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How to Ruin #1-3
Ruined
Paperback Flux (2010) English 0738727334 978-0738727332 Product 8 x 5.2 x 1.8 inches Shipping 1.6 pounds Average Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews) Amazon Best Sellers #712,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #21869 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Contemporary #49605 in Books > Romance > Contemporary
779 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
31 people are currently reading
3361 people want to read
About the author
Simone Elkeles
31 books13.6k followersSimone Elkeles is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of novels for teens. Simone’s books have won many awards including being YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, being named to the YALSA Popular Paperbacks and Teens Top Ten lists, and added to the Illinois “Read for a Lifetime” Reading List. Simone also won the coveted RITA award from the Romance Writers of America for her book Perfect Chemistry. Simone is especially proud of the fact that the Illinois Association of Teachers of English named her Author of the Year.
Simone was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still lives today. Simone went to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and received her Bachelor’s of Science there in Psychology in 1992. She continued her education at Loyola University-Chicago where she received her Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Relations while working for a manufacturing company creating diversity programs for their employees.
She loves animals (she has two dogs – a labradoodle and a German Shepherd), kids (she also has two of those) and her family. In her spare time she’s the Hockey Mom for her kids hockey teams and is an active Girl Scout leader specially trained in outdoor education. She also spends time mentoring other teen and adult authors. (She also loves sushi, which you can probably tell by reading her books.) Simone writes about teens because she was a teen in the 80’s (when spiked hair and blue eye shadow were “rad”) and she loves writing about those exciting teen relationships and romances.
Simone was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still lives today. Simone went to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and received her Bachelor’s of Science there in Psychology in 1992. She continued her education at Loyola University-Chicago where she received her Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Relations while working for a manufacturing company creating diversity programs for their employees.
She loves animals (she has two dogs – a labradoodle and a German Shepherd), kids (she also has two of those) and her family. In her spare time she’s the Hockey Mom for her kids hockey teams and is an active Girl Scout leader specially trained in outdoor education. She also spends time mentoring other teen and adult authors. (She also loves sushi, which you can probably tell by reading her books.) Simone writes about teens because she was a teen in the 80’s (when spiked hair and blue eye shadow were “rad”) and she loves writing about those exciting teen relationships and romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 26, 2011
Wow! Where do I start?
I'm a HUGE fan of Simone Elkeles, anyone who knows me personally can attest to the fact that many, MANY of my stauts updates include quotes from her books. While many of her other books are humorous, they also take us to a deeper, darker place and teach so many life lessons that I seriously think they should be required reading for all teens in, say, 8th grade english.
The Ruined series, however, not only teaches lessons but cranks that humor up about 12 levels. This woman, is seriously one of my all time favorite writers, I can't get enough of her books!
So Ruined takes us to Israel and into the lives of Amy and Avi. Amy is a spoiled American sweetheart and Avi is an Israeli sheep farmer who is about to enter the military. This series brings them together and takes us through this struggling but beautiful relationship while Amy learns about her religion and what it means to be a better person and Avi becomes a man in the Israeli army, fighting to hold on to Amy at all costs.
This story blew me away. I bought the Ruined 3 part series to get all the books at once and plowed through it in 2 days, which has been quite a feat for me lately between my full time job and the baby.
Please, do enjoy. And Simone, keep doing what you do, I LOVE your stories. They are so descriptive and your characters hold such depth that I feel like I've known them most of my life.
I'm a HUGE fan of Simone Elkeles, anyone who knows me personally can attest to the fact that many, MANY of my stauts updates include quotes from her books. While many of her other books are humorous, they also take us to a deeper, darker place and teach so many life lessons that I seriously think they should be required reading for all teens in, say, 8th grade english.
The Ruined series, however, not only teaches lessons but cranks that humor up about 12 levels. This woman, is seriously one of my all time favorite writers, I can't get enough of her books!
So Ruined takes us to Israel and into the lives of Amy and Avi. Amy is a spoiled American sweetheart and Avi is an Israeli sheep farmer who is about to enter the military. This series brings them together and takes us through this struggling but beautiful relationship while Amy learns about her religion and what it means to be a better person and Avi becomes a man in the Israeli army, fighting to hold on to Amy at all costs.
This story blew me away. I bought the Ruined 3 part series to get all the books at once and plowed through it in 2 days, which has been quite a feat for me lately between my full time job and the baby.
Please, do enjoy. And Simone, keep doing what you do, I LOVE your stories. They are so descriptive and your characters hold such depth that I feel like I've known them most of my life.
January 5, 2011
I never expected to like this book series (Ruined Book 1-3), but honestly I’ve really enjoyed reading it. It was mostly entertaining because it was about a sixteen-year old young woman’s struggle in understanding her many complexities in her young life.
But Amy’s summer vacation in Israel which she absolutely loathed in the beginning had dramatically changed her many views in life. And as her story unfolded, I was able to appreciate the transformation in her especially when she had had to deal with her new-found Jewish relatives whom she only met that summer and her budding love affair with Avi, whom she utterly detested at the start of her unforgettable summer vacation.
It was kinda cute witnessing the love story of Amy and Avi. Just like any other young couples in love, they have had their share of ups and downs. For one thing they had to deal with a long-distance relationship. But one thing was absolutely certain with them were the verity of the depth of their feelings for one another. And whenever and wherever they are whether they love or fight, sparks absolutely fly! Young Love yet True! It was kind-of-forever-true. The kind that truly last.
But Amy’s summer vacation in Israel which she absolutely loathed in the beginning had dramatically changed her many views in life. And as her story unfolded, I was able to appreciate the transformation in her especially when she had had to deal with her new-found Jewish relatives whom she only met that summer and her budding love affair with Avi, whom she utterly detested at the start of her unforgettable summer vacation.
It was kinda cute witnessing the love story of Amy and Avi. Just like any other young couples in love, they have had their share of ups and downs. For one thing they had to deal with a long-distance relationship. But one thing was absolutely certain with them were the verity of the depth of their feelings for one another. And whenever and wherever they are whether they love or fight, sparks absolutely fly! Young Love yet True! It was kind-of-forever-true. The kind that truly last.
October 4, 2010
The first thought that came to my mind while i was reading this book: DEAR JOHN!!! it's like an israeli version of dear john!!
I really liked this book. i think it was really romantic. i loved Avi and i loved Amy, she was really different from most protagonists in books.
i rarely laugh WHILE im reading a book, but while reading this i found my mom shouting at me from the other room: "WHAtS SO FUNNY?"
Another part of me thought that this book was a little bit unrealistic, i cant really explain it, but it just seems like in parts of the book you find yourself thinking: "that would never happen!"
all in all i thought it was a really sweet book, and i really liked Mutt! :)
I really liked this book. i think it was really romantic. i loved Avi and i loved Amy, she was really different from most protagonists in books.
i rarely laugh WHILE im reading a book, but while reading this i found my mom shouting at me from the other room: "WHAtS SO FUNNY?"
Another part of me thought that this book was a little bit unrealistic, i cant really explain it, but it just seems like in parts of the book you find yourself thinking: "that would never happen!"
all in all i thought it was a really sweet book, and i really liked Mutt! :)
January 8, 2013
Amazingly entertaining, funny and a heartwarming tale of one's girl's knack for ruining things - and how maybe, on a trip of family and self-discovery to Israel, she can realise (with a little help from her whacky family, her not-so-father father and Avi (the Brooding One)) that not everything in life is ruined if you know how to look at it.
January 9, 2011
*CONTAINS SPOILERS BEWARE!!!!*
Book #1: the first one one good. but for the majority of the book Amy and Avi are ighting so much you actually wonder if they will end up but the end of the book...when they do finally end up together the book is practially over and the romance and chemistry between they is amazing i just wish they could have gotten along sooner so they could spend more time together.
Book #2: umm ok so were do i begin??? so over all this one was probley the best of all three, because the conflict between Avi and Nathan. but i just wish that they actually GOT into a REAL fight. i think that would have been the way more intresting than just a body tackle buut watever. the romance between Amy and Avi is AMAZING, the passion they have for one another is undeniable. you could tell by the end of the book they would always betogether:)
Book #3: so from the start i could already tell that this trip was going to be a disaster. Nathan and Amy were going to go to Avi's base over the summer TOGETHER!!!! (ok so Jassica and Miranda were there to but still) Amy and Nathan aren't together together but still. Amy didnt fully think the whole thing through she was just to excited to think. when amy and avi first saw each other thier reconnection was kinda off but i just thought it was because he was shocked but NOOOOOO. when readers found out that he was cheating i was like WTF!!! i thought Avi would never cheat on Amy because how well he expressed his love for her but i guess you never know. in my opion if i found out my BF was cheating on me i would go off on the SLUT but instead Amy walked away and never yelled or confonted her once about it. which i was kinda disappionted by i wanted to see her yell and scream but instead she didn't. by the end of the book they are back together and everything is perfect:) except that he still is in the army. But they promise to what for each other and not see other people and get married one day. Its kinda like a fairytale ending in a way except they are actually togther. . . but they will all ways will be no matter were they are. i think they are perfect for each other and this book is almost perfect and i LOVE it!!! if you havent already read this book you should it amazing!:D
Book #1: the first one one good. but for the majority of the book Amy and Avi are ighting so much you actually wonder if they will end up but the end of the book...when they do finally end up together the book is practially over and the romance and chemistry between they is amazing i just wish they could have gotten along sooner so they could spend more time together.
Book #2: umm ok so were do i begin??? so over all this one was probley the best of all three, because the conflict between Avi and Nathan. but i just wish that they actually GOT into a REAL fight. i think that would have been the way more intresting than just a body tackle buut watever. the romance between Amy and Avi is AMAZING, the passion they have for one another is undeniable. you could tell by the end of the book they would always betogether:)
Book #3: so from the start i could already tell that this trip was going to be a disaster. Nathan and Amy were going to go to Avi's base over the summer TOGETHER!!!! (ok so Jassica and Miranda were there to but still) Amy and Nathan aren't together together but still. Amy didnt fully think the whole thing through she was just to excited to think. when amy and avi first saw each other thier reconnection was kinda off but i just thought it was because he was shocked but NOOOOOO. when readers found out that he was cheating i was like WTF!!! i thought Avi would never cheat on Amy because how well he expressed his love for her but i guess you never know. in my opion if i found out my BF was cheating on me i would go off on the SLUT but instead Amy walked away and never yelled or confonted her once about it. which i was kinda disappionted by i wanted to see her yell and scream but instead she didn't. by the end of the book they are back together and everything is perfect:) except that he still is in the army. But they promise to what for each other and not see other people and get married one day. Its kinda like a fairytale ending in a way except they are actually togther. . . but they will all ways will be no matter were they are. i think they are perfect for each other and this book is almost perfect and i LOVE it!!! if you havent already read this book you should it amazing!:D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2014
This review can be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
RATING: 3.5-4 stars
I don't really have this edition but since I read all books together (in 1 day and a bit I must add), my review got all mixed-up and maybe this is the place to post it.
1. FIRST BOOK
When I started reading this series I didn't know the 2nd and 3rd were continuing the story form the 1st book (I just assumed this after reading PC series). So I was just enjoying this sweet love story, with lots of funny moments and at the end of the first book everything felt so.. complete.
I love this kind of stories with the main characters so different, playing cat-and-dog and falling in-love so hard.. I liked Amy, I loved Avi, and they were so sweet together - I was delighted to read about them and see their relation grow.
As I finished the first book I was happy.
The chemistry in the first book was great, the story was so entertaining and the characters felt real.. their love was so real.
If you ask me I wouldn't want to read more about them, because the long-distance-relationships are always so complicated..
2. SECOND BOOK
But even when I found out that the 2nd book was about them again, I just couldn't stop myself reading more. It's addictive.. the story I mean. So I kept reading.
What I liked?
Well, the last 50 pages or so when we get this Avi-Amy moments (finaly), and after a while we are enjoying a funny "commando-operation" with heart-melting results. I won't spoil it for you but if you like romantic and funny moments, well this is the one for you (so much fun, and Avi is such a romantic guy.. you definitely must love him).
What I didn't like?
Oh, the rest of it. Don't get me wrong, it's nice and all but I really never cared about Amy's dog-problems, and friend-problems and her dad gets so annoying from here on, and the dating-service is just there to fill in the blanks, and the religion stuff it's just not my thing (and I know it must be important for some, but not for me).. I was bored by all that.
I just kept reading hoping to find something about the two of them together, and only for that part it was worth all the while.
Now I got really curious about the 3rd book :)
3. THIRD BOOK
I was so enthusiastic to read some more about the characters, and now I knew this book was going to be all about Amy and Avi together at the boot-camp, and I "knew" it was going to be fun.. and it was - mostly.
There were definitely a lot of funny moments, and the side characters have their presence noticed more in here, but as I got to see the problems between Amy and Avi grow, and the way they handled them (not!), I couldn't stop wondering if there is love between them or just (how do you call it?) lust?
You see, after the first book I felt the two of them were in-love, two souls from across the world have found and felt for each other. It was this simple. But after the next 2 books it was just "we like each other so much, and the kissing is so great, we must be soul mates". What?? Am I the only one to get that feeling?
If there is going to be another book in the series (and as far as I know it won't) then all this might make sense (or not), but if that is really the ending of the story.. then I want my ending back from the first book (that was a good ending in so many ways). But this one was rushed and the reader doesn't get that strong feeling that the two of them are gonna make it finally, that the two of them are meant to be together - if you know what I mean.
That's way I hate series, because there is this great book in the beginning that doesn't need any sequel (and you know it), and you keep reading and reading, even if you don't enjoy it that much anymore.
CONCLUSION
Did I like this series? -> Yes I did.
Would I recommend this series? -> Yes I would.
Book of choice? -> First book - How to Ruin a Summer Vacation
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Booklikes | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
RATING: 3.5-4 stars
I don't really have this edition but since I read all books together (in 1 day and a bit I must add), my review got all mixed-up and maybe this is the place to post it.
1. FIRST BOOK
When I started reading this series I didn't know the 2nd and 3rd were continuing the story form the 1st book (I just assumed this after reading PC series). So I was just enjoying this sweet love story, with lots of funny moments and at the end of the first book everything felt so.. complete.
I love this kind of stories with the main characters so different, playing cat-and-dog and falling in-love so hard.. I liked Amy, I loved Avi, and they were so sweet together - I was delighted to read about them and see their relation grow.
As I finished the first book I was happy.
The chemistry in the first book was great, the story was so entertaining and the characters felt real.. their love was so real.
If you ask me I wouldn't want to read more about them, because the long-distance-relationships are always so complicated..
2. SECOND BOOK
But even when I found out that the 2nd book was about them again, I just couldn't stop myself reading more. It's addictive.. the story I mean. So I kept reading.
What I liked?
Well, the last 50 pages or so when we get this Avi-Amy moments (finaly), and after a while we are enjoying a funny "commando-operation" with heart-melting results. I won't spoil it for you but if you like romantic and funny moments, well this is the one for you (so much fun, and Avi is such a romantic guy.. you definitely must love him).
What I didn't like?
Oh, the rest of it. Don't get me wrong, it's nice and all but I really never cared about Amy's dog-problems, and friend-problems and her dad gets so annoying from here on, and the dating-service is just there to fill in the blanks, and the religion stuff it's just not my thing (and I know it must be important for some, but not for me).. I was bored by all that.
I just kept reading hoping to find something about the two of them together, and only for that part it was worth all the while.
Now I got really curious about the 3rd book :)
3. THIRD BOOK
I was so enthusiastic to read some more about the characters, and now I knew this book was going to be all about Amy and Avi together at the boot-camp, and I "knew" it was going to be fun.. and it was - mostly.
There were definitely a lot of funny moments, and the side characters have their presence noticed more in here, but as I got to see the problems between Amy and Avi grow, and the way they handled them (not!), I couldn't stop wondering if there is love between them or just (how do you call it?) lust?
You see, after the first book I felt the two of them were in-love, two souls from across the world have found and felt for each other. It was this simple. But after the next 2 books it was just "we like each other so much, and the kissing is so great, we must be soul mates". What?? Am I the only one to get that feeling?
If there is going to be another book in the series (and as far as I know it won't) then all this might make sense (or not), but if that is really the ending of the story.. then I want my ending back from the first book (that was a good ending in so many ways). But this one was rushed and the reader doesn't get that strong feeling that the two of them are gonna make it finally, that the two of them are meant to be together - if you know what I mean.
That's way I hate series, because there is this great book in the beginning that doesn't need any sequel (and you know it), and you keep reading and reading, even if you don't enjoy it that much anymore.
CONCLUSION
Did I like this series? -> Yes I did.
Would I recommend this series? -> Yes I would.
Book of choice? -> First book - How to Ruin a Summer Vacation
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Booklikes | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2012
After finishing Chain Reaction, I decided to dust off Simone Elkeles's first series which I already had but never got a chance to read. After finishing all three books (How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, How to Ruin My Teenage Life, and How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation), I've decided this particular author has improved leaps and bounds over the years. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy these books, but they were clearly written by a less experienced author. The best way I can put it is this: it was a bit more immature story, written in a more immature style, and definitely with a more immature main character. I had several moments where I just cringed at a particular word choice or at something the main character said or did. Then again, I do have to remember that teenagers have cringe-worthy moments on a daily basis. So maybe it would be accurate to say that the characters were true to life, warts and all.
The series is basically about a spoiled American teenage girl named Amy who goes on vacation to Israel with her estranged father. They start to improve their father-daughter relationship and Amy learns more about the Jewish side of her family she never knew. Of course, she also falls for a hot Israeli guy and the story goes from there.
If you have not read and enjoyed Simone's other series (Perfect Chemistry and Leaving Paradise), I really don't think this series would be the best (or most fair) introduction to this author. If you have not read anything by her previously, start with her newer books first. Then, if you liked them as much as I did, go ahead and give these a try. If you are looking for a recommendation for younger readers (ones who belong to the actual target age range of the series, 12 & up), I'd say go ahead. Pre-teens and younger teens would probably enjoy these books very much.
See more of my book reviews at: http://bucklingbookshelves.blogspot.com
The series is basically about a spoiled American teenage girl named Amy who goes on vacation to Israel with her estranged father. They start to improve their father-daughter relationship and Amy learns more about the Jewish side of her family she never knew. Of course, she also falls for a hot Israeli guy and the story goes from there.
If you have not read and enjoyed Simone's other series (Perfect Chemistry and Leaving Paradise), I really don't think this series would be the best (or most fair) introduction to this author. If you have not read anything by her previously, start with her newer books first. Then, if you liked them as much as I did, go ahead and give these a try. If you are looking for a recommendation for younger readers (ones who belong to the actual target age range of the series, 12 & up), I'd say go ahead. Pre-teens and younger teens would probably enjoy these books very much.
See more of my book reviews at: http://bucklingbookshelves.blogspot.com
October 16, 2015
This review is for the entire series.
Oh Gosh!
I congratulate Simone for building a sizzling romantic story without many intimate moments or even sex scenes.
Yet the tension between 2 characters is interesting and the story plot itself is quite likeable and relateable.
Amy is a city girl from Chicago who has endless 1st-world-teen-crises and teen frustrations that comes with a pampered Teen life in Chicago.
Avi is a soldier in IDF and cannot think of a future for 3 yrs he is in the army.
The duo meets in the summer before Avi joins the Army.
Amy is coming to terms with her estranged father and her Israeli/Jewish heritage.
It is awesome to read the interesting details of Israeli life without making it a boring story.
Simone achieves this by showing everything from Amy's very humorous view point.
The shining light of the story is of course Amy.
You end up loving her even though she can be brash, stupid, brattish, idiotic and a complete diva.
Reason - she understands her problems and is quite self-deprecatory.
Even when you feel like hitting her head for being a diva, she tells you how she realizes it but cannot change it cos thats how she is - and you feel a sympathy and empathy.
Cos we have all been there- being stupid knowingly and not being able to stop it.
Espl when it comes to relationships.
It shows a realistic portrayal of a long distance relationship with all insecurities and small cheating.
Avi is a hero - tough yet sensitive and loving.
We don't see his perspective at all, which I kind of like.
But we see his insecurities and his pain from Amy's eyes and Simone has done an excellent job of portraying a soldier who's still an 18yr old teen who wants to spend some time with his girl but is drawn to his job.
He's not too mature or too hung up on Amy or too creeptastic like Edward Cullen :)
I wish Simone comes up with a epilogue may be 3 yrs later, when Avi leaves army.
This time from Avi's perspective.
Overall: A completely enjoyable YA series.
Oh Gosh!
I congratulate Simone for building a sizzling romantic story without many intimate moments or even sex scenes.
Yet the tension between 2 characters is interesting and the story plot itself is quite likeable and relateable.
Amy is a city girl from Chicago who has endless 1st-world-teen-crises and teen frustrations that comes with a pampered Teen life in Chicago.
Avi is a soldier in IDF and cannot think of a future for 3 yrs he is in the army.
The duo meets in the summer before Avi joins the Army.
Amy is coming to terms with her estranged father and her Israeli/Jewish heritage.
It is awesome to read the interesting details of Israeli life without making it a boring story.
Simone achieves this by showing everything from Amy's very humorous view point.
The shining light of the story is of course Amy.
You end up loving her even though she can be brash, stupid, brattish, idiotic and a complete diva.
Reason - she understands her problems and is quite self-deprecatory.
Even when you feel like hitting her head for being a diva, she tells you how she realizes it but cannot change it cos thats how she is - and you feel a sympathy and empathy.
Cos we have all been there- being stupid knowingly and not being able to stop it.
Espl when it comes to relationships.
It shows a realistic portrayal of a long distance relationship with all insecurities and small cheating.
Avi is a hero - tough yet sensitive and loving.
We don't see his perspective at all, which I kind of like.
But we see his insecurities and his pain from Amy's eyes and Simone has done an excellent job of portraying a soldier who's still an 18yr old teen who wants to spend some time with his girl but is drawn to his job.
He's not too mature or too hung up on Amy or too creeptastic like Edward Cullen :)
I wish Simone comes up with a epilogue may be 3 yrs later, when Avi leaves army.
This time from Avi's perspective.
Overall: A completely enjoyable YA series.
July 9, 2019
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Oooff, this was definitely another book where I adored the guy(s) in this book but pretty much despised the girl, Amy. It’s to the point that I’m seriously contemplating about the intelligence of the guy(s) and if they’re mostly just thinking with their smaller head or at all. Because I can’t comprehend the fact that this seemingly smart and resourceful guy, Avi, can be with a bimbo who is not only dumb but also extremely shallow and materialistic. I just can’t understand that relationship.
However, I still found the book, or books, since this was technically three books into one, to be highly entertaining. Even though for most of the book, I basically gave Amy’s character hard eye rolls, I can’t deny the fact that she is hilarious (honestly, there were so many one liners from her that got me cracking) and somewhat caring. The somewhat part is because she was definitely not caring for her father until the second book and then she became extremely protective of him to find himself a new wife.
My biggest issue with her was the fact that she was so judgmental to the point that she was just plain rude and condescending even though they literally just met. If it was just random strangers, I probably wouldn’t mind as much but these were her family members. Granted, she never met them before and they didn’t even know about her but still. Family is still family and the way how she treated them in the beginning just exemplified why people think Americans are spoiled.
One thing I did enjoy actually was the way how being Jewish was portrayed - as both a religion and as an ethnic identity. I thought it was very well done and enjoyed the depiction of the history and the struggles that Jewish people faced.
Overall, I still enjoyed the series and while I didn’t like Amy at all, I found the romance between her and Avi to be steaming and very passionate. I just wish that she wasn’t as spoiled, judgmental and dumb so she could be a better fit for Avi.
Oooff, this was definitely another book where I adored the guy(s) in this book but pretty much despised the girl, Amy. It’s to the point that I’m seriously contemplating about the intelligence of the guy(s) and if they’re mostly just thinking with their smaller head or at all. Because I can’t comprehend the fact that this seemingly smart and resourceful guy, Avi, can be with a bimbo who is not only dumb but also extremely shallow and materialistic. I just can’t understand that relationship.
However, I still found the book, or books, since this was technically three books into one, to be highly entertaining. Even though for most of the book, I basically gave Amy’s character hard eye rolls, I can’t deny the fact that she is hilarious (honestly, there were so many one liners from her that got me cracking) and somewhat caring. The somewhat part is because she was definitely not caring for her father until the second book and then she became extremely protective of him to find himself a new wife.
My biggest issue with her was the fact that she was so judgmental to the point that she was just plain rude and condescending even though they literally just met. If it was just random strangers, I probably wouldn’t mind as much but these were her family members. Granted, she never met them before and they didn’t even know about her but still. Family is still family and the way how she treated them in the beginning just exemplified why people think Americans are spoiled.
One thing I did enjoy actually was the way how being Jewish was portrayed - as both a religion and as an ethnic identity. I thought it was very well done and enjoyed the depiction of the history and the struggles that Jewish people faced.
Overall, I still enjoyed the series and while I didn’t like Amy at all, I found the romance between her and Avi to be steaming and very passionate. I just wish that she wasn’t as spoiled, judgmental and dumb so she could be a better fit for Avi.
August 8, 2013
This had three books in one. I'm going to rate them separately. Amy started out flawed, but quirky and lovable. I knew there were 3 books so I was expecting emotional growth, maturity, character development...didn't happen by book 3. She was actually even more immature, selfish, vacuous, ridiculous, and annoying in book 3 than in book 1! I had a hard time understanding why Avi still loved her by the end. She lied, was inconsistent, and obnoxious. I know it's a high school book, but I was wanting her to make better choices! I found it hard to believe she'd be so clueless.
But I kept reading...because I was deeply interested in Amy's discovery of her Jewish heritage and family. Her love for her new family in Israel was the heart of this book. Her relationship with her father and with God gave me hope that she would eventually figure things out and realize that she's more than a pretty face. I caught a glimpse of a future Amy when she accused one of her snobby friends of being bigoted. I also enjoyed the writing style, how the chapters were named and introduced, and of course, AVI, Amy's sexy, Israeli "kind of" boyfriend. I was hoping for MORE Avi!
So...
Book 1: How to Ruin a Summer Vacation - 3.5 Stars
Book 2: How to Ruin My Teenage Life - 3 Stars
Book 3: How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation - 2 Stars
But I kept reading...because I was deeply interested in Amy's discovery of her Jewish heritage and family. Her love for her new family in Israel was the heart of this book. Her relationship with her father and with God gave me hope that she would eventually figure things out and realize that she's more than a pretty face. I caught a glimpse of a future Amy when she accused one of her snobby friends of being bigoted. I also enjoyed the writing style, how the chapters were named and introduced, and of course, AVI, Amy's sexy, Israeli "kind of" boyfriend. I was hoping for MORE Avi!
So...
Book 1: How to Ruin a Summer Vacation - 3.5 Stars
Book 2: How to Ruin My Teenage Life - 3 Stars
Book 3: How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation - 2 Stars
April 5, 2013
Por alguna razon le di 5 de 5 estrellas a esta saga y preferi hace un comentario sobre los tres juntos. Recomiendo esta saga a cualquiera que quiera reir a carcajadas y ponerse a pensar seriamente sobre lo que estamos haciendo con nuestra vida, aprendi que el amor verdadero existe solo hay que saber en donde buscar, que hasta una chica malcriada de chicago se puede enamorar del mas guapo soldado israeli y mantener esa relacion por muchisimo tiempo. aprendi de la religio judia y me imagine estando en medio del desierto de irsrael. desee poder viajar y vivir lo mismo que nuestra protagonista. por que dejando a un lado todos los embrollos de los tres libros, aprendio a sobrepasar los problemas y a poner por encima el amor a sus padres y el amor que tenia hacia esa persona especial.
September 8, 2010
4⅓ stars
Amy was a character that I didn't like at first. Thought she was very bitchy and really didn't like her attitude, but she eventually grew on me. (And when a character can make me laugh, well, that's a good thing. haha) Out of the three books, How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation was definitely my favorite. Wish there was more, but I am satisfied with what we got.
About the cover, that's not how Amy was described... But, oh well, at least the guy seems to fit Avi's description. I like it! ;)
Thanks Arlene for the book! :D
Amy was a character that I didn't like at first. Thought she was very bitchy and really didn't like her attitude, but she eventually grew on me. (And when a character can make me laugh, well, that's a good thing. haha) Out of the three books, How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation was definitely my favorite. Wish there was more, but I am satisfied with what we got.
About the cover, that's not how Amy was described... But, oh well, at least the guy seems to fit Avi's description. I like it! ;)
Thanks Arlene for the book! :D
February 28, 2011
I love Simone Elkeles and this is the only series by her I hadn't yet read, so when I found it all together in one book, of course I had to get it. And I was not disappointed. I devoured this book. I have to remind myself that when I pick up a Simone Elkeles book, that I have to make sure I don't have anything else to do, because I just can't put her books down.
If you haven't read any of these books, I highly recommend doing it in this form, so you have them all at your fingertips and can read them all together.
If you haven't read any of these books, I highly recommend doing it in this form, so you have them all at your fingertips and can read them all together.
June 5, 2012
I enjoyed this series of books because I loved the main character, Amy, plus when the story took place in Israel, It was interesting. Amy's got moxie! Wish I had her confidence when I was that age. And she is hilarious! I also loved Amy's spirituality. You don't really get any religion in mainstream literature, unless it's done with a mocking tone. Fun read! I'm sad my time with Amy and Avi is over.
October 5, 2010
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! She needs a final book summing it up about how Amy finishes senior year to were she marries Avi and have kids and what not i just loved Ruined and cant stop thinking about what will happen next! PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 23, 2010I've been dying to read these, and what a cute cover!!!
May 29, 2015
love it so much!!! simone elkekes rocks!!! :))
January 5, 2013
Another sequel to this, please? =)
I'm falling in love over and over again with Avi and Amy <3
I'm falling in love over and over again with Avi and Amy <3
December 20, 2016
*suspiro de satisfacción*
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October 24, 2010
to review.
did-not-finish
April 19, 20242 stars- I don't feel like it's fair to the book or author to give this book an official rating. I added this series to my TBR in 2013 ( now in my DNF list because I won't be reading the next 2 books) and while I may have enjoyed it back then or when I was in 7th grade, it's just a bit too young for me now. It was interesting to read the small section where the Avi (Israeli) interacts with his friend who is Palestinian. It was a nice interaction and interesting to see how the American view point differs so much from those actually in the conflict based on the USA only receiving their information through news outlets even back in 2010. Not much has changed even with the Free Palestine movement going on currently so it would be interesting for the author to go back to Israel and write about the current view point.
July 30, 2017
Pending.
April 11, 2018
BEST YA BOOKS EVER.
THE WHOLE SERIES IS VERY ENTERTAINING!
CAN'T STOP READING!
LOVE AMY & AVI :)
THE WHOLE SERIES IS VERY ENTERTAINING!
CAN'T STOP READING!
LOVE AMY & AVI :)
December 20, 2010
After over two months, I finally have to accept the fact that I don't really like this book. I've tried to finish it many times, but I just can't force myself to complete it. The cover is fantastic, but the contents aren't quite as good.
This book is an omnibus of three novels: How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, ,i> How to Ruin My Teenage Life, and How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation. As the seal on the cover explains, this omnibus is currently only available at Borders.
The first tells the story of Amy Nelson's summer visit to Israel. Her father is Israeli, and he wants to take her home to visit his mother, whose health is failing. Amy has some serious issues with him--he's never seemed to want her as much as she wanted him to, and she's developed a strong resentment of the very limited role he plays in her life. Needless to say, she doesn't want to visit Israel. On arrival, she learns that his family never knew he'd had a daughter in Chicago. This is the last straw--she's miserable and feels horribly unwanted and out of place. Of the three novels, I liked this one the best. The fish-out-of-water aspect of Amy's life at the moshav in the Golan Heights is entertaining. However, it's also predictable. Obviously, Amy has no understanding of what went wrong in her parents' relationship. She is angry at her father for allowing her to push him away, but she can't see what her actions do to him. Separated from her comfort zone, Amy will have to confront some parts of herself that she simply did not expect.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Amy's blossoming interest in Judaism. Elkeles presents a fresh and believable portrait of what it means to reconnect with the faith of your ancestors.
However, even though I liked the first book quite a bit, I was rather annoyed with the later two. I won't present any plot summaries of them, as those summaries would be spoilers for the first book. That said, I can add that I found both of them to be too predictable. Amy is a young character; I accept that. Sadly, she didn't grow as much as I would have liked to see over the time span of these three books (one year). Each one seems to start with Amy being just as obnoxious as she can be and learning a lesson by the end of the book. I did skim through most of the third book in an effort to interest myself in the plot, but it just didn't work for me.
Quite frankly, I did not find this series nearly as entertaining as I did her Fuentes brothers books. Some of Elkeles' fans will like this early series better. I am not one of them. As I've tried to make clear in this review, this series did not work for me, but that does not mean it's a bad series.
This book is an omnibus of three novels: How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, ,i> How to Ruin My Teenage Life, and How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation. As the seal on the cover explains, this omnibus is currently only available at Borders.
The first tells the story of Amy Nelson's summer visit to Israel. Her father is Israeli, and he wants to take her home to visit his mother, whose health is failing. Amy has some serious issues with him--he's never seemed to want her as much as she wanted him to, and she's developed a strong resentment of the very limited role he plays in her life. Needless to say, she doesn't want to visit Israel. On arrival, she learns that his family never knew he'd had a daughter in Chicago. This is the last straw--she's miserable and feels horribly unwanted and out of place. Of the three novels, I liked this one the best. The fish-out-of-water aspect of Amy's life at the moshav in the Golan Heights is entertaining. However, it's also predictable. Obviously, Amy has no understanding of what went wrong in her parents' relationship. She is angry at her father for allowing her to push him away, but she can't see what her actions do to him. Separated from her comfort zone, Amy will have to confront some parts of herself that she simply did not expect.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Amy's blossoming interest in Judaism. Elkeles presents a fresh and believable portrait of what it means to reconnect with the faith of your ancestors.
However, even though I liked the first book quite a bit, I was rather annoyed with the later two. I won't present any plot summaries of them, as those summaries would be spoilers for the first book. That said, I can add that I found both of them to be too predictable. Amy is a young character; I accept that. Sadly, she didn't grow as much as I would have liked to see over the time span of these three books (one year). Each one seems to start with Amy being just as obnoxious as she can be and learning a lesson by the end of the book. I did skim through most of the third book in an effort to interest myself in the plot, but it just didn't work for me.
Quite frankly, I did not find this series nearly as entertaining as I did her Fuentes brothers books. Some of Elkeles' fans will like this early series better. I am not one of them. As I've tried to make clear in this review, this series did not work for me, but that does not mean it's a bad series.
July 26, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this series. Though it took me a while to get through it, all the books were great. I loved reading about Amy and learning about her life.
In the first book, How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, Amy is dragged to Israel with her non-existent father and there she began to find herself. I loved Amy not discovering who she is but finding her place in this world. All the time she felt lost and insecure. She is one heck of a feisty person. I loved her nicknames for the people for names she couldn't pronounce (O'snot she called Snotty! HA) around her. She always made me snicker with her sarcastic and being straight up. I loved that she spoke her mind and didn't let anyone tell her what to do. She finds love and friendship in an expectant place.
In the next book, How to Ruin My Teenage Life, Amy is separated from the one that she loves and find another. Love triangles...you got to love them! Amy comes upon some unexpected surprises in her life as well as her mothers. Amy is once again lost, but is sure to find herself in the line. The plot line of this book is full of drama, but very entertaining. Amy is still a feisty girl and needs to decide one and for all who she will choose.
In the last book, How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation, Amy is found once again in Israel proving to not only her father, herself, and her friends. Amy has made some mistakes and wants to show she can be Jewish. Amy has a better relationship now with her family in Israel as well as her mother and father. You can really tell how much Amy has grown up in this book. There are again, problems in the relationship and some heart aches. Amy gets stronger in her psychical self as well as emotional. She is finally coming into her own and learning who she is. I love you Amy!
Overall, this is great read about love, life and relationship. We all struggle with who we are and who we want to be. But in the end, it what makes us happy that we see that we are content with where we are at. A great read and great story that I can dive in over and over again!
In the first book, How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, Amy is dragged to Israel with her non-existent father and there she began to find herself. I loved Amy not discovering who she is but finding her place in this world. All the time she felt lost and insecure. She is one heck of a feisty person. I loved her nicknames for the people for names she couldn't pronounce (O'snot she called Snotty! HA) around her. She always made me snicker with her sarcastic and being straight up. I loved that she spoke her mind and didn't let anyone tell her what to do. She finds love and friendship in an expectant place.
In the next book, How to Ruin My Teenage Life, Amy is separated from the one that she loves and find another. Love triangles...you got to love them! Amy comes upon some unexpected surprises in her life as well as her mothers. Amy is once again lost, but is sure to find herself in the line. The plot line of this book is full of drama, but very entertaining. Amy is still a feisty girl and needs to decide one and for all who she will choose.
In the last book, How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation, Amy is found once again in Israel proving to not only her father, herself, and her friends. Amy has made some mistakes and wants to show she can be Jewish. Amy has a better relationship now with her family in Israel as well as her mother and father. You can really tell how much Amy has grown up in this book. There are again, problems in the relationship and some heart aches. Amy gets stronger in her psychical self as well as emotional. She is finally coming into her own and learning who she is. I love you Amy!
Overall, this is great read about love, life and relationship. We all struggle with who we are and who we want to be. But in the end, it what makes us happy that we see that we are content with where we are at. A great read and great story that I can dive in over and over again!
October 7, 2013
A light-hearted angst-free romance read.
The thing that I usually hate about YA romance is that they are FULL of angst. And I can't stand angst. Really, I was a teenager once, and I work with teenagers every day... very rarely do I see students with the amount of anguish in their lives that you find in YA novels. I like to read books that make me happy, not depressed!
I have read every book by Simone Elkeles. I have enjoyed all of her books; however, this was my least favorite. I agree with another reviewer that stated that she has really grown as an author over the course of her career thus far (really looking forward to future books!) However; it is hard to compare these titles to some of her other books, as the Ruined series is definitely more light-hearted and comical (though there are some fairly serious themes).
I liked that this book explores a topic that I do not see come up very frequently in Young Adult literature. I really like that the tensions/difficulties in Israel are introduced in a very accessible manner. Reading it has made me very interested in learning more about the history of the conflict in Israel.
Unfortunately, the characters in these books did not seem very believable. For the life of me, I couldn't understand what Avi saw in Amy (she's way too stereotypically girly to the point of being annoying), and Amy's transformation from complaining brat to caring and affectionate daughter did not seem very believable either. Also, I think that Amy's relationship with her grandmother should have been more developed.
As with any book I think that the story being told is more important than the style of the writing (and lets face it, I loved the story). My imagination is more than capable of filling in the flaws of the writing. I can fill in the blanks of Amy's relationship with her grandmother, and tone down the parts where her behavior is just completely unfathomable.
I would highly recommend to any romance lover (pun intended).
The thing that I usually hate about YA romance is that they are FULL of angst. And I can't stand angst. Really, I was a teenager once, and I work with teenagers every day... very rarely do I see students with the amount of anguish in their lives that you find in YA novels. I like to read books that make me happy, not depressed!
I have read every book by Simone Elkeles. I have enjoyed all of her books; however, this was my least favorite. I agree with another reviewer that stated that she has really grown as an author over the course of her career thus far (really looking forward to future books!) However; it is hard to compare these titles to some of her other books, as the Ruined series is definitely more light-hearted and comical (though there are some fairly serious themes).
I liked that this book explores a topic that I do not see come up very frequently in Young Adult literature. I really like that the tensions/difficulties in Israel are introduced in a very accessible manner. Reading it has made me very interested in learning more about the history of the conflict in Israel.
Unfortunately, the characters in these books did not seem very believable. For the life of me, I couldn't understand what Avi saw in Amy (she's way too stereotypically girly to the point of being annoying), and Amy's transformation from complaining brat to caring and affectionate daughter did not seem very believable either. Also, I think that Amy's relationship with her grandmother should have been more developed.
As with any book I think that the story being told is more important than the style of the writing (and lets face it, I loved the story). My imagination is more than capable of filling in the flaws of the writing. I can fill in the blanks of Amy's relationship with her grandmother, and tone down the parts where her behavior is just completely unfathomable.
I would highly recommend to any romance lover (pun intended).
March 1, 2016
You know what I really hate!?! When a great book or series has a shit ending! I LOVED all three book, especially the last one, but I could honestly use two maybe three more books in the series. This ending we got was ridiculous!!! The last two series I've loved and read have had such shitty open-ended endings its super frustrating!!! I need to know what happens to everyone, like do Jessica and Tarik make it work? What about Nathan and Tori? Or Miranda and Noah? I need a senior year book, a freshman college year book of all of Amy's outrageous hijinxs she some how gets into! I want to have her meet her little sibling, and what about her dads love life!? AND MUTT! Did he become a daddy!?!?! SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS! And to be frank I'm calling bullshit on her and Avi not having sex in the hotel room when they both know they probably won't have the opportunity for another, oh I don't know... THREE YEARS!!!! They didn't even sleep in the same bed! LIKE COME ON! But I digress, I can look over that. What I can't look over is the ending!!!! Along with the other two books I've already named that I need, I also need the (preferred) last book where Avi finally is done with his three years and Amy and him are happy and get married...blah blah blah. I NEED/WANT/BEG FOR IT!!!!
OMG what about grandma!? Does she recover, does she die! Dammit Simone Elkeles! I need another three books out of this series! I don't care if its been a decade since the release of the first book!!!
On another note this series is soooo underrated I've heard nothing about it in all of the book communities I'm in. Maybe its because it has been out five plus years or because The Perfect Chemistry series gets more attention... I don't know. What I do know is that The Ruined series blew The Perfect Chemistry series out of the water! Don't get me wrong they're both excellent series, but I connected with Amy a lot more than any of the girls in the other series.
OMG what about grandma!? Does she recover, does she die! Dammit Simone Elkeles! I need another three books out of this series! I don't care if its been a decade since the release of the first book!!!
On another note this series is soooo underrated I've heard nothing about it in all of the book communities I'm in. Maybe its because it has been out five plus years or because The Perfect Chemistry series gets more attention... I don't know. What I do know is that The Ruined series blew The Perfect Chemistry series out of the water! Don't get me wrong they're both excellent series, but I connected with Amy a lot more than any of the girls in the other series.
June 9, 2017
First off, I have never in my life heard of a Young Adult book that circled around Judaism. None. Simone bases this book on life in Israel, and is very interesting for the people who've never been there or want to learn more. Let's start with the main character, Amy. She's half Jewish, fun, strong willed, stubborn, high-maintenance, and impulsive. If you give her a challenge, she'll take it and wont stop until it's done. She does it without breaking a nail, which is always important to her. In the first book, she's in a type of farmland in Israel, so it's very difficult adapting. Being JAP (Jewish American Princess) where she's spending her "vacation" is impossible, so she learns how to cope in the new environment. Book two is based in Chicago, and three is back in Israel. You get to see Avi's home town in the first book, Amy's in the second, and how both their worlds collide in the third.
Now, let's talk about Avi, also known as "Mr. Extremely Sexy". At first he doesn't hit it off with Amy, seeing her as spoiled (which she is), lazy (which she is), and whiny (which she definitely is). Even though they both had a mutual dislike for one another, they also have a pull that get's them into situations which bring them closer. It's fun to see their feelings grow, and you'll see how they balance each other out. Avi has a calming effect on her, and that's one of the reasons they randomly end up together. He's also known to have an extremely healthy body. Amy narrates, "Avi is wearing black boxer briefs. That's it. His military-ripped bod should be outlawed. He's got a serious six-pack and has muscles in places I didn't even know existed." That's just a little teaser to get you started. How to Ruin has adventure, romance, comedy, teen angst, and morals. It's a definite to-read!
Now, let's talk about Avi, also known as "Mr. Extremely Sexy". At first he doesn't hit it off with Amy, seeing her as spoiled (which she is), lazy (which she is), and whiny (which she definitely is). Even though they both had a mutual dislike for one another, they also have a pull that get's them into situations which bring them closer. It's fun to see their feelings grow, and you'll see how they balance each other out. Avi has a calming effect on her, and that's one of the reasons they randomly end up together. He's also known to have an extremely healthy body. Amy narrates, "Avi is wearing black boxer briefs. That's it. His military-ripped bod should be outlawed. He's got a serious six-pack and has muscles in places I didn't even know existed." That's just a little teaser to get you started. How to Ruin has adventure, romance, comedy, teen angst, and morals. It's a definite to-read!
October 28, 2012
If you like suspense and adrenaline running through your body while your reading, Ruined, is the book for you. Ruined is a three book romance novel written by Simone Elkeles about a seventeen year old girl name, Amy, who is trying to learn what being herself truly means. While she's dragged to Israel by her father she meets an eighteen year old guy name Avi, and they start to have this romantic summer fling. But when the summer is over Amy is forced to return to America while Avi has to stay behind and start Israeli military training. Throughout the three book novel, Amy has found herself going on a rollercoaster between her seperated parents, going into a religion, and her long-distance relationship with her Israeli boyfriend. Simone Elkeles always leaves her reader thinking about how they can spruce up their "love life". So many adventures and surprises in this book and you would be a fool if you didn't pick up and read it. I loved all the books I have read by Simone Elkeles so far. She writes her books with a little bit of a mystery but at the same time adds romance with it also. When I was reading the book I always laugh out loud at something funny being read or I'm being cursed out by my mom for getting an attitude at something happening in the story. Ruined had me smiling, crying, laughing, upset, clueless, and wanting more. I will always love romantic stories and I will love romantic stories even more when they have mystery in them as well.
January 11, 2011
I had fun reading these. Amy is admittedly, incredibly annoying. She's one of those characters that are very immature and has to learn how to grow up. There are times when she does and times when she backtracks into being her. This will probably annoy a lot of people. There were times when she did, but at the same time I liked that the character didn't have one moment that made her alter for good and suddenly change herself completely. It's a process that has to be worked on. However, she was still annoying when she regressed.
For me, I was more interested in Avi and Israel. There aren't a lot of YA books that deal with Jewish, ethnic or religious, people or that talk about life in Israel. Amy has a lot of sterotypes in her head and it's interesting to see her confront them. It's obviously a discussion on a fairly fluffy level, but I'm glad someone's even trying.
Anyway, as to the quality of the books, they're not PC or LP quality at all. These were her early books. The others are a lot better. These are fun (if you can get past Amy - Carrie, you won't) and while there's some important issues in the background, they don't hit you like her other two series do. You don't cry for her characters or just feel devistated (except for a minor charcter that manages to get you). With these you just read for fun and to get to know a little about how some people in Israel live.
For me, I was more interested in Avi and Israel. There aren't a lot of YA books that deal with Jewish, ethnic or religious, people or that talk about life in Israel. Amy has a lot of sterotypes in her head and it's interesting to see her confront them. It's obviously a discussion on a fairly fluffy level, but I'm glad someone's even trying.
Anyway, as to the quality of the books, they're not PC or LP quality at all. These were her early books. The others are a lot better. These are fun (if you can get past Amy - Carrie, you won't) and while there's some important issues in the background, they don't hit you like her other two series do. You don't cry for her characters or just feel devistated (except for a minor charcter that manages to get you). With these you just read for fun and to get to know a little about how some people in Israel live.
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