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V Valentine #2
Guyaholic
Sometimes it takes getting hit with a hockey puck to help you see what's good for you! Carolyn Mackler is back - and V is off on a solo road trip - in this funny, poignant follow-up to VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE.V Valentine is the queen of meaningless hookups. Ever since her mom dumped her with her grandparents, she has bounced from guy to guy. But in the spring of senior year, a fateful hockey puck lands her in the lap of Sam Almond. Right from the start, things with Sam are different. V is terrified to admit it, but this might be meaningful after all. On the afternoon of graduation, V receives some shocking news. Later, at a party, she makes an irreversible mistake and risks losing Sam forever. When her mom invites her to Texas, V embarks on a cross-country road trip with the hopes of putting two thousand miles between herself, Sam, and the wreckage of that night. With her trademark blend of humor and compassion, Carolyn Mackler takes readers on an unforgettable ride of missed exits, misadventures, and the kind of epiphanies that come only when you're on a route you've never taken before.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2007
38 people are currently reading
1622 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Mackler
24 books980 followersCarolyn Mackler is the author of the popular teen novels, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (A Michael L. Printz Honor Book), Infinite in Between, Tangled, Guyaholic, Vegan Virgin Valentine, and Love and Other Four-Letter Words. Carolyn's novel, The Future of Us, co-written with bestselling author Jay Asher, received starred reviews and appeared on several bestseller lists. Carolyn has also written Best Friend Next Door, a novel for younger readers. Carolyn's novels have been published in more than twenty countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Denmark, Israel, and Indonesia.
Carolyn lives in New York City with her husband and two sons. Her new novel for teens, The Universe is Expanding and So Am I, will be published in May 2018. This is the long-awaited sequel to the Printz-honor winning novel, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
Carolyn lives in New York City with her husband and two sons. Her new novel for teens, The Universe is Expanding and So Am I, will be published in May 2018. This is the long-awaited sequel to the Printz-honor winning novel, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Angie Fisher for TeensReadToo.com
Vivienne Vail Valentine - no wonder she needs a nickname. "V" is her name, and guys are her game.
A game she learned well ...from her mom. That would be the same mom who dumped her at her grandparents house to live, which, by the way, was probably the best gift she ever gave her one and only child.
To say V has trust issues would be like saying the sun can burn. She shimmies from one guy to the next with the grace of a goddess, leaving nothing but broken hearts in her wake. That is, until she finds herself on the wrong end of a hockey puck, bleeding in the lap of a fellow fan.
Head wounds bleed, by the way, a lot. And Sam Almond didn't flinch when he used his sweatshirt to plug the hole in her head that would later require eighteen stitches.
Sam didn't consider himself a hero, and V didn't want to think of him as such, because it scared her. He scared her. He was different.
When the opportunity arises for her to return to her old ways, she convinces herself it's the way to go, it's who she is; it's who her mother made her. But at what cost?
Vivienne Vail Valentine - no wonder she needs a nickname. "V" is her name, and guys are her game.
A game she learned well ...from her mom. That would be the same mom who dumped her at her grandparents house to live, which, by the way, was probably the best gift she ever gave her one and only child.
To say V has trust issues would be like saying the sun can burn. She shimmies from one guy to the next with the grace of a goddess, leaving nothing but broken hearts in her wake. That is, until she finds herself on the wrong end of a hockey puck, bleeding in the lap of a fellow fan.
Head wounds bleed, by the way, a lot. And Sam Almond didn't flinch when he used his sweatshirt to plug the hole in her head that would later require eighteen stitches.
Sam didn't consider himself a hero, and V didn't want to think of him as such, because it scared her. He scared her. He was different.
When the opportunity arises for her to return to her old ways, she convinces herself it's the way to go, it's who she is; it's who her mother made her. But at what cost?
July 1, 2018
The story kept me interesting, but I kept waiting for a point to the story or a good ending and it never happened. V has relationship issues, stemming from her mother's poor relationship choices, so she's afraid to open her heart to love and tries to keep her dating life on the shallow side. The way the story was told was kind of boring, more telling than showing which is almost always something I dislike. The ending was predictable but wrap up the story pretty well.
February 12, 2019
Guyaholic (V Valentine #2) of Carolyn Mackler made me feel sad. I was really disappointed to Aimee, V's mom. I never thought that a mother can sacrifice her time for her daughter in exchange of boyfriends. While reading this book, I understand now why V's acting like that. She craving for a mother's love and affection. She just wanted to be with her mother but clearly her mom is not yet ready to become a good mother to her. Thankfully, she has her grandparents and Mara. I wanted more of this story. I wanted to know what will happen to V and Sam and for one last time, I wanted V to be happy and to feel loved by her mom.
December 27, 2011
I loved Guyaholic with all my heart it was amazing. This was my first book that I have read by Carolyn Mackler and can't wait to read more by her. I had no idea that this is the second book of this series so now I am going to read the first book.
April 9, 2014
I'll admit it's been awhile since I wrote anything on my blog. In fact, the thing I wrote was a review for an Amy Plum book. Anyway, now I'm moving on to Guyaholic which is only about a hundred and twenty pages. It's a rather short book that anyone can read during bathroom break. On second thought, don't read it during a bathroom break. That's disgusting. Along with disturbing. I definitely won't touch any of your books.
Okay, the main character, V, is caught monologuing. Well, most of the time, she's complaining about her girl problems and whatever. I learned nothing about this book other than the fact about monologuing. The only fact I learned about monologuing: Never get caught doing it for a chapter or more. It gets too boring. Basically, the only way the character development gets moved forward is by monologuing. Anytime there's dialogue is like a sheep among wolves. (I'm referring wolves as monologues).
This is going to be a fairly short review. I'm too tired to think about anything, especially after watching Agent Ward (Agents of Shield) kill Agent Hand and the two guards in cold blood. I can't believe he's HYDRA agent. Anyway, I have to sleep on it. Ahhh! Everything is so messed up in my review. I feel like I'm dizzy or something. It's midnight and I need to sleep. I have class tomorrow. Yawn, yawn.
The only big topic this book teaches is that sleeping with a lot of guys is never a good idea. I mean, one man and one woman is already complicated enough. Suddenly, this author decides, hey! Why not add a bunch more of guys to this book? That's when it gets really complicated.
The only thing I will probably remember is how inappropriate this book is. And monologues. Especially monologues. I thought Shakespeare was already enough. Of course, it isn't. And how big of a hooker (well, she might as well be) V is.
Short book. Boring plot that's not worth mentioning at all. Everything is boring. No car trip with boy. Just car trip with monologues. Thank you, goodbye. Night, night.
Rating: One out of Five
Okay, the main character, V, is caught monologuing. Well, most of the time, she's complaining about her girl problems and whatever. I learned nothing about this book other than the fact about monologuing. The only fact I learned about monologuing: Never get caught doing it for a chapter or more. It gets too boring. Basically, the only way the character development gets moved forward is by monologuing. Anytime there's dialogue is like a sheep among wolves. (I'm referring wolves as monologues).
This is going to be a fairly short review. I'm too tired to think about anything, especially after watching Agent Ward (Agents of Shield) kill Agent Hand and the two guards in cold blood. I can't believe he's HYDRA agent. Anyway, I have to sleep on it. Ahhh! Everything is so messed up in my review. I feel like I'm dizzy or something. It's midnight and I need to sleep. I have class tomorrow. Yawn, yawn.
The only big topic this book teaches is that sleeping with a lot of guys is never a good idea. I mean, one man and one woman is already complicated enough. Suddenly, this author decides, hey! Why not add a bunch more of guys to this book? That's when it gets really complicated.
The only thing I will probably remember is how inappropriate this book is. And monologues. Especially monologues. I thought Shakespeare was already enough. Of course, it isn't. And how big of a hooker (well, she might as well be) V is.
Short book. Boring plot that's not worth mentioning at all. Everything is boring. No car trip with boy. Just car trip with monologues. Thank you, goodbye. Night, night.
Rating: One out of Five
March 13, 2009
V Valentine, the insuppressible anti-hero from VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE, is back in a story about her own growing up and falling into love. All her life, V has flitted from one boy to the next at breakneck speed, never stopping to allow any possible emotions to cling to her. Then one fateful hockey game she crosses paths with Sam. Somehow things with him are different.
Could it be that Sam is V’s first real boyfriend? V isn’t so sure. And given her own mother’s history with numerous men, she’s pretty certain that love, the kind of emotion that causes you to remain faithful to only one person, doesn’t exist. So she constantly pushes Sam away, denying her feelings and, finally, permanently wrecking any relationship they had.
Ashamed, V decides to take a cross-country car trip by herself to visit her mother, whom she has not seen for a while now. Her adventure is nothing spectacular, but it’s the thinking that V does on the trip that causes her to realize how she’s different from her mother, and how she’s grown and is, just maybe, ready to open up to love.
While not one of my favorite books of hers, Carolyn Mackler’s novel GUYAHOLIC is nevertheless entertaining, a heartwarming overture for a girl who, despite her faults, we love. It’s impossible not to cheer for V as she survives her car trip and learns about herself in the process.
Could it be that Sam is V’s first real boyfriend? V isn’t so sure. And given her own mother’s history with numerous men, she’s pretty certain that love, the kind of emotion that causes you to remain faithful to only one person, doesn’t exist. So she constantly pushes Sam away, denying her feelings and, finally, permanently wrecking any relationship they had.
Ashamed, V decides to take a cross-country car trip by herself to visit her mother, whom she has not seen for a while now. Her adventure is nothing spectacular, but it’s the thinking that V does on the trip that causes her to realize how she’s different from her mother, and how she’s grown and is, just maybe, ready to open up to love.
While not one of my favorite books of hers, Carolyn Mackler’s novel GUYAHOLIC is nevertheless entertaining, a heartwarming overture for a girl who, despite her faults, we love. It’s impossible not to cheer for V as she survives her car trip and learns about herself in the process.
July 5, 2025
Another reread in the books!
I've always loved this book - V's journey isn't easy and as a reader, I could truly feel that through the words written. Everytime I reread this book, I wish for the story to continue - V and Sam in college for book #3?!
I've always loved this book - V's journey isn't easy and as a reader, I could truly feel that through the words written. Everytime I reread this book, I wish for the story to continue - V and Sam in college for book #3?!
September 11, 2010
V has had a pretty messed up life. Aimee – her mother – spent the first seventeen years of V’s life dragging her from one town to the next in search of love. But Aimee isn’t into the long-term commitment thing, and her and V were always running from Aimee’s romantic mistakes. Consequently, V hasn’t had any stability and she hasn’t made any real friends. But that was all before Brockport, before Aimee decided V would be better off living with her grandparents. Brockport brings with it a family kind of life, plus the chance for V to really settle in and make some decent friends. And lets not forget, a new town means a whole new set of boy prospects…
V loves guys, but she isn’t really a relationship kind of girl – just like her mother. So when things with Sam get hot and heavy and he starts throwing the couple word around, V defiantly finds someone else to make out with at their graduation party. They get busted, of course, and Sam leaves for college early without so much as a goodbye. Its out of character for V to feel remorse over something like this – after all, she tried telling him time after time that she wasn’t into the whole relationship thing – but something is different this time, and remorse eats at V from the inside out.
Instead of apologizing to Sam, like any normal person would, she runs. V hits the road and drives thousands of miles across the country to visit her mother. But Sam already left town, so what is V running from? She’s not sure, but driving on the open road is a great opportunity to look at oneself and work it out.
Why is V so afraid of a relationship? And why on earth did she go and do something like cheat on Sam? Sam didn’t deserve that, and V knows there were other, more appropriate ways for her to get her message across to him. It was the lowest thing she could have done…
As she drives across the country she realises that she’s a lot more like her mother than she first thought. She loves Aimee, but really, does she want to be like her? Aimee is selfish, irresponsible and incapable of caring about anything other than herself. Is it too late for V, or can she change?
V isn’t the kind of character that I’m normally drawn to. Guyaholic is a companion novel to Vegan Virgin Valentine, and that’s the reason I picked it up. I didn’t like V in Vegan, Virgin, Valentine and honestly, I didn’t really like her in this novel either. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t think it was a good read. Over the years, I’ve encountered hundreds of characters that I haven’t liked, and I’ve never really been interested in their outcome. V, however, is a different story altogether. Although I don’t agree with most of her choices, and I couldn’t see myself ever wanting to be her friend, I became whole-heartedly invested in her story. As I read, I found my stomach twisting as I turned the pages. Though I didn’t like her, I wanted things to work out for her and being inside her head wasn’t an unpleasant experience at all.
I’ve always been a fan of Carolyn Mackler’s work. Guyaholic only reaffirmed her brilliance for me.
V loves guys, but she isn’t really a relationship kind of girl – just like her mother. So when things with Sam get hot and heavy and he starts throwing the couple word around, V defiantly finds someone else to make out with at their graduation party. They get busted, of course, and Sam leaves for college early without so much as a goodbye. Its out of character for V to feel remorse over something like this – after all, she tried telling him time after time that she wasn’t into the whole relationship thing – but something is different this time, and remorse eats at V from the inside out.
Instead of apologizing to Sam, like any normal person would, she runs. V hits the road and drives thousands of miles across the country to visit her mother. But Sam already left town, so what is V running from? She’s not sure, but driving on the open road is a great opportunity to look at oneself and work it out.
Why is V so afraid of a relationship? And why on earth did she go and do something like cheat on Sam? Sam didn’t deserve that, and V knows there were other, more appropriate ways for her to get her message across to him. It was the lowest thing she could have done…
As she drives across the country she realises that she’s a lot more like her mother than she first thought. She loves Aimee, but really, does she want to be like her? Aimee is selfish, irresponsible and incapable of caring about anything other than herself. Is it too late for V, or can she change?
V isn’t the kind of character that I’m normally drawn to. Guyaholic is a companion novel to Vegan Virgin Valentine, and that’s the reason I picked it up. I didn’t like V in Vegan, Virgin, Valentine and honestly, I didn’t really like her in this novel either. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t think it was a good read. Over the years, I’ve encountered hundreds of characters that I haven’t liked, and I’ve never really been interested in their outcome. V, however, is a different story altogether. Although I don’t agree with most of her choices, and I couldn’t see myself ever wanting to be her friend, I became whole-heartedly invested in her story. As I read, I found my stomach twisting as I turned the pages. Though I didn’t like her, I wanted things to work out for her and being inside her head wasn’t an unpleasant experience at all.
I’ve always been a fan of Carolyn Mackler’s work. Guyaholic only reaffirmed her brilliance for me.
June 12, 2020
Alright, so Guyaholic is the sequel to Vegan Virgin Valentine. If you’ve read my reviews before (which I am sure a good deal of you haven’t, lol) then you should know that VVV is one of my rare cotemporary YA favorites that I read when I was in high school. So, fast forward a great deal of time until maybe last month. I found out that, wow, VVV had a sequel not from Mara’s POV but from her niece’s—V’s.
I was ready to rock this book. It’s pretty short and something I ate up in a day. The dry humor is hilarious. The characters were fun, and I cared about what they did and how they handled situations. There were also these wonderful moments of prose where I could just feel like I was there. Especially while driving around the Midwest, aka, my hometown. I felt like I was right back in my high school days nodding along with the pangs of the teenage protagonist. I liked that V recognized that she was repeating the cycle her mother started and was able to understand how to get out. That’s why I was a little disappointed that the book kind of ended where it did. I mean, it was a poetic ending, but there could have been, like, a part two. I thought I was going to get some closure in this book that I never really got from VVV, but I ended up having more unanswered questions coming out of this book than when I was going in.
Oh, and if you were a fan of the original VVV and loved the Mara sections but were stunned by a certain reveal……well, Damn. Damn, Damn. Triple Damn. That sure isn’t what I wanted to hear. I was so upset after reading what happened that I almost wished that I never read this book at all. And for that reason alone I’m warning original VVV fans to steer clear from Guyaholic because your heart will be broken.
Anyway, this book was short but fun. I hoped it could have been longer and that we had more of Sam instead of just memories of him. I also wish that we didn’t sneak in that earth shattering information about Mara and…ouch…it still hurts. So! There it is. That’s what I think. I hope the 0 people that read this review got something from it, haha!
I was ready to rock this book. It’s pretty short and something I ate up in a day. The dry humor is hilarious. The characters were fun, and I cared about what they did and how they handled situations. There were also these wonderful moments of prose where I could just feel like I was there. Especially while driving around the Midwest, aka, my hometown. I felt like I was right back in my high school days nodding along with the pangs of the teenage protagonist. I liked that V recognized that she was repeating the cycle her mother started and was able to understand how to get out. That’s why I was a little disappointed that the book kind of ended where it did. I mean, it was a poetic ending, but there could have been, like, a part two. I thought I was going to get some closure in this book that I never really got from VVV, but I ended up having more unanswered questions coming out of this book than when I was going in.
Oh, and if you were a fan of the original VVV and loved the Mara sections but were stunned by a certain reveal……well, Damn. Damn, Damn. Triple Damn. That sure isn’t what I wanted to hear. I was so upset after reading what happened that I almost wished that I never read this book at all. And for that reason alone I’m warning original VVV fans to steer clear from Guyaholic because your heart will be broken.
Anyway, this book was short but fun. I hoped it could have been longer and that we had more of Sam instead of just memories of him. I also wish that we didn’t sneak in that earth shattering information about Mara and…ouch…it still hurts. So! There it is. That’s what I think. I hope the 0 people that read this review got something from it, haha!
July 14, 2022
Though this is the sequel to Vegan Virgin Valentine (a spin on the teenage aunt’s name), you don’t have to read in order since this is the niece’s POV. Yet it’s strange her young aunt is mentioned hardly at all when they lived & went to school together. Then I realized this book starts exactly ONE YEAR after the last one left off. There are many new (boy)friend characters, none of which the MC wants to get close to because she’s used to moving every yr, thanks to her loose, neglectful mom who abandons her w/ her grandparents and ignores her graduation to get laid in Costa Rica. There’s slightly dark humor, though things aren’t as fun as the first book despite the strong, non-cliche voice, because the side characters are too try-hard at being bad girls or dopey “nice guys.”
Not until 70% through do we hint at what happened to Mara, the 19 y/o aunt, based on the semi-cliffhanger of book one. But what happened w/ her schooling & romance, did she go to her graduation and how’d her parents react? Did she and V become friends and stay in touch or just ghost like her mom? V’s reaction to breakups are well-written, fleshed w/o being worded trite, and I like her road trip idea (driving anxiety spot-on), spontaneity, and acknowledgment she’s an immoral cheater. Her sexual history as an aggressor to accepting more is interesting, as is her connection to her mom’s comedian BF she hoped could one day replace her “sperm donor” dad. Not crazy about the last 40 pages, since things on the road get repetitive or end a bit predictable. Kinda cute and good growth, but I don’t expect her or her mom to get better w/ their separate or united issues as quick as implied.
Not until 70% through do we hint at what happened to Mara, the 19 y/o aunt, based on the semi-cliffhanger of book one. But what happened w/ her schooling & romance, did she go to her graduation and how’d her parents react? Did she and V become friends and stay in touch or just ghost like her mom? V’s reaction to breakups are well-written, fleshed w/o being worded trite, and I like her road trip idea (driving anxiety spot-on), spontaneity, and acknowledgment she’s an immoral cheater. Her sexual history as an aggressor to accepting more is interesting, as is her connection to her mom’s comedian BF she hoped could one day replace her “sperm donor” dad. Not crazy about the last 40 pages, since things on the road get repetitive or end a bit predictable. Kinda cute and good growth, but I don’t expect her or her mom to get better w/ their separate or united issues as quick as implied.
November 28, 2010
Guyaholic is definitely one of my new favorite books. The book has a lot of descriptions and details that really brings you into it. V spends the whole school year trying to figure out who she really is. With her mom constantly moving everywhere from guy to guy, V is constantly being thrown in new situations. Her mom teaches her no values or morals so V has no direction on what she wants her life to be like. She starts to take her mom's lead and sleep with a good amount of guys. Her mom eventually forces her to live with her grandparents so she can finish her senior year. A guy named Sam falls in love with V, but V denies being in love with him accustomed to how she was brought up. She rejects Sam and he runs away to California. After her mom doesn't show up to her graduation, V plans to find her mom by driving all the way from New York to Texas. After she almost makes it to her house, her mom moves again, so V changes her route to California and finds Sam instead. The book was really suspenceful and I would recommend it to any girl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2012
This story is about a senior girl in high school. Her name is Vivienne, V is for short. Vivienne is the type of girl who sometimes messes around with guys in high school. But then when she least a expects it she meets Sam, who is also a senior in high school. But V isn't the settle down type of girl, which she gets from her mom. V's mom is,Aimee, is also a run around girl. She has always had V switching to different houses. Until she finally was brought to her grandparents house where she kinda got a life. So after all that V has graduated she drives around to another state and looks for her Mr.Right.
I would refer this book to people,mostly girls though.I personally enjoyed the book. I might have learned something too, what I learned is you should never let the one that you actually really love go away from you.
I would refer this book to people,mostly girls though.I personally enjoyed the book. I might have learned something too, what I learned is you should never let the one that you actually really love go away from you.
March 10, 2009
EIGHT CHAPTERS IN: All I can say is...Guyaholic. Is. HILARIOUS. There's some REALLY REALLY sad/emotional parts in it. But it is absolutely hilarious. A very well written book.
FINISHED WITH BOOK: Wow. Incredible. VERY FUNNY at certain times but at other times, it gets very emotional and very intense. A GGGRRREATTTT book. A MUST READ.
I would recommend this book to MATURE teenagers. Why? Well, there's lots of stuff in there that wouldn't be appropriate for IMMATURE teens to read. Also, OLDER teens would be better too. Some of the writing in there is not appropriate for YOUNG teens to read.
Overall? A GREAT and INCREDIBLE book. I finished it in two days. It has also taught me A LOT.
A MUST READ!
FINISHED WITH BOOK: Wow. Incredible. VERY FUNNY at certain times but at other times, it gets very emotional and very intense. A GGGRRREATTTT book. A MUST READ.
I would recommend this book to MATURE teenagers. Why? Well, there's lots of stuff in there that wouldn't be appropriate for IMMATURE teens to read. Also, OLDER teens would be better too. Some of the writing in there is not appropriate for YOUNG teens to read.
Overall? A GREAT and INCREDIBLE book. I finished it in two days. It has also taught me A LOT.
A MUST READ!
March 7, 2013
Boy, I wish this book didn't have such a stupid title!!! I almost didn't read it due to the ridiculous title, but I gave it a shot since I loved Mackler's first book, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things. I'm glad I did, as it ended up being a very sweet YA book. Contrary to the title, this was really the story of a girl who sorts out some things about her life after graduating from high school. It was a sequel to an ok book, but it can easily stand alone, and I enjoyed it much more than the first book, Vegan Virgin Valentine (another not-so-great title). The title Guyaholic, in my opinion, trivializes the main character's struggle with her past and her journey (a literal one, too) to discovering who she is, and more importantly, who she isn't.
December 22, 2021
I just did not have the best time while reading it. I guessed the ending explain everything. I hate the repetition in certain situations. I don’t think I would love V if she exist. If currently, I’m 15 most probably I would enjoy reading this kind of story
September 19, 2017
Alright book, I think the ending was terrible. And once again I read a book without realizing it was a sequel to another.
July 31, 2021
For me is a winner this book showcases like no other what really goes on with underage sexuality and how not to fall in love with the main character's journey to redeem herself and follow true love. Enjoyable, funny and sometimes heart-warming.
October 6, 2021
I enjoy carolyn macklers books usually, I find them enjoyable to read and a mix of emotions along the way this one I'm not sure about, I enjoyed the journey V took but would of liked more story about the ending 😐
February 14, 2018
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did by the end of it. The first book is still definitely my favorite but it was nice to get a deeper dive into V’s character.
April 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I think I was able to relate to it a lot actually. I really loved how the author explained the character and described the actions in deep detail. The book is best read if your a teenage girl and the boy problems in the book were very high school drama related. I really liked the whole storyline and the obstacles the character faces. The teen in the story "V" is actually very self-centered and she thinks the world revolves around her and all the guys she's hooked up with. Overall, the novel was really good and I recommend it to mostly female.
December 3, 2020
This is a very basic book and doesn’t really have a lot of interesting hooks. It’s kinda like a really bad version of legally blonde without the character development. If you’re really into cheesy romances you might like it other than that would not recommend.
January 25, 2008
I remember reading the first book, but obviously that one didn’t make much of an impression on me, otherwise I would remember the characters of Mara and James, which I don’t. As well, I don’t remember the characters from the other book Carolyn Mackler wrote, even though she won an award for it. I’m a sucker for awards, so you’d think I’d noticed. Huh. I’m considering re-reading The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
V Valentine can’t commit to a relationship. Even though things with Sam are different and she really likes him, she still can’t become officially boyfriend and girlfriend with the guy. When she screws up their relationship the night of their graduation party, V has to rethink her life. With a road trip by herself. And wonder what went wrong between Sam and her, between her mother and her, or just between herself.
I think this is a very good self-discovery book, especially since V is a strong character. She’s just very realistic to me. I haven’t met someone with her personality, but the author presents a very truthful image of a girl who’s been messed by her mother’s actions that she’s scared to love. As well, the things she says and the actions she takes, I don’t find fault in that. I might not have agreed with half the things V did or said, but I can tell what brought her to this point. And, towards the end, she does change.
I particularly liked the beginning portion of the book. The characters are presented and the conflict kicks in. It’s just towards the end that things don’t really match. The author seemed to have rushed the ending, because the latter portion seemed very unrealistic to me. Like the avocado dip guy, for example. I know there are some very friendly people out there, BUT V and the guy’s just met for like three seconds and they’re pouring their heart and souls to each other. Okay, so it’s not that impossible, but I thought the author was just trying to get a way for V to realize that she went on the road trip not to see her mother, but to drive to California for Sam. I’m just saying the author could’ve used a more realistic method, like contacting Mara or even Aimee and see what they have to say, because a random stranger doesn’t make sense to me.
Other than that, the book kind of seemed lost somewhere halfway. At some point, V did too much poking into her inner voices and reasoning that it became messy and hard to understand the point behind it. Although I do like the self-discovery and innermost moments because they were real and deep, it would have been better if it was organized and not scattered.
Although, of course, the book This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen wih a similar storyline was in all ways one of the best reads.
V Valentine can’t commit to a relationship. Even though things with Sam are different and she really likes him, she still can’t become officially boyfriend and girlfriend with the guy. When she screws up their relationship the night of their graduation party, V has to rethink her life. With a road trip by herself. And wonder what went wrong between Sam and her, between her mother and her, or just between herself.
I think this is a very good self-discovery book, especially since V is a strong character. She’s just very realistic to me. I haven’t met someone with her personality, but the author presents a very truthful image of a girl who’s been messed by her mother’s actions that she’s scared to love. As well, the things she says and the actions she takes, I don’t find fault in that. I might not have agreed with half the things V did or said, but I can tell what brought her to this point. And, towards the end, she does change.
I particularly liked the beginning portion of the book. The characters are presented and the conflict kicks in. It’s just towards the end that things don’t really match. The author seemed to have rushed the ending, because the latter portion seemed very unrealistic to me. Like the avocado dip guy, for example. I know there are some very friendly people out there, BUT V and the guy’s just met for like three seconds and they’re pouring their heart and souls to each other. Okay, so it’s not that impossible, but I thought the author was just trying to get a way for V to realize that she went on the road trip not to see her mother, but to drive to California for Sam. I’m just saying the author could’ve used a more realistic method, like contacting Mara or even Aimee and see what they have to say, because a random stranger doesn’t make sense to me.
Other than that, the book kind of seemed lost somewhere halfway. At some point, V did too much poking into her inner voices and reasoning that it became messy and hard to understand the point behind it. Although I do like the self-discovery and innermost moments because they were real and deep, it would have been better if it was organized and not scattered.
Although, of course, the book This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen wih a similar storyline was in all ways one of the best reads.
May 4, 2013
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars
Plot summery-
Vivienne, who goes by V, was born by her teenaged mom who is with a different guy every other month. She moved everywhere in the country, living an unstable life. One day her mom sent her to live with her grandparents. V lived there for years, longer than she lived anywhere. At first when she live with her grandma and grandpa she slept around, smoked, partied, and even did drugs. She met a different guy this time in a strange way and she got her act together. This guy was different than all of the others. They are a happy, young couple until they get in a fight. V makes a few bad choices as the result of alcohol. The perfect couple splits and her perfect guy moves. Her mother has never been there for here, not her graduation, not her birthday, and not now. She goes on a cross-country journey to find all of the things she's been missing the most and things she never even knew she was missing.
Main Characters-
Vivienne- goes by V, slept around, did drugs, just graduated, lives with her grandparents, pretty, tall, thin, smart, doesn't like to be alone, not girlfriend material, and used to move a lot
Sam- kind, nice, funny, has an annoying family, strong willed, caring, good cook, down to earth, understanding, and forgiving
Key Issues-
Drugs, cheating, smoking, stubbornness, relationship issues, and always being let down
Dynamic Character-
V is the dynamic character because her trip changes the way she thinks of the world, people she knows, and herself.
Other Information-
This book made me feel sympathy for people with parents who aren't always there for them. This book was very unpredictable. The book was told in first person with such detail it seems like you're right there with V on her extensive journey. When her heart gets broken it feels like yours did too. When she describes the open fields she sees that stretch for miles and mile or the earthy, dirt type smell it feels like you are there standing amongst row after row of crops. When the humid air and hot temperature is described it feel like summer again. Every moment in this book is describes with so much detail and the upmost accuracy it feels like you are right there in the moment with Vivienne herself. I would recommend this book to at least a teen reader I mean the title is Guyaholic after all. This book is also more of a book for girls, because it is from a girl's point of view. Overall this book was very good.
Plot summery-
Vivienne, who goes by V, was born by her teenaged mom who is with a different guy every other month. She moved everywhere in the country, living an unstable life. One day her mom sent her to live with her grandparents. V lived there for years, longer than she lived anywhere. At first when she live with her grandma and grandpa she slept around, smoked, partied, and even did drugs. She met a different guy this time in a strange way and she got her act together. This guy was different than all of the others. They are a happy, young couple until they get in a fight. V makes a few bad choices as the result of alcohol. The perfect couple splits and her perfect guy moves. Her mother has never been there for here, not her graduation, not her birthday, and not now. She goes on a cross-country journey to find all of the things she's been missing the most and things she never even knew she was missing.
Main Characters-
Vivienne- goes by V, slept around, did drugs, just graduated, lives with her grandparents, pretty, tall, thin, smart, doesn't like to be alone, not girlfriend material, and used to move a lot
Sam- kind, nice, funny, has an annoying family, strong willed, caring, good cook, down to earth, understanding, and forgiving
Key Issues-
Drugs, cheating, smoking, stubbornness, relationship issues, and always being let down
Dynamic Character-
V is the dynamic character because her trip changes the way she thinks of the world, people she knows, and herself.
Other Information-
This book made me feel sympathy for people with parents who aren't always there for them. This book was very unpredictable. The book was told in first person with such detail it seems like you're right there with V on her extensive journey. When her heart gets broken it feels like yours did too. When she describes the open fields she sees that stretch for miles and mile or the earthy, dirt type smell it feels like you are there standing amongst row after row of crops. When the humid air and hot temperature is described it feel like summer again. Every moment in this book is describes with so much detail and the upmost accuracy it feels like you are right there in the moment with Vivienne herself. I would recommend this book to at least a teen reader I mean the title is Guyaholic after all. This book is also more of a book for girls, because it is from a girl's point of view. Overall this book was very good.
February 16, 2012
I think this book had a lot of potential, but I think overall, the story was very rushed, and the emotions involved were so surface deep.
First of all, I didn't really connect with V's relationship with Sam. It was over just as soon as it started, and I didn't get a chance to fall in love with him. I thought maybe Mackler did this on purpose because V was emotionally involved herself. But I think whereas V got to know Sam and just took him for granted, I didn't get to learn about Sam and what makes him so great.
I also thought the end was very abrupt. The book goes through a long journey from the east coast to Texas, and then one minute she made the decision to go to California, and the next day, she was at his doorstep. Two pages later, the book was over. She didn't apologize. They didn't discuss anything. I felt like they didn't really resolve anything. I mean, she cheated on him. It's that easy for him to forgive her with no talk whatsoever?
And I didn't think that was the only thing left unresolved. V didn't learn anything in this whole book in regards to her mother other than the fact that she can't trust her mother to be there for her. It's kind of sad that this book leaves us with this thought. I was hoping her mother would make a turnaround because it's part of the responsibilities of being a mother.
And I don't think she learned to appreciate her grandparents more either. I mean, the scene at the hotel did show her that they would be there for her no matter what, but I wasn't sure if she really appreciated it or not. She may have, and Mackler just didn't say it point blank. But I actually wanted her to have that revelation because I'm sure it's not easy taking in a rebel grandchild whose mother doesn't really want to have anything to do with her.
Overall, this was a cute read. I just wish Mackler had slowed down a bit to let us connect with V and all of her problems.
First of all, I didn't really connect with V's relationship with Sam. It was over just as soon as it started, and I didn't get a chance to fall in love with him. I thought maybe Mackler did this on purpose because V was emotionally involved herself. But I think whereas V got to know Sam and just took him for granted, I didn't get to learn about Sam and what makes him so great.
I also thought the end was very abrupt. The book goes through a long journey from the east coast to Texas, and then one minute she made the decision to go to California, and the next day, she was at his doorstep. Two pages later, the book was over. She didn't apologize. They didn't discuss anything. I felt like they didn't really resolve anything. I mean, she cheated on him. It's that easy for him to forgive her with no talk whatsoever?
And I didn't think that was the only thing left unresolved. V didn't learn anything in this whole book in regards to her mother other than the fact that she can't trust her mother to be there for her. It's kind of sad that this book leaves us with this thought. I was hoping her mother would make a turnaround because it's part of the responsibilities of being a mother.
And I don't think she learned to appreciate her grandparents more either. I mean, the scene at the hotel did show her that they would be there for her no matter what, but I wasn't sure if she really appreciated it or not. She may have, and Mackler just didn't say it point blank. But I actually wanted her to have that revelation because I'm sure it's not easy taking in a rebel grandchild whose mother doesn't really want to have anything to do with her.
Overall, this was a cute read. I just wish Mackler had slowed down a bit to let us connect with V and all of her problems.
April 5, 2009
V is the more vibrant and dominating character in Mackler's previous work, Vegan Virgin Valentine and it's great to see her have a story of her own. What I loved about revisiting this character is exploring why she behaved in certain ways throughout the previous book. Why she had the obscenity written over her fingers when she got off the plane. Why she resisted auditioning for musical theatre. What her life had been like with the nomadic, flighty Aimee.
Mackler has a talent for creating stories that mine the humour of a situation while exploring matters of the heart. While Sam is an important figure in Guyaholic (he loves V for her flaws), he isn't the heart of this tale. This story is ultimately about how many chances you can give a parent, how many times can you be cruelly deserted, before you write that person off?
That being said, V's journey and continual act of self-destruction grate after awhile. Yes, it is very realistic that a person lashes out, when another hurts them, but V's primarily driven by her libido. She will be missing Sam and then suddenly kissing another guy (and more) and I cannot help but wonder if she deserves Sam. Yes, she's been hurt, yes she's a product of non-parenting but does that justify her actions?
A great read, it is a Mackler after all, but I wouldn't say it's on par with the butt book that I love so dearly. Regardless, you need to give this a whirl.
Mackler has a talent for creating stories that mine the humour of a situation while exploring matters of the heart. While Sam is an important figure in Guyaholic (he loves V for her flaws), he isn't the heart of this tale. This story is ultimately about how many chances you can give a parent, how many times can you be cruelly deserted, before you write that person off?
That being said, V's journey and continual act of self-destruction grate after awhile. Yes, it is very realistic that a person lashes out, when another hurts them, but V's primarily driven by her libido. She will be missing Sam and then suddenly kissing another guy (and more) and I cannot help but wonder if she deserves Sam. Yes, she's been hurt, yes she's a product of non-parenting but does that justify her actions?
A great read, it is a Mackler after all, but I wouldn't say it's on par with the butt book that I love so dearly. Regardless, you need to give this a whirl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2007
V's conquests have an expiration date of about 2 weeks. She's always chasing a new guy. She loves 'em and leaves 'em. So why is it that Sam has stuck around for three whole months? All V has ever known has been boucing around different places while her mom goes from guy to guy. Now that V's living with her grandparents, getting into college, and dating Sam, things can finally change... Until V does something to mess everything up. It'll take more than she knows to fix everything... but maybe everything can really change.
In this book, Mackler explores the character of Vivienne Vail Valentine who first appeared in Vegan Virgin Valentine. She's a much different main characters than some of Mackler's others and it certainly shows Mackler's strength as a writer that she's able to get inside her head and actually make readers feel sympathetic. (I have to admit that it took me probably half the book to really start feeling sympathetic, but I did!)
Seeing a different kind of character was off-putting at first, but ultimately I think it made me like Carolyn Mackler even more. I still think I liked her others more, but this one was definitely worth the read.
Readalike suggestions: For another character with similar problems, try This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. Books in the Gossip Girl vein might appeal as well...
In this book, Mackler explores the character of Vivienne Vail Valentine who first appeared in Vegan Virgin Valentine. She's a much different main characters than some of Mackler's others and it certainly shows Mackler's strength as a writer that she's able to get inside her head and actually make readers feel sympathetic. (I have to admit that it took me probably half the book to really start feeling sympathetic, but I did!)
Seeing a different kind of character was off-putting at first, but ultimately I think it made me like Carolyn Mackler even more. I still think I liked her others more, but this one was definitely worth the read.
Readalike suggestions: For another character with similar problems, try This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. Books in the Gossip Girl vein might appeal as well...
Read
November 8, 2011Title Thoughts: I love it and it fits.
Cover Thoughts: Appealing wise, I don't particularly like it. However, it is prefect for the book. We have NY license plates, thosee strappy heels, and the car.
WARNINGS: As you can tell from the synopsis, hookups are involved but vaguely described, if any.
Let me just go ahead and throw this out there. I most definitely will be reading more by Carolyn Mackler. I was consumed in V's life and everything that was happening with her. She's stuck wih her grandparents because her mom runs off to different locations with different guys. V has meaningless hookups to keep from getting close. Then Sam comes along.
I traveled with V on her journey across the country and of self discovery. She learns more about herself and possibly about her mother. V sees her hookups in a new light and discovers the real reason behind her journey.
I was sad to see V's story come to an end. I hope there are more books to come in this series. I wanted the book to keep going so I could get all the gritty details about what happens next, even if I do have a good idea.
Addict's Last Words: With Guyaholic, Mackler may have just caused a new addiction for her work.
To Buy or To Borrow: This is a buy for me! (Although, I would suggest reading the first book before this one, only so you can keep reading about V.)
Cover Thoughts: Appealing wise, I don't particularly like it. However, it is prefect for the book. We have NY license plates, thosee strappy heels, and the car.
WARNINGS: As you can tell from the synopsis, hookups are involved but vaguely described, if any.
Let me just go ahead and throw this out there. I most definitely will be reading more by Carolyn Mackler. I was consumed in V's life and everything that was happening with her. She's stuck wih her grandparents because her mom runs off to different locations with different guys. V has meaningless hookups to keep from getting close. Then Sam comes along.
I traveled with V on her journey across the country and of self discovery. She learns more about herself and possibly about her mother. V sees her hookups in a new light and discovers the real reason behind her journey.
I was sad to see V's story come to an end. I hope there are more books to come in this series. I wanted the book to keep going so I could get all the gritty details about what happens next, even if I do have a good idea.
Addict's Last Words: With Guyaholic, Mackler may have just caused a new addiction for her work.
To Buy or To Borrow: This is a buy for me! (Although, I would suggest reading the first book before this one, only so you can keep reading about V.)
January 14, 2011
In Guyaholic we left off with V starting her road trip to San Antonio, Texas. The first night she gets lost and ends up staying in a yucky hotel room. The next night she ends up in Eerie and decides to stay with her friend from works brother and his family, she hooks up with his son Nate but Sam is still on her mind. Next she ends up staying with her aunt Mara who is only a year older than her and they talk about Sam and V’s mom. Then she stays with old friends in Missouri for a week while finally ending up in San Antonio where her mom ditches. Devastated and heartbroken she ends up driving to California where she goes to see Sam and that’s when her “true” story begins.
I really actually liked this book, V was a great character to read about. She overcame so much in just one summer road trip. She definitely had a colorful background but I liked how the story ended with her saying it’s only the beginning. All the other characters and situations were realistic and entertaining to read. My favorite character was probably Sam because he knew someday she would find her way too him. It was a fast paced book perfect for young adults that will be off on their own sometime soon. It tells the quick story of growing up and forgetting your past and searching for a bright future.
Hatched- to bring forth or produce; devise; create; contrive; concoct: to hatch a scheme.
I really actually liked this book, V was a great character to read about. She overcame so much in just one summer road trip. She definitely had a colorful background but I liked how the story ended with her saying it’s only the beginning. All the other characters and situations were realistic and entertaining to read. My favorite character was probably Sam because he knew someday she would find her way too him. It was a fast paced book perfect for young adults that will be off on their own sometime soon. It tells the quick story of growing up and forgetting your past and searching for a bright future.
Hatched- to bring forth or produce; devise; create; contrive; concoct: to hatch a scheme.
September 25, 2007
The title makes this book sound more frivolous than it is, really, and is probably the reason I have to put this on my "guilty" shelf. Ok, so the main character, V, sees guys as potential hookups rather than people or relationships, but until she meets Sam, the feeling is usually mutual.
Sam wants a real relationship, not just sex. He wants to be her boyfriend and go to the prom. Even though V recognizes that Sam is different (when he kisses her for the first time she thinks "So this is what the fuss is all about"), the idea of a committed relationship just freaks her out. When she finally pushes hard enough that he leaves, she realizes what she's lost and eventually figures herself out enough to try to get it back.
I was a little disturbed by all the casual (and even the not-so-casual) sex, but that's a reflection of me and my morals. It made me feel old--when I was in high school I wasn't naive enough to think that no one was having sex, but none of my friends were, or at least they weren't talking about it. Plus I was a little disturbed that there was no mention of STDs or birth control, except for one mention of condom use. At that age that's probably not the first thing they think about, but I'd be cautious to recommend this to a high school student.
Sam wants a real relationship, not just sex. He wants to be her boyfriend and go to the prom. Even though V recognizes that Sam is different (when he kisses her for the first time she thinks "So this is what the fuss is all about"), the idea of a committed relationship just freaks her out. When she finally pushes hard enough that he leaves, she realizes what she's lost and eventually figures herself out enough to try to get it back.
I was a little disturbed by all the casual (and even the not-so-casual) sex, but that's a reflection of me and my morals. It made me feel old--when I was in high school I wasn't naive enough to think that no one was having sex, but none of my friends were, or at least they weren't talking about it. Plus I was a little disturbed that there was no mention of STDs or birth control, except for one mention of condom use. At that age that's probably not the first thing they think about, but I'd be cautious to recommend this to a high school student.
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