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Pretty Bad Things
"Wonder Twins" on the run--and running amok--in Vegas. Road Trip!
Paisley and Beau are boldface names again. Last time, paparazzi called them the "Wonder Twins," two kids found alone but alive in the woods of exotic New Jersey. Three days after their mom's death -- and before their dad's criminal misdeeds.
Flash-forward to Their so-called lives? Suck out Hating on their cougarized, Botoxic grandma, they're totally clueless about the location of ex-con Daddy. Till they discover a stash of old letters. That's when they decide to jack the Pontiac and hit the road. Holding up donut shops in Sin City might seem extreme, but if they can just get their pretty bad faces back on TV -- or TMZ -- they might wrap up their whole gaga saga with an Oprah-worthy reunion already!
Paisley and Beau are boldface names again. Last time, paparazzi called them the "Wonder Twins," two kids found alone but alive in the woods of exotic New Jersey. Three days after their mom's death -- and before their dad's criminal misdeeds.
Flash-forward to Their so-called lives? Suck out Hating on their cougarized, Botoxic grandma, they're totally clueless about the location of ex-con Daddy. Till they discover a stash of old letters. That's when they decide to jack the Pontiac and hit the road. Holding up donut shops in Sin City might seem extreme, but if they can just get their pretty bad faces back on TV -- or TMZ -- they might wrap up their whole gaga saga with an Oprah-worthy reunion already!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2010
21 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Skuse
17 books851 followersC.J. SKUSE is the author of the Young Adult novels PRETTY BAD THINGS, ROCKOHOLIC and DEAD ROMANTIC (Chicken House), MONSTER and THE DEVIANTS (Mira Ink). She was born in 1980 in Weston-super-Mare, England. She has First Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Children and, aside from writing novels lectures in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. C.J. is currently working on adult novel SWEETPEA for HQ/HarperCollins (out April 2017).
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 31, 2011
www.booksforcompany.com - For full ratings
I really didn’t know what to expect with this book. It’s not the sort of book l am always reading at the moment but l think l will always like to go back to these sort of books every now and then as l do enjoy them.
When l started to read this book l was very glad l pick it up from my pile of books. The 1st page of this book grabbed my attention straight away and l cannot see it failing to win any person over. What l loved most about the 1st page is how it introduced us to the first character in the book, Paisley, how quick l felt l know her. Seriously, from the first page l knew more about Paisley than l did about most characters within 2/3 chapters. C.J. then went on to introduce Beau, Paisley’s twin brother. I also felt like l knew him rather quickly. Not only did l love how quickly l felt like l knew them, l loved their characters. Skuse did such a great job of building up their characters, making them different, stand out and making sure their actions were true to the characters she had portrayed.
Pretty Bad Things is written from the POV of two people, Paisley has one chapter and Beau has the other. At the beginning l much preferred Paisley’s chapters because of the character she is but as the book got more into it l very much enjoyed seeing into Beau’s mind too.
The story line is quite a fast paced one and although l felt like this book was a character lead story (in no way bad!) l did also enjoy the twins journey in this book. I liked how the book kept to realistic things, especially as l got so into this book l felt like it had really happened and l was there with them. Bringing something ‘fake’ into this book would have ruined it, once or twice Paisley or Beau said about a fairytale but how this wasn’t one.
Overall this is a great read, l really recommend it to everyone, even if this isn’t your usual type of book. C.J. has put so much character into this book, one minute you will be laughing and the next you will have a worried expression on your face!
I really didn’t know what to expect with this book. It’s not the sort of book l am always reading at the moment but l think l will always like to go back to these sort of books every now and then as l do enjoy them.
When l started to read this book l was very glad l pick it up from my pile of books. The 1st page of this book grabbed my attention straight away and l cannot see it failing to win any person over. What l loved most about the 1st page is how it introduced us to the first character in the book, Paisley, how quick l felt l know her. Seriously, from the first page l knew more about Paisley than l did about most characters within 2/3 chapters. C.J. then went on to introduce Beau, Paisley’s twin brother. I also felt like l knew him rather quickly. Not only did l love how quickly l felt like l knew them, l loved their characters. Skuse did such a great job of building up their characters, making them different, stand out and making sure their actions were true to the characters she had portrayed.
Pretty Bad Things is written from the POV of two people, Paisley has one chapter and Beau has the other. At the beginning l much preferred Paisley’s chapters because of the character she is but as the book got more into it l very much enjoyed seeing into Beau’s mind too.
The story line is quite a fast paced one and although l felt like this book was a character lead story (in no way bad!) l did also enjoy the twins journey in this book. I liked how the book kept to realistic things, especially as l got so into this book l felt like it had really happened and l was there with them. Bringing something ‘fake’ into this book would have ruined it, once or twice Paisley or Beau said about a fairytale but how this wasn’t one.
Overall this is a great read, l really recommend it to everyone, even if this isn’t your usual type of book. C.J. has put so much character into this book, one minute you will be laughing and the next you will have a worried expression on your face!
April 11, 2021
This is was a fun and quick read but nothing special.
I've previously read and enjoyed C.J Skuse's sweet pea series which I loved.
This is one of her earlier books and you can tell. The writing isn't as good nor is the plot as strong.
I did love the characters though. Paisley reminded me a lot of rhiannon, who is the the main character in the sweet pea series.
She is very angry and there is a lot of sarcastic humour which is very similiar to the sweet pea series, which I enjoyed.
This was a fun and quick read. It was an easy read but it wasn't as good as her future adult thrillers. Although, I would have probably enjoyed it more if I was a teenager.
Overall, a fun read but wouldn't recommend if you have previously read and enjoyed her sweet pea series as this isn't very similar at all
Tw: violence, self-harm and sexual assault
I've previously read and enjoyed C.J Skuse's sweet pea series which I loved.
This is one of her earlier books and you can tell. The writing isn't as good nor is the plot as strong.
I did love the characters though. Paisley reminded me a lot of rhiannon, who is the the main character in the sweet pea series.
She is very angry and there is a lot of sarcastic humour which is very similiar to the sweet pea series, which I enjoyed.
This was a fun and quick read. It was an easy read but it wasn't as good as her future adult thrillers. Although, I would have probably enjoyed it more if I was a teenager.
Overall, a fun read but wouldn't recommend if you have previously read and enjoyed her sweet pea series as this isn't very similar at all
Tw: violence, self-harm and sexual assault
August 17, 2011
Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com/
While this book was published last year, I had never heard of it until I was browsing the Chicken House website and loved the cover, I was intrigued by the blurb as well, it sounded funny and cute but also packs a punch.
You know what this book reminds me of? Those emo Hello Kitty toys, the ones that are all cute and pink and adorable but when you look a bit deeper it's a little bit dark and disturbing. The storyline is fantastic; it's funny and clever and has a very cute story but there are underlying truths there that add a tone a seriousness in there. I also loved how creative this story was, despite the book being contemporary, the pot is very crazy and not realistic, which isn't a problem because it makes it a whole lot more entertaining. Though this book is quite dark in some places, the perfect mix of the fun and the edgy level it out perfectly.
The characters are great, I loved Paisley, who was so cool and street-wise and despite going a bit off-the-rails she's also a very likeable character, while I didnt necessarily agree with the things she did I could see why. Paisley's brother, Beau is also a very likeable character who we see develop throughout the story from a shy, introverted boy to someone much more awesome and brave. The way these two behaved was also very believable and I loved the character dynamics. I do wish their grandmother had been developed a little more as then I'd find her actions and motivations easier to understand.
All in all, Pretty Bad Things is an enjoyable and witty read with fantastic story. I'm almost considering holding a 'Pretty Bad Things' party to get the word out because, really, this book really needs to be read!
Please note: This book does include quite a bit of swearing and some more mature themes.
Overall rating: A+
While this book was published last year, I had never heard of it until I was browsing the Chicken House website and loved the cover, I was intrigued by the blurb as well, it sounded funny and cute but also packs a punch.
You know what this book reminds me of? Those emo Hello Kitty toys, the ones that are all cute and pink and adorable but when you look a bit deeper it's a little bit dark and disturbing. The storyline is fantastic; it's funny and clever and has a very cute story but there are underlying truths there that add a tone a seriousness in there. I also loved how creative this story was, despite the book being contemporary, the pot is very crazy and not realistic, which isn't a problem because it makes it a whole lot more entertaining. Though this book is quite dark in some places, the perfect mix of the fun and the edgy level it out perfectly.
The characters are great, I loved Paisley, who was so cool and street-wise and despite going a bit off-the-rails she's also a very likeable character, while I didnt necessarily agree with the things she did I could see why. Paisley's brother, Beau is also a very likeable character who we see develop throughout the story from a shy, introverted boy to someone much more awesome and brave. The way these two behaved was also very believable and I loved the character dynamics. I do wish their grandmother had been developed a little more as then I'd find her actions and motivations easier to understand.
All in all, Pretty Bad Things is an enjoyable and witty read with fantastic story. I'm almost considering holding a 'Pretty Bad Things' party to get the word out because, really, this book really needs to be read!
Please note: This book does include quite a bit of swearing and some more mature themes.
Overall rating: A+
October 10, 2017
I gave up on this book about half way through it.
I just dislike Paisley and her narrative.I don't like her as a person and so it was incredibly suffocating to be inside her head.She's so reckless and impulsive.Her actions make absolutely no sense to me.
Beau felt weak to me.It's almost like he have no thoughts of his own.He get drags around by Paisley and that's it,that's the entire plot of this book.
While this book was a refreshing read for me back in middle school(the era I only read chick lits,Twilight and Harry Potter,you get the idea)
It was also unbarable.I hate it when characters do stupid stuff.
This books embodies most of the troupes I hate,I got so much secoudhand embarrasement from it.If you enjoy raunchy forbidden romance,family drama,impromptu road trip and petty crimes this is your book.
I just dislike Paisley and her narrative.I don't like her as a person and so it was incredibly suffocating to be inside her head.She's so reckless and impulsive.Her actions make absolutely no sense to me.
Beau felt weak to me.It's almost like he have no thoughts of his own.He get drags around by Paisley and that's it,that's the entire plot of this book.
While this book was a refreshing read for me back in middle school(the era I only read chick lits,Twilight and Harry Potter,you get the idea)
It was also unbarable.I hate it when characters do stupid stuff.
This books embodies most of the troupes I hate,I got so much secoudhand embarrasement from it.If you enjoy raunchy forbidden romance,family drama,impromptu road trip and petty crimes this is your book.
January 8, 2013
It was a different story...I am more of romance/paranormal/dystopian books and this one tells the story of two teenagers who are looking for their father, in their quest they have to do all sort of things, from putting themselves into danger to threatening other people with a gun. I felt very strongly for their past, being twins their bond seemed stronger than the average, sharing a very tough background was their unbreakable link.
September 20, 2012
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
When I picked up Pretty Bad Things, I was expecting something completely different to what I got. The blurb on the book is completely different to the description above, it barely skims the surface. Because they were going off looking for their Dad, I thought it might have been a road trip story. It's not. I got past that quite quickly, deciding to just read the book for what it is. However, unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy it.
This is not to say it's a bad story. It's actually pretty good. It's pretty clear that Skuse can write; Pretty Bad Things has an intriguing plot that keeps you turning the pages. It's addictive, you want - need - to know what happens with Paisley and Beau. Theirs action, there's danger, and there's more than one adrenaline rush inside it's pages waiting for readers. It's really quite exciting!
So why didn't I like it? Because it's not my kind of story. I'm not really that interested in crime. Though, saying that, this is not a dark, gritty crime novel for teens, it's light crime, made amusing because of the crimes they commit. But I'm not really into crime, in any form. Generally, I don't like it, and unfortunately, Pretty Bad Things didn't change my mind about this. As I said, the blurb on the back of the book is different to the description above, but it does say "Twins in a candy-store crime spree", so maybe that, along with the gun on the cover and the title should have made me realise exactly what type of novel I was getting, but I believed I was getting something more along the lines of an issue novel, what with looking for their Dad who hasn't been around. I was wrong.
But that's not the only reason I didn't like it. I couldn't stand Paisley. She was reckless and wild, and just not my kind of character. She was so immature at times and I just wanted to shake her. Regular readers may know that I'm not a massive fan of swearing in books, but I can accept it. But Paisley swear like a trooper, and it was just excessive. It's clear from how Beau talks, for example, that the swearing is all Paisley, part of her character, and not Skuse using it for the sake of it. But it grates on me. I can understand her wanting to escape the clutches of her money-obsessed grandmother, and wanting to find her Dad, but the choices she makes and actions she takes are just so ridiculously reckless and seem idiotic to me. I just couldn't warm to her. Beau is a different story, but Paisley takes half the book.
Pretty Bad Things wasn't my cup of tea, but I enjoyed Skuse's writing enough to pick up her other novels, and I'm looking forward to them!
When I picked up Pretty Bad Things, I was expecting something completely different to what I got. The blurb on the book is completely different to the description above, it barely skims the surface. Because they were going off looking for their Dad, I thought it might have been a road trip story. It's not. I got past that quite quickly, deciding to just read the book for what it is. However, unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy it.
This is not to say it's a bad story. It's actually pretty good. It's pretty clear that Skuse can write; Pretty Bad Things has an intriguing plot that keeps you turning the pages. It's addictive, you want - need - to know what happens with Paisley and Beau. Theirs action, there's danger, and there's more than one adrenaline rush inside it's pages waiting for readers. It's really quite exciting!
So why didn't I like it? Because it's not my kind of story. I'm not really that interested in crime. Though, saying that, this is not a dark, gritty crime novel for teens, it's light crime, made amusing because of the crimes they commit. But I'm not really into crime, in any form. Generally, I don't like it, and unfortunately, Pretty Bad Things didn't change my mind about this. As I said, the blurb on the back of the book is different to the description above, but it does say "Twins in a candy-store crime spree", so maybe that, along with the gun on the cover and the title should have made me realise exactly what type of novel I was getting, but I believed I was getting something more along the lines of an issue novel, what with looking for their Dad who hasn't been around. I was wrong.
But that's not the only reason I didn't like it. I couldn't stand Paisley. She was reckless and wild, and just not my kind of character. She was so immature at times and I just wanted to shake her. Regular readers may know that I'm not a massive fan of swearing in books, but I can accept it. But Paisley swear like a trooper, and it was just excessive. It's clear from how Beau talks, for example, that the swearing is all Paisley, part of her character, and not Skuse using it for the sake of it. But it grates on me. I can understand her wanting to escape the clutches of her money-obsessed grandmother, and wanting to find her Dad, but the choices she makes and actions she takes are just so ridiculously reckless and seem idiotic to me. I just couldn't warm to her. Beau is a different story, but Paisley takes half the book.
Pretty Bad Things wasn't my cup of tea, but I enjoyed Skuse's writing enough to pick up her other novels, and I'm looking forward to them!
January 28, 2013
Check this review out at our blog!
What a roller coaster ride of a book! The plot was amazing, and not only was it a cute and hilarious story, but it was balanced out with some serious truths about the lives of two troubled teens.
Paisley and Beau's lives are terrible. After finding their mother dead (after committing suicide) the twins wander into the woods looking for their father, and are lost for three days. After that they are under the care of their evil grandmother (their father is in jail) who just exploits them for their money. Paisley also doesn't like to obey her grandmother, so she's sent from boarding school to boarding school to be kept out of the way. Pretty bad, right?
Beau starts out very shy and introverted, but I loved watching him grow out of his shell to become someone much more courageous and willing to take a chance. The grandmother I absolutely hated (but that was the point, she was the villain after all), but I sort of wondered what happened that made her so corrupt and loathsome.
Paisley is the more daring of the two, and can be sorta crazy sometimes, but she is just a troubled teen who is acting out. She curses a lot too, but that just goes with her whole bad-ass persona.Underneath, she is a very likable person. During some of the scenes in which Paisley enacts some of her more insane ideas, I was quite worried for her, and the consequences of her actions. At the same time I was like why would you do something so stupid? I still love her though, and despite my not always agreeing with her actions I can see her honest intentions behind them.
Speaking of some crazy things, so is robbing candy and donut shops, but that is what Paisley and Beau do. They are criminals in that way, but I couldn't help but like them and cheer for them. I just pitied them and wanted something good to finally happen for them. All they wanted was to get on TV so their dad would know that they were looking for him and that they still cared about him. While I was still sympathetic to their cause, they should have gained attention another way, not one that made them criminals. A bit of the plot was a bit far fetched, but that just made it more entertaining.
I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a fast and amusing (yet serious) read, and as there isn't much romance, I think guys would also like it. Cheers, and I wish Paisley, Beau, and their dad a happily ever after.
M @ YA Novelties
What a roller coaster ride of a book! The plot was amazing, and not only was it a cute and hilarious story, but it was balanced out with some serious truths about the lives of two troubled teens.
Paisley and Beau's lives are terrible. After finding their mother dead (after committing suicide) the twins wander into the woods looking for their father, and are lost for three days. After that they are under the care of their evil grandmother (their father is in jail) who just exploits them for their money. Paisley also doesn't like to obey her grandmother, so she's sent from boarding school to boarding school to be kept out of the way. Pretty bad, right?
Beau starts out very shy and introverted, but I loved watching him grow out of his shell to become someone much more courageous and willing to take a chance. The grandmother I absolutely hated (but that was the point, she was the villain after all), but I sort of wondered what happened that made her so corrupt and loathsome.
Paisley is the more daring of the two, and can be sorta crazy sometimes, but she is just a troubled teen who is acting out. She curses a lot too, but that just goes with her whole bad-ass persona.Underneath, she is a very likable person. During some of the scenes in which Paisley enacts some of her more insane ideas, I was quite worried for her, and the consequences of her actions. At the same time I was like why would you do something so stupid? I still love her though, and despite my not always agreeing with her actions I can see her honest intentions behind them.
Speaking of some crazy things, so is robbing candy and donut shops, but that is what Paisley and Beau do. They are criminals in that way, but I couldn't help but like them and cheer for them. I just pitied them and wanted something good to finally happen for them. All they wanted was to get on TV so their dad would know that they were looking for him and that they still cared about him. While I was still sympathetic to their cause, they should have gained attention another way, not one that made them criminals. A bit of the plot was a bit far fetched, but that just made it more entertaining.
I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a fast and amusing (yet serious) read, and as there isn't much romance, I think guys would also like it. Cheers, and I wish Paisley, Beau, and their dad a happily ever after.
M @ YA Novelties
October 11, 2015
Although this was actually the authors first release, I read it last and have to say this is easily my favourite of the three books she has so far. Paisley's attitude and the gritty story pulled me in immediately and I actually stayed up until 2:30am and read the whole book in one night, something I rarely do, the reading it in one sitting thing, I'm kept up late by books all the time! I just couldn't put it down and knew I wouldn't sleep if I didn't finish and find out how it ended, if they found their Dad or ended up locked in jail.
I flew through the book so fast, I even forgot to note down quotes and had to go back after to get some.
I think Paisley can be a tough character to handle for some but I loved her, I loved how she won't take crap from anyone and how she can make holding up sweet shops sound like a good idea. She's tough, decisive and full of attitude.
Beau was a good character too but for me he was just overshadowed by his crazy twin but I liked how he developed during the book.
The story didn't let up either, it was constantly thrilling and full of situations where I didn't know what direction it was going to go. Personally I thought it ended a bit too open, I'd have liked it to be wrapped up a bit more, perhaps with an epilogue, but I still loved every bit of this book and am cursing myself for having not read it sooner.
Another (totally random) thing I liked, were the smells, different scents, not always good ones, are always added into the descriptions, far more than I've read in any other book and it was just something I liked. I also enjoyed the great descriptions of Las Vegas, for someone that's never been there, it was made easy for me to imagine, I would love to visit there someday.
Favourite quotes
'All these counselors had one mission: to get me to cry. and there was no way, even if they pricked my eyeballs with pins or splashed lemon juice into ever cut, no way was I gonna cry.'
'There's no point breaking your crayons over this, okay? This makes sense. If this makes the news, we'll get ourselves on those screens, on the screen outside Ceasers where we know he hangs out. Dad will see us. He was watching the Tron before Coupon Guy started on him. We get famous, we'll be one step closer to finding him.'
'We'll be one step closer to prison, Paisley. Can't you see that?'
'God, when did you become such a prude?'
'I don't know. Maybe the same day you slipped down into the moral abyss?''
I flew through the book so fast, I even forgot to note down quotes and had to go back after to get some.
I think Paisley can be a tough character to handle for some but I loved her, I loved how she won't take crap from anyone and how she can make holding up sweet shops sound like a good idea. She's tough, decisive and full of attitude.
Beau was a good character too but for me he was just overshadowed by his crazy twin but I liked how he developed during the book.
The story didn't let up either, it was constantly thrilling and full of situations where I didn't know what direction it was going to go. Personally I thought it ended a bit too open, I'd have liked it to be wrapped up a bit more, perhaps with an epilogue, but I still loved every bit of this book and am cursing myself for having not read it sooner.
Another (totally random) thing I liked, were the smells, different scents, not always good ones, are always added into the descriptions, far more than I've read in any other book and it was just something I liked. I also enjoyed the great descriptions of Las Vegas, for someone that's never been there, it was made easy for me to imagine, I would love to visit there someday.
Favourite quotes
'All these counselors had one mission: to get me to cry. and there was no way, even if they pricked my eyeballs with pins or splashed lemon juice into ever cut, no way was I gonna cry.'
'There's no point breaking your crayons over this, okay? This makes sense. If this makes the news, we'll get ourselves on those screens, on the screen outside Ceasers where we know he hangs out. Dad will see us. He was watching the Tron before Coupon Guy started on him. We get famous, we'll be one step closer to finding him.'
'We'll be one step closer to prison, Paisley. Can't you see that?'
'God, when did you become such a prude?'
'I don't know. Maybe the same day you slipped down into the moral abyss?''
April 24, 2011
Pretty Bad Things is an great story about the awful truths about greed and betrayal. Paisley and Beau are national celeberties due to their unfortunate past of having found their mother overdosed and going in search of their father only to get lost in the woods for days following the incident. While this was many years earlier that present has left them with much wealth and even bigger problems. This is a terrible story about these to young people and the moment they decide that life has handed them the raw deal. Paisley and Beau are determined to set out and find their estranged Dad; this also will allow the two to seperate themselves from their money grubby Grandmother that is using them solely for the wealth that it has provided her. Pretty Bad Things will tug at your heart strings, and make readers contemplate the true nature of some individuals. This is a eye opening experience to look at the world without the rose colored glass. Readers Beware!
Read
December 3, 2015Graded By: Poshdeluxe
Cover Story: Double Brown Bag It
BFF Charm: Yay & Nay
Swoonworthy Scale: 1
Talky Talk: Talk Dirty To Me
Bonus Factors: Legend of Billie Jean, Las Vegas
Relationship Status: Innocent Bystander
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Double Brown Bag It
BFF Charm: Yay & Nay
Swoonworthy Scale: 1
Talky Talk: Talk Dirty To Me
Bonus Factors: Legend of Billie Jean, Las Vegas
Relationship Status: Innocent Bystander
Read the full book report here.
April 3, 2022
I love this cover to pieces, not least because the model reminds me of Melissa Benoist, but that's the best thing about it. Paisley is AWFUL, with zero impulse control, an incredibly foul mouth and the nastiest attitude I've ever seen in YA. Her sweet if slightly dim-witted twin brother is much better but cannot make up for how horrendous she is, much as I wanted to enjoy the bond between them.
But at least I was interested enough in their ill-planned rush to Vegas and subsequent spending-turned-crime spree (while ostensibly looking for their father) to remain entertained. I got a good chuckle out of the ridiculousness that was them getting an instant fanbase of passionately devoted teenagers. Though I am very unclear what, exactly, teens thought was so ~cool~ about demanding candy and other desserts (from largely small businesses, it sounded like) at gunpoint, good for the author getting to live out the dream of her creations having a fandom, even if she had to make it up herself.
P.S. I listened to this as an audiobook, because a) I was desperate for one and nothing else available looked even a little appealing, and b) local library doesn't have a print copy anyway. This was Not A Wise Choice, between the constant cursing and just generally being unable to stand the narrator. I think I'd have liked Beau better in print; he sounded like a stoned numbskull here.
But at least I was interested enough in their ill-planned rush to Vegas and subsequent spending-turned-crime spree (while ostensibly looking for their father) to remain entertained. I got a good chuckle out of the ridiculousness that was them getting an instant fanbase of passionately devoted teenagers. Though I am very unclear what, exactly, teens thought was so ~cool~ about demanding candy and other desserts (from largely small businesses, it sounded like) at gunpoint, good for the author getting to live out the dream of her creations having a fandom, even if she had to make it up herself.
P.S. I listened to this as an audiobook, because a) I was desperate for one and nothing else available looked even a little appealing, and b) local library doesn't have a print copy anyway. This was Not A Wise Choice, between the constant cursing and just generally being unable to stand the narrator. I think I'd have liked Beau better in print; he sounded like a stoned numbskull here.
June 22, 2023
Mauvais plans = mauvais livre.
J'ai sauté tellement de pages, j'ai survolé les dialogues. Impossible de me plonger dedans. Les descriptions étaient quasiment inutiles, lisez seulement les dialogues et vous savez ce qui se passe. Avec la vie que ces enfants ont eu, on s'attend à un développement, à quelque chose. Mais à part quelques flash back inintéressants, rien qui n'apporte à l'histoire.
Les personnages sont atroces. D'un côté on a un garçon qui n'est caractérisé que par le fait qu'il soit "puceau", sans personnalité, sans répondant. Qui se fait écraser par sa soeur qui, de l'autre côté, est trop rentre dedans. Elle se fiche de tout, à 16ans elle croit connaître le monde, vit sans penser aux risques de ses actes. Et d'ailleurs quels sont les risques ? Rien.
L'histoire n'a ni queue ni tête et les répercutions sont illogiques voire inexistantes. Le concept aurait pu être original mais je n'ai vraiment pas aimé. Que ce soit les persos, le scénario ou le dénouement.
Le cadre se trouvant à Las Vegas, on s'attend à être plongé dans cette ville vivante et lumineuse. Mais on a l'impression d'être dans une ville un peu paumée où il n'y a personne... (pour un Las Vegas tel qu'on le connait, c'est vachement pas sécurisé...)
J'ai sauté tellement de pages, j'ai survolé les dialogues. Impossible de me plonger dedans. Les descriptions étaient quasiment inutiles, lisez seulement les dialogues et vous savez ce qui se passe. Avec la vie que ces enfants ont eu, on s'attend à un développement, à quelque chose. Mais à part quelques flash back inintéressants, rien qui n'apporte à l'histoire.
Les personnages sont atroces. D'un côté on a un garçon qui n'est caractérisé que par le fait qu'il soit "puceau", sans personnalité, sans répondant. Qui se fait écraser par sa soeur qui, de l'autre côté, est trop rentre dedans. Elle se fiche de tout, à 16ans elle croit connaître le monde, vit sans penser aux risques de ses actes. Et d'ailleurs quels sont les risques ? Rien.
L'histoire n'a ni queue ni tête et les répercutions sont illogiques voire inexistantes. Le concept aurait pu être original mais je n'ai vraiment pas aimé. Que ce soit les persos, le scénario ou le dénouement.
Le cadre se trouvant à Las Vegas, on s'attend à être plongé dans cette ville vivante et lumineuse. Mais on a l'impression d'être dans une ville un peu paumée où il n'y a personne... (pour un Las Vegas tel qu'on le connait, c'est vachement pas sécurisé...)
May 13, 2019
Good but unconventional.... loved the siblings love
March 3, 2021
Great story, flowed so well. Perfect for older teens, introduction to violence without being too full on or disturbing. Does have a a couple of short bits that cover sex but nothing too much.
May 19, 2022
War sehr gut. Hat spaß gemacht und ist mal anders. Ich dachte erst es wäre ein thrlleri aber es ist ein krimi der aber anders ist als man es kennt. 👌 ist ein gutes Buch
June 23, 2022
the book was interesting. I liked how paisley found her dad and that they finally escaped Virginia. It was an amazing story.
November 18, 2024
A quick, entertaining and funny read. CJ’s humour runs through all her books which makes her so unique and endearing.
Read
November 23, 2025Omg I finally found this book to add to my "read list" after being unable to remember the title for YEARS
June 20, 2025
There needs to be another book.
June 8, 2011
Paisley and Beau are twins, they both have some pretty messed up lives, when they were 6 years old there dad up and left without telling them, later there mom told them that he had been put into jail and would stay there for 10 years.
There mom didn’t want anything to do with any of them, if they did something wrong their mom would lock down in the basement, or hit them. She said nasty things to them and never treated them right. I did feel really bad for the both of them, especially since they were both so young and their mom treated them like a bug under her shoe.
Then they came home from school one day to find their mom dead, they called the police and then got shipped off to their grandmothers house. Aren’t almost all grandmothers nice? Well there’s certainly aren’t. Their grandmother treats them like scum, and ever since they were little and they were found in the woods all alone they have been on multiple talk shows, they were on the news, they were practically famous. People felt bad for them so they sent them stuff and lots of money for their education when they got older.
They had over 10 million dollars and their grandmother never told them about it. She was using the money and stealing the money from them. All I can say is she is an ugly demented woman and she got what she deserved!
At sixteen Paisley and Beau just found letters that were kept from them from their dad. He was writing ever since he left. He still cared about them. They found out he was out of jail and living somewhere in Las Vegas. Paisley and Beau steal their grandmother’s car and antiques (that rightfully belong to them) and left on a road trip to find their father.
They search and find him homeless, living on the streets, they tried to follow him but lost him and ever since then they have tried to find him. That’s where the robbing comes in. Paisley and Beau rob little candy stores or anything sweet and just take the food, each time leaving a message for their father, in hopes that they would be on the news and their father would see it.
Thu n begins their journey of finding their dad.
I really did enjoy this book and, I read it in a few hours and loved every moment of it. I certainly disagreed with the robbing part but it’s not like they took money, well only once.
The twins both escaped near misses with the cop.
I really liked both of the twin’s personality, they were complete opposites. Paisley wasn’t afraid of anything, at least she didn’t let on that she wasn’t and Beau was the softie, for a boy he was very emotional, almost wimpy, right at the end I thought it was cool how the author completely changed both their personalities around.
This is definitely a great book and I haven’t heard too much about it but it deserves more hype
There mom didn’t want anything to do with any of them, if they did something wrong their mom would lock down in the basement, or hit them. She said nasty things to them and never treated them right. I did feel really bad for the both of them, especially since they were both so young and their mom treated them like a bug under her shoe.
Then they came home from school one day to find their mom dead, they called the police and then got shipped off to their grandmothers house. Aren’t almost all grandmothers nice? Well there’s certainly aren’t. Their grandmother treats them like scum, and ever since they were little and they were found in the woods all alone they have been on multiple talk shows, they were on the news, they were practically famous. People felt bad for them so they sent them stuff and lots of money for their education when they got older.
They had over 10 million dollars and their grandmother never told them about it. She was using the money and stealing the money from them. All I can say is she is an ugly demented woman and she got what she deserved!
At sixteen Paisley and Beau just found letters that were kept from them from their dad. He was writing ever since he left. He still cared about them. They found out he was out of jail and living somewhere in Las Vegas. Paisley and Beau steal their grandmother’s car and antiques (that rightfully belong to them) and left on a road trip to find their father.
They search and find him homeless, living on the streets, they tried to follow him but lost him and ever since then they have tried to find him. That’s where the robbing comes in. Paisley and Beau rob little candy stores or anything sweet and just take the food, each time leaving a message for their father, in hopes that they would be on the news and their father would see it.
Thu n begins their journey of finding their dad.
I really did enjoy this book and, I read it in a few hours and loved every moment of it. I certainly disagreed with the robbing part but it’s not like they took money, well only once.
The twins both escaped near misses with the cop.
I really liked both of the twin’s personality, they were complete opposites. Paisley wasn’t afraid of anything, at least she didn’t let on that she wasn’t and Beau was the softie, for a boy he was very emotional, almost wimpy, right at the end I thought it was cool how the author completely changed both their personalities around.
This is definitely a great book and I haven’t heard too much about it but it deserves more hype
January 27, 2015
Words to describe pretty bad things: original, quirky, hilarious and generally quite fabulous. Yes that just about covers it.
I've been meaning to read this book for ages and I knew before even reading it I would like it because I loved CJ Skuse's humour and writing in Rockaholic and the premise of this one looked just as good.
Pretty bad things is the story of the wonder twins paisley and beau. They are a fab pair of characters to follow, Paisley to kick ass girl who isn't scared of no one and with an attitude big enough to defend the both of them. Beau is the quieter more laid back twin who is happy to stand back and let his sister take the led most of the time. The twins have been thrown it all over previous years after the death of their mother and imprisonment of their father and have spent the last years of their childhood and teenage years under the guardianship of a grandmother who uses their fame after an incident to get money for herself. Beau being the quieter twin has spent that time living with said grandmother where Paisley has been shipped off to whichever boarding school can cope with her before the eventually kick her out at which which she has been shipped off to another.
The story starts with the twins living apart. Beau at home and Paisley at school when Beau stumbles upon a revelation. He finds a stack of letters addressed to the twins that have been withheld from them for years from their father who has recently been released from prison. The twins made the news in their younger years after getting lost in the woods for several days trying to find their father and had thought he didn't want anything to do with them. This news is enough incentive for Paisley to kick off and head back home to pick up Beau and start on an insane road trip to track their father down.
I won't go to too much detail on the plot but I will say that is it hilarious. The whole adventure is almost bonnie and Clyde esque as the two find themselves in increasingly more ludurcoius situations as they try to find their father (involving a gun, a whole lot of candy, a giant M&M and their own flash mob fan base). I won't even know where to start with telling you about it all but be rest assured it is so funny and thoroughly entertaining.
A fab read I really enjoyed.
I've been meaning to read this book for ages and I knew before even reading it I would like it because I loved CJ Skuse's humour and writing in Rockaholic and the premise of this one looked just as good.
Pretty bad things is the story of the wonder twins paisley and beau. They are a fab pair of characters to follow, Paisley to kick ass girl who isn't scared of no one and with an attitude big enough to defend the both of them. Beau is the quieter more laid back twin who is happy to stand back and let his sister take the led most of the time. The twins have been thrown it all over previous years after the death of their mother and imprisonment of their father and have spent the last years of their childhood and teenage years under the guardianship of a grandmother who uses their fame after an incident to get money for herself. Beau being the quieter twin has spent that time living with said grandmother where Paisley has been shipped off to whichever boarding school can cope with her before the eventually kick her out at which which she has been shipped off to another.
The story starts with the twins living apart. Beau at home and Paisley at school when Beau stumbles upon a revelation. He finds a stack of letters addressed to the twins that have been withheld from them for years from their father who has recently been released from prison. The twins made the news in their younger years after getting lost in the woods for several days trying to find their father and had thought he didn't want anything to do with them. This news is enough incentive for Paisley to kick off and head back home to pick up Beau and start on an insane road trip to track their father down.
I won't go to too much detail on the plot but I will say that is it hilarious. The whole adventure is almost bonnie and Clyde esque as the two find themselves in increasingly more ludurcoius situations as they try to find their father (involving a gun, a whole lot of candy, a giant M&M and their own flash mob fan base). I won't even know where to start with telling you about it all but be rest assured it is so funny and thoroughly entertaining.
A fab read I really enjoyed.
April 21, 2011
My Review Posted: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2...
I didn't really know what to expect from Pretty Bad Things. It didn't give away too much, I didn't get anything from the first two pages, BUT interesting? it certainly was.
I mean, I first saw the cover and I LOVED it. And then I realised my school library had it (except in the other cover, which I didn't like as much). I grabbed it before one of my friends could (I'm such a nice person right?) and went home and started reading it.
Hmmm...
I really loved the writing. Paisley was hilarious, but I got confused at first at the shift between who was telling the story. I loved that attitude of hers! It made me laugh loads of times. Beau is a nice contrast to his sister; he's quiet, shy and not one for talking. I love that the girl is the loud, spunky one and the guy is solemn, soft spoken one :) What a difference from most books!
I loved the setting of Vegas, and it seemed so vibrant, just full of life, and the perfect setting for a long-lost dad and a crime shopping spree. I've never been to Vegas, but with the author's writing I felt transported to this setting. I could really feel like I was there. I love it when authors can do that.
However, I did find the Grandma...kinda weird and crazy. I mean, I think that the book was really funny as well with the Grandma in it, but I think it might have been a bit too extreme. I mean, true, this is fiction, but who's Grandma is really like that? Crazy and just a bit too obsessed with herself and money. Creepy.
I noticed that in the beginning of the book there was the note from the publisher. She mentions that the main character in The Catcher in the Rye is kinda like Paisley. Is that true? I have no idea, since I haven't read the book, but people out there who have: Is it a book worth reading? I might consider it :).
Overall, I think Pretty Bad Things is a...different outlook on life and troubles, especially family troubles. C.J. Skuse has written an amazing, funny, and "touching" book of what life's like...on the wild side.
I didn't really know what to expect from Pretty Bad Things. It didn't give away too much, I didn't get anything from the first two pages, BUT interesting? it certainly was.
I mean, I first saw the cover and I LOVED it. And then I realised my school library had it (except in the other cover, which I didn't like as much). I grabbed it before one of my friends could (I'm such a nice person right?) and went home and started reading it.
Hmmm...
I really loved the writing. Paisley was hilarious, but I got confused at first at the shift between who was telling the story. I loved that attitude of hers! It made me laugh loads of times. Beau is a nice contrast to his sister; he's quiet, shy and not one for talking. I love that the girl is the loud, spunky one and the guy is solemn, soft spoken one :) What a difference from most books!
I loved the setting of Vegas, and it seemed so vibrant, just full of life, and the perfect setting for a long-lost dad and a crime shopping spree. I've never been to Vegas, but with the author's writing I felt transported to this setting. I could really feel like I was there. I love it when authors can do that.
However, I did find the Grandma...kinda weird and crazy. I mean, I think that the book was really funny as well with the Grandma in it, but I think it might have been a bit too extreme. I mean, true, this is fiction, but who's Grandma is really like that? Crazy and just a bit too obsessed with herself and money. Creepy.
I noticed that in the beginning of the book there was the note from the publisher. She mentions that the main character in The Catcher in the Rye is kinda like Paisley. Is that true? I have no idea, since I haven't read the book, but people out there who have: Is it a book worth reading? I might consider it :).
Overall, I think Pretty Bad Things is a...different outlook on life and troubles, especially family troubles. C.J. Skuse has written an amazing, funny, and "touching" book of what life's like...on the wild side.
May 16, 2012
If there’s one thing I can tell you about C.J. Skuse, it’s that she knows how to bring the funny. She did it with Rockoholic (which I freaking LOVED by the way) and she’s done it again with Pretty Bad Things. I should say at this point that although Pretty Bad Things was published in the UK a couple of years ago, it wasn’t until last year that I actually got round to reading a copy of the book (when it launched in the US). The story is definitely original and the writing is exceptional, mostly due to the strong voice of the characters. There’s a TON of LOL humour, complex characters and with Las Vegas a setting? This sounds like a winner to me ;)
Let’s talk about “The Wonder Twins” Paisely and Beau who couldn’t be more different to one another if they tried. Whilst Beau tries to be good and follow the rules, Paisley is the wild child of the two. She’s just purposefully got herself expelled from her fifth boarding school so that she and Beau can go on a road trip to find their jailbird dad. They thought that the years of radio silence meant he didn’t give a damn but in fact, their grandma has been hiding letters from him the entire time. As a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, they set off on a road trip with a plan to hold up donut shops and get themselves on TV to let dear old dad know that they’re in town. You can guarantee that hilarity ensues.
I have to say that my favourite character and probably one of the strongest voices in the book is Paisley. She is fearless, reckless and beyond blunt. She says what she thinks and makes no apologies for it. It may sound strange but I can’t help but admire her for that. There’s something liberating in her behaviour and although it gets her into trouble most of the time, she’s just so damn cool.
There’s no real romance in the book as it’s mostly about family relationships and I never thought I would say it, but the book is so entertaining that I really didn’t mind the lack of romance. I’m not going to give away the plot for you but it’s definitely worth reading and I am putting C.J. Skuse on my automatic pre order list right now.
Let’s talk about “The Wonder Twins” Paisely and Beau who couldn’t be more different to one another if they tried. Whilst Beau tries to be good and follow the rules, Paisley is the wild child of the two. She’s just purposefully got herself expelled from her fifth boarding school so that she and Beau can go on a road trip to find their jailbird dad. They thought that the years of radio silence meant he didn’t give a damn but in fact, their grandma has been hiding letters from him the entire time. As a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, they set off on a road trip with a plan to hold up donut shops and get themselves on TV to let dear old dad know that they’re in town. You can guarantee that hilarity ensues.
I have to say that my favourite character and probably one of the strongest voices in the book is Paisley. She is fearless, reckless and beyond blunt. She says what she thinks and makes no apologies for it. It may sound strange but I can’t help but admire her for that. There’s something liberating in her behaviour and although it gets her into trouble most of the time, she’s just so damn cool.
There’s no real romance in the book as it’s mostly about family relationships and I never thought I would say it, but the book is so entertaining that I really didn’t mind the lack of romance. I’m not going to give away the plot for you but it’s definitely worth reading and I am putting C.J. Skuse on my automatic pre order list right now.
August 15, 2012
When twins Paisley and Beau were children they became famous for being lost in the woods after going looking for their father. They were discovered three days later after being presumed dead. Known as the ‘Wonder Twins’, the public followed their story for a while, with their grandmother cashing in on the celebrity. Ten years later and Paisley has been shipped off to one boarding school after another, losing place after place due to her bad behaviour. Beau is at home with the grandmother, bullied and alone at school. Their father is in prison and they haven’t heard from him since they were kids. Then Beau discovers letters their father has sent throughout the years, but their grandmother has kept hidden. Telling Paisley, they escape their grandmother’s clutches and go off in search of their dad.
Reaching Vegas, they are soon out of money, when Paisley hits on an idea. Rob candy stores and leave obscure messages only their dad will know, get on the news, and soon their dad will know they’re looking for him. Simple, right? It doesn’t all go to plan, but that doesn’t stop the Wonder Twins.
I enjoyed this one. It’s another quick and easy read, and it’s very entertaining. It switches point of view for each chapter, so we get to know Paisley and Beau equally. Beau is the quieter twin. He’s used to keeping his head down and not making trouble. Paisley…wouldn’t know how to keep her head down if she tried. If there were an evil twin here, it would be Paisley. Not that she’s actually evil, she just jumps into things without thinking, has a smart mouth and comes across as fearless, even if she is riddled with insecurities. There were times when I found her immensely unlikeable, and I wished she wasn’t dragging Beau into her schemes. I know they’re kids, but if they’d thought things through a bit more there are better ways of finding someone. Obviously that’s not the point of the story, but she did bug me a bit, and Beau too for not standing up to her more. I do understand why they acted they way they did, given the dynamic of their relationship and the lives they’d led to that point.
Reaching Vegas, they are soon out of money, when Paisley hits on an idea. Rob candy stores and leave obscure messages only their dad will know, get on the news, and soon their dad will know they’re looking for him. Simple, right? It doesn’t all go to plan, but that doesn’t stop the Wonder Twins.
I enjoyed this one. It’s another quick and easy read, and it’s very entertaining. It switches point of view for each chapter, so we get to know Paisley and Beau equally. Beau is the quieter twin. He’s used to keeping his head down and not making trouble. Paisley…wouldn’t know how to keep her head down if she tried. If there were an evil twin here, it would be Paisley. Not that she’s actually evil, she just jumps into things without thinking, has a smart mouth and comes across as fearless, even if she is riddled with insecurities. There were times when I found her immensely unlikeable, and I wished she wasn’t dragging Beau into her schemes. I know they’re kids, but if they’d thought things through a bit more there are better ways of finding someone. Obviously that’s not the point of the story, but she did bug me a bit, and Beau too for not standing up to her more. I do understand why they acted they way they did, given the dynamic of their relationship and the lives they’d led to that point.
March 31, 2010
When I first received a copy of Pretty Bad Things, I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was what I'd learnt from the cover: it was something to do with siblings, Vegas and a gun. Quite a random mix, eh? Pretty Bad Things does feature two twins, it's set in Las Vegas and, yes, a firearm enters the equation. In addition to this, it's also about sacrifice and love, and the lengths people will go to to be reunited with those closest to them.
C. J. Skuse's writing is among the best I've read in the past few years, and her words are brimming with snark, wit and humour. I laughed out loud plenty of times, usually at something the ever observant Paisley came out with -- that girl can talk her way out of anything, whether it be a robbery or an arson attempt. She's the complete opposite to her brother, Beau, who is quiet for the most part, though he does step up and come out of his shell as the book progresses. Buddy is also an interesting character, and is one I'm hoping to see more of in the future. As a father, he's been pretty absent for most of Paisley and Beau's lives, but their bond is still there and, in true fatherly fashion, he'd do anything for them.
The Vegas backdrop is a brilliant setting, with lights and glamour par for the course on The Strip. I've never seen Vegas in real life, and I doubt I ever will (scared of flying), so I was fascinated to read about it in such detail. I came away feeling like I'd been living in a seedy hotel and walking down the dingy back alleys late at night, just like Paisley and Beau. Skuse definitely has a skill when it comes to scene setting, and I've been listening to The Killers all day in response. They're the best thing to come out of Vegas, in my opinion!
Pretty Bad Things is cool, edgy and daring. It's one of those books I couldn't put down, and it's one of those debuts that deserves a place on the YA map of fame. I'm so excited to see what this author writes next, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will feature Paisley and Beau. They are two rockin' dudes!
C. J. Skuse's writing is among the best I've read in the past few years, and her words are brimming with snark, wit and humour. I laughed out loud plenty of times, usually at something the ever observant Paisley came out with -- that girl can talk her way out of anything, whether it be a robbery or an arson attempt. She's the complete opposite to her brother, Beau, who is quiet for the most part, though he does step up and come out of his shell as the book progresses. Buddy is also an interesting character, and is one I'm hoping to see more of in the future. As a father, he's been pretty absent for most of Paisley and Beau's lives, but their bond is still there and, in true fatherly fashion, he'd do anything for them.
The Vegas backdrop is a brilliant setting, with lights and glamour par for the course on The Strip. I've never seen Vegas in real life, and I doubt I ever will (scared of flying), so I was fascinated to read about it in such detail. I came away feeling like I'd been living in a seedy hotel and walking down the dingy back alleys late at night, just like Paisley and Beau. Skuse definitely has a skill when it comes to scene setting, and I've been listening to The Killers all day in response. They're the best thing to come out of Vegas, in my opinion!
Pretty Bad Things is cool, edgy and daring. It's one of those books I couldn't put down, and it's one of those debuts that deserves a place on the YA map of fame. I'm so excited to see what this author writes next, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will feature Paisley and Beau. They are two rockin' dudes!
July 4, 2011
I had no idea what this book was going to be about. After all, I received an ARC of this book through a giveaway by Christina Reads YA. Thank you!
The Plot- The Wonder Twins, aka Paisley and Beau (Who names their kids Beau?) find out that their father has been sending them letters from jail, from where he is staying, etc. for the past 10 years. AND THEIR GRANDMOTHER HAS BEEN HIDING THIS FROM THEM! Their grandmother, the "skank" in Paisley's eyes has always been annoying and mean, but that is the last straw. They run away from grandma's house and burn it down, then go on a wild escapade to Las Vegas. In the process, they come up with a "brilliant", by which I mean really idiotic plan. Committing crimes is the best way to catch the world's attention quickly, right? So let's do it! Let's steal from tons of candy, donut and ice cream shops with a gun called Eclipse (cool name, btw. I will totally name my gun, if I ever get one, Eclipse. During the journey, they learn some important things about each other and their ever evil grandmother.
You notice how much sarcasm is in this review, I hope. Well here's the reason for this sarcasm; it was ridiculous, yet I loved it. I have never read a book this ridiculous, yet charming. You instantly fall for Beau, but are still thinking about how likable Paisley is.
The sibling bond the two share is incredible. It leads through every hardship. Beau and Paisley have so much trust between each other that they are willing to be danger's way because they know the other one will find them soon. I mean, Beau even jumps out of a moving truck just to find Paisley. Can you imagine anything sweeter than that?
The only problem I had with this book was the fact that Beau did not really love their father. He only went along with the plan because he had no where else to go. Why would anyone try to find anyone he was not sure he loved or needed for a reason? It did not really make sense.
I liked this book enough to read it without much irritation. It was a nice, quick, easy read.
The Plot- The Wonder Twins, aka Paisley and Beau (Who names their kids Beau?) find out that their father has been sending them letters from jail, from where he is staying, etc. for the past 10 years. AND THEIR GRANDMOTHER HAS BEEN HIDING THIS FROM THEM! Their grandmother, the "skank" in Paisley's eyes has always been annoying and mean, but that is the last straw. They run away from grandma's house and burn it down, then go on a wild escapade to Las Vegas. In the process, they come up with a "brilliant", by which I mean really idiotic plan. Committing crimes is the best way to catch the world's attention quickly, right? So let's do it! Let's steal from tons of candy, donut and ice cream shops with a gun called Eclipse (cool name, btw. I will totally name my gun, if I ever get one, Eclipse. During the journey, they learn some important things about each other and their ever evil grandmother.
You notice how much sarcasm is in this review, I hope. Well here's the reason for this sarcasm; it was ridiculous, yet I loved it. I have never read a book this ridiculous, yet charming. You instantly fall for Beau, but are still thinking about how likable Paisley is.
The sibling bond the two share is incredible. It leads through every hardship. Beau and Paisley have so much trust between each other that they are willing to be danger's way because they know the other one will find them soon. I mean, Beau even jumps out of a moving truck just to find Paisley. Can you imagine anything sweeter than that?
The only problem I had with this book was the fact that Beau did not really love their father. He only went along with the plan because he had no where else to go. Why would anyone try to find anyone he was not sure he loved or needed for a reason? It did not really make sense.
I liked this book enough to read it without much irritation. It was a nice, quick, easy read.
July 21, 2010
Pretty Bad Things followed the story of the 'Wonder Twins', Beau and Paisley. It has been ten years since the ‘Wonder Twins’ last made their appearance in major headlines after being found alive and kicking, after they had been reported missing for three days. Now sixteen years-old, Beau and Paisley are still determined to find their dad, but now, everything's had changed. It turns out that their *evil* grandmother has been hiding letters from their dad, after having claimed that he doesn't care about them, he hasn't even tried to send a letter! Having read the letters, the two have a loose image about their dad’s whereabouts, and they escape from their grandmother and begin an adventure to find their dad. Paisley and Beau are prepared to have nothing standing in their way on their quest to Las Vegas, to bring their dad home. Hey, they didn't say they wouldn't do anything to bring him back: an invigorating chase full of robberies, candy stores and lots of doughnuts!
Lively characters here; Paisley is a wild child. I liked how she was so gutsy- always doing the things Beau would never dare to do, there was a nice contrast with them, Beau being the ore sensitive, steady one, whereas Paisley is just something else. Her actions could make a huge impact on the world.
While the twins mask in their fame, their insane plan becomes more and more noticed with them resulting in hundreds of dedicated fans, forums set up on their own behalf, could it get any more crazier?!
Pretty Bad Things is a thrilling novel written by C. J. Skuse. When I first saw it on the Chicken House website, I was hooked, but I wasn't sure if I'd actually like it, becuase it's not the usual type of book I read. But I'm glad I did becuase I loved all the extreme things Paisley and Beau did, I really admired their courage and perseverance, their bold actions that spoke louder than words - you HAVE TO READ THIS!
Lively characters here; Paisley is a wild child. I liked how she was so gutsy- always doing the things Beau would never dare to do, there was a nice contrast with them, Beau being the ore sensitive, steady one, whereas Paisley is just something else. Her actions could make a huge impact on the world.
While the twins mask in their fame, their insane plan becomes more and more noticed with them resulting in hundreds of dedicated fans, forums set up on their own behalf, could it get any more crazier?!
Pretty Bad Things is a thrilling novel written by C. J. Skuse. When I first saw it on the Chicken House website, I was hooked, but I wasn't sure if I'd actually like it, becuase it's not the usual type of book I read. But I'm glad I did becuase I loved all the extreme things Paisley and Beau did, I really admired their courage and perseverance, their bold actions that spoke louder than words - you HAVE TO READ THIS!
June 27, 2011
Told in alternating chapters between twins Beau and Paisley, this edgy novel may appeal to plenty of teens looking for a little something different. While I liked the premise and the siblings' love for their father, which is what prompts this road trip from Hollywood to Las Vegas, the behavior of the grandmother strained my patience and detracted from my enjoyment of the book. The last quarter of the book simply disappointed me after the book had started so well. The author's exploration of the dark side of fame and America's obsession even with victims or survivors of crimes was quite interesting, and I'd have enjoyed more of that aspect of the book. It was interesting to find out what happened to two children whose mother died, leaving them to wander alone through the woods for three days. How can anyone grow up to be normal after that sort of thing--especially when the other parent is incarcerated, and they never hear from him? The whole idea of taking doughnuts, candy, ice cream, and popcorn in order to get noticed was pretty cool although it was over the top as well. I was not impressed with the sudden change in Beau either since the author fails to provide reasons for the turnaround. Paisley still has plenty of issues and a strong personality so I can't see her suddenly taking a back seat to her brother. After all, she is impulsive and had put herself in risky situations more than once.
I loved the idea that websites devoted to the Argent twins would spring up, and they'd have fans and t-shirts. Could there be any other city more perfect for all the crimes the twins commit than Las Vegas?
I loved the idea that websites devoted to the Argent twins would spring up, and they'd have fans and t-shirts. Could there be any other city more perfect for all the crimes the twins commit than Las Vegas?
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