Not Just Proms & Parties: Chelsea's Ride

Chelsea Davison knows how to get what she wants, even from people she can't stand, like Denny, the geek from school who wishes he was her boyfriend. When she loses her car privileges, she quickly enlists him to chauffeur her around from work to volleyball practice and even to dates with other guys. She treats him like dirt with no scruples--until she learns firsthand how humiliating and angering it is to be used by someone you care about.

There are many reasons to recommend the Not Just Proms & Parties series to teens and especially to reluctant readers. The plot of Chelsea's Ride is short and uncomplicated, but realistic and interesting at the same time. Language is believable and the writing flows. The only flaw is the lack of self-examination and personal growth exhibited by the protagonist. Readers may find that Chelsea deals with her feelings of embarrassment and rage too quickly to be convincing, and may feel that she does not really learn from her experience. However, the novel touches on important issues, such as casual sex, that make a good basis for further discussion. Teens looking for a quick, easy read will enjoy Chelsea's Ride.