Bryan again. Bryan, on the other hand, takes it so casually that she wonders if he really cares that she can’t see him anymore. Her suspicions worsen when he starts to hang out with Layla.
The author did a very good job staying in the voice of this teenager throughout the pages of this book. All pre-teen and teen girls will identify with and enjoy this book. It could fit any of their lives to a T. This book is clean and wholesome. There are some repetitions in it, but that could just be the way teenagers talk. Great job.
Melissa is happy that her body finally is looking like that of a teenage girl. She is sure she will knock Brian Jackson’s socks off. He’s the boy she has a crush on. She finally gets her wish when he asks her to go to the movies with him. Soon he invites her to the prom. On that date, he drank too much and becomes rude to her. It breaks her heart until he apologizes and they make up.
All went perfect until her new best friend Layla becomes a horrible monster around Melissa. She makes up the most awful lies about her and Bryan being together after he left her alone at the prom. Finally Melissa has enough so she punches Layla in the nose and gets suspended for it. Her parents are outraged over her conduct and forbid her to see Bryan again. Bryan, on the other hand, takes it so casually that she wonders if he really cares that she can’t see him anymore. Her suspicions worsen when he starts to hang out with Layla.
The author did a very good job staying in the voice of this teenager throughout the pages of this book. All pre-teen and teen girls will identify with and enjoy this book. It could fit any of their lives to a T. This book is clean and wholesome. There are some repetitions in it, but that could just be the way teenagers talk. Great job.
July 11, 2012
What a delight, this book was! I signed up to review the third book in this series, Ciao, so I was given the first two to catch up. I really wasn't sure what to expect. But, it wasn't this!
Ta Ta for Now! is a story told, by fourteen-year-old Missy, through a series of her journal entries. Like any "normal" girl's journal, it's not a record of EVERY SINGLE DAY...Just the ones that spark some sort of occurance. And this particular journal and its entries revolve around Missy's start to her high school career and all that that entails.
I think the most endearing thing about this book is that I really did feel like I could be reading a real girl's journal! Ms. Lopez did an AMAZING job at portraying a teeneged-girl pretty accurately, in my opinion. From friend drama, to boy drama, to sibling drama, to issues with parents, I found myself absolutely LOST in Missy's life.
I honestly can't wait to pick up the second installment, XOXOXO because, while we didn't have a "cliffhanger", per se, there are definitely some issues that are going to have to be addressed in the next "journal".
Moreover, I don't think that I'd enjoy this book HALF as much if, Missy-herself, wasn't a delighful, endearing character. I find myself torn between wanting to give her a good tongue-lashing and giving her a big hug. See? Totally appropriate for a book about teen angst.
I'm loving this series so far! Great job, Ms. Lopez!
Christy @ Captivated Reading
Ta Ta for Now! is a story told, by fourteen-year-old Missy, through a series of her journal entries. Like any "normal" girl's journal, it's not a record of EVERY SINGLE DAY...Just the ones that spark some sort of occurance. And this particular journal and its entries revolve around Missy's start to her high school career and all that that entails.
I think the most endearing thing about this book is that I really did feel like I could be reading a real girl's journal! Ms. Lopez did an AMAZING job at portraying a teeneged-girl pretty accurately, in my opinion. From friend drama, to boy drama, to sibling drama, to issues with parents, I found myself absolutely LOST in Missy's life.
I honestly can't wait to pick up the second installment, XOXOXO because, while we didn't have a "cliffhanger", per se, there are definitely some issues that are going to have to be addressed in the next "journal".
Moreover, I don't think that I'd enjoy this book HALF as much if, Missy-herself, wasn't a delighful, endearing character. I find myself torn between wanting to give her a good tongue-lashing and giving her a big hug. See? Totally appropriate for a book about teen angst.
I'm loving this series so far! Great job, Ms. Lopez!
Christy @ Captivated Reading
September 25, 2011
“Ta Ta For Now!” was a really realistic story about finding yourself and finding what is really important to you. Melissa’s story is very relatable to most girls just trying to understand how life is when you’re trying to grow up. I remember being in a few of the same situations that Melissa faced myself. Having friends that you can trust and that will stand by you, along with a family that has your back, you can get through most things, just like Melissa did. Bethany Lopez did a great job at really telling it like it is at 14 years old.
July 8, 2013
What a perfect little book! The angst, drama, fights , friends, school and family was fabulous. I've become a huge Bethany fan. I have others to read but have to finish the series like NOW.
March 5, 2012
First off I would like to say Thank You to Trish over at YA Bound for allowing me to be a part of the XOXOXO tour which is the second book to this AMAZING series!
Melissa is just your ordinary girl who comes from a large family and wishes she was the only child. She is the oldest so she is supposed to help out with the kids and the chores. She is starting high school in the fall and just wants the end of the summer to come fast because she is missing her best friend and she can not wait to see her secret crush Brian Jackson.
On the first day of school Melissa comes face to face with her best friend who is acting strange and that secret crush of hers is no where to be found. So she asks Jimmy where Brian is and Jimmy tells her he is sick and won't be in school for a few days. Man oh man is that a bummer for her because she wanted to see him.At least she has Layla to sit with and talk to. As the day comes to end Melissa tells Layla Freshmen year is not shaping up to well.
I have to say that this book really took be by surprise. It is written in Diary form and I was hooked from page one. This is a story about a girl coming of age and starting high school with new fears and lot's of possibilities. Melissa will face some tough issues and she will have to make tough decisions but in the end what she gains in well worth it.
Sometimes it's hard to see what is in front of you when you have on horse blinders. But sometimes family is all you need. When the going gets tough hold on to your family and enjoy the ride. This book is a great story about what happens when you enter high school and are treated like an adult. It is also about first loves, first crushes and first heart breaks. Come along for the ride of a lifetime because you will not be disappointed!
First Day of School:
WORST DAY EVER! First, my outfit did not turn out the way I wanted it to. I felt uncomfortable and awkward all day. Second, Brian wasn’t even at school. I looked for him everywhere and then Jimmy Rogers said that Brian has been sick for a week and didn’t come to school today. To make matters worse, my “best friend,” Jess, apparently became a super goth chick over the summer, and now I am not cool enough to be her friend.
We rode home in silence, with Jess and Jimmy each holding one of my hands. I just felt numb. I am sure I had makeup and snot running down my face, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. When we got to my house, they both took me inside and Jess put me in my bed. I heard them talking to my parents, but couldn’t understand what was said or bring myself to care.
My song for this book is Say by One Republic
http://youtu.be/GRSZpV6WIuU
Melissa is just your ordinary girl who comes from a large family and wishes she was the only child. She is the oldest so she is supposed to help out with the kids and the chores. She is starting high school in the fall and just wants the end of the summer to come fast because she is missing her best friend and she can not wait to see her secret crush Brian Jackson.
On the first day of school Melissa comes face to face with her best friend who is acting strange and that secret crush of hers is no where to be found. So she asks Jimmy where Brian is and Jimmy tells her he is sick and won't be in school for a few days. Man oh man is that a bummer for her because she wanted to see him.At least she has Layla to sit with and talk to. As the day comes to end Melissa tells Layla Freshmen year is not shaping up to well.
I have to say that this book really took be by surprise. It is written in Diary form and I was hooked from page one. This is a story about a girl coming of age and starting high school with new fears and lot's of possibilities. Melissa will face some tough issues and she will have to make tough decisions but in the end what she gains in well worth it.
Sometimes it's hard to see what is in front of you when you have on horse blinders. But sometimes family is all you need. When the going gets tough hold on to your family and enjoy the ride. This book is a great story about what happens when you enter high school and are treated like an adult. It is also about first loves, first crushes and first heart breaks. Come along for the ride of a lifetime because you will not be disappointed!
First Day of School:
WORST DAY EVER! First, my outfit did not turn out the way I wanted it to. I felt uncomfortable and awkward all day. Second, Brian wasn’t even at school. I looked for him everywhere and then Jimmy Rogers said that Brian has been sick for a week and didn’t come to school today. To make matters worse, my “best friend,” Jess, apparently became a super goth chick over the summer, and now I am not cool enough to be her friend.
We rode home in silence, with Jess and Jimmy each holding one of my hands. I just felt numb. I am sure I had makeup and snot running down my face, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. When we got to my house, they both took me inside and Jess put me in my bed. I heard them talking to my parents, but couldn’t understand what was said or bring myself to care.
My song for this book is Say by One Republic
http://youtu.be/GRSZpV6WIuU
October 27, 2013
This is a fast paced well written story about a fourteen year old girl named Melissa, her family, and the beginning of her freshman year at Dearborn High School. The protagonist writes in a journal format spilling out her hopes, fears and emotions.
Even as an adult reader, I found myself laughing, crying and sympathizing with Melissa. The oldest child of four, Melissa describes her brothers and sisters: Megan, the seventh grader who has no pride in her appearance, Mikey, the nine year old pesky brother, and Monica, the still adorable five year old baby sister. Her parents take their responsibilities seriously and do their best to guide her.
In the beginning of the story, Melissa has just begun to make journal entries in the book Megan has bought for her birthday. Melissa is apprehensive about the first day of high school, especially because her mother is also a teacher at the school! Her life is a roller coaster. Melissa’s best friend Jess has turned into a goth and won’t even talk to her. Melissa is desperately trying to get Brian, a star athlete swimmer and football player, to pay attention to her. A new girl named Layla appears eager to befriend her. Melissa’s entries are filled with the ups and downs of a teenager’s life. There are boy troubles, family quarrels, parental disputes and problems at school.
Many of the lessons learned are not acquired without grief or hardship, but we are introduced to a young lady who is doing her best to find out who she is and how she can fit it without losing her own identity. Bethany Lopez does a good job of delineating the joys and fears as well as the trials and tribulations of a fourteen year old high school freshman. Story action moves along quickly and the sub plots involving supporting characters are seamlessly interwoven. The reader empathizes with Melissa while the supporting cast of characters alternate in lifting her up and pulling her down. Length of the story (about 150 pages) is perfect for a young teen reader. Takes you back to a time that many adult readers would like to forget.
Even as an adult reader, I found myself laughing, crying and sympathizing with Melissa. The oldest child of four, Melissa describes her brothers and sisters: Megan, the seventh grader who has no pride in her appearance, Mikey, the nine year old pesky brother, and Monica, the still adorable five year old baby sister. Her parents take their responsibilities seriously and do their best to guide her.
In the beginning of the story, Melissa has just begun to make journal entries in the book Megan has bought for her birthday. Melissa is apprehensive about the first day of high school, especially because her mother is also a teacher at the school! Her life is a roller coaster. Melissa’s best friend Jess has turned into a goth and won’t even talk to her. Melissa is desperately trying to get Brian, a star athlete swimmer and football player, to pay attention to her. A new girl named Layla appears eager to befriend her. Melissa’s entries are filled with the ups and downs of a teenager’s life. There are boy troubles, family quarrels, parental disputes and problems at school.
Many of the lessons learned are not acquired without grief or hardship, but we are introduced to a young lady who is doing her best to find out who she is and how she can fit it without losing her own identity. Bethany Lopez does a good job of delineating the joys and fears as well as the trials and tribulations of a fourteen year old high school freshman. Story action moves along quickly and the sub plots involving supporting characters are seamlessly interwoven. The reader empathizes with Melissa while the supporting cast of characters alternate in lifting her up and pulling her down. Length of the story (about 150 pages) is perfect for a young teen reader. Takes you back to a time that many adult readers would like to forget.
July 10, 2012
This is a young adult book about a high school freshman. It is written in diary format, and I times feels a little like you are invading someone's privacy. However, I have always had that issue with reading books that are diaries. Due to the format, everything has been written after the fact and there is very little dialogue taking place. My biggest complaint is that there are no dates. I know that is silly especially since when Melissa writes the entries she does try to tell you how much time has passed. I just think that dates would have helped me to follow along a little better.
With that said, the story is all about Melissa and the hardships she faces in the first couple months of her freshman year. Her body has gone through a lot of changes during the summer between middle school and high school, and in typical girl fashion, she is ready to show it off. She is finally feeling confident in her own skin and is eager to enter the world of dating. In particular, she wants to date Brian, a football player and swimmer. She is rather preppy even though she isn't a cheerleader and loves to make herself look good via cute clothes and makeup. What she is not prepared for is for her best friend from forever to decide that she doesn't want to be friends with her, an ok friend to decide to be her best friend, and the boy she likes to actually really like her.
The actual climax comes when her newest friend tries to steal her boyfriend as well as Brian trying to move their relationship to a much more adult level than she's willing to accept. Her ex-best friend from forever returns to her to rekindle their friendship and essentially life returns to the way it was in middle school. It is like reading a high school soap opera. Bethany Lopez captured the essence of a freshman girl perfectly.
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
With that said, the story is all about Melissa and the hardships she faces in the first couple months of her freshman year. Her body has gone through a lot of changes during the summer between middle school and high school, and in typical girl fashion, she is ready to show it off. She is finally feeling confident in her own skin and is eager to enter the world of dating. In particular, she wants to date Brian, a football player and swimmer. She is rather preppy even though she isn't a cheerleader and loves to make herself look good via cute clothes and makeup. What she is not prepared for is for her best friend from forever to decide that she doesn't want to be friends with her, an ok friend to decide to be her best friend, and the boy she likes to actually really like her.
The actual climax comes when her newest friend tries to steal her boyfriend as well as Brian trying to move their relationship to a much more adult level than she's willing to accept. Her ex-best friend from forever returns to her to rekindle their friendship and essentially life returns to the way it was in middle school. It is like reading a high school soap opera. Bethany Lopez captured the essence of a freshman girl perfectly.
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
March 8, 2012
This story reminded me what it felt like to be 14. There was no worrying about the future, your job, or any other stress-inducing pressures of life. The main thing on your mind was what to wear the next day or how to impress the good-looking boy who sat next to you in class. Lopez really captured the essence of what it means to be 14, and I really enjoyed this book (maybe more than I should have)!
Ta Ta for Now! tells the story of Melissa, a 14 year old ready to enter the world of high school. Melissa receives a journal for her birthday, and the story is told through her entries. Melissa mainly writes about her family and friends, and of course, the guy she is crushing on. She really wants to win the attention of senior Brian Jackson, and it reminded me a lot of the crush I had on a boy named Ian when I was her age. (Ahhh, memories.) Her voice is direct and her emotions and thoughts are very clear, making it easy to connect with her. There are also some humorous and emotional moments woven in intermittently, and overall, this was a really joyful read.
I do not want to give too much away about this book, but this is a quick, fun read, so you should definitely be sure to check it out! As mentioned, Lopez does well portraying the thoughts and feelings of a 14 year old, and it made me ridiculously nostalgic. I cannot wait for more of Melissa in the next book, XOXOXO ! Ta Ta for Now!
Ta Ta for Now! tells the story of Melissa, a 14 year old ready to enter the world of high school. Melissa receives a journal for her birthday, and the story is told through her entries. Melissa mainly writes about her family and friends, and of course, the guy she is crushing on. She really wants to win the attention of senior Brian Jackson, and it reminded me a lot of the crush I had on a boy named Ian when I was her age. (Ahhh, memories.) Her voice is direct and her emotions and thoughts are very clear, making it easy to connect with her. There are also some humorous and emotional moments woven in intermittently, and overall, this was a really joyful read.
I do not want to give too much away about this book, but this is a quick, fun read, so you should definitely be sure to check it out! As mentioned, Lopez does well portraying the thoughts and feelings of a 14 year old, and it made me ridiculously nostalgic. I cannot wait for more of Melissa in the next book, XOXOXO ! Ta Ta for Now!
August 9, 2016
4.5 stars
What a trip down memory lane. I listened to the audio version of this book and, although I don't usually read young adult, I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Ta Ta For Now is the story of 14 year old Melissa navigating entering high school and all that that entails, the feeling of your first crush and the emotion of your first heartbreak. Melissa tells her story through diary entries which are full of the usual 14 year old drama, wit and humor. I thought is was a realistic representation of what I remember about high school. I could easily relate to more than a few of the situations Melissa was in and how important it was to feel accepted by your peers, how important it was to have a supportive circle of family and friends, and how important it is to stay true to yourself when there is a lot of outside pressure to do otherwise.
This was a really well written story and I have to say the choice of narrator was perfect. It really felt like I was listening to Melissa, the dialogue was spot on for a 14 year old and the author really kept us in her head the whole way through. A great start to the series.
audio copy kindly provided by the author
What a trip down memory lane. I listened to the audio version of this book and, although I don't usually read young adult, I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Ta Ta For Now is the story of 14 year old Melissa navigating entering high school and all that that entails, the feeling of your first crush and the emotion of your first heartbreak. Melissa tells her story through diary entries which are full of the usual 14 year old drama, wit and humor. I thought is was a realistic representation of what I remember about high school. I could easily relate to more than a few of the situations Melissa was in and how important it was to feel accepted by your peers, how important it was to have a supportive circle of family and friends, and how important it is to stay true to yourself when there is a lot of outside pressure to do otherwise.
This was a really well written story and I have to say the choice of narrator was perfect. It really felt like I was listening to Melissa, the dialogue was spot on for a 14 year old and the author really kept us in her head the whole way through. A great start to the series.
audio copy kindly provided by the author
March 13, 2012
I'll bottom-line this review: I loved this book!
Being a fan of paranormal and fantasy, I haven't read a ton of contemporary YA, so I wasn't sure what to expect when beginning TA TA FOR NOW. I met the author, Bethany Lopez, through Twitter, and I picked up this book as well as its sequel, xoxoxo, with an interest in checking out her writing. I'm so glad that I did!
Melissa is a fourteen-year-old girl just starting high school. The story is told in the form of a journal, helping add authenticity to Melissa's voice throughout the book. The reader follows Melissa as she truly enters young adulthood, experiencing everything from that nerve-wracking first day of high school to snagging the boy she's crushed on for more than a year...and learning that not everything she wants is something she can--or should--have.
I found myself at turns laughing loudly and tearing up, and those are both signs of excellent storytelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast-paced, engaging read with real characters who leave you eager to move on to the sequel to see what happens next.
Being a fan of paranormal and fantasy, I haven't read a ton of contemporary YA, so I wasn't sure what to expect when beginning TA TA FOR NOW. I met the author, Bethany Lopez, through Twitter, and I picked up this book as well as its sequel, xoxoxo, with an interest in checking out her writing. I'm so glad that I did!
Melissa is a fourteen-year-old girl just starting high school. The story is told in the form of a journal, helping add authenticity to Melissa's voice throughout the book. The reader follows Melissa as she truly enters young adulthood, experiencing everything from that nerve-wracking first day of high school to snagging the boy she's crushed on for more than a year...and learning that not everything she wants is something she can--or should--have.
I found myself at turns laughing loudly and tearing up, and those are both signs of excellent storytelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast-paced, engaging read with real characters who leave you eager to move on to the sequel to see what happens next.
August 11, 2011
This book is a very accurate portrayal of what life is like for the average fourteen year old girl starting high school- such a transitional year, with changing friends, boyfriends, alternately hating your family and realizing they are the best thing that could happen to you. And the main character, Melissa, has a rough freshman year, having to go through it all. Bullies, friends who aren't really your friends, peer pressure- she is indoctrinated pretty quickly to the world of high school. She manages to keep it together with the help of good friends and her family, who support her and love her, although she did find herself hitting some low points in between, such as fighting in school and with her sister. Her feelings about certain things were dead on to how a younger teenage girl would feel.
All in all, I think this is a great first book! Beth donated it to me for one of our school libraries, and I am going to send it to the middle school library. I think this book is definitely one kids are going to pick up, read and enjoy!!
All in all, I think this is a great first book! Beth donated it to me for one of our school libraries, and I am going to send it to the middle school library. I think this book is definitely one kids are going to pick up, read and enjoy!!
February 15, 2013
I was lucky enough to win the three books from the Stories about Melissa series by Bethany Lopez in a Goodreads giveaway. Ta Ta for Now! is the first book in the series.
Target audience is probably early teens, so a little (OK a lot!) younger than me, even so - I really enjoyed the book. The story is told through a series of journal entries from Melissa, a young girl just starting her freshman year. She's a mature 14 year old, frustrated by her three siblings. The book takes us through her experience with her first boyfriend and a series of 'high school' dramas. I was impressed with the maturity Melissa showed in a number of the situations she faced - I think there were great messages in Ta Ta for Now! for teenage girls about the importance of being true to yourself, the value of family and that encouraged having conversations even if they're a little bit challenging.
I won't jump straight to the next book in the series, but I will definitely read the remaining two books to find out what other experiences Melissa has.
Target audience is probably early teens, so a little (OK a lot!) younger than me, even so - I really enjoyed the book. The story is told through a series of journal entries from Melissa, a young girl just starting her freshman year. She's a mature 14 year old, frustrated by her three siblings. The book takes us through her experience with her first boyfriend and a series of 'high school' dramas. I was impressed with the maturity Melissa showed in a number of the situations she faced - I think there were great messages in Ta Ta for Now! for teenage girls about the importance of being true to yourself, the value of family and that encouraged having conversations even if they're a little bit challenging.
I won't jump straight to the next book in the series, but I will definitely read the remaining two books to find out what other experiences Melissa has.
August 25, 2016
I really liked this!
Melissa is fourteen and just beginning high school and we get insight into her life through her journal. I like that concept. All journal entries yet we get a complete story.
The characters were really good although I thought that the sudden closeness of Layla and Melissa was unnecessary, especially since it didn't stick. I totally understood Jess' situation, but I don't see anything wrong with the Gothic style.
Anyways I was a little annoyed at how the relationship with Brian was such a huge focus for such a young girl. I do remember being boy crazy at that age though and I was pretty focused. The whole dating at that age was way new to me because I didn't get to date until I was eighteen!
I could relate to the four kids thing too. Although I have four siblings I grew up with just three of them so I got that part! :)
I really liked the story and I liked the POV too. I liked and disliked some of the characters but all in all this was a really good YA read!
Melissa is fourteen and just beginning high school and we get insight into her life through her journal. I like that concept. All journal entries yet we get a complete story.
The characters were really good although I thought that the sudden closeness of Layla and Melissa was unnecessary, especially since it didn't stick. I totally understood Jess' situation, but I don't see anything wrong with the Gothic style.
Anyways I was a little annoyed at how the relationship with Brian was such a huge focus for such a young girl. I do remember being boy crazy at that age though and I was pretty focused. The whole dating at that age was way new to me because I didn't get to date until I was eighteen!
I could relate to the four kids thing too. Although I have four siblings I grew up with just three of them so I got that part! :)
I really liked the story and I liked the POV too. I liked and disliked some of the characters but all in all this was a really good YA read!
April 20, 2013
*I received this book free through a goodreads giveaway* I really enjoyed this book and I am not even remotely the target audience. This book is meant for tween girls and I am an adult male. I loved the gimmick of it being a girl's journal. At first I was skeptical of the idea, but I ended up really liking it. The journal sounds like it was written by a teenage girl and the events written about in the journal are very realistic (my high school experience was similar) so it is well written. My one tiny gripe - and I am being very nit-picky here - is that there is a conflict (I don't do spoilers so I will keep it general here) that is resolved at the very end in one paragraph that seemed a little too pat and convenient and too quick - it didn't quite ring true. Otherwise, very good. :)
May 20, 2012
I adored this book. Melissa tells her story through her Journal entries. I completely connected with her. The descriptions of her experiences with first love and family life took me through a range of emotions. I laughed with her, sympathized with her and cheered her on!. Bethany writes a delightful, heart warming story and I am thrilled to find out it is a series. I grew up in Michigan, where the story takes place, and spent many fun times at Runyan Lake. My brother lives in Fenton and it was fun to read about places I recognized. Ta Ta For Now! is such a fun, quick read and I can't recommend it enough! Young girls and women will recognize themselves in this story and will find themselves anxiously waiting for more, just like me. You need to read this book and meet Melissa.
August 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. In such a short period of time, the author was able to place me back in my 14 year old self and give me all the memories I thought I'd forgotten. The stress of starting high school, the confusion of friendships that aren't always what you thought they would be and the excitement of that boy you have a crush on. Written in a journal format, this book was easy to read and had me both smiling and tearful in turn. I could related to Melissa (Missy) right from the very first page as she worries, not about classes and exams, but about what to wear and how to catch the eye of that perfect guy. This is a perfect book for a younger YA but it will certainly capture the attention of anyone who reads it. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter in Missy's life!
August 12, 2011
This book remind me of my freshman year of high school. Melissa's enthusiasm is what made me think of freshman year all over again. Having just recently graduated high school, it was a good reminder. This book proves to be a quick read and is written like an actual fourteen year old wrote it (in a good way). It portrays all of the drama that goes on in high school; betrayal, deciding who your real friends are, discovering who you are, and of course, tears. There are a few typos throughout the book but that's about all I have that is negative on this book. Other than that, it's a fantastic read, especially for those who want to relieve freshman year of high school.
July 10, 2012
Ta Ta for Now! is told in a very unique way, through young Melissa's journal entries. The entries are absolutely authentic, and you'll feel like you've stumbled upon someone's actual diary.
Melissa was a very believable character. The author did a great job of writing with a young voice, and I think she nailed it with creating a character all of us girls can relate to. We were all insecure freshman at one point.
The story has some important lessons about bullying and the value of family.
Great story, great characters, great read Bethany!! :) I felt like I was reading my own journal from back in the day.
Melissa was a very believable character. The author did a great job of writing with a young voice, and I think she nailed it with creating a character all of us girls can relate to. We were all insecure freshman at one point.
The story has some important lessons about bullying and the value of family.
Great story, great characters, great read Bethany!! :) I felt like I was reading my own journal from back in the day.
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June 16, 2022Ta Ta for Now! is Free!
Universal Link - https://books2read.com/TTFN
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1MEA4Cq
iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ta-t...
Nook - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ta-t...
Kobo-https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/ta-t...
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
*Not FREE on Audio
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/B00IKUG0SI...
Universal Link - https://books2read.com/TTFN
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1MEA4Cq
iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ta-t...
Nook - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ta-t...
Kobo-https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/ta-t...
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
*Not FREE on Audio
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/B00IKUG0SI...
February 27, 2012
In the tradition of Judy Blume, Bethany Lopez's "Stories About Melissa" series deals with the often complicated relationships teenagers have with their families, friends, and the world around them. "Ta Ta For Now" is written journal-style and follows 14-year old Melissa through the trials and tribulations of her freshman year in high school. If you've ever wanted to read someone's diary, you will enjoy this book! :)
January 7, 2015
I am currently 14 going to go to freshman year and the oldest of five kids, so you could say me and this character had a lot in common. To be honest at first I felt it was a little immature but ended up really likening the story. No i don't answer everything withe the word love and totally like the main character in the book, but I did think it was very true to being 14, and really connected to the story.
April 2, 2014
This is a really quick fun read that brings the author back to being fourteen years old.
This story is told through Melissa's entries in her journal that her younger sister gave her. Like Melissa I'm also the oldest of four so I found a connection here.
I really enjoyed this story. It's a refreshing read that I'll be recommending... Especially to teenagers.
This story is told through Melissa's entries in her journal that her younger sister gave her. Like Melissa I'm also the oldest of four so I found a connection here.
I really enjoyed this story. It's a refreshing read that I'll be recommending... Especially to teenagers.
January 15, 2018
This was fun, re-living teenage things through Melissa and her journal entries. It's similar to a couple of series that were out when I was 14-15, but unfortunately, I didn't read much back then so I mostly missed out on those. It's also a nice break for me from reading "adult" stuff. I like that!
August 23, 2011
I thought it was a good read. Great viewpoint from the teenager's point of view. I am glad my daughter told me to read this novel. Being a teenager and growing up is not easy and they need all the help they can get.
February 21, 2014
This was a nice book. Written in the style of a diary, this book takes us into the mind of a young girl, going through her first year of high school and the changes it brings out in her. Interesting, I must say. I can only hope I didn't misbehave the way she did when I was her age.
March 8, 2015
This book was really cute. It's obviously a little young for me but I could see myself reading this when I was younger. I really enjoyed how it is written in journal form instead of the normal chapters. Quick and easy read.
September 11, 2012
Tour Date Later! (for XOXOXO, review will include Ta Ta for Now)
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