First Date by Melody Carlson

About the Book

When it comes to catching the eye of that cute boy at school, sometimes you just need a little help from your friends.
Devon, Emma, Cassidy, Bryn, and Abby have one thing in common as they start their sophomore year: none of them have ever been on a "real" date. With homecoming looming, the girls make a pact and start a secret club they call the DG (Dating Games) that has just one objective--dates for the dance.
They're sworn to secrecy, but the club is their way to set each other up on their first dates so they can report back to the DG. They'll have to navigate expectations and rules from their parents, figure out how to act on a date, and endear themselves to the guys they like.
What could possibly go wrong?

My Thoughts

Having read almost 50 books by this author I've come to expect light and fun reads that also teach great lessons about things that lots of teenage girls struggle with, this book did not let me down. I really liked how the story was told from all five girls points of view rather than just one of them! At first I wasn't sure how well it would play out switching between five POV's but the author did a great job and it wasn't confusing at all. Cassidy was my favorite, mainly because I really felt like I could relate to her! Emma and Abby were nice too but Devon, and occasionally Bryn, really got on my nerves. While I didn't agree with the approach the girls took and their general attitudes toward dating it was an enjoyable read! It was cool to watch the girls grow through their experience and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book! 

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

I received this book free from Tell Us The Truth Reviews in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.