Stealing Josh

Portraits Collection #3

by Susan Blake

The only thing Andrea likes about moving back to her widowed father's rural hometown is that she can see her best friend, Lisa, again, but when she falls for Lisa's boyfriend, Josh, her most precious friendship is threatened.

Genres: Young Adult

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Grace Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts off with our protag Lauren at her dad's wedding, all annoyed and pissed off. They've moved back to dad's old hometown, after he reunited with his high school sweetheart. But the one bright side is, she is reunited with Annie, her cousin/BFF. Annie introduces Lauren to her new studmuffin boyfriend Josh, who is just soooo handsome and sweet and caring , and, welp! Lauren just can't help falling for the dude, chalking it up to love at first sight!

But DAMN, LAUREN. Haven't you ever heard of the sacred oath of female friendships??
Chicks before dicks?
Heauxs before bros?
Like YOU JUST DON'T GO THERE, GIRL. Especially to your BFF, who just so happens to be your cousin!! 😫

Random notes and observations:

-Some nice writing by Susan Blake, who wrote a YA Horror from the Twilight series called "The Haunted Dollhouse"...sadly she never wrote anymore YA Horror!

- First day of school, homegirl wears "an outfit that all her friends had admired the year before"...a long paisley skirt, an olive green top, with olive green lace up boots and a touch of green eyeshadow." So funky fresh!! 😜💚

-Lauren lies, cheats, and betrays her BFF's trust. Going off with Josh behind her back and OH they even hold hands under a blanket at the football game, while Annie sits next to them!! 😡 GAHHHH THIS ANGERED ME TO NO END but that's just me and my own issues talking 😅

-Meanwhile Josh wants to break the news to Annie right away and Lauren's like, "No, let's wait til NEXT MONTH, after the big high school dance and after the big surprise bday party she has planned for you". SHE. IS. THE. WORST.

- This book was kind of depressing and effed up at the same time. The themes of growing up, fucking up, innocence lost and valuable lessons gained are all here. Suffice to say Lauren is no longer BFF's with Annie but HEY, SHE HAS LOVE NOW, SO EVERYTHING IS OKAY 😫😫

3 out of 5 furtive kisses in the airplane hanger with your BFF's boyfriend because HEY, we are IN LOVE and let's just never tell her because that will be too painful and messy. WORST. FRIEND. EVER.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

crazy to bylo

[Amanda Medellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I walked to a book store and found this book I sat in my closet and finished it that night. I was in the 6th grade more than 15 years ago! This book started my addiction to LOVE triangles. I remember this book and I just ordered it and can't wait until it gets here!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I remember from the first time I read this book. I have a different perspective now knowing first hand what it's like to have the person I love cheat on me - so that makes a big difference too.

I do like the life lessons. You can't make someone love you - that feeling isn't something we choose. Overall, the important part is how you deal with your feelings and how you treat the people you care about.

[Ellie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stole this book from my sister's babysitter's daughter in the 5th grade. I have no idea how I perpetually remember that I've read this book and vividly remember the storyline.