If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor

This easy reading book tells the tale of the freshman year of girl who thought she had nothing when compared to peer in her class. It’s a story of jealousy, anxiety, envy, sadness, hope, redemption, and above of friendship. It is quite appropriate for high school readers. Since it is the first book in the series, the rest should be just as fine as this one was.

Carolyn dreads going to her first day of high school as she doesn't fit what she considers to be the 'perfect' girl. She's plus sized and has her faithful two friends but she's nothing like Jennifer Taylor, who in Carolyn's eyes is nothing short of perfection. Though she fantasizes about being like Jennifer, she still remembers how she tormented her in middle school. Breathe, Carolyn, Breathe, was Jennifer's chant when Carolyn would become so nervous she'd hold her breath and pass out.What I really liked about this novel is how the main protagonist isn't skinny but rather a healthy sized teen. Carolyn also deals with issues that are familiar with other teens such as struggling with wanting to be popular and fitting in. Her love of her family is shown throughout this book too. Another big plus has to been her attitude. She's not over the top negative or filled with 'tude which is refreshing in a market that at times is filled with darker stories. For teens that want a lighter story, this is the one for them.It would have been so easy to have Jennifer be the stereotypical 'mean' girl. The author does a great job showing us the real Jennifer, who isn't all perfection.The huge issue in this story is Jennifer's secret that not only high school but college girls have in common. How Carolyn deals with this information is the main crux of this novel. Jennifer's secret takes a toll on Carolyn in ways she can't even imagine. Add to that her crush, Jennifer's boyfriend, who seems to have taken an interest in her too.If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor is a real, honest take on a girl who wants to be popular and then struggles with whether she wants to pay that price. I feel this book would be great for high school and book club discussions on food disorders and also peer pressure.Good Points1. Carolyn is very likeable and not over the top with 'tude2. Sensitive issues are tackled in a realistic wayPosted originally on YA Books Central: [...]

If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor is the engaging story of a high school freshman who wishes for the life like an ultra-popular classmate who has always been her nemesis. Forced to work together for a school project, the two come to know one another on a whole new level. Finding out things about each other they could never have expected leads them both to re-evaluate their earlier assessments of each other.The story is written in an upbeat, non-preachy manner. It's a great book for kids who wish they could be like someone else whose life they think is so much better than theirs.