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Sweet Valley High #2
Secrets
Beautiful and ruthless, Jessica Wakefield is determined to be chosen queen of the fall dance at Sweet Valley High. If she can win the contest, she's sure to win Bruce Patman, the most sought after boy in school. The only person standing in Jessica's way is Enid Rollins.
When Jessica discovers the truth about Enid's past, she knows the crown is within her grasp. She doesn't care that Enid is her twin sister Elizabeth's best friend—or that revealing the secret may cost Enid both her reputation and the boy she loves.
Only Elizabeth can save Enid from Jessica's vicious gossip—but can she stop her scheming twin in time?
When Jessica discovers the truth about Enid's past, she knows the crown is within her grasp. She doesn't care that Enid is her twin sister Elizabeth's best friend—or that revealing the secret may cost Enid both her reputation and the boy she loves.
Only Elizabeth can save Enid from Jessica's vicious gossip—but can she stop her scheming twin in time?
118 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
121 people are currently reading
1640 people want to read
About the author
Kate William
45 books31 followersKate William is not a real person and does not exist.
Kate William is the fake name that was created to represent the team of ghostwriters that wrote the Sweet Valley High series.
Kate William is the fake name that was created to represent the team of ghostwriters that wrote the Sweet Valley High series.
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April 28, 2023Binging on the series right now. Jessica really shows her mean girl side in this one, and it’s enjoyable although I wish she could be nicer.
Want to read
September 23, 2017Disclaimer: I am not a teenager or preteen, but an adult. Supposedly. Everyone keeps telling me I am but I'm not sure I'm buying what they're selling. Therefore my views are based from that perspective rather than someone in the target age range. I inhaled these suckers when I was young, hale, and hearty, so in an apparent moment of weakness have decided to re-visit one of my favorite old series in a fondly-remembered, tongue-in-cheek, and mostly sarcastic approach. So since I couldn't manage to devise a rating system for SVH books, I came up with this little way to have some fun, which is in the review form you will (hopefully) read below. :)
Cover Models: Elizabeth and Jessica
Elizabeth looks utterly scandalized at what Jessica is gleefully saying to someone on the phone.
Page count: A whopping 118 pages
Special Event: A fall dance.
Number of times "a hundred and thirty-seven" was mentioned: Once, on page 87.
Mental Illness of the Week: It's a tie.
Jessica has psychotic episodes, two, three times, I don't know I lost count. Ronnie will eventually control, abuse, and kill his future wife. A very scary dude.
Jessica's Bitchyness scale: ***** (out of five)
I have the feeling this will be permanently stuck at five.
WTFery Meter: *** stars (out of five)
-------------------------
Quotes & Snarky comments:
Final thoughts:
The books in the Sweet Valley High series may be short, but my brain hurts from the stupidity of it all. I think several of my brain cells surrendered their own lives whilst reading Sweet Valley High: Secrets. Let us pay our respects with a moment of silence.
Previous review: Double Love
Next review: Playing With Fire
Any suggestions on what else I could look for during futuretorture readings are always welcome.
Cover Models: Elizabeth and Jessica
Elizabeth looks utterly scandalized at what Jessica is gleefully saying to someone on the phone.
Page count: A whopping 118 pages
Special Event: A fall dance.
Number of times "a hundred and thirty-seven" was mentioned: Once, on page 87.
Mental Illness of the Week: It's a tie.
Jessica has psychotic episodes, two, three times, I don't know I lost count. Ronnie will eventually control, abuse, and kill his future wife. A very scary dude.
Jessica's Bitchyness scale: ***** (out of five)
I have the feeling this will be permanently stuck at five.
WTFery Meter: *** stars (out of five)
-------------------------
Quotes & Snarky comments:
"Frankly," Jessica said, "I can't imagine what a cute guy like Ronnie sees in that little creep."Since this book is all about Jessica destroying Enid's reputation, there are plenty more degrading comments concerning Elizabeth's best friend. I didn't even bother to write them all down. Too much work.
"Liz seems to like her pretty well, too," commented Cara, casting Jessica a sidelong glance.
"Liz!" Jessica snorted in disgust. "Listen, Cara, my sister has absolutely no taste when it comes to picking friends. It's positively embarrassing! I mean, what if some thought it was me hanging out with Enid?"
- page 24
"Elizabeth was left to wonder why, if Jessica was doing her such a big favor, she was the one making all the sacrifices."Because you choose to do that, Liz.
- page 75
"She'd (Jessica) been acting strangely secretive these past few days, Elizabeth thought, wondering what she was up to. With Jessica, you never knew."Wrong, with Jessica, you always know what she's up to: scheming to ruin someone's life and reputation so she can get her own way and end up on top.
- page 87
"Enid," Elizabeth admonished, "there is a point at which you can be too forgiving."This from the Queen of Doormats.
- page 108
Who could hate her enough to do such an awful thing to her?God, delusional much. Someone's got problems.
Suddenly Jessica remembered about the funny way Elizabeth had been acting earlier that evening. She remembered Elizabeth saying that Winston would make some lucky girl a wonderful king. It had to be! Who else but her own twin would be jealous enough of her to want to stab her in the back? She'd always know Elizabeth was jealous. And why not? Jessica was a thousand times more popular, she told herself.
- page 112/113
Final thoughts:
The books in the Sweet Valley High series may be short, but my brain hurts from the stupidity of it all. I think several of my brain cells surrendered their own lives whilst reading Sweet Valley High: Secrets. Let us pay our respects with a moment of silence.
Previous review: Double Love
Next review: Playing With Fire
Any suggestions on what else I could look for during future
January 19, 2023
Pure literary crack.
February 10, 2015
Oh, Jessica, Jessica, Jessica! She really sticks her foot in it this time. as the motto goes, 'What Jessica wants, Jessica gets' simply must come true in this one. Jessica is wants two things right now Bruce Patman and the title of queen for the next school dance. She figures the easiest way to Bruce is to get that title as he is a shoo-in for king. The catch is that Elizabeth's best friend Enid is also a candidate.
What Jessica does in this book to get her way is low and plain cruel to several people. She has often done things that have me shaking my head at her but this one has me plain ol' mad at her! I feel so bad for Elizabeth and Enid who are caught in the middle and even a bit bad for Ronnie who gets a twisted version of a truth that he was not ready to understand. Plus, just to add to the overall story line, we also get a side plot where rumors begin flying about Ms Dalton having and affair with student Ken Matthews. I do wish we had gotten even a few words on Ken's take of this but we are denied this curiosity.
As typical of many Sweet Valley books, this book has a slight 'justice is served' feeling and a satisfactory ending.
I always enjoy coming back to these books from time to time. The stories are short and simple but while some true-to-life situations using larger-than-life characters.
What Jessica does in this book to get her way is low and plain cruel to several people. She has often done things that have me shaking my head at her but this one has me plain ol' mad at her! I feel so bad for Elizabeth and Enid who are caught in the middle and even a bit bad for Ronnie who gets a twisted version of a truth that he was not ready to understand. Plus, just to add to the overall story line, we also get a side plot where rumors begin flying about Ms Dalton having and affair with student Ken Matthews. I do wish we had gotten even a few words on Ken's take of this but we are denied this curiosity.
As typical of many Sweet Valley books, this book has a slight 'justice is served' feeling and a satisfactory ending.
I always enjoy coming back to these books from time to time. The stories are short and simple but while some true-to-life situations using larger-than-life characters.
February 17, 2018
We can all agree that Jessica is a straight up psychopath right?
May 5, 2025
Almost as much teen girl cruelty as Full Brutal
February 1, 2017
I'm slowly working my way through the Sweet Valley High and University series, as well as completing my collection.
I started religiously reading these books in the early 90s, so I haven't read a lot of the earlier books in the series.
In book number 2, Secrets, Enid is keeping a secret correspondence with an old friend who happens to be a guy. She really doesn't want her boyfriend Ronnie to find out. She finally confides in Liz, who swears not to tell anyone, and of course Jessica stumbles upon one of the letters Enid accidentally left in Liz's room. She takes it upon herself to tell Ronnie and cause all sorts of problems for her, with rumors flying around the school. And she blames Liz.
Why would Jessica do something like that, you ask? Well, other than the fact that she is a sociopath in the early part of the series, her main motivation is to insure her victory for queen of some dance. Mmk.
I'm rating this 2.5 stars. I'm not really a huge fan of the first 10 books or so of the series, before Francine passed her work off to a ghostwriter. The twins are written in such a way as to be completely unbelievable. Liz is all good, and Jessica is a spoiled selfish brat (and sociopath, see above). I've also never really been a fan of Enid, so any book where she is the center of attention is bound to not be a favorite of mine.
Still, this series was my childhood and inspired my love for reading, so it will always be a favorite. On to book #3!
I started religiously reading these books in the early 90s, so I haven't read a lot of the earlier books in the series.
In book number 2, Secrets, Enid is keeping a secret correspondence with an old friend who happens to be a guy. She really doesn't want her boyfriend Ronnie to find out. She finally confides in Liz, who swears not to tell anyone, and of course Jessica stumbles upon one of the letters Enid accidentally left in Liz's room. She takes it upon herself to tell Ronnie and cause all sorts of problems for her, with rumors flying around the school. And she blames Liz.
Why would Jessica do something like that, you ask? Well, other than the fact that she is a sociopath in the early part of the series, her main motivation is to insure her victory for queen of some dance. Mmk.
I'm rating this 2.5 stars. I'm not really a huge fan of the first 10 books or so of the series, before Francine passed her work off to a ghostwriter. The twins are written in such a way as to be completely unbelievable. Liz is all good, and Jessica is a spoiled selfish brat (and sociopath, see above). I've also never really been a fan of Enid, so any book where she is the center of attention is bound to not be a favorite of mine.
Still, this series was my childhood and inspired my love for reading, so it will always be a favorite. On to book #3!
February 21, 2016
Another good installment in the series.
August 18, 2023
Re-read 2023
Picking up right where book 1 (Double Love) ended, Elizabeth's best friend, Enid Rollins has a secret and Jessica's green-eyed monster emerges and she will do anything to make sure Enid doesn't win the title of Queen at the upcoming dance. Jessica wants the crown for herself and she wants her long-time crush, Bruce Patman to be her King. Sweet Valley High soon has to deal with all kinds of rumors including about its beloved new teacher, Ms. Dalton. Will Enid's boyfriend, Ronnie ever forgive her? Will Ms. Dalton lose her job? And who will be crowned SVH's King and Queen?
Hard to believe that absolutely no one ever suspects Jessica of doing shitty things until almost the end of the story. And it's usually Elizabeth that sniffs her out. As I mentioned in my review of Double Love, I read this series when I was 11. I guess I didn't notice how immature the Wakefield's and their friends really were back then. However, I find myself spiraling down the nostalgia tunnel.
Goodreads review published 17/08/23
Picking up right where book 1 (Double Love) ended, Elizabeth's best friend, Enid Rollins has a secret and Jessica's green-eyed monster emerges and she will do anything to make sure Enid doesn't win the title of Queen at the upcoming dance. Jessica wants the crown for herself and she wants her long-time crush, Bruce Patman to be her King. Sweet Valley High soon has to deal with all kinds of rumors including about its beloved new teacher, Ms. Dalton. Will Enid's boyfriend, Ronnie ever forgive her? Will Ms. Dalton lose her job? And who will be crowned SVH's King and Queen?
Hard to believe that absolutely no one ever suspects Jessica of doing shitty things until almost the end of the story. And it's usually Elizabeth that sniffs her out. As I mentioned in my review of Double Love, I read this series when I was 11. I guess I didn't notice how immature the Wakefield's and their friends really were back then. However, I find myself spiraling down the nostalgia tunnel.
Goodreads review published 17/08/23
December 16, 2020
Was feeling a bit nostalgic and decided to continue reading this slightly updated series about Jessica and Elizabeth. I was obsessed with these twins growing up and it feelt like for a while I grew up with them as I started to read the middle grade series with them. But enough about that. I was surprised how dark the series could get at times and how cruel Jessica could be, I have become more upset by her behavior then I used to. Don't know how much they have modernized the series as it was a long time ago I read them regularly and don't remember
June 2, 2020
Tää oli niin lyhyt et tän luki kerralla😆😆
July 10, 2017
The Sweet Valley High books were the original trashy teen fiction. I'm sure something came before them that was just as bad, it must have faded into obscurity without me knowing about it. Each book seems to have the same running gags: every girl crying at the drop of a hat, Jessica mentioning 'a hundred thirty-seven times', Jessica being a sociopathic clothes and boyfriend stealing little schemer, and Elizabeth/Liz being a passive little pushover.
Central crisis: Jessica wants to be fall queen and Elizabeth's best friend Enid, whom Jessica despises, is standing in her way. So, why not try to ruin the girl's chances at the crown by ruining the girl's relationship? Crowns are pretty and being fall queen is so important for one's social calendar. Totes justified. And besides, she doesn't want her sister to be friends with a nerd anyway. After all, someone might think that Jessica is her friend too. Oh fuck no! We can't be having that. Most importantly, Jessica is sure stereotypical 80s high school cliche Bruce Patman with his black porsche (and house on the hill) is going to be crowned king. Can't blame the girl for wanting the alpha.
Fabulous 80s reference: Elizabeth mentions Burt Reynolds. Do kids even know who he is today?
I rated the book three stars, not because it's a genuinely a good book deserving of three stars, but because it's level of trashiness merited it. We don't go to McDonald's expecting a 4 star Michelin rating, right? So why judge it so harshly?
Central crisis: Jessica wants to be fall queen and Elizabeth's best friend Enid, whom Jessica despises, is standing in her way. So, why not try to ruin the girl's chances at the crown by ruining the girl's relationship? Crowns are pretty and being fall queen is so important for one's social calendar. Totes justified. And besides, she doesn't want her sister to be friends with a nerd anyway. After all, someone might think that Jessica is her friend too. Oh fuck no! We can't be having that. Most importantly, Jessica is sure stereotypical 80s high school cliche Bruce Patman with his black porsche (and house on the hill) is going to be crowned king. Can't blame the girl for wanting the alpha.
Fabulous 80s reference: Elizabeth mentions Burt Reynolds. Do kids even know who he is today?
I rated the book three stars, not because it's a genuinely a good book deserving of three stars, but because it's level of trashiness merited it. We don't go to McDonald's expecting a 4 star Michelin rating, right? So why judge it so harshly?
September 14, 2025
Book 2 is better than book 1. My opinion is still that Jessica Wakefield is a sociopath. I'm no fan of Enid's now, either. Some friend!
And right after I discovered these on Hoopla, they were removed from the catalogue. I'll have to dig out my paperbacks!
And right after I discovered these on Hoopla, they were removed from the catalogue. I'll have to dig out my paperbacks!
August 9, 2017
Yes, yes, I know this whole series is bound to be insanely cheesy BUUUUUT. . . it's a lot of fun to read.
October 31, 2021
I don't usually go in for armchair diagnosing people, but since Jessica Wakefield is fictional, I feel perfectly fine agreeing with this reviewer that she's a legit sociopath.
I mean…I don't think Jessica even loves her sister, she only pretends to when it'll benefit her in some way. But Elizabeth is too dim (even though she's supposed to be the smart twin) to see her sister for who she really is. Everyone just seems to accept that Jessica does horrible things all the time, and won't make the conclusion that she is therefore a horrible person.
But God forgive me, I still enjoy these books. Sometimes it's fun reading about someone with zero moral compass when they're not a murderer or something. I did appreciate the message in this one that your life shouldn't be defined by past mistakes and you're allowed to grow and be treated with respect. I did also love how Elizabeth got back at Jessica in this one—much better revenge than just having her tossed in the pool in book 1.
I'm looking forward to the next one because I remember being so intrigued by the mysteriously sexy Bruce in that book as a kid. I'm sure now that I'm an old queer asexual bitch, I'll just find him to be a rapey douchebag, but considering that was the character sketch of like 90% of boys in 80s teen films, I guess it's to be expected.
I mean…I don't think Jessica even loves her sister, she only pretends to when it'll benefit her in some way. But Elizabeth is too dim (even though she's supposed to be the smart twin) to see her sister for who she really is. Everyone just seems to accept that Jessica does horrible things all the time, and won't make the conclusion that she is therefore a horrible person.
But God forgive me, I still enjoy these books. Sometimes it's fun reading about someone with zero moral compass when they're not a murderer or something. I did appreciate the message in this one that your life shouldn't be defined by past mistakes and you're allowed to grow and be treated with respect. I did also love how Elizabeth got back at Jessica in this one—much better revenge than just having her tossed in the pool in book 1.
I'm looking forward to the next one because I remember being so intrigued by the mysteriously sexy Bruce in that book as a kid. I'm sure now that I'm an old queer asexual bitch, I'll just find him to be a rapey douchebag, but considering that was the character sketch of like 90% of boys in 80s teen films, I guess it's to be expected.
November 12, 2018
How in the world Elizabeth Wakefield is considered the "smart twin" I'll never know. She's got a blind spot the size of the earth that she falls into wherever her sister is concerned - and is clearly oblivious of even the most obvious social interactions. First it takes her forever to figure out that people are mad at her and why, and then to realize that Jessica had a hand in it...sheesh. I give up.
I really loved these books at a certain time in my life, and now they're something of a guilty pleasure. I think re-reading them is fun because it takes me back to a different time and place, and so becomes associated with feelings and memories that has nothing to do with the content of the books.
Which means I'm going to keep re-reading these things. But gosh, someone give Liz a hard kick for me.
I really loved these books at a certain time in my life, and now they're something of a guilty pleasure. I think re-reading them is fun because it takes me back to a different time and place, and so becomes associated with feelings and memories that has nothing to do with the content of the books.
Which means I'm going to keep re-reading these things. But gosh, someone give Liz a hard kick for me.
March 17, 2024
This one was like an episode of saved by the bell meets mean girls.. Jessica really shows her cruel side. But she got her karma by the end. I also really liked how this book reminds us we’re not our past selves, we are not the sum of our mistakes, and trust is important.
October 16, 2024
What a delight it is to be back in Sweet Valley :)
For such a short book, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of drama that was squeezed in. Very entertaining and funny. Much better than the first book in the series (from what I remember)
For such a short book, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of drama that was squeezed in. Very entertaining and funny. Much better than the first book in the series (from what I remember)
July 18, 2016
This review is also posted at http://readingnookandcranny.blogspot....
Homecoming time has come! Surprise, surprise, but Lyla and Jessica have made the list for homecoming queen. The real shocker is that Edin and Elizabeth did too. Thinking they only got the nod because they are dating hot boyfriends, Jessica is determined not to let either one of them show her up. No matter what. Seriously, why hasn't one of her parents taken her behind a shed yet and beat some manners into this girl? If I had done a fraction of what Jessica has gotten away with, my mother would have had me kidnapped in the middle of the night and sent off to a boot camp in the woods to scare some sense into me.
Edin is worried about her past coming out, especially with her super jealous boyfriend (her first clue that maybe he isn't the best guy to be wasting her time with in my opinion). She confides in Elizabeth, and Elizabeth swears to keep it between the two of them. But secrets have a way of getting out, and all hell breaks loose in Sweet Valley. Except between Todd and Liz. They are too cute, even if he was a complete twat in the first novel.
Light and entertaining, Secrets is a quick read that further goes to show that Liz is the ideal teenager and Jess is an insufferable bitch who doesn't care about other people's feelings at all and only wants what's best for her. Again, I feel like all of us can relate these characters to people in our lives, even if it's been forever since high school (thank God).
Homecoming time has come! Surprise, surprise, but Lyla and Jessica have made the list for homecoming queen. The real shocker is that Edin and Elizabeth did too. Thinking they only got the nod because they are dating hot boyfriends, Jessica is determined not to let either one of them show her up. No matter what. Seriously, why hasn't one of her parents taken her behind a shed yet and beat some manners into this girl? If I had done a fraction of what Jessica has gotten away with, my mother would have had me kidnapped in the middle of the night and sent off to a boot camp in the woods to scare some sense into me.
Edin is worried about her past coming out, especially with her super jealous boyfriend (her first clue that maybe he isn't the best guy to be wasting her time with in my opinion). She confides in Elizabeth, and Elizabeth swears to keep it between the two of them. But secrets have a way of getting out, and all hell breaks loose in Sweet Valley. Except between Todd and Liz. They are too cute, even if he was a complete twat in the first novel.
Light and entertaining, Secrets is a quick read that further goes to show that Liz is the ideal teenager and Jess is an insufferable bitch who doesn't care about other people's feelings at all and only wants what's best for her. Again, I feel like all of us can relate these characters to people in our lives, even if it's been forever since high school (thank God).
January 4, 2017
Well I wrote a long review on the first book Double Love, so this won't be as detailed. I read both of these books back to back--pretty easy to do when they're only about 150 pages long.
One thing I forgot to mention on the first review, that I had forgotten about, was how each book ends. On the last page there would be a closed ending to all that had happened in the previous pages and then a paragraph or two of something "new" and then at the bottom of the page in italics and bold font it would ask a question to the reader followed with a "find out in book #3".
Here's an example from book one: "What is the dark mystery in Enid's past, and how does Jessica use it to her own advantage? Find out in Sweet Valley High #2, Secrets."
This little insert was genius. It got me and my friends instantly on the phone talking about the possibilities of Enid's past and begging our parents to get us to a book store or library.
One thing I forgot to mention on the first review, that I had forgotten about, was how each book ends. On the last page there would be a closed ending to all that had happened in the previous pages and then a paragraph or two of something "new" and then at the bottom of the page in italics and bold font it would ask a question to the reader followed with a "find out in book #3".
Here's an example from book one: "What is the dark mystery in Enid's past, and how does Jessica use it to her own advantage? Find out in Sweet Valley High #2, Secrets."
This little insert was genius. It got me and my friends instantly on the phone talking about the possibilities of Enid's past and begging our parents to get us to a book store or library.
September 23, 2025
I remember Jessica being a bit of a bitch reading this as a kid, but now she's sociopathic. The evil shit she's pulled in the first two books alone with no remorse. Worse her sister laughs it off as being just Jessica. That urge to punch your sister Liz? Do it! This time Jessica ruins the life of Enid or tries to except her boyfriend is an abusive asshole so one point in her favour. She and Lila almost get a teacher fired and Elizabeth gets sweet revenge in the end so all is well. I can't help thinking Jessica Wakefield and Karen Brewer are the same person somehow. Like Jessica is what Karen becomes as a teenager? I don't know these are trashy soapy fun for reading during some dark depressing times.
February 18, 2019
Honestly whoever critics the Sweet Valley books for issues need to shut up. These books were created for pure entertainment, during a time when pocketbooks were the mainstream media. These were not like old classics written for social issues, these were just to past time.
July 27, 2021
You go, King Winston!
July 22, 2025
Scandalous secrets are at the center of Sweet Valley High #2, Secrets! Anyone who has ever been through high school knows that it’s a relentless gossip mill, and the focus of the talk du jour is none other than nerdy Enid Rollins. What secrets could she possibly be hiding?!
We were introduced to Enid Rollins and her controlling boyfriend Ronnie in Sweet Valley High #1, Double Love, and the pair are the focus of the second installment in the series. The secrets in question are those of Enid, who despite now having a goody-two-shoes reputation, apparently once had a sordid past. What those secrets are, I will leave you to find out, but I was genuinely shocked and surprised that the SVH series chose to go there, and that Enid could miraculously turn herself around so completely.
However, once Jessica Wakefield gets a hold of Enid’s secrets and spills them, by way of a careless mistake on the part of Elizabeth and Enid, there’s nowhere for Enid to hide from her past. Once Ronnie finds out what Enid has done, he is scandalized, despite being an abusive jerk himself, and Enid finds herself alone without a boyfriend or a date for the fall dance. The only person she told her secret to is Elizabeth, so she must be to blame, right? With Elizabeth now in Enid’s crosshairs, she must find a way to prove her innocence, while also uncovering the real culprit. Funny, she doesn’t think to look toward her own dear sister first, but sisterly love is blind, I suppose.
I found Secrets to be a step up from its predecessor, Double Love. Now that we are familiar with the characters of Sweet Valley, we really get a sense for how things operate in the SVH universe. Jessica continues to be a narcissist only out for herself (why did so many of us idolize her when we were young?!), while Elizabeth proves herself to be a true blue friend. Enid’s shocking past comes to light as the gossip mill churns, and even Ms. Dalton, SVH’s young French teacher, becomes the center of a highly-publicized scandal with no merit behind it. These Sweet Valley High students are really something else.
Perhaps most disturbing of all, however, is Enid’s boyfriend Ronnie, who is giving off so many red flags, I truly worry about anyone who will have future contact with him. Ronnie is clearly an abuser on so many levels, and unfortunately, the ladies of SVH just don’t seem to see it. Rather, we have Enid wailing because Ronnie dumped her, and Elizabeth giving him the benefit of the doubt. SVH sent the wrong message to its young readers in so many different ways, I am not at all surprised to see this line of thinking present in this novel; however, it is disappointing to think about how many girls were influenced by this mixed messaging.
Nonetheless, Secrets was quite the interesting read, with Elizabeth giving Jessica her just desserts at the end (this seems to be becoming a habit.) Book #3 sees Jessica pining after the untouchable Bruce Patman, so let’s buckle up and see how that goes for her, next time at SVH!
We were introduced to Enid Rollins and her controlling boyfriend Ronnie in Sweet Valley High #1, Double Love, and the pair are the focus of the second installment in the series. The secrets in question are those of Enid, who despite now having a goody-two-shoes reputation, apparently once had a sordid past. What those secrets are, I will leave you to find out, but I was genuinely shocked and surprised that the SVH series chose to go there, and that Enid could miraculously turn herself around so completely.
However, once Jessica Wakefield gets a hold of Enid’s secrets and spills them, by way of a careless mistake on the part of Elizabeth and Enid, there’s nowhere for Enid to hide from her past. Once Ronnie finds out what Enid has done, he is scandalized, despite being an abusive jerk himself, and Enid finds herself alone without a boyfriend or a date for the fall dance. The only person she told her secret to is Elizabeth, so she must be to blame, right? With Elizabeth now in Enid’s crosshairs, she must find a way to prove her innocence, while also uncovering the real culprit. Funny, she doesn’t think to look toward her own dear sister first, but sisterly love is blind, I suppose.
I found Secrets to be a step up from its predecessor, Double Love. Now that we are familiar with the characters of Sweet Valley, we really get a sense for how things operate in the SVH universe. Jessica continues to be a narcissist only out for herself (why did so many of us idolize her when we were young?!), while Elizabeth proves herself to be a true blue friend. Enid’s shocking past comes to light as the gossip mill churns, and even Ms. Dalton, SVH’s young French teacher, becomes the center of a highly-publicized scandal with no merit behind it. These Sweet Valley High students are really something else.
Perhaps most disturbing of all, however, is Enid’s boyfriend Ronnie, who is giving off so many red flags, I truly worry about anyone who will have future contact with him. Ronnie is clearly an abuser on so many levels, and unfortunately, the ladies of SVH just don’t seem to see it. Rather, we have Enid wailing because Ronnie dumped her, and Elizabeth giving him the benefit of the doubt. SVH sent the wrong message to its young readers in so many different ways, I am not at all surprised to see this line of thinking present in this novel; however, it is disappointing to think about how many girls were influenced by this mixed messaging.
Nonetheless, Secrets was quite the interesting read, with Elizabeth giving Jessica her just desserts at the end (this seems to be becoming a habit.) Book #3 sees Jessica pining after the untouchable Bruce Patman, so let’s buckle up and see how that goes for her, next time at SVH!
October 4, 2019
Ok, I have to give this one 5 stars because Jessica is so on her game of manipulation that it's downright satirical. I chuckled throughout this entire book!
Some favorite gems include:
Yech! Did he [Winston Egbert] have to stare at her like that? Even so, she found herself shifting slightly to a more flattering pose.
It looked like a letter. Being naturally curious--and having absolutely zero scruples when it came to reading other people's mail--she snatched it up.
"Can't anyone talk about anything else?" Jessica quickly grew bored with gossip that didn't directly concern her.
"Well, what a coincidence!" She cried, clapping a hand over her mouth. "Would you believe I don't have a date, either?" [Feigns innocence in a way that would impress Scarlett O'Hara]
Some favorite gems include:
Yech! Did he [Winston Egbert] have to stare at her like that? Even so, she found herself shifting slightly to a more flattering pose.
It looked like a letter. Being naturally curious--and having absolutely zero scruples when it came to reading other people's mail--she snatched it up.
"Can't anyone talk about anything else?" Jessica quickly grew bored with gossip that didn't directly concern her.
"Well, what a coincidence!" She cried, clapping a hand over her mouth. "Would you believe I don't have a date, either?" [Feigns innocence in a way that would impress Scarlett O'Hara]
April 10, 2022
In the second installment of this retro series Jessica is trying to win the attention of her crush Bruce Patman and is convinced winning Queen at the school dance will finally get him to notice her. Meanwhile Elizabeth's best friend Enid Rollins has her relationship ruined after a secret about her past is cruelly revealed.
I remember the TV show more than the books and I know I used to think Jessica was so cool and popular. Reading this now she is kind of awful. She's mean and can be cruel.
I liked that we saw some of the other characters like Enid and Winston more in this one. It shows just how much rumours can affect people and it was a nice quick read.
I remember the TV show more than the books and I know I used to think Jessica was so cool and popular. Reading this now she is kind of awful. She's mean and can be cruel.
I liked that we saw some of the other characters like Enid and Winston more in this one. It shows just how much rumours can affect people and it was a nice quick read.
September 1, 2022
Wow. It's amazing this became just a powerhouse of a series with so many offshoots. This book was really boring, the characters were mostly hateful, and the writing was as bland as beige paint.
I want to go back to middle school. At least they had the decency to put a plot that didn't glorify bullying in the first two books. Sigh.
I want to go back to middle school. At least they had the decency to put a plot that didn't glorify bullying in the first two books. Sigh.
March 3, 2019
I can’t get over how mean Jessica is. Did I really think this was so cool when I was a kid? 🤔 And maybe I’m missing something this time around, but what’s with the “hundred and thirtyseven” thing? I’m enjoying the trials and tribulations but oh how I wish Elizabeth would give Jessica the slap she so rightly deserves.
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June 20, 2020Misericórdia! Acorda, Liz!!
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