Title: Guyaholic
Author: Carolyn Mackler
First published August 14, 2007
180 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780763625375 (ISBN10: 076362537X)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
Growing up on a ranch in Texas, Margaret O’Brien is proud of her skills as a rancher. But her father thinks she deserves more – a loving husband, children, a home.
Margaret gave up on these dreams a long time ago, believing that no man could ever love her. When her father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, Margaret is wary of him from the start.
Then, she overhears him talking about a gang of bank robbers, and she becomes even more suspicious. Daniel insists that he’s not involved, but Margaret can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something from her.
Despite her doubts, Daniel’s kindness and unwavering faith begin to win her over. But when a series of tragic accidents befall Margaret’s ranch, she must decide who to trust – her own judgment or her heart’s desire for love and safety.
About the Author
Meet Carolyn Mackler, the talented author behind several beloved teen novels. You may have heard of her Michael L.
Printz Honor Book, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, or her other works like Infinite in Between, Tangled, Guyaholic, Vegan Virgin Valentine, and Love and Other Four-Letter Words. Carolyn’s collaboration with bestselling author Jay Asher on The Future of Us also received rave reviews and landed on numerous bestseller lists.
She even wrote a novel for younger readers called Best Friend Next Door.
Carolyn’s engaging stories have been published in over twenty countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Denmark, Israel, and Indonesia.
When she’s not writing, Carolyn resides in New York City with her husband and two sons. Fans of her work can look forward to her upcoming release, The Universe is Expanding and So Am I, which is the highly anticipated sequel to The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
Editoral Review
In Guyaholic, Carolyn Mackler offers a fresh and witty take on the typical chick-lit formula, tackling contemporary themes of identity, self-discovery, and relationships with humor and heart. First published in 2007, the book has stood the test of time, remaining relevant and relatable to today’s young adult readers.
Meet Mara, a New York City-based high schooler who’s struggling to find her place in the world. With her parents’ divorce, pressure to get into a top-notch college, and a string of questionable boyfriends, Mara is feeling lost and unsatisfied.
That is, until she discovers “Guyland,” an online forum for boys, where she can anonymously ask for advice and connect with other troubled teens. As Mara delves deeper into the world of Guyland, she finds herself becoming obsessed with the idea of the perfect guy, transforming into a “guyaholic.” Along the way, she meets a cast of colorful characters, including her best friend Brianna, her eccentric Aunt Gin, and a mysterious boy she calls “Guy 2.”
Mackler’s writing style is breezy and conversational, perfect for capturing the teenage voice and mindset.
She adeptly weaves in pop culture references and social media lingo, making the story feel fresh and current. At the same time, she tackles weighty issues like sexism, self-esteem, and mental health with nuance and sensitivity.
One of the book’s main strengths is its character development. Mara is a flawed but relatable protagonist, struggling to navigate the choppy waters of adolescence with equal parts humor and vulnerability.
Her supporting cast each has their own distinctive quirks and struggles, adding depth and richness to the story. The pacing of the book is well-done, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without feeling overwhelming.
Mackler handles the balance between light-hearted rom-com and serious social commentary deftly, never sacrificing one for the other. Overall, Guyaholic is a fun and thought-provoking read that will appeal to young adults and anyone who’s ever struggled with finding their place in the world.
While the book does have some minor flaws, such as a bit of predictability in the romance department and occasionally heavy-handed messaging, these are outweighed by its many strengths. Mackler’s writing shines, offering a heartfelt and humorous journey of self-discovery that is well worth the read.
Rating: 4/5 stars