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Prim #2
Improper Order
A novel for young people, it follows the adventures of Primrose Leary, a smart and funny 14-year-old, who has typical teenage troubles with friends, frenemies, boys, and clueless dad.
225 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 14, 2014
I REALLY liked this sequel. NOW ANOTHER, PLZ.
-ETA: I bought the Prim books for my class of 9-12 year olds and noticed that one of them was reading the second books first. Of course I commented. Of course the child was prepared. "Yeah, but Miss, it sayyys "improper order". So that's what I'm doing."--
Some of this was a little disturbing, some of it was high-larious, and almost all of it was wordery heaven. Deirdre (and Prim) have a fantastic way with words that enthralls, entertains and leaves you wondering how you've actually managed to communicate your true feelings to any human up until now. And how come you've just been outshone by a fictional (?) 14 year old and her engrossing vocabulary...
The illustrations are divine, and never take away from the story, but just give it that extra little punch that you wish you had control over when typing on the internet (without gifs, or mad-html-1337-skillz, yo).
-ETA: I bought the Prim books for my class of 9-12 year olds and noticed that one of them was reading the second books first. Of course I commented. Of course the child was prepared. "Yeah, but Miss, it sayyys "improper order". So that's what I'm doing."--
Some of this was a little disturbing, some of it was high-larious, and almost all of it was wordery heaven. Deirdre (and Prim) have a fantastic way with words that enthralls, entertains and leaves you wondering how you've actually managed to communicate your true feelings to any human up until now. And how come you've just been outshone by a fictional (?) 14 year old and her engrossing vocabulary...
The illustrations are divine, and never take away from the story, but just give it that extra little punch that you wish you had control over when typing on the internet (without gifs, or mad-html-1337-skillz, yo).
April 12, 2013
Stellar sequel; whets appetite for vol. 3 (8,5)
July 23, 2013
Just as brilliant as the first one-if not better! Deirdre Sullivan is a teenage litreature star!
June 29, 2019
Opening approximately a year after the events of Prim Imperfect, this follows Prim as she navigates her ongoing grief at the loss of her mum, her unsteady relationship with her dad, as well as friends, boys, school and animal companions. Deirdre Sullivan pulls off a really neat narrative trick here: usually writers of YA either create a funny, spunky narrative full of jokes or grapple with serious problems, such as grief, self-harm, and depression. Sullivan manages to do both without making light of the weighty problems, or making the funny moments less entertaining. In doing so, she makes Prim a very rounded characters, and creates a sense of realism: too often, we forget that hurt can go hand in hand with humour, and that mischief can be a positive coping mechanism. Life contains both great word-play and great emotional pain, and it is to Sullivan's credit that she can evoke both in one narrative.
September 6, 2021
"Happy endings are pretty rare. The most people get if they're lucky is a happy beginning."
I bought this book for my 12 year old sister but then it was slightly age inappropriate for her. I read it myself and I was surprised. Very rarely you come across a book that portrays teenagers correctly. Being a 14 year old girl doesn't always include obsessing over crushes, makeouts and boob sizes. There's alot more than that. And Sullivan was able to capture that accurately. 14 is huge change. Its when you almost let go of the child in you and begin to resemble an adult that you're going to become. This book isn't just a good book for teenagers but an important one as well. It was funny and interesting and I loved the writing. It's definitely got to be for 14+. If you've got a teenager in that age range, buy them this book.
I bought this book for my 12 year old sister but then it was slightly age inappropriate for her. I read it myself and I was surprised. Very rarely you come across a book that portrays teenagers correctly. Being a 14 year old girl doesn't always include obsessing over crushes, makeouts and boob sizes. There's alot more than that. And Sullivan was able to capture that accurately. 14 is huge change. Its when you almost let go of the child in you and begin to resemble an adult that you're going to become. This book isn't just a good book for teenagers but an important one as well. It was funny and interesting and I loved the writing. It's definitely got to be for 14+. If you've got a teenager in that age range, buy them this book.
July 31, 2019
Loved this just as much as the first one, although I became more aware in this one that Prim is not always the most reliable narrator, especially when she is talking about her coping mechanisms for grief, dealing with the aftermath of her mother's untimely death.
I now need to get my hands on the third book to see what happens to Prim and her family!
I now need to get my hands on the third book to see what happens to Prim and her family!
August 2, 2025
Few things that have aged poorly but nothing that would get anyone cancelled. One of the reviews in the back describes it best in valuing that uniquely Irish ability to balance the bleakest things possible with humour and honesty. Some heavy topics and petting in this one. I love how odd everyone is because often it's the boring old popular kids that centre books or the pretend freaks and nerds.
July 19, 2017
Intermission: There may be spoilers from the last book.
Prim O'Leary is back but this time as a 14 year old girl. I'm glad because Prim is more mature than she was last time and has stopped using words like 'colouredy'. She is now interested in becoming a cruciverbalist (someone who designs crosswords for a living).
Prim's best friend Joel now attends her school after leaving his past school due to bullying. And now they get up to more mischievous things (poor Marcus).
Prim is still very funny, of course.
Prim now attends a swimming club and is jealous of a girl in her swimming class called Laura (clear skin, honey coloured hair, straight As, friendly). And also, Prim kinda has a crush on Laura's perfect boyfriend.
My favourite character is Ciara (who was quite shallow in the 1st book but is now sensible + hilarious). Joel is absolutely adorable and Prim... I disagreed with her so much yet I relate to her so much (the struggles, I tell you!).
Content: Grief, Self harm, Depression, Innuendo, Kissing (but no description).
Prim O'Leary is back but this time as a 14 year old girl. I'm glad because Prim is more mature than she was last time and has stopped using words like 'colouredy'. She is now interested in becoming a cruciverbalist (someone who designs crosswords for a living).
Prim's best friend Joel now attends her school after leaving his past school due to bullying. And now they get up to more mischievous things (poor Marcus).
Prim is still very funny, of course.
"I mean, being angry for more than a brief period of time takes effort. You have to work at it. And what if the person you are angry with says something hilarious or offers you a delicious treat of some kind?"
Prim now attends a swimming club and is jealous of a girl in her swimming class called Laura (clear skin, honey coloured hair, straight As, friendly). And also, Prim kinda has a crush on Laura's perfect boyfriend.
My favourite character is Ciara (who was quite shallow in the 1st book but is now sensible + hilarious). Joel is absolutely adorable and Prim... I disagreed with her so much yet I relate to her so much (the struggles, I tell you!).
Content: Grief, Self harm, Depression, Innuendo, Kissing (but no description).
March 6, 2016
Check out my full review of the series click here!
Here's a snippet of my review:
"I recently finished reading the series and I have to say I was surprised at how thoroughly impressed I was. Upon first glance, I had thought these novels would be middle grade, light hearted sort of reads. I did not account for the range of difficult topics, character emotions and resonating story the books would hold.
Through out the series Deirdre Sullivan writes about deep issues that affect Prim, from grief and loss, to parental separation, friendship, growing up, love and mental health. Deirdre Sullivan writes all of these issues with such honesty and does not rose-tint or sugar coat any of the more difficult themes. This made the story of Prim feel so real and really allows for the reader to sympathise with Prim and her family.
If I could describe the series in a word it would be quirky! The novels are unique, with a host of unusual and fun characters..."
Here's a snippet of my review:
"I recently finished reading the series and I have to say I was surprised at how thoroughly impressed I was. Upon first glance, I had thought these novels would be middle grade, light hearted sort of reads. I did not account for the range of difficult topics, character emotions and resonating story the books would hold.
Through out the series Deirdre Sullivan writes about deep issues that affect Prim, from grief and loss, to parental separation, friendship, growing up, love and mental health. Deirdre Sullivan writes all of these issues with such honesty and does not rose-tint or sugar coat any of the more difficult themes. This made the story of Prim feel so real and really allows for the reader to sympathise with Prim and her family.
If I could describe the series in a word it would be quirky! The novels are unique, with a host of unusual and fun characters..."
May 14, 2017
Series continues to be endlessly charming and lovable.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews