Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress

by Tina Ferraro

Sophomore year, Nicolette Antonovich was dumped two days before prom by the hottest guy at school. As a result, she became the proud owner of one unworn, perfectly magical pink vintage dress. But Nic is determined to put that night behind her for good. She's a junior now— older, wiser, and completely overwhelmed by a new set of (1) The bank's ready to foreclose on her childhood home. (2) Her father's too busy with his "replacement" daughter to care. (3) Her best friend's brother is an eternal thorn in her side. (4) Her best friend isn't exactly the rose attached to that thorn. (5) Rumors are flying around school that could get her kicked off the volleyball team, which would (6) ruin all chances of a college scholarship. (7) She still likes the boy who dumped her in the first place. (8) And what in the world do you do with an unworn prom dress, anyway? Strangely, it's getting to the bottom of this last dilemma that just might hold the answer to all Nic's problems.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, High School, Young Adult Romance

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Tina Ferraro spent a lot of her childhood people-watching and making up stories. While that didn't do much for her grades, it did ultimately prove among her better life mistakes. She sold her first short story in her early 20's, launching her publishing career in the adult and young adult romance markets.

Over the years she has acquired one husband, several kids and several cats, and recently, the world's cutest grandchild. Tina and some of the aforementioned live in the foothills above Los Angeles, where her hobbies include overeating, jigsaw puzzling and chasing coyotes out of their yard (not necessarily at the same time).

A two-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's RITA award and the National Reader's Choice award and a winner of the Marlene, she's currently working on an adult rom-com series.

Reviews

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and funny, young-adult romantic comedy

Nicolette Antonovich bought the prom dress of her dreams toward the end of her sophomore year when one of the cutest guys in school, Rod "Rascal" Pasqual, asked her to the prom. But her ecstasy turned to agony two days before the big event when Rascal suddenly dumped her and took his ex-girlfriend instead. Nic still cringes at the memory of that humiliating fiasco, but none of those painful emotions have affected her appreciation for her wonderful prom dress. She finds comfort and reassurance in secretly trying on the pink vintage gown, which does wonders for her slight, athletic figure, making her feel lovely and desirable--in spite of her terrible luck with boys.

As it turns out, it's fortunate Nic has something in her life that is comforting, because the problems she's facing her junior year are far worse than even the prom debacle of the previous spring. Her mother is struggling to make money as a real estate agent and the bank is about to foreclose on Nic's childhood home. Her uncaring father is too involved with his two-year-old "replacement" daughter in his new marriage to be concerned with Nic and her mom. Scandalous rumors about Nic are circulating around school that could get her kicked off the volleyball team and ruin her chances for a sports scholarship for college. She's finding it hard to resist the flirting of the jerk who dumped her. And though her best friend's older brother may be the biggest hunk at her school, he's nothing but a thorn in Nic's side, constantly giving her unsolicited advice.

Nic is an adorable heroine, feisty and determined and just plain cute. The way she tries to help her mother is admirable, and her struggles with her feelings of jealousy and abandonment due to her father's divorcing her mother and starting a new family are movingly portrayed. I also found the juxtaposition of Nic's assertiveness and strong athletic talent with the conventional femininity of her love of a frilly prom dress a fascinating contrast. And her frustrating encounters with her two gorgeous romantic interests are laugh-out-loud funny.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves chick lit or romantic comedy. Tina Ferraro is fantastic at writing it, both in this book and her two other wonderful romantic comedies, How to Hook a Hottie and The ABC's of Kissing Boys.

[Lsprouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book for teen girls. I admired it because it had nothing objectionable in it, and the main character is a good role model. It is a typical romance story that the reader can see coming, but it is a fun, light read.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress was actually a really good, well interesting, book. It's about a teenage girl named Nicolette Antonovich. She's a high school student and, of course, there are boys involved. What high school story about a girl isn't? The so called "hottest" guy in her high school, Rascal, asks her to prom since his long time girlfriend moves. Yeah, sounds amazing right? Nope, because his miss lovemuffin herself moves back and Nicolette is left without a date to prom and the perfect reminder: the prom dress hanging in her bedroom. Throughout the book Rascal makes moves on Nicolette while she tries to move on. In the end someone gloriously shows up as the knight in shiny armor.

I would definitely recommend this book to any teenage girl. It's not intense crazy love like Twilight but it's not a lame boy monotoned book. It's a nice median of the two. I think it's more of a realistic book. Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress has conflicts that most girls can relate to.

So, read it.(:

[Zemira Warner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing special. A bit superficial.

[Melissa at My Chaotic Ramblings · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like a light fluffy read, there was just something about the almost too high school setting in this that turned me off within the first few chapters. I liked that Nic had to deal with stuff that most teenagers don't; asking her dad to help her save her house. But the whole prom dress thing was a little too much for me. I wouldn't have kept the dress like Nic did, especially after the way Rascal dumped her as his prom date.
The almost childlike tension between Nic and her best friend Alison's brother Jared, was boring and so predictable. Of course she only saw him as an older brother, but you just knew that he felt different and that eventually she would see that. And then you insert Rascal ( the original dumper in the story), of course he has a thing for Nic too, now that is stuck up girlfriend is back and he thinks that Nic may be an easy conquest.
And as predicted Alison, has an issue with her best friend dating her brother, but it is quickly resolved; almost within the same chapter ( not very likely in the real world). Though the book leaves alot to be desire for me, I am sure that others will enjoy the light way that Ferraro writes and the way that Nic deals with the high school drama. This wouldn't be a book that I would hand to a young teen as it does involve sexual tension, but it also deals with a few things that may make sense to an older teen in today's world.

[Reign · Rating 3 out of 5]

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress:

1. wear in your bedroom for daydreaming
2 …
3 that's basically it.
4 …
5 …
6 oh, there's more..
7 …
8 wear it on the homecoming dance the next year.
9 …
10 and donate it for other girls to make new memories with it.

This is a quick, easy read. It's an okay book and I don't hate it.

[Natshane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicolette was stood up on prom night, and her extravagant, not to mention extremely expensive dress which she hung on her bedroom door served as a constant reminder of that painful day. To cope with her distraught, her mum had came up with a list - top ten uses for an unworn prom dress.

I admit, I was attracted to this story by it's unique title, don't you think the title sounded promising? I thought I was in for a funny romance, but I was a bit disappointed by the outcome. Don't get me wrong, I find the characters quite amusing, I guess the story was just lacking.
Nicolette has had a crush on the hot, popular Rascal since forever, and it was a dream come true when he asked her to be his prom date. But when his girlfriend Kylie came back, after she enthusiastically dragged her best friend, Allison and her older brother, Jared around for a whole day scouting for the perfect dress, suddenly she found herself alone, with her brand new unworn prom dress on the one night she thought she would be fantasically happy.

+1 Despite the story writing, I liked the whole plot, from Nicolette being dumped on prom night to discovering true love is just underneath her nose and rekindling her friendship and family relationship. lif it were written better I might liked it even more.

+1 Jared McCreary. Truthfully, he's the reason why I like this book. He might seem a bit typical, but somehow his big-brother act got to me, and it was so sweet to see him standing up and looking out for Nicolette! And like Nicolette, he was also discovering his feelings throughout the process, and that was what made the story relatable.

+1 I don't really get much of the friendship vibe out of Allison and Nicolette, but I appreciated the fact that new friendship was blossoming in the story, and by new friendship, I meant between Nic and Zoe. I had fun reading about them.
Furthermore, one of the few moments that made me teary was whenever Nic spoke to her dad. Her father and mother divorced after her father decided to remarry with a 20-year old, and suddenly she found herself fatherless and with a new sister. It was pretty touching to see how her dad had tried to reach out to her after the divorce, regretting himself for making Nic felt like she was never loved and was replaced. It was one of the times where I see Nic was vulnerable, which made me like her more.

-1 There's just something missing!

-1 I think the author could have done better. There are so many parts that could be a total tearjerker, or a total swoon episode, but it was always short on that somehow. Maybe I just have high expectations.

I don't stop you from reading it, in fact I would recommend it to those of you who wanted a quick, light romance story, it's just that I might not read it anytime sooner.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this reminded me a lot of a Janette Rallison novel. Either because of the super long title, or because of the cute teen atmosphere Ferraro created. I really enjoyed this story and Nicolette. Nicolette is dumped before prom by the school hottie, just days before the big event. She is heartbroken and still in love…with the dress. The summary does a good job describing the overall plot of the book, so I’ll just say that Jared is a sweetie, and he and Nic have good chemistry together. I could kind of understand where Alison is coming from. Its hard when your best friend gets a boyfriend, especially if that BF just happens to be your brother. I’m happy with how everything ended up with Jared, Nic and Alison. I did enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys lighthearted teen-lit.

Side story…I brought this book to a Marine graduation ceremony today. Just wanted something light to read while I waiting for the program to start. Of course, it just so happens that the Commanding General of the entire base happens to walk by and ask what I’m reading! Not that there is anything wrong with a little “fluff” teen-lit book, but when you’re on a Marine base, it probably isn’t the most impressive thing to be reading. =)

Cover Comments: Hmmm, okay another reason I was probably embarrassed about the General asking about what I was reading was because of this cover. I’m just not a fan, and the girl looks like something out of the fifties.

[Karielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that make you want to rip your roots out of your head, and then there are some that are so easy and breezy to read/comprehend, that you can't keep your hands off it. Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro was a book of the latter description. There's nothing that I like better in a book, than the style it portrays, of "beach read":

Blurb: Sophomore year, Nicolette Antonovich was dumped two days before prom by the hottest guy at school. As a result, she became the proud owner of one unworn, perfectly magical pink vintage dress. But Nic is determined to put that night behind her for good. She's a junior now— older, wiser, and completely overwhelmed by a new set of problems: (1) The bank's ready to foreclose on her childhood home. (2) Her father's too busy with his "replacement" daughter to care. (3) Her best friend's brother is an eternal thorn in her side. (4) Her best friend isn't exactly the rose attached to that thorn. (5) Rumors are flying around school that could get her kicked off the volleyball team, which would (6) ruin all chances of a college scholarship. (7) She still likes the boy who dumped her in the first place. (8) And what in the world do you do with an unworn prom dress, anyway? Strangely, it's getting to the bottom of this last dilemma that just might hold the answer to all Nic's problems.

Tina Ferraro makes reading so fun. Not only was the plot lively and enjoyable, but her style is just so...me. I felt like I was Nic, I felt like I could apply to all the concerns she had.

Every girl has gotten her heart b r o k e n by a guy she's smitten with. Every girl has experienced unrequited love within the high school hierarchy, because there's always that one boy she's in love with, that's put his heart in another girl's hands. Well, that's Nic.

See, she gets asked to prom by the boy of her dreams, but, nightmare of all nightmares: the night of, his out-of-town girlfriend is suddenly so in-town, and she gets stood up. The horror!

But maybe getting stood up by a guy who you've always liked, but never really gotten to know, isn't so bad after all. Maybe it'll give you freedom to do other things, like practice for the volleyball team, or maybe, just maybe, you'll have room to realize that your crush was superficial, and that there's someone else out there, who'll be good to you like they really mean it. And you never know --there just might be a better use for that unworn prom dress (still hanging in your closet), that will make skipping prom all the more worthwhile, that you would never have imagined.

With the quirky and intriguing voice of a distressed high school student that every girl has been, Tina Ferraro creates a fast-paced, heartwarming page-turner that teaches you the value of the prettier things in life, and the value of a really nice prom dress too.

Radical Rating: 8 hearts- Would recommend to lots of really good friends. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this review has been put off for too long and I'm finally sitting down and doing it. Okay this book is one of the typical romantic comedies and chick lit books that any girl would love (and I do). Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress has an excellent story behind it and the plot is carried out superbly. I love Tina's writing style and I need to get her newer book ABC's of Kissing. This story line revolves around one thing a pink prom dress, the main character Nicolette, bought for her pity date with a boy named Rascal.


Nic is one of those girls that's your best friend, one you can relate to instantly and that is obsessed with this pink prom dress. While also determined to help her mother keep her childhood home, while her father goes off and plays with his new family. Yet, trying to simultaneous win that Volleyball scholarship she needs. Nic's best friend is Alison and she's one of those rich girls that don't act rich (so much). After Nic "loses" Rascal as her Prom date, Alison goes and steps in with the ice cream and candy. And as Nic supposedly gets better, Alison still sees her wallowing in a lost Prom, and tries in all different ways to get her out of it. Alison in the end is the best friend a girl will always want. Then there's Jared, Alison's older brother, he drives a Camaro and is a hockey player. He's like the chauffeur for the two, always taking Alison and Nic to were they need to be. Even Prom dress shopping. He's the bad boy hottie of the book, unlike Rascal the other "leading" male in the story. Who is just a jerky football player to the heart. Rascal leaves Nic with a prom dress, the day of prom as he goes of to the gala with his girlfriend that surprisingly arrives home again, and then has the audacity to try and get back into Nicolette's life during his senior year.


Alright, so thats about the most important stuff and characters in the book, there's more but these four are like the main. Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro is a book centered around a dress that any girl would love. In the end this story is great, and I think for any girl going to Prom, sooner or later they need to read this book. And I love the cover, its simple but still exemplifies what happens in the book, plus the title, perfectly

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, first and for most this was one of those good, fun, light-in-one-night reads. Enjoyable, goofy, I really did not need to think all that much, which was a pretty nice relief after 1984.

For the most part I liked Nic, which is a good thing because you should like the protagonist of the book you're reading. But every once and a while she stopped acting like a normal teenager and suddenly was able to quell her emotions and act in a rational manner while those around her seemed to be off their rockers. She just wasn't acting like a teenager, which was somewhat annoying, especially to me, who was a teenager not too long ago, and knows that to act rationally in certain situations is a very difficult thing to do. But really that was the only annoying thing about her.

Another thing I was bothered by was the lack of solid conflict in the novel. There were little problems that kept arising, but they were quickly resolved. But I found there was no overall conflict to keep pushing the novel forward, and I occasionally found myself wondering why I continued to read this. Every book needs some sort of conflict to keep the story going, and this book seemed to lack that driving force.

There were a few other things that bugged me throughout the book, Coach Luther's sudden involvement near the end when there really wasn't much else from her throughout the book. The two boys fighting over Nic so soon in the book (a few pages in, literally). Small things I was able to push aside in order to enjoy the book.

That's one thing you should be able to do in order to read this book, push aside the small annoyances that pop up. If you can get past those this actually is a somewhat fun read, perfect for high schoolers that need to fill a page quota.

[P.A. Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a Copy of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress for a Honest Review
Nicolette is dumped...2 days prior to prom.Who does that..Well Rascal Pasqual apparently.All Nicolette can think of is THAT dress.She even has a list of what can be done with it.While you might be thinking is this just about a silly girl not getting to wear her prom dress its so much more then that.Nicolette has quite a bit on her plate..Her moms job is struggling,Rumors are flying around,Her friend is acting weird and whats even weirder..two guys are coming to blows..over her.
I thought this was a super cute read.I couldnt go to bed until I had finished it.I loved that Nicolette wanted to help her mom so much and felt so bad when things failed to go right for her.But you have to give her credit for trying.I really really liked Jared..He was an uber cutie pie and perfect for Nicolette.This was an amazingly great read..Ultra Clean as well so no worries if the younger crowd reads it either.In fact I think it would be a great for a younger teen to read as well as the older teen and even adult.Check it out and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[Cynthia Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read! It will be perfect for my girls when they hit those teenage years!

[rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Briana Yanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is different then what I thought it would be, It doesn't have a list of uses for an unworn prom dress. The theme of this book is treat others the way you want to be treated.

[Teenage Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing can make a girl more excited, than the chance to go to an older boy’s prom. Shopping for the dress, preparing for the night, the night itself, and then the days follow where you remember and gossip about the prom. What part of that does not sound perfect? Nicolette Antonovich was living in a dream as the older, but the hottest guy in the school, named Rascal, ask her to attend his prom. Ecstatic she paid her best friend older brother to drive her around to find the perfect dress. Yet two days before the big date, Rascal canceled saying he’s going with his off-again-on-again girlfriend who just moved back from Arizona. Great. Just great for Nicolette (nicknamed Nic) to end the sophomore year. At least she has the summer to cool off and come back with a brand new face in September.

Starting junior year Nic is ready to kick start this year with a brave face. Rascal still first with her in the hallways, while his girlfriend is giving her the glare of death. Ignoring her Nic tries to keep her head up and game on, as she puts all her might into volleyball in the hopes of next year winning a scholarship to help her attend university. It was not until she looks in the mail to see that the bank’s ready to foreclose her home that she realizes it is time to take action. And by action, I mean talking to her absent father into giving her money. The only way she can get there is by Jared, her best friend Alison annoying older brother. After that, drive they had bonded in a wired but strangely beautiful way. If only Rascal could leave her alone. Soon Nic realizes why Rascal was after her, what everyone thought of her and how her position on the volleyball could be at stake. Nic needs to think of a plan to get her life on track and find a way to make amends with everyone and make use of her beautiful prom dress.

This is one of the top prom books I have read so far. Tina Ferraro twisted Nic’s life into every girl’s nightmare, of everything and everyone she loves have turned against her. The title of this book is appropriate after Rascal dumped her; Nic’s mother makes the list of “Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress” as a funny way to get over it. I loved the chapters that start with one of the reasons for they were always funny and related to what just happen. The writing was okay, and the story was predictable in a loving way (when everyone knows when a guy likes you but you). It was a perfect short comedy-romance that you can pick up and put away feeling satisfied with everything. The final chapter really did touch my heart as Nic did a generous thing for the dress.

[Sara Shalash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just spent the last hour or two curled up into a ball, complete with a cup of tea, totally engrossed in the life of Nicolette Antonovich. I really needed a lighthearted fun read too escape from the real world for a bit, and that's just what I got. What I loved the most was that Top Ten Uses For an Unworn Prom Dress was light and fluffy, but at the same time realistic.

Nicolette has quite a bit going on with family issues on the side, two very handsome boys fighting for her, and friendship problems to top it all off. The one thing that helps her get through it all is the "magical" unworn prom dress. See,as a sophomore, Nic got asked out by her longtime crush Rascal to the prom. Nic couldn't have been happier, she bought her dress and everything. Then Rascal's actual girlfriend moves back to town. Leaving Nic with no date to the prom, a broken heart, and an unworn prom dress. She doesn't really know how she feels about Rascal now and then there's Jared who makes things even more complicated.

I absolutely adored Nicolette. I just liked how everyone knew she was great, except the only person that really mattered-herself. As for Jerad (her best friend's older brother) I fell in love with him the second he was introduced. I always secretly wanted them to get together. Rascal, I definitely did not like. I mean at first I was just as blinded as Nic, but after his true colors came out I finally came to my senses.

The top ten uses for an unworn prom dress were spread out throughout every few chapters. They were so fun and made me love the book even more. That along with the pacing of the book really made this an enjoyable read. You become so engaged and attached to the characters you almost feel like your watching a sitcom.

You can't help but smile while reading this book. It is most definitely one of those feel good books. It certainly made my day a lot better. Romance, drama, and light-hearted all wrapped up in one perfectly describes this book. Find a comfortable spot because once you start this you'll probably be there for awhile :)

*An extra special thanks goes out to Tina Ferraro for sending me a copy of this!

Taken from my book review blog at http://sarasbookjourney.blogspot.com/

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress was a great read; I started it and finished it all in one day. It wasn’t just the fact that I really liked Nicolette and felt like I knew her already, I liked the unique plot and the important messages the novel was relaying. Friendship and family had big roles in Top Ten Uses and honesty did, too. I really liked Alison and Nicolette’s friendship and I’m glad everything worked out for them in the end. I could see Alison’s side as well as Nic’s so I think it was fair how they worked things out. I knew from the start I didn’t like Rascal, he was one of those playboy’s who just make you want to cringe. Jared was a great character and his and Nic’s relationship was so cute. One thing about Top Ten Uses was the characters- they were just how I expected- Kylie was the beautiful, popular girl dating the “hot” football star, while Nic and Alison were just gliding by under the radar. It was cute, and maybe a little predictable, but I really enjoyed it.

All in all, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress was really good. This was Tina Ferraro’s debut novel for teens, so I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her books. I really liked the ending of Top Ten Uses and it was a cause I’d never known about before. Donating your prom dress so more girls get to have their special moment is a great thing to do, especially since most girls never wear theirs again, I’ll definitely have to find out more about it. The cover also really fit the book. It was pink and frilly and the dress with numbers was a great idea!

In addition, Top Ten Uses is a great read for any girl. It shows how important friendships are, and that sometimes you need to compromise. Nicolette’s life was complicated at times, but she proved that you can overcome anything if you believe you can. If you’re looking for a light, chick-lit read, with great sub-plots and characters, Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress is the book for you. Also, I loved the headings of each chapter that shared a use for an unworn prom dress- very cute and original. Looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future!

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

[Gracem]

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress is a very good fiction book by Tina Ferraro. Nicolette Antonovich was invited to the prom the year before by the boy of her dreams (Rascal). However when prom night rolled around, he ditched her for his ex girlfriend and broke her heart. The next year, as much as Nicolette tried to hate Rascal but she could not get over him. Around this time Nicolette’s mom started having money problems and was scared she would lose the house. Nicolette had no choice but to turn to her absent father for money. She got her best friend’s older brother, Jared, to drive her to her dad’s house and Jared was strangely comforting. Just as Rascal tried to get back into Nicolette’s life, she realized she only had feelings for Jared. This caused a major rift in her friendship with Alison (Jared’s sister and Nicolette’s best friend). Finally, Alison comes to accept that Nicolette and Jared are good together and the rest of Nicolette’s life seems to fall into place (her mom gets the money, her dad moves home, etc).
The main character Nicolette has to face a lot of problems in this book, most are internal but some are external. Internally, she must decide whether she likes Rascal or Jared. She also must decide whether or not to ask for her father’s help. Externally Nicolette must find a use for the prom dress she bought for the prom she was supposed to attend with Rascal. I think that Nicolette is a very brave and bold girl who knows how to make the right choices especially under pressure.
I think that this book is very well written. The plot was very interesting and it was hard to put down because I always wanted to know what would happen next. I would recommend this book to preteen and teenage girls. (315)

[Yani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out and it instantly became one of my favorite happy reads. I have read it so many times I already know the page numbers of a few of my favorite scenes. {48, 67, 72, 101-129 and 194} This book seriously gives me butterflies. It is the epitome of my favorite type of easy, fun, beachy read.

Let me tell you what I love about his book:

1. Nic. I love that she is young, but not too young (if you understand what I mean). She is me (or like me) when I was a teen, always trying to do what’s best but never really understanding what that is. She is sporty and tough, but like every girl still pictures her perfect prom with the perfect boy and the perfect dress. The one that makes you look at yourself and just go wow.
2. Supporting Cast. This book has great secondary characters, there are a lot of them, but they are so well developed for such a short book. Jared, Rascal, her best friend Alison are awesome, funny, and so real. I love the manly rivalry Jared and Rascal have going on I can pretty much picture their grunts and cocky faces in my head. And Alison reminds me so much of my best friend with her tough love act.
3. Emotional. Yes this is a super happy, light, and funny read, but Tina still manages to incorporate the emotional struggle Nic has going on with her father and her “replacement” sister.
4. The list. The actual list of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress is hilarious! And the last number was just heartwarming. Kind of reminds me of David Letterman’s Top Ten with the wacky, absurd, and sarcastic comments. {Please Read #8)

What can I say other than I love this book! While my reading tastes have matured, this book never fails to put a smile on my face and warmth in my chest.

[Micaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would work best for fans of Meg Cabot and younger teens, in my opinion. It was short and sweet, and I liked it well enough.

The main character, Nic, is quite funny, but her internal logic does not always make sense, as it is contradictory at times. She has her whiny moments, moments when she thinks her dilemmas are the worst in the world when, actually, she just needs to breathe and think things through a bit. She is not too irritating overall, though.

Her best friend ss disappointingly underdeveloped, considering how much Nic loves her. Jared, the best friend’s brother, on the other hand, is an HFC (hot fictional character). He is far from perfect, and he gets moody, but he’s a fairly realistic and good guy. The romance between him and Nic is adorable, built out of a collection of sweet moments. Sure there’s cheese, but this is chick lit; we all like a little bit of cheese with our romance once in a while don’t we? (Everything in moderation!)

The plot isn’t quite as interesting as it sounds from the back of the book, apart from the love story. Nic actually isn’t going around trying to find out what to do with the dress, so I was disappointed that this wasn’t as quirky as I thought it was going to be. Nic deals with some family and school issues, but they’re pretty minor. This is mostly just a love story, but oh well.

Yes, this book is predictable, but I think we need some happy-ending cutesy stories that don’t really happen in real life. We need the Cinderella tales. We need this junk food escapism every now and again. This short read is perfect for that.

P.S. Sometimes, I actually go back and read the cute scenes from the story. What does that tell you?

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really liked Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, so the 3 star rating is a little deeper than just a distaste for the story. The characters were pretty good, maybe some a little underdeveloped. But Jared at least was very likable to me. The constant role her unworn dress played throughout the book, as a crutch, a reminder, an escape... it was a creative element to the story and was well done.

However, the reason I gave this only 3 stars is because, and it took me a while to find a way to describe this properly (but I finally found a pretty good analogy), when I started reading this book I felt like I came into a season of a TV show on like episode 5 with no episode recaps.

Yeah, it's normal for books to forgo the method of simply stating the events prior to the start of the book or background for the story and characters. There are other, more subtle ways to tie in that information without just outright telling the reader. But it felt poorly done this time.

Things were mentioned in passing several times and it wasn't until the end of the book I even understood what was going on with this beach dude and beer picture instance they kept referring to. And it wasn't like the Jenna thing in Pretty Little Liars, either. You know, where leaving the reader in the dark builds the suspense and heightens curiosity... so in the end, it adds to the experience of the book? This just felt sloppy. So like I said, I felt like I came in on episode 5 with no recaps.

That was a downside to the book as a whole, but I still really liked Jared and it was an enjoyable read. Left me with warm fuzzies.

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2019
I did like this book, but not as much as I thought I was going to. There isn't anything really objectionable about it, but it didn't exactly catch my attention the way I thought it would.

Nicolette has a major crush on a guy from school, Rebel (yeah, I guess that what he likes to be called). Rebel asked her to his prom, but then got back with his girlfriend last minute. Even though that meant that Nicolette didn't get to go to prom, and bought a dress she was never going to use, she still kept nursing the crush she had on him. Even her best friend is all like, girl, he's garbage.

Her best friend has a brother, Jared (do you smell what's cooking?). Yeah, the older brother and she start spending a lot of time together. He drives her around, buys her dinner, fights Rebel for insulting her. He helps her mom when she is struggling. An ultra supportive, super sweet guy.

Nicolette's home life is sort of a hot mess. Her mom can't pay the mortgage. Her mom is kind of sucks at her job. Her dad lives with another woman and another child (her half-sister) and doesn't seem to have enough time for her. That might be the part that I struggled with the most. Aside from that, the story itself is really cute and adorable (and exactly what I was looking for), but the family drama kind of pulled me away from the story.

Also, Nicolette's best friend, Allison, is super unsupportive. She basically disappears after the first couple of chapters. And then she insists that Nicolette shouldn't date Jared because that would be weird for her. I understand where she's coming from, but once again, it felt like more drama that the story didn't need.

[Eky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kebetulan saya baca yang versi bahasa Indonesianya terbitan Gramedia. Dari awal cerita buku ini sudah memikat saya. Buku ini bukan hanya berkutat dengan persoalan seputar pesta prom dan persiapannnya tapi juga mengenai problema yang dihadapi oleh Nicolette yang berusaha membantu ibunya agar tidak kehilangan rumah mereka termasuk dengan cara menghubungi ayahnya (yang sudah bercerai dari ibunya dan kini sudah menikah dan memiliki keluarga baru) untuk meminta tambahan uang. Dalam upaya tersebut ia dibantu oleh Jared kakak kelasnya yang juga kakak dari sahabat baiknya. Nic sebenarnya ilfil terhadap Jared yang suka menasehatinya dan ikut campur dalam urusannya dengan cowok seolah Nic adalah adiknya. Tapi demi menyelamatkan rumah ibunya ia terpaksa meminta tolong pada Jared untuk mengantarkannya menemui ayahnya dengan mobil milik cowok itu, dan pst...gak gratis lo, Nic harus membayar Jared dengan uang sisa tabungannya untuk jasa transportasi tersebut. Tapi lalu rumor bahwa Jared dan Nic pacaran menyebar di sekolah membuat Rascal, yang pernah mengajak Nic ke pesta prom tahun lalu tapi kemudian menggagalkannya untuk balikan sama pacarnya, ikut-ikutan panas. Nah lo, jadi siapa yang akan dipilih oleh Nic, Rascal atau Jared? Dan bagaimana nasib gaun prom yang sudah terlanjur Nic beli dan masih tergantung di kamarnya belum sempat dipakai? Akhirnya setelah mengalami huru hara dalam hidupnya yang sempat membuatnya stress, Nic boleh bernapas lega, rumah ibunya berhasil ia selamatkan dan ia pun mendapatkan pacar baru yang bisa diandalkan. Siapa itu? Hhhhmmm....

[Melissa Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally rated G+ by Lori Hoag
When heartthrob, Rob, throws over Nicolette for his former girlfriend two days before the prom, she is devastated, and as a result, has a gorgeous, unused prom dress. In addition, her mom’s real estate business is a bust, and her father has remarried and has a new baby daughter. When Nic begs for money to pay their mortgage, her mother is humiliated. Into this crazy mix is best friend Allison’s brother, Jared, who is beginning to show an interest in Nic, and Rod, who begins to come around again. Nic is beginning to make other friends, but her place on the volleyball team and her college scholarship are at risk when someone from school spreads a rumor that she is sleeping around. She really needs to find her place in her world, without sacrificing friendships and relationships with those who are important to her, especially her mom, dad, Jared, and Allison. In the end, she does go to the prom, her mom and dad work out an arrangement that suits both families, Nic and Allison reconcile, Nic and Jared have a great time at the dance, and her old prom dress will be given to a used-clothing store where girls who can’t afford prom dresses can get one for nothing. Gr. 10-12

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soo good. This girl gets asked to the prom by the hottest guy in school only to be dumped two days before the prom. You would think that she would be mad at the guy but she still loves him. Suddenly she starts having these feelings towards her best friend's brother and doesn't know what to think about them. Eventually she forgets about the guy and ends up going out with her best friend's brother.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story and a book you can (and I did) read in one sitting.

While the back of the book makes it seem as if there were 10 things that the protagonist did to the prom dress which resolved all of her issues, the 10 uses were really just in her imagination, for the most part.

I liked the characters and felt they were pretty authentic. There were a couple scenarios that didn't ring quite true, but I'll let a lot slide for the sake of entertaining fiction.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. The pacing was fine, but the events were a bit random in some places. I liked the evolution of Jared and Nic's relationship. I disliked Alison, and I thought Zoe was cooler. I'm glad Nic patched her relationship with her dad up. This book was pretty generic, and cliche, but it wasn't horrible. Very much a 3 star book. I wouldn't really recommend it, as it could be pretty frustrating at some points.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some odd reason, I totally loved this book. I think it was the name that attracted me to the book. Also, I was asked to someone's prom, got a dress and then I was text messaged that, "sorry, I realize I can't go now". It never bothered me, I didn't even know the guy and it was for different reasons then this book, but it was relatable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicolette was dumped after she bought the perfect prom dress- Can she get over the jerk who dumped her? Fast read, basically complete fluff. Maybe I am just Getting Old, but I admit to rolling my eyes a bit at the narrator. ("Couldn't I be selfish, just this once?" Just this once?!) There was a nice promo at the end for prom dress "recycling"/donation services.