The Taming of the Drew

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Author(s)

Stephanie Kate Strohm

Publisher

Sky Pony Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

April 05, 2016

ISBN

9781510702158

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Cass McKay has been called stubborn, temperamental, difficult, and that word that rhymes with “witch” more times than she cares to count. But that’s all about to pay off. She has finally landed the role she was born to play—Kate, in The Taming of the Shrew—in the summer apprentice program of a renowned Shakespeare theater company in the forests of Vermont. But Cass can barely lace up her corset before her troubles begin. Her leading man, Drew, is a complete troll, and he’s going to ruin Cass’s summer. Even worse, Cass’s bunkmate Amy has somehow fallen head over heels for Drew. Cass can’t let Amy throw herself at a total jerk, so she comes up with a genius plan to give Drew the personality makeover he so desperately needs: they’ll tame Drew just as Petruchio tames Kate! But as Shakespeare’s classic plays out offstage, Cass finds it harder and harder to resist falling for Drew herself. The best kind of entertainment, The Taming of the Drew is smart, funny, fresh, and original. You’re going to love this badass heroine and her friends. You might even end up liking Drew, too. For the 12+ reader, this is an ideal book for the theater-loving teen or light romance readers. With solid messages about being a good friend, following your dreams, and learning to stick up for yourself, this book is more than just lightweight fluff--though the snarky voice of the main character is sure to draw readers in from the start.

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Fun Summer Read

May 16, 2016

Overall rating

4.0

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"The Taming of the Drew" by Stephanie Kate Strohm is a quick, fun summer read. Cass, our lead character, has been cast as Kate in the SAD production of "The Taming of the Shrew." SAD stands for Shakespeare at Dunmoor, an apprentice program for young actors. Cass enjoys most of the other actors in her ensemble with the exception of Drew, a guy who can match her rude and obnoxious nature. Amy, Cass' new friend, falls for Drew, and they, along with their roommate Heidi, decide to tame Drew the same way Petruchio tames Kate. What ensues are pranks, hijinks, and summer fluffies.

The characters in this book follow theater geek archetypes, but are allowed to have extra personality. There are numerous references to older pop culture and theater, so this book is best placed into the hands of a tween or teen that either gets them or who can follow up later on. Despite the references, this definitely has a place in the young adult section for all those who are theater geeks or are looking for a fun, easy summer read.

This book has a hate-love romance alongside a love triangle. While I normally detest tsundere* characters, I will make an exception for Cass. While the characters don't really grow or evolve much in the course of this novel, I could see Cass' feelings unfold on paper in a really nature way. Unlike most love triangles, I ended up rooting for the canon couple.

If you are looking for a summer breeze to read, look no further than "The Taming of the Drew."

*(Japanese term for a character who is rude or cold before showing a warmer side to their love interests)

Good Points

Fun and quick. Great for summer!
Can be easily read by middle graders.
Extra points if you love theater.