The Cinderella Society

Reader reviewed by Jill

I thought for awhile how to review this book, so I went with what I'd tell my 7th grade girls.
This is a book I want my daughter to read, because this is how I want her to see herself.  Jessica is a girl that does all the things that should make her proud of herself.  She volunteers.  She works hard at school and her job.  She helps at home.  She's kind to others.  But even with all that she has a lot of Wicked Chatter (negative inner talk) all because she's not in the popular group.  How many girls do I know that fit that image perfectly?  In the book Jessica learns how to be comfortable in her own skin - something at 39 I'm not always capable of!  Yes looking good is still important, but it's looking good in what fits for you.  I like that.  I like that she also has to learn to own her flaws and learn how to work with them. By own them I mean -  name them and then learn to accept them instead of letting them make us feel bad about ourselves.  How many of us - how many teenage girls - get bogged down by what they see is wrong with themselves never to move beyond it or embrace it and make it a strength?  If they all could learn to do that, think of what they could accomplish.  Maybe by reading this book, they'd take a step in that direction. 

Let's see what else did I like about the book? I liked the idea that there is a organized group of young women and adult woman working together to support and encourage each other and to help out everyone.  I liked that Jessica wasn't perfect - that none of the Cindys were. I liked that Jessica grew throughout the book and became more confident and sure of herself. I liked that it showed girls being smart and strong.  Every one of the girls in the Cinderella Society used their brain instead of relying on looks.  I liked how all the girls supported Jessica and helped her become who she was meant to be - the real her that she should be proud of. 

My one small problem with the book was how quick some things happened - especially with Nick (Jessica's crush).  And what happens between them was, at times, a bit much.  I would've liked to have seen Jessica strong and on her own more before Nick entered the picture.  I did LOVE tho that the boys were very supportive of the girls - not treating them like airheads :)

Final thought: Girl Power X 1000!
Best stick-with-you image: Heather in tears - ouch!
Best for ages: 12+ There is a bit of teenage "stuff" but it's minor and the message is good for a younger age as well.

Reader reviewed by Manda Kay

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from
EgmontUSA Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in
accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Reader reviewed by Erica

The Cinderella Society
Kay Cassidy
Release Date: April 13, 2010
Publisher: Egmont
Pages: 320

Rating: 5 stars

When the Prom Queen becomes your fairy godmother&

Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret society of popular girls dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. Its all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what shes made of.

& be careful what you wish for.

Jesss transformation wins her the heart of her dream crush and a shot at uber-popularity. Until the Wickedsled by Jesss arch enemybegin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. Its a high stakes battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood& and herself.

Whats a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesnt want to wear it anymore?

When I first read the description for this book, I thought it sounded like a really cute read but it was so much more! Page one drew me in and after that, I had trouble putting it down. The Cinderella Society sent out such a positive message for girls and was a book showing girls CAN do anything. Being yourself, and being comfortable with yourself was such a large part of the Cindys' training, and that's something a lot of people have issues with.

The society aspect was one of my favorite of the book. There were so many mysteries with the society that leave readers begging for answers! The Cinderella Society may at first seem like a typical good vs. evil story, but Kay Cassidy put an awesome twist making it something much more!

The characters were all great. You had the Wickeds, The Cindys, and the Reggies. All the girls within each group were all so unique, but shared similarities with others, both in their group and with girls in the other groups. I would've liked to know about the insecurities and flaws of the other girls, everyone has them but in The Cinderella Society you only learn about Jess's flaws. Jess's flaws made her that much stronger of a character. Her mindset is that of she's just ordinary and not meant for anything, but the true power in her character shines through that illusion she casts. My favorite character of the book was Alec, he only makes an appearance for a short time, but he was so likeable and fun. Another thing about The Cinderella Society that I loved was that the secondary characters didn't blend into the walls like wall paper, they were all memorable and unique in their own ways.

Kay Cassidy's writing was such a fun style to read. It was light, and had a great balance between dialogue, description, and thoughts. She drew me in, and I felt like I was training to be a Cindy along side Jess. Kays writing shows the passion she has for the message so much it practically leaps off the page at you. The ending is
a total shocker. I couldnt believe it, it is not what readers will expect to happen!

Ryan and Jess's romance was a perfect example of high school relationships. It had its ups and downs. Ryan as a character was one of my favorites, but at times I felt like just screaming at him to open up already! He had such a hard time opening up with anything, and he made Jess think he was a total jerk. Both Jess and Ryan had their insecurities and problems, and closed up in different ways to each other having an effect I think neither meant entirely. It will be interesting to see where their relationship leads in book 2!

This is a must read! It's a lighter read with a secret society, drama, romance, and a great message! Kay Cassidy leaves readers begging for certain questions to be answered and wanting to hear more of all the characters and their stories with book 2!