The First Time

by Ann Reit

Gwen finds herself torn between two very different boys--quiet, gentle Michael, the boy next door and her usual date, and the charming, exciting, but unreliable Jack

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fiction

173 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Nicole Baldino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books in grade school! I don't know how many times I checked this out of the school library! It's such a cute story about first love and as a perpetual hopeless romantic, even back then--I really enjoyed this book. I could never find a store that sold it until just within the past three years when I remembered I could always look it up on ebay and low and behold there it was! It now sits happily on my book shelf and I still pick it up every once in awhile to scan the pages :)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I read as a teen when I belonged to the Especially For Girls Book Club

[Fenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is responsible for my love affair with books. I never realized I read romance novels in elementary school. Ha! I drink tea (not earl grey) because of this book.

I need to read this book again. Anyone know where I can find it?

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it you won’t regret it. No spice basically. I fell in love with the male main character while also feeling conflicted and not liking him. Gwen (the female main character) world revolves around him at first even though he’s not the best guy for her. It’s also a time for her to reflect on herself. Maybe Jack isn’t the right person for her, Gwen may or may not find out. (No spoilers!!) Is he too good to be true… a dream boy? A nightmare boy? 5 ⭐️😌

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book it brought me back to when I was in high school and I fell in love so easily and I'd hit rock bottom because those boys weren't consistent just like Jack . I remembered all those emotions it's insane reading a book this small brought back all those emotions. It's crazy how the author really captured the imagery of what goes on in some girls mind when she sees a boy shes head over heels in love with walking into a room.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it’s because I’m reading this as an adult, but this is awful. The protagonist is so bratty and irritating, I don’t know how anyone can like her. I’m donating this so my own kid can’t get her hands on it. I don’t like the lesson of having to change and get rid of her relationships just to please someone else. And how she treats her family is so unforgivable. Ugh.

[Nicole Overmoyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy hell this was a problematic book. Obviously meant to be sweet teenage love, how could it even have been acceptable in 1986 when it was written??? Jack is a manipulative jerk who takes advantage of Gwen, controlling her every move and cutting her off from family and friends. Avoid this book.

[Leslie Carnahan]

What a silly 80s romantic story. I picked up this book from a Little Free Library and man was it a fun/silly read. As I read, I pictured the entire story as if it was an 80s rom com. Yelling at Gwen the entire time for her dumb decisions. Haha none the less I had a good time overall

[Tiffany Probus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This belongs to my sister who is 13 years older. I'm almost 30 and finally reading this so.... Nothing but annoying clingy teenage girl and boy who only cares about himself.

[Samantha Comeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in middle school and loved it. I still think of it from time to time. I credit this book for my love of reading.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in elementary school when I was signed up for the Especially for Girls book club. I recently reread it and FINALLY understand it as an adult. My young, inexperienced self wasn't quite able to grasp some of the concepts back then and am surprised it was a book for pre-adolescents. Despite that, I actually quite love the book.

There's a poetry and beauty to the writing. The book is a coming of age book about first love. It's a poignant and bittersweet story about a young woman learning about relationships, compromises, and compatibility. Those who critique this book either didn't have this crazy emotional teenage experience or don't remember when they were young and against all logic, emotions were raw, wild and strong. I don't know if it's as relevant in today's culture, as a lot of things have changed since the 1980s, but I personally still love this book and still occasionally read it from time to time.

[Deisy DeLuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made me cry it is one of the most sad books ever! i know that finding love it's great but imagen losing it!

[michella · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was my FAVORITE book in elementary school. I couldn't even tell you how many times I read it growing up. it still sits hidden away in my closet bookshelf with my other childhood books.

[Nataly Reynoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is one of my most favorite books.. it soo cute the romance that the main characters have.. if you like books about love.. you would really enjoy this book!

[Jamtot Balmaceda]

awesome!! i miss this

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first tween books ever. I found it today and reread it. Sure brings back memories ;)

[Justin Fraxi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read a romance book for sixth-grade reading class, and this one came free in the mail.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walang Forever. Hahaha

[Honey · Rating 2 out of 5]

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