Want to read a coming-of-age book teeming with catty rivalry, boys that make us crazy, and corny-but-cute bonding? Then Jody Gehrman’s Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty is just for you. In journal-entry form, we follow Geena, a very upbeat teenager with high hopes and big dreams who works at a coffee shack obviously called Triple Shot Betty.
Geena is sure she’s going to have the best summer crew with her supreme “to-be” besties. When Geena introduces “rebel soul” Amber to “miss prim and cute” Hero (yes, that’s her name!) it’s evident that they won’t enjoy getting manis and pedis together. Poor Geena works hard to make her two favorite gal pals like each other, but she’s stuck in the middle and doesn’t quite know how to make it work. Of course, the obvious comes next—innocent crushes and boy drama. What would life and teen lit be without them?
The girls—who, might I add, are very relatable—grapple with rivalry, crushes, different backgrounds, insecurities and big dreams. I’ll give you a spoiler and tell you girls that my favorite part of the book is in the beginning when Geena first introduces Hero and Amber. Two years fresh out of high school and still I couldn’t stop giggling on the train when reading. I was reminded by fond memories of dealing with insecurities, crushes that caused constant classroom daydreams, complicated friendships, and coming of age. I thought of a time when two of my very close gal pals, who are both uniquely different, first met. It was horrible no one spoke to each other. There was always that thought in the back of my mind that they would just meet and blend but the truth of the matter is people are not always going to work out right away. If you’re going through that phase in your teen life where you feel like things are getting pretty more intense than the days when your mother would invite her co-worker’s daughter’s over for tea parties and you’d all become immediate bff’s, then this book eases the frustration.
But the big question, ELLEgirl readers, is: Does Geena’s summer end in despair? I’m not telling; read the book! Hey, school’s out soon and the stress of preparing for prom will be lifted off your chest, so relax and enjoy a good read. I have to admit it’s definitely one of those books you’ll still want to pick up and find out what’s next even after The Hills is over!—Patrice Floy
Let us know what you thought about Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty in the comments section, and don’t forget to start reading these upcoming ELLEgirl Book Club picks:
May 7: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
May 14: The Interns: Fashionistas by Chloe Walsh
May 21: What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando




looks like a great read!! you should post this link on the girls write now facebook page!
Posted by: nana | May 01, 2008 at 03:20 PM