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My Soon-To-Be Sex Life
Charlie is down to her absolute. Total. Last. Resort.Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her devirginization campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG, for please, get some.Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when she has to go pick up his Depends? Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2014
4 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Judith Tewes
1 book125 followersJudith Tewes - author and screenwriter - resides in small town northern Alberta, where she: writes, sings, plays bass guitar in an all-woman band, walks her three crazy labs, and suspects she's living the life of a superhero's alias. Her edgy, contemporary young adult fiction is full of heart with a side of snark.
She also writes paranormal YA under the pen name, Judith Graves.
She also writes paranormal YA under the pen name, Judith Graves.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
August 12, 2014
My Soon-To-Be Sex Life is no where near as racy as the title would imply -- and that isn't a bad thing.
Charlie decided that it's time she lost the "Big V" card and has begun a campaign to find the right guy to experience her first time with. But despite a plethora of potential suitors, Charlie can't quite go all the way with any of them.
Her plan is complicated when her mother admits she's got a drug problem and checks into rehab. Charlie is sent to live with her eccentric grandfather, Monty. Now she has to find a way to help mom get through rehab and survive her crazy grandfather, all while feeling an attraction to a new guy named Eric who makes her heart skip a beat.
In many ways, My Soon-To-Be Sex Life reminded me of the first American Pie movie. The hook is the "racy" set-up of a person wanting to lose his or her virginity but the story itself ends up being a character driven one that explores a lot more than just a quick coupling or two. Judith Tewes is to be commended for telling an emotional rich, honest story that packs a few laugh out loud moments along the way. Charlie is an interesting narrator and while the story seems to take a detour or two, it's still an interesting enough one that it will keep you rooting for her and turning the next page to see what happens next.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie decided that it's time she lost the "Big V" card and has begun a campaign to find the right guy to experience her first time with. But despite a plethora of potential suitors, Charlie can't quite go all the way with any of them.
Her plan is complicated when her mother admits she's got a drug problem and checks into rehab. Charlie is sent to live with her eccentric grandfather, Monty. Now she has to find a way to help mom get through rehab and survive her crazy grandfather, all while feeling an attraction to a new guy named Eric who makes her heart skip a beat.
In many ways, My Soon-To-Be Sex Life reminded me of the first American Pie movie. The hook is the "racy" set-up of a person wanting to lose his or her virginity but the story itself ends up being a character driven one that explores a lot more than just a quick coupling or two. Judith Tewes is to be commended for telling an emotional rich, honest story that packs a few laugh out loud moments along the way. Charlie is an interesting narrator and while the story seems to take a detour or two, it's still an interesting enough one that it will keep you rooting for her and turning the next page to see what happens next.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2015
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
With a title like My Soon-to-Be Sex Life (MSTBSL), there was no way I couldn't include Judith Tewes' debut novel in Sex in Teen Lit Month II. Not exactly what I was expecting, MSTBSL is SO good!
After admitting to an addiction to Valium, Charlie's mother has Charlie move in with her grandfather, Monty, and checks into rehab. If her mother's addiction and now living with a man she's never met before wasn't enough, the move has laid waste Charlie's plans to lose her virginity. Vowing to never end up like her mum - an addict due to grief over the death of her cheating, lying husband, and discovering said cheating and lying - Charlie wants full control over her sex life; emotionless sex with someone she doesn't care about, so as not to get hurt. But then she meets Eric, and she starts feeling things she's never felt before.
MSTBSL is such a great story; incredibly funny, honest, and so moving. Charlie has such a great voice, so much so that reading MSTBSL felt like eavesdropping into an actual teenagers life than reading a book. She also has a great sense of humour that comes through a little crude but very real. It's impossible not to love her, which makes it a little hard to read about her situation. Her Dad is dead. He died while out with his latest floozy. Charlie's Mum takes this bad - the death and the cheating - and zones out of her life, suffocating in hurt. Hurt that is only helped by the Valium she takes. For Charlie, seeing how much her father hurt her mother, she gets mad, and decides not to let anything like that happen to her. She can't get hurt if she doesn't feel anything. Her life is crazy, and losing her virginity is her way of trying to control her life. Charlie doesn't care about love, it's all about the control. The who, how, when, where. Her "devirginization" campaign becomes so important to her as her life gets further out of control with her Mum going to rehab and her moving in with Monty.
One of the people on the list of "devirginizers" was her ex-boyfriend, Ty, until he screw things up. I don't want to give away spoilers, but Charlie doesn't react well and embarrasses him. Which causes Ty to want payback - not just for embarrassing him, but also for not having sex with him. He's a right bloody git, and does some awful, terrible things. But what I love about this subplot is how Charlie talks about her attitude towards sex with him. Yes, she wants to lose her virginity, and she did try a few times with him, but something always stopped her. And she has the right to stop things if she wants to. She wants to lose her virginity when it feels right.
MSTBSL also looks at the religious side of things. Charlie's best mate Roach (short for Rachel) is the daughter of a minister, and is into the idea of waiting to have sex until married. Because of this, although she's supportive of Charlie, she's not really for her plan. Because they disagree, there is a lot of discussion about Charlie's plan from both sides of the argument. One of these discussions, quite a feminist one, really struck a chord with me. Charlie talks about how everyone makes a big deal out of a girl wanting to lose her virginity - or just have sex in general, but not for guys. For guys, it's something to cheer and laugh over. It's sexism, and I'm finding this idea cropping up a fair bit in the books I'm reading: if guys have sex, it's fine; if girls do, they get judged. It's awful! Charlie talks about how she just wants to do things her way, and doesn't see why it has to be anybody else's business.
I love the romance with Eric, though I do wish there was more of them together. But even so, Eric plays his part, he gets Charlie thinking. This plan she has, the plan to control her life... doesn't really work when feelings are involved. The feelings are bigger than the need for control, and make her re-evaluate. Charlie wants more than lust and control. She wants more.
There are other subplots throughout the novel that keep you just an invested in the story; Charlie's moving and heartbreaking relationship with Monty (who I LOVE!), the situation with her Mum, Ty's disgusting behaviour. For a novel that I flew through and felt like a relatively light read, it's quite meaty with the issues it tackles. A really fantastic story; thought-provoking, but also really funny and entertaining. My Soon-to-Be Sex Life is awesome, and Judith Tewes is definitely one to watch.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Spark via NetGalley for the eProof.
With a title like My Soon-to-Be Sex Life (MSTBSL), there was no way I couldn't include Judith Tewes' debut novel in Sex in Teen Lit Month II. Not exactly what I was expecting, MSTBSL is SO good!
After admitting to an addiction to Valium, Charlie's mother has Charlie move in with her grandfather, Monty, and checks into rehab. If her mother's addiction and now living with a man she's never met before wasn't enough, the move has laid waste Charlie's plans to lose her virginity. Vowing to never end up like her mum - an addict due to grief over the death of her cheating, lying husband, and discovering said cheating and lying - Charlie wants full control over her sex life; emotionless sex with someone she doesn't care about, so as not to get hurt. But then she meets Eric, and she starts feeling things she's never felt before.
MSTBSL is such a great story; incredibly funny, honest, and so moving. Charlie has such a great voice, so much so that reading MSTBSL felt like eavesdropping into an actual teenagers life than reading a book. She also has a great sense of humour that comes through a little crude but very real. It's impossible not to love her, which makes it a little hard to read about her situation. Her Dad is dead. He died while out with his latest floozy. Charlie's Mum takes this bad - the death and the cheating - and zones out of her life, suffocating in hurt. Hurt that is only helped by the Valium she takes. For Charlie, seeing how much her father hurt her mother, she gets mad, and decides not to let anything like that happen to her. She can't get hurt if she doesn't feel anything. Her life is crazy, and losing her virginity is her way of trying to control her life. Charlie doesn't care about love, it's all about the control. The who, how, when, where. Her "devirginization" campaign becomes so important to her as her life gets further out of control with her Mum going to rehab and her moving in with Monty.
One of the people on the list of "devirginizers" was her ex-boyfriend, Ty, until he screw things up. I don't want to give away spoilers, but Charlie doesn't react well and embarrasses him. Which causes Ty to want payback - not just for embarrassing him, but also for not having sex with him. He's a right bloody git, and does some awful, terrible things. But what I love about this subplot is how Charlie talks about her attitude towards sex with him. Yes, she wants to lose her virginity, and she did try a few times with him, but something always stopped her. And she has the right to stop things if she wants to. She wants to lose her virginity when it feels right.
MSTBSL also looks at the religious side of things. Charlie's best mate Roach (short for Rachel) is the daughter of a minister, and is into the idea of waiting to have sex until married. Because of this, although she's supportive of Charlie, she's not really for her plan. Because they disagree, there is a lot of discussion about Charlie's plan from both sides of the argument. One of these discussions, quite a feminist one, really struck a chord with me. Charlie talks about how everyone makes a big deal out of a girl wanting to lose her virginity - or just have sex in general, but not for guys. For guys, it's something to cheer and laugh over. It's sexism, and I'm finding this idea cropping up a fair bit in the books I'm reading: if guys have sex, it's fine; if girls do, they get judged. It's awful! Charlie talks about how she just wants to do things her way, and doesn't see why it has to be anybody else's business.
I love the romance with Eric, though I do wish there was more of them together. But even so, Eric plays his part, he gets Charlie thinking. This plan she has, the plan to control her life... doesn't really work when feelings are involved. The feelings are bigger than the need for control, and make her re-evaluate. Charlie wants more than lust and control. She wants more.
There are other subplots throughout the novel that keep you just an invested in the story; Charlie's moving and heartbreaking relationship with Monty (who I LOVE!), the situation with her Mum, Ty's disgusting behaviour. For a novel that I flew through and felt like a relatively light read, it's quite meaty with the issues it tackles. A really fantastic story; thought-provoking, but also really funny and entertaining. My Soon-to-Be Sex Life is awesome, and Judith Tewes is definitely one to watch.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Spark via NetGalley for the eProof.
August 13, 2014
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
My Soon-To-Be Sex life was flippin' hilarious! I was totally digging Judith's writing style. It is not always easy to make writing funny look so natural. And that is how this book felt- naturally fun and funny. I would recommend this book to all lovers of young adult. I know I recently reviewed a book called Virgin and it too was focused on losing virginity, but this book was completely different. This one is appropriate for older teens, and the character is very age appropriate. There are also many, many other things going on in the story line than just her soon-to-be sex life.
Charlie wants to be a screenwriter, so peppered throughout the book are outtakes from her past experiences with guys. It was beyond funny and adorable. I loved how Judith Tewes incorporated those into the story. But there is also so much heart in Charlie. And depth in this story. Through the story line with Charlie's mom and especially with her grandfather. A few times the scenes with her grandpa made me tear up, which I was not expecting at all!
The romance is just as sweet and great as I expected it to be. I enjoyed Eric a lot, but Charlie completely stole the show for me. Charlie's friend was also funny, but I saw her as much more secondary to Charlie Eric and grandpa Monty. My Soon-To-Be Sex life takes you on a journey that you will not be able to predict from the first page of the story. I was pleasantly surprised by each of the twists and turns. A couple of times I was worried by a downturn that the twists would take but rest assured that this a feel good read. Judith Tewes has earned a reader in me. I love her writing style and I am very impressed by her ability to write humor. I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading, and my smile was creepily big at more than one time. My Soon-To-Be Sex life is not to be missed. Fun times guaranteed.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
My Soon-To-Be Sex life was flippin' hilarious! I was totally digging Judith's writing style. It is not always easy to make writing funny look so natural. And that is how this book felt- naturally fun and funny. I would recommend this book to all lovers of young adult. I know I recently reviewed a book called Virgin and it too was focused on losing virginity, but this book was completely different. This one is appropriate for older teens, and the character is very age appropriate. There are also many, many other things going on in the story line than just her soon-to-be sex life.
Charlie wants to be a screenwriter, so peppered throughout the book are outtakes from her past experiences with guys. It was beyond funny and adorable. I loved how Judith Tewes incorporated those into the story. But there is also so much heart in Charlie. And depth in this story. Through the story line with Charlie's mom and especially with her grandfather. A few times the scenes with her grandpa made me tear up, which I was not expecting at all!
The romance is just as sweet and great as I expected it to be. I enjoyed Eric a lot, but Charlie completely stole the show for me. Charlie's friend was also funny, but I saw her as much more secondary to Charlie Eric and grandpa Monty. My Soon-To-Be Sex life takes you on a journey that you will not be able to predict from the first page of the story. I was pleasantly surprised by each of the twists and turns. A couple of times I was worried by a downturn that the twists would take but rest assured that this a feel good read. Judith Tewes has earned a reader in me. I love her writing style and I am very impressed by her ability to write humor. I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading, and my smile was creepily big at more than one time. My Soon-To-Be Sex life is not to be missed. Fun times guaranteed.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
March 4, 2015
My Soon-To-Be Sex Life has a daring title but in this case, the saying goes don't judge a book by its title.
Going into this one expects explicit content and a lot of encounters. However, I found it's totally the opposite. The title was so unfair for the story that I wasn't fan of the title even though I picked it because of it.
That being clarified, this book is about Charlotte Webber and her unfortunate story. Her mom is a drug addict and admits herself to a rehab. Thus, she is forced to live with her grandfather. As an act of rebellion, she decides to lose her V card and makes a list of possible ... ahem cherry-poppers *ew*. Only that at every chance something comes in the way of that happening, fate? who knows. Amidst all of that, Charlie's relationships are getting complicated as the story goes. And Charlie has to deal with other important things than her list.
By the end, I realized how Charlie's character actually grew up when . She is a very likable character and really attentive and sarcastic. I mostly enjoyed her friendship with Rachel, now that's a drama-free friendship. I was so sick of best friends stabbing each other in the back cliche. And her and Rachel's is one I really really loved. They're very open to each other and truly know they're going to be for each other.
My beef with it, however, was how flat the narration was throughout the story. I didn't particularly like Eric and didn't see how he could be the one for her beside that he gets her weirdness.
Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part..
Going into this one expects explicit content and a lot of encounters. However, I found it's totally the opposite. The title was so unfair for the story that I wasn't fan of the title even though I picked it because of it.
That being clarified, this book is about Charlotte Webber and her unfortunate story. Her mom is a drug addict and admits herself to a rehab. Thus, she is forced to live with her grandfather. As an act of rebellion, she decides to lose her V card and makes a list of possible ... ahem cherry-poppers *ew*. Only that at every chance something comes in the way of that happening, fate? who knows. Amidst all of that, Charlie's relationships are getting complicated as the story goes. And Charlie has to deal with other important things than her list.
By the end, I realized how Charlie's character actually grew up when . She is a very likable character and really attentive and sarcastic. I mostly enjoyed her friendship with Rachel, now that's a drama-free friendship. I was so sick of best friends stabbing each other in the back cliche. And her and Rachel's is one I really really loved. They're very open to each other and truly know they're going to be for each other.
My beef with it, however, was how flat the narration was throughout the story. I didn't particularly like Eric and didn't see how he could be the one for her beside that he gets her weirdness.
Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part..
June 17, 2014
When I first read the summary for this book, I was immediately intrigued. I was expecting a book filled with a ton of misadventures and exploits. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case AT ALL.
Charlotte Webb is on a mission to lose her virginity and with the help of her best friend Rachel, or Roach as Charlie calls her, she has come up with a list of devirginizers’ to choose from. However, the list is dwindling fast and Charlie is no closer to having her cherry popped.
While I think this book had everything to make it a fun and quirky read, for me, it feel flat. While I really enjoyed Charlie as a character, I absolutely loved her snarky and sarcastic attitude, and while I hate to say this, she is really the only thing that saved this book for me. Like I said above, I was expecting misadventures but really the only time we actually see Charlie working on her ‘mission’ is in the first few pages and then it just stops. I think if this book would have been more focused on Charlie’s mission mishaps, I would have enjoyed it more.
Another character I liked was Grace, Charlie’s mother’s best friend, although we didn’t get to see a lot of her, she could make me laugh when she did appear in the story. Eric, was just very ‘ehhhh’ for me, I guess I could see the appeal, but to me he didn’t stand out that much.
Overall, My Soon to be Sex Life was a book that I had high hopes for but unfortunately wasn’t what I was hoping for.
Charlotte Webb is on a mission to lose her virginity and with the help of her best friend Rachel, or Roach as Charlie calls her, she has come up with a list of devirginizers’ to choose from. However, the list is dwindling fast and Charlie is no closer to having her cherry popped.
While I think this book had everything to make it a fun and quirky read, for me, it feel flat. While I really enjoyed Charlie as a character, I absolutely loved her snarky and sarcastic attitude, and while I hate to say this, she is really the only thing that saved this book for me. Like I said above, I was expecting misadventures but really the only time we actually see Charlie working on her ‘mission’ is in the first few pages and then it just stops. I think if this book would have been more focused on Charlie’s mission mishaps, I would have enjoyed it more.
Another character I liked was Grace, Charlie’s mother’s best friend, although we didn’t get to see a lot of her, she could make me laugh when she did appear in the story. Eric, was just very ‘ehhhh’ for me, I guess I could see the appeal, but to me he didn’t stand out that much.
Overall, My Soon to be Sex Life was a book that I had high hopes for but unfortunately wasn’t what I was hoping for.
May 16, 2014
3.5 Stars!
The blurb:
Charlie is down to her absolute. Total. Last. Resort.
Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her devirginization campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG, for please, get some.
Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when she has to go pick up his Depends?
Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.
In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.
Cheesiness level: Extreme!
The book was too cute for it's own good. It wasn't just for me. One can try this cute, funny read. Emotional ride, sort of!
The blurb:
Charlie is down to her absolute. Total. Last. Resort.
Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her devirginization campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG, for please, get some.
Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when she has to go pick up his Depends?
Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.
In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.
Cheesiness level: Extreme!
The book was too cute for it's own good. It wasn't just for me. One can try this cute, funny read. Emotional ride, sort of!
May 30, 2014
This was funny and heartwarming. I don't know that I would have categorized it in the New Adult. Maybe mature YA. I loved the characters in the book. The storyline hit on some real life things people deal with daily. Drugs, Sex, Old age, forgiveness, bullying, etc. Charlie was hilarious. This was the kind of book that makes you smile. Definitely recommend this quick and refreshing read.
December 15, 2015
Oh no I don't think I can handle another bad book.
This book was just I don't even no how to explain it. It was a girl looking to lose her virginity and had a list and then the next it was all over the place with her mum and grandad and then Eric and ty. I skimmed most of this book it was a slow read and the ending was poor too xxx
This book was just I don't even no how to explain it. It was a girl looking to lose her virginity and had a list and then the next it was all over the place with her mum and grandad and then Eric and ty. I skimmed most of this book it was a slow read and the ending was poor too xxx
January 3, 2015
I saw the title and figured this would be an interesting read, so I decided to request it on netgalley. I was really excited when I got approved, because I've been looking for a story that's not only quirky, but will pick me up out of my 3 star zone. Sadly, this book didn't. It's not that I didn't like the story, I liked it somewhat because the character was sarcastic, funny and witty. My issue is that it didn't pull me in as much I'd hoped. I didn't feel the fireworks.
From the blurb, it does state that her mission to lose her virginity gets put on hold when her mom decides to take care of her addiction, which is understandable, but I would have loved for there to be more moments when she was with her mom so that we could hear more about their issues and the hurt she dealt with in the loss and betrayal of Charlie's father. I know it's not really about the mom but it would have given me a better understanding of her character. Her presence wasn't really felt, even when she was in the scene. That's just me though.
I also didn't fall too much in the romance part of the story. Eric didn't give me the feels, but I am happy that Charlie realized the importance of being with someone you cared for instead of just going into a situation where she wanted to have no feelings only to get rid of her virginity.
As for Charlie building a relationship with her grandfather, I didn't get why there was a rift between them to begin with because of how Monty easily allowed her to stay with him. No complaints. Then again, he's not in his right mindset at present and really did need the help. Still, I would have liked to learn more about his character and what really caused him and Charlie's mom to end up with a distant relationship like that, but I guess it's not that big a deal to dive into every single detail.
In regards to other characters, I did enjoy Roach and Grace (although she wasn't around much). Both were interesting individuals. I appreciated Roach's character because I could relate somewhat to her family dynamics and being under so much pressure.
Overall, it was an interesting story, just wasn't as epic as I'd hoped it would be. Still, if you're looking for a quick read with snarky writing and a less than squeaky clean character, then this one is for you.
From the blurb, it does state that her mission to lose her virginity gets put on hold when her mom decides to take care of her addiction, which is understandable, but I would have loved for there to be more moments when she was with her mom so that we could hear more about their issues and the hurt she dealt with in the loss and betrayal of Charlie's father. I know it's not really about the mom but it would have given me a better understanding of her character. Her presence wasn't really felt, even when she was in the scene. That's just me though.
I also didn't fall too much in the romance part of the story. Eric didn't give me the feels, but I am happy that Charlie realized the importance of being with someone you cared for instead of just going into a situation where she wanted to have no feelings only to get rid of her virginity.
As for Charlie building a relationship with her grandfather, I didn't get why there was a rift between them to begin with because of how Monty easily allowed her to stay with him. No complaints. Then again, he's not in his right mindset at present and really did need the help. Still, I would have liked to learn more about his character and what really caused him and Charlie's mom to end up with a distant relationship like that, but I guess it's not that big a deal to dive into every single detail.
In regards to other characters, I did enjoy Roach and Grace (although she wasn't around much). Both were interesting individuals. I appreciated Roach's character because I could relate somewhat to her family dynamics and being under so much pressure.
Overall, it was an interesting story, just wasn't as epic as I'd hoped it would be. Still, if you're looking for a quick read with snarky writing and a less than squeaky clean character, then this one is for you.
April 23, 2014
Quirky, with loveable characters and surprising heart, My Soon-To-Be Sex Life is an addictive book with laugh aloud funny moments. I gobbled it up in quick bites, enjoying Judith’s Tewes down to earth prose that never feels gratuitous. Refreshing and new, a great new voice in contemporary YA fiction!
January 3, 2015
This book was funny and adorable. I couldn't help but love Eric.
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August 9, 2014This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.
I’ll admit that when I read the synopsis of My Soon-to-be Sex Life, I was equal parts shocked and curious. I thought it takes a lot of balls (in a good way) for an author to write a book like this, since sex + teenagers often equals controversy. I was curious how the subject matter would be handled, and while I didn’t love this book, I appreciated the overall message.
Charlie is a fiery, sarcastic, smart-mouthed teenage girl on a mission to lose her virginity. She has all the pieces to the puzzle, she just can’t quite figure out how to get them all together. When her mom checks herself into rehab and sends Charlie to live with her grandfather, her plans gets derailed.
Besides the humour, the thing I liked best about this book was how realistic Charlie was. She was far from perfect, she made mistakes, she did and said stupid things. She was completely believable. Nobody at that age has things figured out, especially when dealing with as much as Charlie was. I liked her best friend and her mom’s best friend, and thought they were nice additions. Eric was just okay for me. Their relationship fell flat for me, and I just couldn’t get invested in it. I wasn’t completely sure what either of them saw in each other. My favourite relationship was the one between Charlie and her grandfather. They were a great match - each of them said what they thought, and the snarky conversations they had were hilarious.
This book sort of felt like a bunch of random events thrown together. Some of them made sense, some of them not so much. There were a few things that were never really explained. Why did Charlie’s mom hate her dad so much? Why was Charlie in such a hurry to lose her virginity? Those were two main plot points, but they were never explained.
Overall, My Soon-to-be Sex Life was cute and funny. It fell flat for me in several areas, but Charlie’s spunk and sass made up for a lot of it. If you’re looking for a book with unique characters and an atypical storyline, this book might be for you.
I’ll admit that when I read the synopsis of My Soon-to-be Sex Life, I was equal parts shocked and curious. I thought it takes a lot of balls (in a good way) for an author to write a book like this, since sex + teenagers often equals controversy. I was curious how the subject matter would be handled, and while I didn’t love this book, I appreciated the overall message.
Charlie is a fiery, sarcastic, smart-mouthed teenage girl on a mission to lose her virginity. She has all the pieces to the puzzle, she just can’t quite figure out how to get them all together. When her mom checks herself into rehab and sends Charlie to live with her grandfather, her plans gets derailed.
Besides the humour, the thing I liked best about this book was how realistic Charlie was. She was far from perfect, she made mistakes, she did and said stupid things. She was completely believable. Nobody at that age has things figured out, especially when dealing with as much as Charlie was. I liked her best friend and her mom’s best friend, and thought they were nice additions. Eric was just okay for me. Their relationship fell flat for me, and I just couldn’t get invested in it. I wasn’t completely sure what either of them saw in each other. My favourite relationship was the one between Charlie and her grandfather. They were a great match - each of them said what they thought, and the snarky conversations they had were hilarious.
This book sort of felt like a bunch of random events thrown together. Some of them made sense, some of them not so much. There were a few things that were never really explained. Why did Charlie’s mom hate her dad so much? Why was Charlie in such a hurry to lose her virginity? Those were two main plot points, but they were never explained.
Overall, My Soon-to-be Sex Life was cute and funny. It fell flat for me in several areas, but Charlie’s spunk and sass made up for a lot of it. If you’re looking for a book with unique characters and an atypical storyline, this book might be for you.
August 11, 2014
This book has a sort of identity crisis going on. On one hand, it’s billed to be a fun romp through one girl’s adventure in taking control of her destiny and losing her virginity, and in reality is tends more towards the heartwarming with a coming-of-age family drama. Unfortunately, it never quite reached cruising speed with either intent.
The idea of Charlie’s list of boys to potentially lose her virginity to was intriguing, but it only makes up a small portion of the beginning of the book before coming back to haunt her in an odd twist in the ending. I was looking forward to more fun, quirky exploits on her path, but only a few are even mentioned, and they are written in an odd stylistic choice of showing a screenplay version of events. You see, Charlie is a writer who dreams of writing screenplays, and there are a few odd moments in the book where she describes things in movie-speak and screenplay format. It didn’t really work for me.
As for the character herself, Charlie is no doubt snarky and at times overly sarcastic, which makes for some really excellent one-liners and funny moments, but I found her constant cynicism to be exhausting and after awhile I just began to dislike her. It isn’t until near the end of the book that she starts to show some heart for the stressful family circumstances she is in and I began to see a fully sounded character emerge. All in all, too much snark- not enough heart.
I also wanted more explanation on the family element of the book. Charlie is sent to live with her grandfather when her mother goes into rehab, and it is mentioned that there is some tension there, but it is never fully explained. What caused this immense rift between the mother and the grandfather? Then, if there was this big issue, why was it so easy to send Charlie to live with him? Once Charlie is there, I would have liked to see more description of their everyday relationship and how they grow to like each other. In order for the melodrama that follows to really hit home, I needed more for their relationship.
All in all, this is a short book that could benefit from some more development, both in character and plot. It tried to hard to be funny and never quite hit home emotionally.
The idea of Charlie’s list of boys to potentially lose her virginity to was intriguing, but it only makes up a small portion of the beginning of the book before coming back to haunt her in an odd twist in the ending. I was looking forward to more fun, quirky exploits on her path, but only a few are even mentioned, and they are written in an odd stylistic choice of showing a screenplay version of events. You see, Charlie is a writer who dreams of writing screenplays, and there are a few odd moments in the book where she describes things in movie-speak and screenplay format. It didn’t really work for me.
As for the character herself, Charlie is no doubt snarky and at times overly sarcastic, which makes for some really excellent one-liners and funny moments, but I found her constant cynicism to be exhausting and after awhile I just began to dislike her. It isn’t until near the end of the book that she starts to show some heart for the stressful family circumstances she is in and I began to see a fully sounded character emerge. All in all, too much snark- not enough heart.
I also wanted more explanation on the family element of the book. Charlie is sent to live with her grandfather when her mother goes into rehab, and it is mentioned that there is some tension there, but it is never fully explained. What caused this immense rift between the mother and the grandfather? Then, if there was this big issue, why was it so easy to send Charlie to live with him? Once Charlie is there, I would have liked to see more description of their everyday relationship and how they grow to like each other. In order for the melodrama that follows to really hit home, I needed more for their relationship.
All in all, this is a short book that could benefit from some more development, both in character and plot. It tried to hard to be funny and never quite hit home emotionally.
July 21, 2014
Seventeen-year-old Charlie has a plan. Her internet research shows that she should have been deflowered by now, so she sets out to right that wrong. With the aid of preacher’s daughter and best friend Rachel Dunmore, she develops a list of potential suitors whose duty is to help her to exit the ranks of the chaste. But when dreamy Eric enters the story, Charlie wonders if she needs a better plan.
If you like Stephanie Plum, you’ll love Charlotte Webb! Yes, that’s Charlie’s full name, which she hates, because in her words, being named after a gross little spider that ends up kicking the bucket was just plain mean. Judith Tewes writes like Janet Evanovich — sharp, captivating, and hilarious. Every page drew me in and left me laughing out loud.
Charlie’s real problems begin when her mother commits herself to rehab because she can’t handle the death of Charlie’s father. So Charlie is forced to move in with Monty and his overweight beagle. Monty is her grandfather, who has openly ignored her and her mother for years. Their verbal sparring is side-splittingly funny, and they quickly bond because they enjoy harassing each other.
As their relationship blossoms, Charlie learns that Monty is suffering from dementia and may be dangerous to himself and his portly pup. Watching Charlie grow as the adults around her fall apart is both comical and heartwarming. Tewes takes a very delicate teen situation and handles it flawlessly. If you like witty dialogue, a compelling feeling of family, and a very satisfying ending, My Soon-To-Be Sex Life definitely delivers.
If you like Stephanie Plum, you’ll love Charlotte Webb! Yes, that’s Charlie’s full name, which she hates, because in her words, being named after a gross little spider that ends up kicking the bucket was just plain mean. Judith Tewes writes like Janet Evanovich — sharp, captivating, and hilarious. Every page drew me in and left me laughing out loud.
Charlie’s real problems begin when her mother commits herself to rehab because she can’t handle the death of Charlie’s father. So Charlie is forced to move in with Monty and his overweight beagle. Monty is her grandfather, who has openly ignored her and her mother for years. Their verbal sparring is side-splittingly funny, and they quickly bond because they enjoy harassing each other.
As their relationship blossoms, Charlie learns that Monty is suffering from dementia and may be dangerous to himself and his portly pup. Watching Charlie grow as the adults around her fall apart is both comical and heartwarming. Tewes takes a very delicate teen situation and handles it flawlessly. If you like witty dialogue, a compelling feeling of family, and a very satisfying ending, My Soon-To-Be Sex Life definitely delivers.
January 19, 2015
This book is filled with fun characters, witty sarcasm, and problems many people can connect to.
I really liked Charlie. She’s a total smart-butt, and sometimes doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. She has a jaded view on relationships because of what her family has gone through. I love that she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Charlie has a tense relationship with her mom. She tries to empathize, but she just wants her mom back the way she was.
There are parts in the book that are written like a screenplay. It’s how Charlie visualizes things that have happened to her. I don’t like the idea of devirginization list, but it’s what fuels some of the events in this book. There are so many elements that are touched on: addiction, sex, friendship, family relationships, and not judging people before you get a chance to know them.
All of the things that transpire in My Soon to Be Sex Life help Charlie grow as a person, and I think it makes her stronger, and realize that sex is something to take seriously.
I really liked Charlie. She’s a total smart-butt, and sometimes doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. She has a jaded view on relationships because of what her family has gone through. I love that she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Charlie has a tense relationship with her mom. She tries to empathize, but she just wants her mom back the way she was.
There are parts in the book that are written like a screenplay. It’s how Charlie visualizes things that have happened to her. I don’t like the idea of devirginization list, but it’s what fuels some of the events in this book. There are so many elements that are touched on: addiction, sex, friendship, family relationships, and not judging people before you get a chance to know them.
All of the things that transpire in My Soon to Be Sex Life help Charlie grow as a person, and I think it makes her stronger, and realize that sex is something to take seriously.
May 17, 2014
I have to say that I was put off by the title of My Soon-to-be-Sex Life. Put off, but yet, drawn in! So it must be a good title!
This is a not a book for those who are offended by swearing. There is a lot of swearing.
It also isn't a book for someone who doesn't like to read about the possibility of teens having sex before marriage, as you can probably tell from the title.
But the thing is, this book isn't a bunch of smut. Not at all. There aren't any descriptive acts. SPOILER COMING. The main character, Charlie, is wanting to badly to lose her virginity, but she doesn't in the course of the book.
Judith Tewes does a really realistic job of looking into why some teens do end up having sex, and she does a really good, non-preachy job of it. She doesn't condemn sex among teens, but she doesn't glorify it.
There is a lot, lot, lot to talk about here. Family relationships, faith, what it means to be a Christian, Alzheimer's Disease, just a lot.
Also, it was very funny. It moved quickly. I do hope to read more from this author.
This is a not a book for those who are offended by swearing. There is a lot of swearing.
It also isn't a book for someone who doesn't like to read about the possibility of teens having sex before marriage, as you can probably tell from the title.
But the thing is, this book isn't a bunch of smut. Not at all. There aren't any descriptive acts. SPOILER COMING. The main character, Charlie, is wanting to badly to lose her virginity, but she doesn't in the course of the book.
Judith Tewes does a really realistic job of looking into why some teens do end up having sex, and she does a really good, non-preachy job of it. She doesn't condemn sex among teens, but she doesn't glorify it.
There is a lot, lot, lot to talk about here. Family relationships, faith, what it means to be a Christian, Alzheimer's Disease, just a lot.
Also, it was very funny. It moved quickly. I do hope to read more from this author.
Want to read
January 27, 2015Charlie is down to her absolute. Total. Last. Resort.
Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her devirginization campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG, for please, get some.
Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when she has to go pick up his Depends?
Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.
In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.
Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her devirginization campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG, for please, get some.
Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when she has to go pick up his Depends?
Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.
In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.
August 12, 2014
3 stars
I had high expectations for this book after reading the blurb but it fell short for me. While the concept of the story is great and the story itself isn't bad it fell short for me. This is clearly aimed for a younger audience. I wish I had known this before starting maybe I would have enjoyed this book more. It was well written but some of the expression used were a bit weird.
This book had everything to be funny and an awesome read it wasn't the case. Charlie was awesome, sarcastic and witty. She really saved the book. I was expecting to read more of her misadventures on her quest to lose her virginity but except the first few pages we don't get more than that which is a shame because those first few pages were brilliant and really started the story well, I'd have loved to read more of those misadventures, it would have made the book so much more gripping.
Overall, this book wasn't bad but it wasn't good either, I'd only recommend this book for a younger audience.
I had high expectations for this book after reading the blurb but it fell short for me. While the concept of the story is great and the story itself isn't bad it fell short for me. This is clearly aimed for a younger audience. I wish I had known this before starting maybe I would have enjoyed this book more. It was well written but some of the expression used were a bit weird.
This book had everything to be funny and an awesome read it wasn't the case. Charlie was awesome, sarcastic and witty. She really saved the book. I was expecting to read more of her misadventures on her quest to lose her virginity but except the first few pages we don't get more than that which is a shame because those first few pages were brilliant and really started the story well, I'd have loved to read more of those misadventures, it would have made the book so much more gripping.
Overall, this book wasn't bad but it wasn't good either, I'd only recommend this book for a younger audience.
June 12, 2014
Pros and cons
Pros
The idea behind the book was cute and quirky
I didn't totally hate Charlie
Cons
Seriously she calls her BFF roach? That's a terrible nickname for Rachel
The constant movie script daydreaming thing was uber annoying
DNF for me. I got annoyed, skimmed a few pages, and gave up.
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
Pros
The idea behind the book was cute and quirky
I didn't totally hate Charlie
Cons
Seriously she calls her BFF roach? That's a terrible nickname for Rachel
The constant movie script daydreaming thing was uber annoying
DNF for me. I got annoyed, skimmed a few pages, and gave up.
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
June 22, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was quirky heartwarming story about a girl wishing to lose her virginity. The characters are relatable and loveable. The storyline was easy flowing and well-developed. This book is not for everyone as it has a lot of swearing and deals with teens having sex. But if this doesn't bother you I would recommend this book to you.
This book was quirky heartwarming story about a girl wishing to lose her virginity. The characters are relatable and loveable. The storyline was easy flowing and well-developed. This book is not for everyone as it has a lot of swearing and deals with teens having sex. But if this doesn't bother you I would recommend this book to you.
April 1, 2015
I was taken aback at the first illustration, The Devirginizers (really?). It's not a good book when you give mean side comments at about 75% of the story. The girl is like "I choose you, let's get it on!" It was really frustrating.
June 16, 2014
Sharply witty with loveably crass characters, My Soon-To-Be Sex Life is a heartfelt and unconventional look at first love, first times, and new approaches in learning to trust. Judith Tewes is soon-to-be on my list of favorite new contemporary YA authors.
August 29, 2016
A very interesting character dealing with some tough choices, in the end she makes a good choice that is right for her for good reasons, although the emotioanl progression is a little uneven. Note some content may not be suitable for all readers.
July 26, 2014
This book will crack you up! Charlie is one funny character. With all the laughs there are plenty of serious undertones throughout the story. Great, quick read. Full review to follow on my blog for the blog tour - A Life Bound By Books
December 10, 2014
I honestly don't know how to rate this book. I want to give it a 3 stars, but I really didn't feel that I liked it so much so I think Im going to go 2.5 stars and just round it up to a 3 because If I absolutely had to chose between 2 stars and 3 Id go with three.
full review to come
full review to come
May 12, 2014
Wrote it. Read it. Admit it made me laugh. Perhaps you'll like it.
July 2, 2014
2.5
I struggled with this one sadly. It wasn't what I expected at all. Review to come possibly.
I struggled with this one sadly. It wasn't what I expected at all. Review to come possibly.
June 4, 2017
DNF - should not have even cracked the cover. Not sure why I got a copy of this one but it is not for me...
May 25, 2014
Pretty fun.
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