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Beautiful Americans #2
Wanderlust
In this sexy, mysterious and romantic follow up to Beautiful Americans, snow falls over the French countryside as Alex, Olivia, and Zack search for their missing classmate, PJ. But while they have been looking for their beautiful troubled friend, they?ve been losing themselves along the way. When they hear news that PJ has killed herself, each is wracked with private guilt. Then Zack returns to Paris, and swears he sees PJ and her sister alive and well. Is it true? Find out in book three, Experienced !
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2009
3 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Silag
7 books100 followersLucy Silag is the author of the Beautiful Americans novels for young adults (Razorbill/Penguin) and has written for many publications including Salon, Allure, New York magazine, Real Simple Travel, The Iowa Review, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Globe and Mail in Canada, and the Independent on Sunday magazine in the UK. She is a graduate of the Women’s Studies program at UC Santa Cruz and holds an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
Lucy works in book publishing and can be found on Twitter @lucysilag.
Lucy works in book publishing and can be found on Twitter @lucysilag.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 15, 2010
i have a lot to say about this book.
first, i have to admit that when i first started it, i was worried. it seemed too superficial, almost, especially knowing where we left off.
luckily, i shouldn't have worried a wit.
the plot revolves around penelope jane (PJ) who has run away from the lycee. (i think it's important to read the first book in this series before picking this one up. you'll spend too much time trying to figuring out the wrong things. there is a lot in this book that you don't know realize.)
alex, jay, zack and olivia go to find PJ. but PJ doesn't really want to be found, even though she misses her friends and realizes that what she hoped to find was a dream like, in a way, paris.
alex is running from her own mistakes. zack is running because he's been rejected but is still in love, and then he runs from people who irritate him. jay is running after PJ and running after love. olivia doesn't start out running from everything, though in a way, she almost runs the most despite staying in paris.
i'll admit, olivia got on my nerves the most in this installment.
but anyway. i have to give this a more thorough review, but. however, i will say this:
this book is more than you think. this book left me feeling rather shocked and unsettled. this isn't just about some teenagers running around france, europe with first world problems. this isn't about dance, or school, or clothing.
it's about family. the family we make, the family we choose, and the family that shares our blood. what happens when they come into conflict? what happens when one lets you down?
there is so much more than you think. this is a heavy, careful book that resonates well after the first read. and i pretty much guarantee that you'll start thinking about family yourself, the one you choose and the one you don't. because the thing is: both of them bleed.
(i am so proud of lucy's work here. seriously. i really love this book.)
first, i have to admit that when i first started it, i was worried. it seemed too superficial, almost, especially knowing where we left off.
luckily, i shouldn't have worried a wit.
the plot revolves around penelope jane (PJ) who has run away from the lycee. (i think it's important to read the first book in this series before picking this one up. you'll spend too much time trying to figuring out the wrong things. there is a lot in this book that you don't know realize.)
alex, jay, zack and olivia go to find PJ. but PJ doesn't really want to be found, even though she misses her friends and realizes that what she hoped to find was a dream like, in a way, paris.
alex is running from her own mistakes. zack is running because he's been rejected but is still in love, and then he runs from people who irritate him. jay is running after PJ and running after love. olivia doesn't start out running from everything, though in a way, she almost runs the most despite staying in paris.
i'll admit, olivia got on my nerves the most in this installment.
but anyway. i have to give this a more thorough review, but. however, i will say this:
this book is more than you think. this book left me feeling rather shocked and unsettled. this isn't just about some teenagers running around france, europe with first world problems. this isn't about dance, or school, or clothing.
it's about family. the family we make, the family we choose, and the family that shares our blood. what happens when they come into conflict? what happens when one lets you down?
there is so much more than you think. this is a heavy, careful book that resonates well after the first read. and i pretty much guarantee that you'll start thinking about family yourself, the one you choose and the one you don't. because the thing is: both of them bleed.
(i am so proud of lucy's work here. seriously. i really love this book.)
March 8, 2010
This installment in the Beautiful Americans series was just as enchanting as the first, almost making me believe at times I was sitting in a French cafe. The imagery is well done but never overzealous and the characters slip into French at just the right time to remind the reader where the settting is. Even with the different stops made in this book, each city's unique aspects are shown at perfect moments. This series most definitely makes me want to travel through France.
The only real issue I took with this book was the character lines and development. In Beautiful Americans, I loved the 4 different perspectives and their stories were generally so aligned it all weaved together perfectly. Because the characters are not as together in this one, it did detract to some extent for me. I would get to the end of one character's chapter, eager to know more, but then have to read through the other three character's chapters before getting back to the plot line- and by the time that happened, my ferver for that character's life would be decreased in light of the events happening to another character. Melding together, four perspectives works great- as separate story lines, I found myself having to stop and think and retrace with almost each new chapter.
Along with this, I think each of the individual stories ended up being skimmed over to some extent to make it fit- there were times I found myself trying to figure out why a fight just suddenly erupted between characters or why someone took off. The processes leading up to those events wasn't quite as strong, particularly when the one leaving wasn't the person who's mind we were in at the time. That, too, detracted somewhat for me.
Despite those things, I still loved this book. It is most definitely a very nice spin on the high school drama scene- American students, in Paris. Only this book takes place over the course of the winter break without any of the class related things to really congest the story. Apart from a few moments, I did like watching the character's continue to grow. They all learned things about themselves and the others and rarely did I find it illogical or forced.
I still adore Alex- she is such a train wreck that I couldn't help but feel for her. Out of the four, I think she is the one I most enjoy reading about. Despite how she comes off, she is as messed up as any other teenager, fighting for attention and for things to work. Watching her destruct was heartbreaking and I really enjoyed being inside her mind. As with the first book, I kept screaming in my head what an idiot she was doing- telling her to stop being so into herself- but knew it wouldn't happen. That's who Alex is and I love that Silag didn't deviate from that. She set up her character and certainly stuck with it, not allowing her to just chuck her life long habits out the window all at once, even after realizing what a mess she is. PJ, Zack and Olivia are also notable characters with their own personalities, motives and quirks but it is definitely Alex that gets the biggest rise out of me.
Although we never get to see into Jay's head, his constant appearances and interactions most definitely was a highlight of this book. His devotion to PJ as well as his friends is the most notable facet of who he is, and again Silag made sure that shined through and didn't just make it disappear instantly. That loyalty holds all the inherent good along with the less obvious bad- both sides of which are shown throughout this book.
The events of this book were pretty fast paced and again, the separate story lines did start to converge again towards the end, pulling things together. The ending was a huge cliff hanger just like with the first book, guaranteeing me to be buying the next installment in this series. I love the characters, the Parisian environment, and the plot. Parts of this book are fluffy and lighthearted while others are rough and edgy, the two sides blended masterfully.
I give this one 4 stars because I most definitely was enthralled, eager to find out more with every page but the divergence of the 4 plots did make it hard to follow, taking away some of my focus on the overall story to make sure I could keep up. This is a book you definitely need to read Beautiful Americans to understand but they are quick reads that can be done in just one sitting.
December 23, 2009
Wanderlust follows right after Beautiful Americans end - when PJ decides to leave in search of her sister, Annabel. So this is one of those books where you really need to read the first book before you'll understand the second.
The plot, as always, have a lot of "meat" in it and it's full of rich details and the writing is wonderful. I love how it flows and creates suspense between each of the character's point of view. Like the first book, I enjoyed reading the plot through Olivia, Alex, PJ and Zack's perspectives. It gives a more rounded experience and it really allows you to see how things really are.
The characters are superbly-written as usual.
Olivia, the one who I thought was supposed to be this goody-two-shoe type of girl ended up dumping her boyfriend, Vince, for the hot French guy, Thomas. However, I started to realize that she's very picky about the guys that she's with. Throughout the first half of the novel, she's completely content with Thomas and she doesn't really feel bad for Vince especially after he comes all the way to France to visit her. Then by the second novel, she's still very in love with Thomas but she's also starting to be annoyed with some of his aspects. This was what really annoyed me because she ditches probably the best guy in her life for the french guy, fine, but she starts to feel annoyed with him and then starts thinking about her ex-boyfriend? Not exactly the same girl that I had envisioned her for.
Alex, I found a different side to. In the first novel, you get the sense that she's a very needy girl. She tries to find love in all sorts of area and you never really figure out the main source of her problem. Well, in Wanderlust, you get the reason why and it allows you to pity her and it definitely allowed me to understand her side of the story better.
Zack, as always, is a wonderful guy. He'll be the perfect guy...if he wasn't gay. Unfortunately. :( I love how Zack becomes more open-minded about his sexual orientation and how he's more capable of going out there and trying to find what he wants. This is the Alex influence. However, despite his gradual comfortable level, he's still a bit withdrawn. And he's still my favorite character.
PJ is a mystery. Sometimes I get her. Other times, she confuses the hell out of me. She's also pretty selfish because she just walks off and leave her friends behind without realizing that they might want to go after her - to save her. She really doesn't understand friendship and it just makes me want to slap her. Or something. But she does have a lot of problems on her own because you finally understand the whole background information on her and, like Alex, it allows you to understand her better.
Overall, Wanderlust is a nice sequel to Beautiful Americans and I really hope that another book comes out soon because the ending was a huge cliff-hanger. :(
The plot, as always, have a lot of "meat" in it and it's full of rich details and the writing is wonderful. I love how it flows and creates suspense between each of the character's point of view. Like the first book, I enjoyed reading the plot through Olivia, Alex, PJ and Zack's perspectives. It gives a more rounded experience and it really allows you to see how things really are.
The characters are superbly-written as usual.
Olivia, the one who I thought was supposed to be this goody-two-shoe type of girl ended up dumping her boyfriend, Vince, for the hot French guy, Thomas. However, I started to realize that she's very picky about the guys that she's with. Throughout the first half of the novel, she's completely content with Thomas and she doesn't really feel bad for Vince especially after he comes all the way to France to visit her. Then by the second novel, she's still very in love with Thomas but she's also starting to be annoyed with some of his aspects. This was what really annoyed me because she ditches probably the best guy in her life for the french guy, fine, but she starts to feel annoyed with him and then starts thinking about her ex-boyfriend? Not exactly the same girl that I had envisioned her for.
Alex, I found a different side to. In the first novel, you get the sense that she's a very needy girl. She tries to find love in all sorts of area and you never really figure out the main source of her problem. Well, in Wanderlust, you get the reason why and it allows you to pity her and it definitely allowed me to understand her side of the story better.
Zack, as always, is a wonderful guy. He'll be the perfect guy...if he wasn't gay. Unfortunately. :( I love how Zack becomes more open-minded about his sexual orientation and how he's more capable of going out there and trying to find what he wants. This is the Alex influence. However, despite his gradual comfortable level, he's still a bit withdrawn. And he's still my favorite character.
PJ is a mystery. Sometimes I get her. Other times, she confuses the hell out of me. She's also pretty selfish because she just walks off and leave her friends behind without realizing that they might want to go after her - to save her. She really doesn't understand friendship and it just makes me want to slap her. Or something. But she does have a lot of problems on her own because you finally understand the whole background information on her and, like Alex, it allows you to understand her better.
Overall, Wanderlust is a nice sequel to Beautiful Americans and I really hope that another book comes out soon because the ending was a huge cliff-hanger. :(
January 5, 2010
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first book in the trilogy this review may contain spoilers!
Wanderlust starts right where Beautiful Americans left off. It's winter break for the members of the Programme Americaine and that means new adventures for PJ, Alex, Olivia, and Zack. Where Beautiful Americans seemed like there wasn't enough going on, Wanderlust almost had too much going on.
PJ had run away to find her sister leaving nothing but a note behind. The note brings Jay, Alex, Olivia, and Zack together and sends them on a journey across France to rescue PJ. Olivia has to back out but that doesn't stop the other three. They may not find PJ but on the way they sure do discover some interesting things about each other.
What really disappointed me about Wanderlust was the lack of character development. I went into the book hoping to learn more about each of the characters but it didn't really happen. Towards the very end I started to see some maturing but it seemed to be more of an introduction and that more would happen in the next and final book.
Overall, Wanderlust was an entertaining story that left me guessing at what might happen next and what crazy things these teens will do. So far it's a really fun set of books and I can't wait for the next one to be released in the summer!
Wanderlust starts right where Beautiful Americans left off. It's winter break for the members of the Programme Americaine and that means new adventures for PJ, Alex, Olivia, and Zack. Where Beautiful Americans seemed like there wasn't enough going on, Wanderlust almost had too much going on.
PJ had run away to find her sister leaving nothing but a note behind. The note brings Jay, Alex, Olivia, and Zack together and sends them on a journey across France to rescue PJ. Olivia has to back out but that doesn't stop the other three. They may not find PJ but on the way they sure do discover some interesting things about each other.
What really disappointed me about Wanderlust was the lack of character development. I went into the book hoping to learn more about each of the characters but it didn't really happen. Towards the very end I started to see some maturing but it seemed to be more of an introduction and that more would happen in the next and final book.
Overall, Wanderlust was an entertaining story that left me guessing at what might happen next and what crazy things these teens will do. So far it's a really fun set of books and I can't wait for the next one to be released in the summer!
September 5, 2009
WANDERLUST picks up where BEAUTIFUL AMERICANS left off – at Christmas break. Our 4 narrators, spoiled rich girl Alex, ballerina Olivia, recently uncloseted Zack and troubled PJ all set off on adventures away from their exchange program and away from Paris.
Despite a 10 month reading gap between books, it was easy for me to slip back into the rhythms of the characters and their complicated relationships. The drama has been upped a notch thanks to the “PJ in trouble” storyline, yet somehow everyone comes off as more relatable than in the first installment. I even started to warm up to Alex who completely grated on my nerves in book one. It’s probably because set free from the confines of a school environment, Author Silag gets to explore the characters’ personalities in more extreme situations and environments which definitely added to my enjoyment.
Despite a 10 month reading gap between books, it was easy for me to slip back into the rhythms of the characters and their complicated relationships. The drama has been upped a notch thanks to the “PJ in trouble” storyline, yet somehow everyone comes off as more relatable than in the first installment. I even started to warm up to Alex who completely grated on my nerves in book one. It’s probably because set free from the confines of a school environment, Author Silag gets to explore the characters’ personalities in more extreme situations and environments which definitely added to my enjoyment.
July 27, 2012
Wanderlust takes place right where Beautiful Americans (the first book of this 3-part series) left the reader hanging. Again, the four teenages have gotten themselves into trouble, but this time, it's going to be much harder to get out if it.
I really liked Beautiful Americans, so I knew that I would love Wanderlust. The book was full of mystery, scandals, and romance-- all the things that pique my interest.
Also, what made the book much more interesting for me was that I read it right after my trip to Paris. I was very excited when I read about famous sites, monuments, and even streets that I had visited on my trip! But, Wanderlust is a good read even if you have never been to Paris.
I really liked Beautiful Americans, so I knew that I would love Wanderlust. The book was full of mystery, scandals, and romance-- all the things that pique my interest.
Also, what made the book much more interesting for me was that I read it right after my trip to Paris. I was very excited when I read about famous sites, monuments, and even streets that I had visited on my trip! But, Wanderlust is a good read even if you have never been to Paris.
August 8, 2015
Second in the Beautiful Americans trilogy.
About the same as the first - rich kids, Paris, anguished love, daddy issues, and more.
I liked this one a little less than the first because of the unbelievable coincidences - really, in a town of thousands, you just happened on one person? Really?
However, I don't read these for the logic. I read them for the drama - and there was plenty in this one.
The ending was a good one, and I'll be reading the final book in the trilogy when it's released in October!
About the same as the first - rich kids, Paris, anguished love, daddy issues, and more.
I liked this one a little less than the first because of the unbelievable coincidences - really, in a town of thousands, you just happened on one person? Really?
However, I don't read these for the logic. I read them for the drama - and there was plenty in this one.
The ending was a good one, and I'll be reading the final book in the trilogy when it's released in October!
March 6, 2010
Liked it! Fast, fun read - this is turning out to be a great YA series by Silag with sex and suspense.
July 14, 2018
So not what I expected,a good writing style but not of interest to me.
February 13, 2020
It was good. The first book was better, but I still felt really engaged.
February 9, 2025
DNF, don’t, so bad, worst than the first one, can’t give zero stars but definitely Would
December 1, 2011
So I felt like this book was a lot better than the first. This one had more drama and showed the characters personalities a little better. By the time I was halfway through the book, I kept wanting to read and read. There wasn't any descriptive sex scenes, or intimate scenes for that matter, so the book was written in a clean manner but there is suggestive parts in the novel. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to get the next one.
January 26, 2010
A completely implausible, preposterous adventure, the sequel to the sillypants book about American teenagers in Paris that was a more intelligent version of other teen chick lit. This was an excellent read as a travel story, but the characters are pretty average or cliche.
Review here: http://teenreads.com/reviews/97815951...
Review here: http://teenreads.com/reviews/97815951...
March 13, 2010
Review here: http://booksaremylove.blogspot.com/20...
LOVE comments <3
LOVE comments <3
December 1, 2009
Read for professional review.
October 8, 2012
it was obvious that PJ wants to kill herself or something else big happens.i am not so happy with.this book but i hope the third one is a bit better.
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