CW: Attempted suicide ( )

The cover's horrible. Don't look at it. If ever there were a case of "don't judge a book by its cover" this is it.

I love this author. This is the second book of hers I've tried, and I'm sure I'll be polishing off the rest of this series before the end of the year.

I guess I started them out of order, but I don't think it matters. This one focuses on Elizabeth Clarry (also a character in The Murder of Bindy MacKenzie) and is told through notes and letters, including imaginary letters from various "associations" (such as The Association of Teenagers) that represent Elizabeth's many anxieties.

This book reminded me of the pen pals I made growing up. It makes me feel old to think that I used to exchange addresses with people as readily as cell numbers, emails or Facebook friendships are exchanged now. The letters between Elizabeth and Christina are often laugh-out-loud funny, but they also represent so much of what is beautiful in a budding friendship.

Jaclyn Moriarty writes creatively and humorously about the pain and joy of growing up. I'm glad there are more of her books out there for me to read! ( )

While I generally like Moriarty's books, and even the ones that have unlikable characters (like Bindy McKenzie), I couldn't get into Feeling Sorry for Celia quite as much as I expected to. While I liked Elizabeth and Christina, I did not and could not like Saxon, Maddie, or Celia herself. She seemed like such a terrible and selfish friend. The idea that it's ok to grow apart from a best friend and keep doing what you want to is a good one, though, and it's a quick read. ( )

Very cute book. I loved Elizabeth and her mom, and ended up not feeling all that sorry for Celia. The devise of using letters, notes, and postcards to tell the story was very interesting, and made for an interesting look into the life of a teenager. (One who isn't in love with any supernatural creatures at that!) ( )

porridge IS the worst. ( )