Published January 2010 by Point
290 pages
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Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Source: Gifted by Preet @ A Written Rhapsody
Rating: Liked It
Love is all you need… or is it? Penny’s about to find out in this wonderful debut.
Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It’s a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there’s this certain boy she can’t help but like. . . . (Source: Goodreads)
This book held a new twist for me. I love friend-to-boyfriend storylines and this was the opposite. Penny had to fall out of love with that boy. She was hopelessly devoted to Nate since they were 5 years old. Elizabeth makes it pretty easy for the reader to do, because you instantly want to punch Nate in the face when you meet him. It isn’t as easy for Penny to move on. But she is going to get by with a little help of her friends.
The real WIN in this book is The Lonely Hearts Club. It starts out as a NO DATING boys club, but evolves into something way better. It turns into a group of girls that really support each other. They support a friend that makes the transition from cheerleader to basketball player. They host a fundraiser to get the girl’s team new uniforms. They tutor each other. They ward off backstabbers. And they have a standing date every Saturday, making friends the priority.
While Penny is working though her issues and supporting the club, Ryan’s feelings for Penny become obvious. He is sweet and the ultimate catch. I found myself smiling at his friendly flirting. But Penny is so caught up in the club (which is good), that she hurts Ryan a few times. He doesn’t deserve it. As a reader I totally understand the little war that raged within Penny and her dilemma with Ryan, but I didn’t really like it. Of course, that is coming from a 40 year-old woman and not a teenager…the intended audience. In the end, it is still sweet and enjoyable.
The Lonely Hearts Club teaches us that friends shouldn’t come in second and some will make your heart smile.
Ooooh this sounds great! I’ve heard so many good things about Elizabeth Eulberg but haven’t read her books yet. I’ll have to add this one to my list!
It’s my first one. I’ve heard nothing but awesome about her. It was super cute & the Beatles extras are fun.
This sounds really cute. I love the idea of a lonely hearts club, especially that it transitions to being a supportive friendship club. We are dealing with middle school drama in my household so I wish their was a club like this at my daughter’s school
Looking forward to checking this out sometime!
Oh no! The middle school drama!!! We’ve largely avoided it, but Sid had it hard core in 5-6th grade. Yes! There should be supportive girl groups everywhere. I don’t understand why girls & women tear each other down.
I don’t understand either. Social media is such a big weapon in bullying these days that we didn’t have to deal with. I feel like I’m going through 8th grade all over again! Glad that things have improved for Sid
Sid doesn’t have FB & no access to wifi at home, so she can’t really embark on twitter or instagram like her friends. That may be helping with some of the drama. Idk. I hope it gets better.
I love books about girls supporting each other. Too often the cutting each other down is the message
What an awesome book!
You are so right. And why do we girls give up our friends for boys?!?!
Love the sound of this book! I love when girls getting each other’s backs, especially when long-term relationship go sour. I think Penny mistreating Ryan would get to me too, don’t worry! Sounds like a great read anyway, so I’ll be sure to add this to my TBR pile. Wonderful review!