When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she swears off boys.
She also swears off modern technology.
Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat on you online). She sets out to complete grandma’s list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous.
But the list is trickier than it looks.
And obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how good Oliver (Jeremy’s cousin) smells. But with the help of her sister, she’ll get it done. Somehow.
Title: Going Vintage
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: March 26, 2013
ISBN: 978-1599907871
Formats: 320 pages, hardcover; e-book
Genre: Young Adult
I liked this one. I thought the plot was unique and it was kind of fun to see how Mallory gives up modern technology to live like they did in the early 60’s. It did seem a little overly descriptive at times, but overall I thought it flowed well.
I admit to reading this as an e-book, which felt slightly naughty considering the premise of the book! And as long as we’re confessing, at first I was confused as to whether Mallory liked her initial boyfriend or was just kind of there. However, as I read, the truth became clear which I thought was a great technique, since Mallory wasn’t at all certain when she began either. A lover of things nostalgic myself, I was pleased with the blending of a modern girl with old fashioned goals. It’s tough to give up the lure and ease of technology! I also appreciated the shine of real life that her Grandmother could eventually give to the glossy picture Mallory had painted of the 1960s. Being a teenager is never easy. Finally, I can root for a book that make the heroine the heroine. She didn’t necessarily need rescuing from a handsome prince, though one was available. She had some choices to make, as do most 16 yo girls. Choosing to be true to herself was a frightening decision and one I can get behind. I also adored her relationship with her very different (from her) sister, Ginnie. There is NOTHING like a good sister to make life easier and harder and better all together. Lindsey Leavitt did an excellent job in my opinion. Bravo!
I thought she was a little over the top and extreme, but it was such a fun book!! I think we are sometimes a little too wrapped up in a life with technology and it would be fun to simplify a little–but it would also make things a lot more complicated. I loved the Princess for Hire series and this one was just as great, but for a slightly older crowd.
Loved the premise. Sometimes I feel like going vintage too! I liked the character arc. I thought there were some good themes on learning what is real and true for you and then living by that, not living in the past, realizing we’re all human and make mistakes. I recommend it for about 15 & up.