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Saturday Night #1
Saturday Night
This was no ordinary Saturday night.
Five girls. They couldn't have been more different, but they shared a common dream—a perfect Saturday night at the Autumn Leaves Dance. For each of them, the night meant something different: It was a chance to be beautiful—or dangerous; it was a time to reveal a secret, to even a score, or to fall in love.
Of course their paths crossed. And for some, their dreams came true. But none of them could have guessed the surprises the night would hold—surprises that would change their lives. Because for Beth, Anne, Molly, Emily, and Kip, nothing would be the same after Saturday Night.
Five girls. They couldn't have been more different, but they shared a common dream—a perfect Saturday night at the Autumn Leaves Dance. For each of them, the night meant something different: It was a chance to be beautiful—or dangerous; it was a time to reveal a secret, to even a score, or to fall in love.
Of course their paths crossed. And for some, their dreams came true. But none of them could have guessed the surprises the night would hold—surprises that would change their lives. Because for Beth, Anne, Molly, Emily, and Kip, nothing would be the same after Saturday Night.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
10 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Caroline B. Cooney
129 books1,766 followersCaroline Cooney knew in sixth grade that she wanted to be a writer when "the best teacher I ever had in my life" made writing her main focus. "He used to rip off covers from The New Yorker and pass them around and make us write a short story on whichever cover we got. I started writing then and never stopped!"
When her children were young, Caroline started writing books for young people -- with remarkable results. She began to sell stories to Seventeen magazine and soon after began writing books. Suspense novels are her favorites to read and write. "In a suspense novel, you can count on action."
To keep her stories realistic, Caroline visits many schools outside of her area, learning more about teenagers all the time. She often organizes what she calls a "plotting game," in which students work together to create plots for stories. Caroline lives in Westbrook, Connecticut and when she's not writing she volunteers at a hospital, plays piano for the school musicals and daydreams!
- Scholastic.com
When her children were young, Caroline started writing books for young people -- with remarkable results. She began to sell stories to Seventeen magazine and soon after began writing books. Suspense novels are her favorites to read and write. "In a suspense novel, you can count on action."
To keep her stories realistic, Caroline visits many schools outside of her area, learning more about teenagers all the time. She often organizes what she calls a "plotting game," in which students work together to create plots for stories. Caroline lives in Westbrook, Connecticut and when she's not writing she volunteers at a hospital, plays piano for the school musicals and daydreams!
- Scholastic.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 17, 2017
Some of my fondest memories of being a pre-teen and teenager revolve around books. Goodness, I wish I would have saved them all. Now some of them are going for a pretty high price online (and falling apart). Saturday Night first released in 1986. I was in 5th or 6th grade. I had discovered boys. I have no idea where I came to own this book. I do know that I read it over and over and over again. The stories of these four girls (five if you count evil Molly) dressing up and attending a huge dance really captured me. I was Beth Rose, I feared. The girl without a date who wanted to wear the beautiful dress so much that she went alone. No, I was Kip, a natural leader. She planned the entire dance and then found herself dateless and staying home...until a last minute guy she hardly knew invited her. I knew I wasn't Anne, the gorgeous blond who had a dream life. Weathly, spoiled but kind...with a hot and popular steady boyfriend Con. But my favorite was Emily, a plain, quiet girl who had recently met the boy of her dreams. Matt brought out all the best in Emily and he made her happy when her family didn't.
The book takes place during the evening of one formal school dance. Anne is carrying a secret that will ruin her image and perhaps life forever. Kip is trying to put up with a lousy date just to see the fruits of her labor in planning the dance. Beth Rose, always the wallflower, meets a handsome popular boy who is there alone too. And Emily and Matthew may not make it to the dance at all.
I don't really know why I was so enchanted by this book. I do know, reading it years later, I was still enchanted. Maybe I was just enchanted by the memory of how enchanted I used to be, I don't know for sure. I could definitely see the books flaws this time around. But they weren't many after all this time. I thought the outdated references were hysterical though. One of the girls has to wait in line for a pay phone! Beth Rose's great aunt should be dead by now if she was born when Saturday Night says she was. Still I loved this one and I am so grateful they didn't change a thing. I remember when the Sweet Valley High series re-released a few years back and changed all of the outdated fashions and technology. It made the books lose something. But here is Saturday Night in all its 1980's glory. And the stories about these girls are simply timeless.
The book takes place during the evening of one formal school dance. Anne is carrying a secret that will ruin her image and perhaps life forever. Kip is trying to put up with a lousy date just to see the fruits of her labor in planning the dance. Beth Rose, always the wallflower, meets a handsome popular boy who is there alone too. And Emily and Matthew may not make it to the dance at all.
I don't really know why I was so enchanted by this book. I do know, reading it years later, I was still enchanted. Maybe I was just enchanted by the memory of how enchanted I used to be, I don't know for sure. I could definitely see the books flaws this time around. But they weren't many after all this time. I thought the outdated references were hysterical though. One of the girls has to wait in line for a pay phone! Beth Rose's great aunt should be dead by now if she was born when Saturday Night says she was. Still I loved this one and I am so grateful they didn't change a thing. I remember when the Sweet Valley High series re-released a few years back and changed all of the outdated fashions and technology. It made the books lose something. But here is Saturday Night in all its 1980's glory. And the stories about these girls are simply timeless.
November 18, 2017
I never would have known about this book or this series if I didn't sign up for two reading challenges: 1) is a series only challenge and 2) wants you to read a book that mentions or is set on New Year's Day. Luckily for me Caroline wrote a series that has a book all about New Year's Eve. So, this was like a two-for-one kind of deal or two-birds-with-one-stone moment.
Even though I knew nothing about Caroline or her work I actually really liked this book. Saturday Night was pretty cute. It's about five different girls who live the same Saturday in the same town all differently. Oh, and they all go to the same school too.
Overall, I really liked this book. It was a super quick and easy read and I can't wait to read the next one.
Even though I knew nothing about Caroline or her work I actually really liked this book. Saturday Night was pretty cute. It's about five different girls who live the same Saturday in the same town all differently. Oh, and they all go to the same school too.
Overall, I really liked this book. It was a super quick and easy read and I can't wait to read the next one.
April 3, 2017
I was a young teen when this book came out and it quickly became a favorite of mine. Caroline Cooney, for all that she wrote a lot of lighthearted fluff, is a master of dialogue, her books are always shot through with witty quips and memorable turns of phrase.
Despite the fact that I can recite passages from this book by heart, it's been ages since I actually sat down and read it.
The 80s fashion details are glorious, I really dislike how current trends are to leave out fashion in order to render to books timeless, to me part of the enjoyment of a book written on a certain era (as opposed to set there after the fact) is the genuine descriptions of what is au courant at the moment.
This book has all the romance, high school drama and genuine heroes one could want, plus our perennial bad girl Molly, who readers love to hate. This book is an inextricable part of my youth, so I can't judge it fairly, but it's definitely a winner as far as I'm concerned.
Despite the fact that I can recite passages from this book by heart, it's been ages since I actually sat down and read it.
The 80s fashion details are glorious, I really dislike how current trends are to leave out fashion in order to render to books timeless, to me part of the enjoyment of a book written on a certain era (as opposed to set there after the fact) is the genuine descriptions of what is au courant at the moment.
This book has all the romance, high school drama and genuine heroes one could want, plus our perennial bad girl Molly, who readers love to hate. This book is an inextricable part of my youth, so I can't judge it fairly, but it's definitely a winner as far as I'm concerned.
February 26, 2017
This was dreadful. I wanted all of these vile girls to be hit by lightening. And if the characters weren't bad enough, there were abrupt POV changes throughout. On one page, there are thoughts from Beth Rose, Anne and some random band member...confusing and beyond annoying.
October 7, 2021
I’ve been on a bit of a nostalgia trip last year. I had vague memories of this book which I read in the 90s and somehow found it again. I am so glad it held up to my memories!
June 12, 2017
"Pretty dresses, desperate hearts."
Set in the eighties, this book is about five teenage girls and their experiences at their first formal, the Autumn Leaves Dance. They suffer anxieties, dramas and home truths. Secrets are revealed and lessons are learned. Love is in the air too! I loved the detailed descriptions of the dresses and how they made each girl stand out. I especially loved Beth Rose's vintage dress that her grandmother gave to her, which added to her magical night. Beth Rose's storyline was my favourite as it was fairytale-esque and how I wished my teenage life had been. Plus she got to fall in love with Gary! Wish this had been made into an eighties teen movie! Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and seeing how the characters' lives progress.
Set in the eighties, this book is about five teenage girls and their experiences at their first formal, the Autumn Leaves Dance. They suffer anxieties, dramas and home truths. Secrets are revealed and lessons are learned. Love is in the air too! I loved the detailed descriptions of the dresses and how they made each girl stand out. I especially loved Beth Rose's vintage dress that her grandmother gave to her, which added to her magical night. Beth Rose's storyline was my favourite as it was fairytale-esque and how I wished my teenage life had been. Plus she got to fall in love with Gary! Wish this had been made into an eighties teen movie! Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and seeing how the characters' lives progress.
December 8, 2013
I read this series a million years ago when I was teen, and I don't know if it's because I have such fond memories of these books, or if they've withstood the test of time, but I really loved re-reading this first book. They're now ebooks and they were the only thing I bought on Black Friday. Kip, Beth Rose, Emily, Anne and Molly are characters that I suspect I will think I really knew once I get senile, and I'm perfectly okay with that. :)
February 19, 2012
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
:D
Beth Rose was my favorite character along with the other guy that I don't remember. I remember Beth Rose as myself because I'm more of a loner with the "boys" part but I have girlfriends. :D But what Beth Rose did is really cool. Our JS is near and I wish to make it perfect. CIAO!
:D
Beth Rose was my favorite character along with the other guy that I don't remember. I remember Beth Rose as myself because I'm more of a loner with the "boys" part but I have girlfriends. :D But what Beth Rose did is really cool. Our JS is near and I wish to make it perfect. CIAO!
March 16, 2017
On a recent visit back to my mums house, I found this on the bookshelf in the spare room. I re-read it and oh the nostalgia! As a young teenager I love loved this series! As I read again of their hopes and dreams, it brought back many memories. Nicely written YA and I'm sure it will charm for years to come despite being rather dated(for me this just added to its charm!).
January 26, 2021
I loved this. A perfect teen romance, with some authentic, memorable characters that made me want to read the rest of the miniseries and find out what happens. I really felt their hopes and fears, and was shouting and laughing and growling at the pages. Add to all that CBC's beautiful writing, and you've got a winner.
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March 31, 2025Ah Nostalgia! I first read this book as a paperback in my weekly Scholastic book order in the mid 1980s. Surprisingly this book did not feel as dated as I thought it would. Only a passing reference to pay phones made me feel old.
September 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I didn't remember Kip being such a raging jerk, though. She was really awful to Rod. I read this in high school and loved it. The book holds up in some ways, although it's sad that girls are having the same thoughts and discussions today.
November 4, 2011
When I think back to when I read this book; it puts a smile on my face :D
May 31, 2013
I love books in the "Love Notebook" series! <3
The story lines are light, easy and fast to read. It's perfect for summer.
The story lines are light, easy and fast to read. It's perfect for summer.
March 28, 2014
Classic Caroline B Cooney. Really enjoyable.
July 31, 2019
3.5. Cooney captured all the wistful dreams of girls looking for that perfect dress and the perfect date for the perfect dance, and all the things that can go wrong. Or right, depending how you look at it.
September 22, 2021
I haven’t read these books in years - I think the last time was when I was a teenager.
I still like them 😃
I still like them 😃
November 11, 2021
In a fit of nostalgia I bought this on Abe Books. I hadn’t read it in over 30 years, which makes me feel incredibly ancient.
Read
May 19, 2022Simple, but one I love. Shows the drama of high school for sure!
June 12, 2022
It's such a heartwarming story omg Lewis and Matt, I love you❤️
February 22, 2025
An enjoyable teen romance. Having read the third in the series before this one, I suspect this series might get a little repetitive, but I'll certainly continue.
July 29, 2025
Just okay
September 16, 2025
3.5 stars
January 25, 2025
A welcome re-read of one of my favourite books from when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I wish I still had my old Point Romance paperbacks but I leapt at the chance to get it on Kindle...on 23rd May 2014. I then left it because I was so afraid it was going to be dreadful. Maybe it is. Maybe I am viewing it through rose-tinted glasses (well, I definitely am, but maybe I am letting it cloud my judgement).
But I loved it.
The only person whose storyline I really remember from all the books is Anne, which is kind of odd as she is the character I least identify with. But I remember Beth Rose and "the dress" from this book. And I had forgotten how much I loved Emily.
I hope to get to the other three books soon.
2025 edit.
I didn't get to the other books back in 2018 but hope to do so this year. Again, I loved Beth Rose and Emily and Matt. I feel more annoyed with Kip than I did as a teenager. And half of this plot would not work in the age of the mobile phone. But this was exactly what I wanted to read just now.
But I loved it.
The only person whose storyline I really remember from all the books is Anne, which is kind of odd as she is the character I least identify with. But I remember Beth Rose and "the dress" from this book. And I had forgotten how much I loved Emily.
I hope to get to the other three books soon.
2025 edit.
I didn't get to the other books back in 2018 but hope to do so this year. Again, I loved Beth Rose and Emily and Matt. I feel more annoyed with Kip than I did as a teenager. And half of this plot would not work in the age of the mobile phone. But this was exactly what I wanted to read just now.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews