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Sweet Valley High #66
Who's To Blame?
Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield's parents have separated. Mr. Wakefield has moved into an apartment of his own, and the house seems empty without him. Elizabeth has never been so miserable. She would do anything to bring her family together again.
Then Jessica tells her twin that she thinks their parents' separation is all Elizabeth's fault! Distraught and guilt-ridden, Elizabeth decides to move away from home. If she really is the cause of her parents' unhappiness, perhaps they'll get back together once she is out of their way....
Then Jessica tells her twin that she thinks their parents' separation is all Elizabeth's fault! Distraught and guilt-ridden, Elizabeth decides to move away from home. If she really is the cause of her parents' unhappiness, perhaps they'll get back together once she is out of their way....
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
32 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,839 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 25, 2021
I read this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Taking place days after the end of book 65, and the proposal from Ned that he and Alice should separate, we see Ned move into an apartment in downtown Sweet Valley while Elizabeth sinks into a complete pity party. This book annoyed me on the premise that Elizabeth is usually the sweet, level-headed sister and yet in this book we see her completely lose it while Jessica goes rollerskating with some boy she met online. I found this book more difficult to swallow than the previous ones for this reason. Liz makes it all about herself instead of Jessica doing it for once, we even see her and Todd breaking up momentarily because she "feels sorry" for him but she doesn't know if she loves him because all love is a tragedy apparently. Liz also even "runs away" to Enid's house a block away.
Have I mentioned before how weird it is that Steve is dating his younger sister's best friend when he's in college and she's a junior in high school?
Taking place days after the end of book 65, and the proposal from Ned that he and Alice should separate, we see Ned move into an apartment in downtown Sweet Valley while Elizabeth sinks into a complete pity party. This book annoyed me on the premise that Elizabeth is usually the sweet, level-headed sister and yet in this book we see her completely lose it while Jessica goes rollerskating with some boy she met online. I found this book more difficult to swallow than the previous ones for this reason. Liz makes it all about herself instead of Jessica doing it for once, we even see her and Todd breaking up momentarily because she "feels sorry" for him but she doesn't know if she loves him because all love is a tragedy apparently. Liz also even "runs away" to Enid's house a block away.
Have I mentioned before how weird it is that Steve is dating his younger sister's best friend when he's in college and she's a junior in high school?
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November 8, 2021I originally picked this book up because the last one ended on a cliffhanger and I was curious what would happen... but this book didn't answer my questions either 🙃 ill likely continue at some point but im not in a big rush to continue on in the series
July 29, 2017
Oh Liz, you drive me nuts!
In this book, we have a continuation of the Wakefield marital woes from book 65. Ned decides to move out so he and Alice can spend some time apart and try to figure things out. At least he wasn't as big of a jerk in this book as he was in the last one.
Steven hangs around too much, as usual, and I'm wondering how he can pass any of his college classes since he spends the majority of his time at home.
Jess takes their dad's side, Steven takes their mom's, and Liz is down in the dumps because she thinks her parents' split is all her fault. Narcissist much, Liz?
Liz is in a daze at school and starts bombing on her schoolwork and her work with the Oracle. Then she makes a crazy decision to break up with Todd, since she thinks all love is doomed, now that her parents are separated. *eyeroll*
Ultimately, she decides her family hates her after one argument with Steven and Jessica, so she decides to run away. In a truly creative move, she goes to her best friend Enid's house - I'm sure her family would never think to look for her there!! 😱🙄
In the end, her family freaks out, finds her at Enid's a day later, then her parents inform them they are going to try to work on their marriage. I will be very happy when this storyline is over! Oh, and Jessica pulls a twin switch to get Liz and Todd back together. Liz really treats Todd like crap in this one. Sigh.
But what can I say, I'm thoroughly addicted to these like a bad soap opera I can't look away from. I'm really enjoying reading through the entire series for the first time.
To anyone interested, you can read the entire SVH series for free on openlibrary.org, and they also have the regular series minus the super editions available on kindle unlimited.
In this book, we have a continuation of the Wakefield marital woes from book 65. Ned decides to move out so he and Alice can spend some time apart and try to figure things out. At least he wasn't as big of a jerk in this book as he was in the last one.
Steven hangs around too much, as usual, and I'm wondering how he can pass any of his college classes since he spends the majority of his time at home.
Jess takes their dad's side, Steven takes their mom's, and Liz is down in the dumps because she thinks her parents' split is all her fault. Narcissist much, Liz?
Liz is in a daze at school and starts bombing on her schoolwork and her work with the Oracle. Then she makes a crazy decision to break up with Todd, since she thinks all love is doomed, now that her parents are separated. *eyeroll*
Ultimately, she decides her family hates her after one argument with Steven and Jessica, so she decides to run away. In a truly creative move, she goes to her best friend Enid's house - I'm sure her family would never think to look for her there!! 😱🙄
In the end, her family freaks out, finds her at Enid's a day later, then her parents inform them they are going to try to work on their marriage. I will be very happy when this storyline is over! Oh, and Jessica pulls a twin switch to get Liz and Todd back together. Liz really treats Todd like crap in this one. Sigh.
But what can I say, I'm thoroughly addicted to these like a bad soap opera I can't look away from. I'm really enjoying reading through the entire series for the first time.
To anyone interested, you can read the entire SVH series for free on openlibrary.org, and they also have the regular series minus the super editions available on kindle unlimited.
July 25, 2020
Oh, Wakefieldss- Alice and Ned have separated because Ned (actually, NONE of the Wakefields, including Alice) can seem to wrap his head around the fact that his wife's career is just as important as his, and Elizabeth feels guilty because she had the audacity to let her mother's boss know where she was going when the family went to Tahoe. In the more fun subplot, Elizabeth breaks up with Todd and plays the field, which makes Jessica pissed as hell, because now her sister is "stealing all the boys" and apparently obtaining a reputation (*snort*). The further into this series I get, the more obvious that the writers were very much of the whole Leave it to Beaver generation and had little idea of what llfe was actually like in families during the mid 80s. Oh, and Jessica finally gets caught with her 900 number phone bill charges and acts like a shit about those, too-- zero remorse and not even grounded-- the big threat of her mother? She may have to *horrified gasp* - get a part time job! How cruel! No wonder she's such a sociopath.
October 8, 2022
Who’s to Blame?
Following the previous book, Ned has now decided to move out. Steve, Elizabeth, and Jessica help him move his things to his new place. Ned’s new place leaves a lot to be desired -I thought he was a lawyer. Shouldn’t he have something a little more upscale? -. It’s awkward. Steven suggests lunch but Ned tells them he has other stuff to do.
Liz and Todd meet up later and her mind is on her parents and she tells him she feels guilty (but even though he’s her boyfriend she doesn’t tell him the reason).
The next day the family falls apart a little more. Jessica is on Ned’s side, Steven is on Alice’s side, and Liz is just stuck in her own head. Jessica thinks her mom is selfish for putting work over her family’s issues but Liz thinks she’s avoiding being there because Ned is gone. Jessica and Steve start to argue and they all argue. Jessica storms out of the room.
Liz goes to see Enid because if anyone understands she will. (Her parents are divorced). Elizabeth tells Enid about her guilt and Enid tells her parents split didn’t have anything to do with her. Liz hears her but doesn’t *hear* her. *Liz is convinced it’s her fault because she was the one that gave Alice’s co-worker the number of the Tahoe resort that the Wakefields went to.
The next day at school, Lila and Amy want to throw a Pi Beta Alpha party and Jessica thinks it’ll be the perfect opportunity to invite Charlie-the boy she meets on the teen line that’s been giving her the run around when she suggests actually meeting up. When she comes home, Alice has found the phone bill and it’s 375.00. Jessica tries to lay a guilt trip on Alice and she tells her the only reason she did it was because she was lonely after all the fighting her parents were doing. But Alice isn’t hearing and suspends Jessica’s allowance until she pays it all back. Jessica tells Alice she bet Ned wouldn’t do that and she threatens to go to Ned (playing her parents against each other). She does and it works Ned says he’ll talk to Alice. Jessica decides that if they split up she’ll stay with Ned because she’ll get her way. Plus, he’ll be mayor (so she’ll sponge of his status and fame).
The Phi Beta Alpha party is gonna be a costume party and it’ll be in 2 weeks). Amy suggests Jess and Charlie go as phantoms. Or Charlie could be the Invisible Man. Jessica lies and says they have a date that weekend to go roller skating. Amy calls her bluff and says she’s coming too.
Todd and Liz have a date that afternoon and Todd starts talking about costumes. Liz is short with him and not interested (she’s still in her feelings about her parents) and the date goes downhill from there. Liz cuts the date short and is happy to go home to check on her mom.
Steve is home, again and again, he and Jessica get into it. Alice comes home and Ned calls. She’s excited but then it turns to anger because he’s just defending Jessica costing them a huge bill with the teen line. Alice gets pissed and tells him they’ll talk about it later.
Jessica goes to her room and calls Charlie and gets him to make a definite date with her for roller skating that weekend. She suggests she’ll know it’s him because (like in the movies) he’ll be carrying a red rose.
After class, Mr. Collins confronts Liz about a mediocre paper and asks her what’s wrong. Liz (who usually doesn’t seem to have a problem telling him anything) again talks the silent route. He just gives her a chance to rewrite it (instead of giving her a D or an F which most teachers wouldn’t have hesitated to do). She leaves school and goes for a bike ride and when she gets home Todd is blowing her phone up because they had plans to go shopping to get his mother a present. Todd like the amazing boyfriend he is (NOT!) tries to guilt trip her about “boyfriends need attention too” but she tells him to go without her. She has to stay home and help Alice make dinner. (Now that Alice has been so busy she’s been the one doing the grocery shopping).
Penny shows up and tells her she forgot to do an interview for the Oracle (and again she doesn’t say anything about her parents). Sooo she can get in everyone else’s business in the series but she’s a closed book about her own issues. Mmm!
Jessica is stressing about clothes again and what to wear on her date and she asks Lila to borrow money. Lila is smart and tells her she doesn’t lend money go friends but go hit up her Dad who ought to be good for some guilt money.
Late Liz is spending time with Alice and Todd calls, but this time Liz tells him it’s over. (We all know it won’t stick). Jessica later suggests she play the field (and here we go with book 7 Dear Sister all over again minus the head injury). Enid tries to get to talk to Todd, but Liz is over him. And her first victim is Paul Jefferies. Enid is appalled because Paul is a womanizer. (Really are any of the SVH guys prizes other than Nicolas Morrow?). Elizabeth just shrugs it off like “I can handle it.
Jessica gets the new outfit and her first date is a flop. Charlie is handsome but dull and doesn’t have a sense of humor. Later he calls and tells her he was just dumbfounded how good she looked and convinces her to give him a second chance. The second date doesn’t go much better. They meet at a Japanese restaurant and he’s late. While she’s waiting Jessica thinks about Elizabeth and how she’s starting to turn into a whore (she doesn’t think that but it’s strongly implied). She’s already been out with 2 boys this week. (It’s interesting that when Jessica does it it’s *playing the field* but when her sister does it it’s *too much* and she’s worried about her reputation). The date is pretty much the same but this time “Charlie” asks her out and again and she tells him they can still talk on the phone but they aren’t right for each other. She later tells Amy she rather have less cute and more personality.
Paul then comes up and confuses her for Liz and she flips out. How dare any other boy at SVH have eyes for any Wakefield female but her! Jessica gets locked out when she gets home (because she forgets her keys) and Steven shows up and lets her in. It turns into another argument and this time Jessica gets on Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells Jessica it was her idea to play the field but Jessica tells her its one thing to play the field but she doesn’t have to date all the players on the field (only she can do that). Jessica accuses Steven about not caring about Ned and Elizabeth again is in the middle. Steven calls Elizabeth “self-righteous” and so now they both on her for not taking a side in the great debate of who should get the most sympathy (Ned or Alice). * Then Jessica hits Liz in a sore spot and accuses her of being the one to bring up their parents. Jessica bursts into tears and Steven comforts her. Liz leaves the room.
Of course, at school, there’s a test about how fragile love is, and support their answer with quotes they read. Liz crumples the test up and decides she won’t be around when Mr. Collins reads it. Liz meets up with Enid and tells her she’s going to run away to one of her relatives and Enid convinces her to stay with her for a while. Liz (at Enid's) writes her parent’s letters but conveniently leaves out where she is. Liz says she’ll call when she’s ready to come home.
Jess is stressing over not having a date for the dance and calls the party line again. One of the girls tells her Charlie isn’t there and the one she went on the date with wasn’t him. He sent a friend in his place because he doesn’t think he’ll be her type. Jessica wonders if he’s just not cute at all or just shy.
Alice starts to get worried when Liz doesn’t come home and Steven tells her about the fight they had. Alice is pissed. Then they hear a car and someone has dropped off the letter. Ned shows up and now he’s upset. Ned and Alice realize what they’re fighting and separation has done to their kids.
Liz meanwhile is having fun at Enid’s and confesses to her that she does miss Todd. And Enid tells her he still misses her. Only Liz doesn’t believe it because she’s seen Todd with another girl. Liz says it’s better this way because they’ll only break up when it’s time for them to go to college. Enid still thinks they should enjoy their time together.
The next day Liz comes home (magically cured) from her guilt complex. They talk but Ned and Alice still want to live apart.
At the costume party Jess and Steven -feeling guilty about their part in it all-call Todd and Jess pretends to be Liz and get him to meet her at Secca Lake. Jess dresses up as Liz and then switches when Liz gets there and Todd and Liz make up.
Jess gets Amy to go with the real Charlie and she’ll go with fake Charlie. This way if he’s not cute he’s Amy’s problem. But it backfires real Charlie and fake Charlie both like Amy. So for the umpteenth time, Jessica swears off men and decides to concentrate on politics.
My Thoughts: I could definitely relate to a lot of this book. I could relate to the plot about Liz because as silly and as un-logical as it was to think that Alice and Ned’s issues have anything to do with her giving her mother’s co-worker the number-which really if you fall apart without one person for a weekend what does that say about your company? (and trust me when I say at times my own job hasn’t been much better)*-I slightly remember when my own parents were going through their marital issues (eventually divorce) and I had the same thought that I had somehow single-handedly was the reason for their problems. Of course, I was about 11 and Liz is 16, but it can happen. This was a very anti-climatic plot because it’s over before you know it. Everyone practically knows she��s either at Todd’s or Enid’s and she’s not even there a day before they find her and she’s ready to come home. I think Jessica did it better when she ran away to San Francisco on a train. At least that had some flair. I could also relate to the whole meeting someone through a venue (teen line, chat room, social media) *for me it was a chat room* and they charm the hell out of you and don’t turn out to be who they say. I can give Charlie some kind of credit though. I guess it wasn’t the book’s time, but at least he didn’t “ghost” her at the skating rink. What he did was deceptive, but he did send SOMEBODY. Did it make it right NO? But was it a little better than just outright blowing her off? Somewhat. I’ll also give him credit for eventually agreeing to meet with her. Although if Charlie was self-conscious and feeling pressured about his looks and going out with Jessica why did he agree to go out with Amy-who isn’t exactly unattractive-? Or was it just because he didn’t know how Amy herself looked and thus, he hadn’t talked himself up to her or her to him? But if you don’t think your attractive and have resorted to a teen line typically your gun shy about dating anyone and wouldn’t volunteer for it. I could also really relate to Liz’s attitude about love and I admit I am SO GUILTY! This has definitely been my mindset the older I get to think that love just is NOT worth it from what I’ve seen. People who find it don’t keep it. Here today and gone tomorrow is the way it is these days from my POV. People who do manage to keep it for some years are just hanging on by a thread. Passion long gone and dried up. What even is the point again? So as messed up as it is I understood where Liz was coming from. Down the line, she DOES NOT stay with Todd and end up happily ever after and isn’t that just the way it is. Not to say that in this world there aren’t couples who have been together YEARS and I know who are probably very much in love, but after you see love fall apart like in Ned and Alice’s case for person after person then what hope do you have to hold on too? I think we all know Ned and Alice will get back together in a book or two but what about real-life when people don’t? And again, Todd really isn’t all *that* great! Todd her parents are SEPERATED! Give her a minute and stop trying to lay some selfish, bs, guilt, trip on her about you need attention too! Am I the only one that’s over all the Todd and Liz drama and wish they’d just call it off for good instead of all the back and forth in this series?
Following the previous book, Ned has now decided to move out. Steve, Elizabeth, and Jessica help him move his things to his new place. Ned’s new place leaves a lot to be desired -I thought he was a lawyer. Shouldn’t he have something a little more upscale? -. It’s awkward. Steven suggests lunch but Ned tells them he has other stuff to do.
Liz and Todd meet up later and her mind is on her parents and she tells him she feels guilty (but even though he’s her boyfriend she doesn’t tell him the reason).
The next day the family falls apart a little more. Jessica is on Ned’s side, Steven is on Alice’s side, and Liz is just stuck in her own head. Jessica thinks her mom is selfish for putting work over her family’s issues but Liz thinks she’s avoiding being there because Ned is gone. Jessica and Steve start to argue and they all argue. Jessica storms out of the room.
Liz goes to see Enid because if anyone understands she will. (Her parents are divorced). Elizabeth tells Enid about her guilt and Enid tells her parents split didn’t have anything to do with her. Liz hears her but doesn’t *hear* her. *Liz is convinced it’s her fault because she was the one that gave Alice’s co-worker the number of the Tahoe resort that the Wakefields went to.
The next day at school, Lila and Amy want to throw a Pi Beta Alpha party and Jessica thinks it’ll be the perfect opportunity to invite Charlie-the boy she meets on the teen line that’s been giving her the run around when she suggests actually meeting up. When she comes home, Alice has found the phone bill and it’s 375.00. Jessica tries to lay a guilt trip on Alice and she tells her the only reason she did it was because she was lonely after all the fighting her parents were doing. But Alice isn’t hearing and suspends Jessica’s allowance until she pays it all back. Jessica tells Alice she bet Ned wouldn’t do that and she threatens to go to Ned (playing her parents against each other). She does and it works Ned says he’ll talk to Alice. Jessica decides that if they split up she’ll stay with Ned because she’ll get her way. Plus, he’ll be mayor (so she’ll sponge of his status and fame).
The Phi Beta Alpha party is gonna be a costume party and it’ll be in 2 weeks). Amy suggests Jess and Charlie go as phantoms. Or Charlie could be the Invisible Man. Jessica lies and says they have a date that weekend to go roller skating. Amy calls her bluff and says she’s coming too.
Todd and Liz have a date that afternoon and Todd starts talking about costumes. Liz is short with him and not interested (she’s still in her feelings about her parents) and the date goes downhill from there. Liz cuts the date short and is happy to go home to check on her mom.
Steve is home, again and again, he and Jessica get into it. Alice comes home and Ned calls. She’s excited but then it turns to anger because he’s just defending Jessica costing them a huge bill with the teen line. Alice gets pissed and tells him they’ll talk about it later.
Jessica goes to her room and calls Charlie and gets him to make a definite date with her for roller skating that weekend. She suggests she’ll know it’s him because (like in the movies) he’ll be carrying a red rose.
After class, Mr. Collins confronts Liz about a mediocre paper and asks her what’s wrong. Liz (who usually doesn’t seem to have a problem telling him anything) again talks the silent route. He just gives her a chance to rewrite it (instead of giving her a D or an F which most teachers wouldn’t have hesitated to do). She leaves school and goes for a bike ride and when she gets home Todd is blowing her phone up because they had plans to go shopping to get his mother a present. Todd like the amazing boyfriend he is (NOT!) tries to guilt trip her about “boyfriends need attention too” but she tells him to go without her. She has to stay home and help Alice make dinner. (Now that Alice has been so busy she’s been the one doing the grocery shopping).
Penny shows up and tells her she forgot to do an interview for the Oracle (and again she doesn’t say anything about her parents). Sooo she can get in everyone else’s business in the series but she’s a closed book about her own issues. Mmm!
Jessica is stressing about clothes again and what to wear on her date and she asks Lila to borrow money. Lila is smart and tells her she doesn’t lend money go friends but go hit up her Dad who ought to be good for some guilt money.
Late Liz is spending time with Alice and Todd calls, but this time Liz tells him it’s over. (We all know it won’t stick). Jessica later suggests she play the field (and here we go with book 7 Dear Sister all over again minus the head injury). Enid tries to get to talk to Todd, but Liz is over him. And her first victim is Paul Jefferies. Enid is appalled because Paul is a womanizer. (Really are any of the SVH guys prizes other than Nicolas Morrow?). Elizabeth just shrugs it off like “I can handle it.
Jessica gets the new outfit and her first date is a flop. Charlie is handsome but dull and doesn’t have a sense of humor. Later he calls and tells her he was just dumbfounded how good she looked and convinces her to give him a second chance. The second date doesn’t go much better. They meet at a Japanese restaurant and he’s late. While she’s waiting Jessica thinks about Elizabeth and how she’s starting to turn into a whore (she doesn’t think that but it’s strongly implied). She’s already been out with 2 boys this week. (It’s interesting that when Jessica does it it’s *playing the field* but when her sister does it it’s *too much* and she’s worried about her reputation). The date is pretty much the same but this time “Charlie” asks her out and again and she tells him they can still talk on the phone but they aren’t right for each other. She later tells Amy she rather have less cute and more personality.
Paul then comes up and confuses her for Liz and she flips out. How dare any other boy at SVH have eyes for any Wakefield female but her! Jessica gets locked out when she gets home (because she forgets her keys) and Steven shows up and lets her in. It turns into another argument and this time Jessica gets on Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells Jessica it was her idea to play the field but Jessica tells her its one thing to play the field but she doesn’t have to date all the players on the field (only she can do that). Jessica accuses Steven about not caring about Ned and Elizabeth again is in the middle. Steven calls Elizabeth “self-righteous” and so now they both on her for not taking a side in the great debate of who should get the most sympathy (Ned or Alice). * Then Jessica hits Liz in a sore spot and accuses her of being the one to bring up their parents. Jessica bursts into tears and Steven comforts her. Liz leaves the room.
Of course, at school, there’s a test about how fragile love is, and support their answer with quotes they read. Liz crumples the test up and decides she won’t be around when Mr. Collins reads it. Liz meets up with Enid and tells her she’s going to run away to one of her relatives and Enid convinces her to stay with her for a while. Liz (at Enid's) writes her parent’s letters but conveniently leaves out where she is. Liz says she’ll call when she’s ready to come home.
Jess is stressing over not having a date for the dance and calls the party line again. One of the girls tells her Charlie isn’t there and the one she went on the date with wasn’t him. He sent a friend in his place because he doesn’t think he’ll be her type. Jessica wonders if he’s just not cute at all or just shy.
Alice starts to get worried when Liz doesn’t come home and Steven tells her about the fight they had. Alice is pissed. Then they hear a car and someone has dropped off the letter. Ned shows up and now he’s upset. Ned and Alice realize what they’re fighting and separation has done to their kids.
Liz meanwhile is having fun at Enid’s and confesses to her that she does miss Todd. And Enid tells her he still misses her. Only Liz doesn’t believe it because she’s seen Todd with another girl. Liz says it’s better this way because they’ll only break up when it’s time for them to go to college. Enid still thinks they should enjoy their time together.
The next day Liz comes home (magically cured) from her guilt complex. They talk but Ned and Alice still want to live apart.
At the costume party Jess and Steven -feeling guilty about their part in it all-call Todd and Jess pretends to be Liz and get him to meet her at Secca Lake. Jess dresses up as Liz and then switches when Liz gets there and Todd and Liz make up.
Jess gets Amy to go with the real Charlie and she’ll go with fake Charlie. This way if he’s not cute he’s Amy’s problem. But it backfires real Charlie and fake Charlie both like Amy. So for the umpteenth time, Jessica swears off men and decides to concentrate on politics.
My Thoughts: I could definitely relate to a lot of this book. I could relate to the plot about Liz because as silly and as un-logical as it was to think that Alice and Ned’s issues have anything to do with her giving her mother’s co-worker the number-which really if you fall apart without one person for a weekend what does that say about your company? (and trust me when I say at times my own job hasn’t been much better)*-I slightly remember when my own parents were going through their marital issues (eventually divorce) and I had the same thought that I had somehow single-handedly was the reason for their problems. Of course, I was about 11 and Liz is 16, but it can happen. This was a very anti-climatic plot because it’s over before you know it. Everyone practically knows she��s either at Todd’s or Enid’s and she’s not even there a day before they find her and she’s ready to come home. I think Jessica did it better when she ran away to San Francisco on a train. At least that had some flair. I could also relate to the whole meeting someone through a venue (teen line, chat room, social media) *for me it was a chat room* and they charm the hell out of you and don’t turn out to be who they say. I can give Charlie some kind of credit though. I guess it wasn’t the book’s time, but at least he didn’t “ghost” her at the skating rink. What he did was deceptive, but he did send SOMEBODY. Did it make it right NO? But was it a little better than just outright blowing her off? Somewhat. I’ll also give him credit for eventually agreeing to meet with her. Although if Charlie was self-conscious and feeling pressured about his looks and going out with Jessica why did he agree to go out with Amy-who isn’t exactly unattractive-? Or was it just because he didn’t know how Amy herself looked and thus, he hadn’t talked himself up to her or her to him? But if you don’t think your attractive and have resorted to a teen line typically your gun shy about dating anyone and wouldn’t volunteer for it. I could also really relate to Liz’s attitude about love and I admit I am SO GUILTY! This has definitely been my mindset the older I get to think that love just is NOT worth it from what I’ve seen. People who find it don’t keep it. Here today and gone tomorrow is the way it is these days from my POV. People who do manage to keep it for some years are just hanging on by a thread. Passion long gone and dried up. What even is the point again? So as messed up as it is I understood where Liz was coming from. Down the line, she DOES NOT stay with Todd and end up happily ever after and isn’t that just the way it is. Not to say that in this world there aren’t couples who have been together YEARS and I know who are probably very much in love, but after you see love fall apart like in Ned and Alice’s case for person after person then what hope do you have to hold on too? I think we all know Ned and Alice will get back together in a book or two but what about real-life when people don’t? And again, Todd really isn’t all *that* great! Todd her parents are SEPERATED! Give her a minute and stop trying to lay some selfish, bs, guilt, trip on her about you need attention too! Am I the only one that’s over all the Todd and Liz drama and wish they’d just call it off for good instead of all the back and forth in this series?
May 2, 2022
The twins parent's are having a trial separation with their father staying elsewhere. Jessica seems to totally support her father in this while Elizabeth is worrying that she could be the cause of the separation. Jessica also plans to use this as much as she can to get things she wants from her father, another hint of her dark, selfish nature.
Complicating things is that their father is running for mayor and this makes no sense at all. If someone is planning to run for political office they wouldn't marriage troubles resulting in a separation damage their attempt to run for office? Wouldn't people question why their father was devoting time to his run for office when he should have been spending that time trying to fix his marriage?
Jessica makes matters even worse by running up a major telephone bill on some kind of social network. She's also wanting to date someone named Charlie and that results in some rather unusual things that happen.
Elizabeth is having problems at school and the school newspaper. Jessica gets even nastier to Elizabeth and it seems that Elizabeth may run away from home, hoping that will help things there.
A pretty typical book in the series.
Complicating things is that their father is running for mayor and this makes no sense at all. If someone is planning to run for political office they wouldn't marriage troubles resulting in a separation damage their attempt to run for office? Wouldn't people question why their father was devoting time to his run for office when he should have been spending that time trying to fix his marriage?
Jessica makes matters even worse by running up a major telephone bill on some kind of social network. She's also wanting to date someone named Charlie and that results in some rather unusual things that happen.
Elizabeth is having problems at school and the school newspaper. Jessica gets even nastier to Elizabeth and it seems that Elizabeth may run away from home, hoping that will help things there.
A pretty typical book in the series.
November 4, 2021
After feeling responsible for her parents moving out - a squabbling Jess and Stephen appear to blame her as well - Liz breaks up with Todd, as love is pointless, and decides to run away.
Luckily Enod steps in and takes Liz home with her. Liz writes a melodramatic note to both parents who are frantic and rush around calling all her friends (they literally only call Todd and Enid 😂 but sneaky Liz has taken the phone off the hook.) They eventually retrieve Liz and tell her it wasn't her fault, Jess and Steve apologise, and all is good in the hood except that Nes and Alice still have another book to go before they reconcile
Luckily Enod steps in and takes Liz home with her. Liz writes a melodramatic note to both parents who are frantic and rush around calling all her friends (they literally only call Todd and Enid 😂 but sneaky Liz has taken the phone off the hook.) They eventually retrieve Liz and tell her it wasn't her fault, Jess and Steve apologise, and all is good in the hood except that Nes and Alice still have another book to go before they reconcile
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2020
Very interesting! I really liked both little plots in this one. The mystery of Charlie kept me reading. I thought Charlie would have turned out to be an old man for some reason. The way his voice is described changing, such as when he answered the phone with an older sounding voice and then changed to how he normally talks. I guess it really was his dad who answered. I kind of wish he turned out to be an old man faking being a teenager haha. But it was still a great book, and interesting also to see Elizabeth's morals shift a little when it comes to boys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2022
These books always bring great enjoyment. I read them for free with Kindle Unlimited and pick them up when I want a quick jump start to reading. It is super short and entertaining and helps me get out of any reading slumps. This book was pretty good, they all are. If you've read any of these books you know that Jessica is literally the worst and she did not disappoint. I recommend the whole series but if you're just popping in and out of the series, definitely read this one.
September 30, 2021
With their parents separating, Elizabeth's tale was a sad one. Her dad moved out, her siblings fought every chance they could, Liz was pushing Todd and her responsibilities away and everything came crashing down on her. So she changed herself and ran away. This story was so life-like, it was heartbreaking to see the Wakefields household collapse.
October 29, 2024
This one continues from the previous one. Liz gets crazier and crazier and breaks up with Todd over the parental problems. Jess is more conniving than usual and adds to their differences for her pocket money and expenses. Steven and Jess pick a parent to support but both end up blaming Liz. For once, I don't blame them. Liz just couldn't handle it.
Add to the hilarity Liz runs away, to Enid's house! Wow! What an original choice. But was a fun book overall! I enjoyed the craziness.
Add to the hilarity Liz runs away, to Enid's house! Wow! What an original choice. But was a fun book overall! I enjoyed the craziness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2018
I didn’t love this book. I didn’t hate it either, but I did have some memories with it. Here’s what I remembered:
1. All the times when Elizabeth has helped people.
2. The lesson I learned in Sweet Valley High: White Lies about not having to solve every problem
3. The lesson I learned in Sweet Valley High: On the Edge about how nobody can break up a couple
There are other things I remember, but I’ll get to them after I say how boring it was to wait for the subplot and how disappointing it was. When I first read this book, I was worried about how could’ve happened to Jessica. Why?:
4. I remembered all the times Jessica got in trouble with boys. All Night Long, Too Good to Be True, and Showdown. She didn’t know them well until they tried to hurt her.
5. The party line was similar to the Internet because one couldn’t see a person’s face. She may have heard his funny voice, but some people could win an Oscar. Too Good to Be True taught that lesson. Jessica wouldn’t even have time to realize what was happening.
I watched enough Web of Lies episodes and internet safety commercials to know these things happen. It also made wonder if those things happened with the party line.
I’ll also remember how Jessica acted towards her suitable punishment. It was immature, selfish, manipulative, and impulsive.
6. I know Jessica has done horrible things in the past, but what she said to Elizabeth has to be the worst thing she has ever done. It was petty, immature, malicious, and hypocritical.
1. All the times when Elizabeth has helped people.
2. The lesson I learned in Sweet Valley High: White Lies about not having to solve every problem
3. The lesson I learned in Sweet Valley High: On the Edge about how nobody can break up a couple
There are other things I remember, but I’ll get to them after I say how boring it was to wait for the subplot and how disappointing it was. When I first read this book, I was worried about how could’ve happened to Jessica. Why?:
4. I remembered all the times Jessica got in trouble with boys. All Night Long, Too Good to Be True, and Showdown. She didn’t know them well until they tried to hurt her.
5. The party line was similar to the Internet because one couldn’t see a person’s face. She may have heard his funny voice, but some people could win an Oscar. Too Good to Be True taught that lesson. Jessica wouldn’t even have time to realize what was happening.
I watched enough Web of Lies episodes and internet safety commercials to know these things happen. It also made wonder if those things happened with the party line.
I’ll also remember how Jessica acted towards her suitable punishment. It was immature, selfish, manipulative, and impulsive.
6. I know Jessica has done horrible things in the past, but what she said to Elizabeth has to be the worst thing she has ever done. It was petty, immature, malicious, and hypocritical.
October 24, 2010
So many Wakefields, so little time... I loved the titles, I loved the characters, I loved the storylines and I just plain loved Sweet Valley.
June 21, 2013
I remember the cover just not the story.
February 21, 2017
I love how dramatic the cover is for this book. "Elizabeth is running away!".... to Enid's house... for one night only...and her parents know she's there. Oh, Sweet Valley.
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