Title: The Au Pairs
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
First published May 25, 2004
294 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780689873195 (ISBN10: 0689873190)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
Looking for a summer adventure? Look no further than The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz.
Three girls, three different reasons, and one ultimate destination: the glamorous Hamptons. Tired of the city heat, Mara, Eliza, and Jacqui answer a classified ad to become au pairs.
They’ll spend their days on the beach, watching a couple of kids. But that’s not all they’ll be doing.
With a swanky address, a sweet ride, and an all-access pass to the hottest social scene on the East Coast, this summer is shaping up to be the time of their lives. Don’t miss out on this thrilling escapade in The Au Pairs.
About the Author
Meet Melissa de la Cruz, a bestselling author known for her critically acclaimed novels for teens. She has penned several series such as The Au Pairs, Blue Bloods, Ashleys, Angels on Sunset Boulevard, and Fresh off the Boat, which have received much praise from readers and critics alike.
Melissa has also written books for adults, including the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, and the handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch Heels and Faux-Pas.
Before becoming a successful author, Melissa worked as a fashion and beauty editor, writing for renowned publications such as The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl!, and Seventeen. She is also a fashion and trend expert who has appeared on CNN, E!, and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and later moved to San Francisco with her family. She graduated as the salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart high school and went on to major in art history and English at Columbia University, where she minored in nightclubs and shopping (who wouldn’t?).
Today, Melissa divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she resides in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Editoral Review
The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz is a captivating young adult novel that was first published in May 2004. De La Cruz is known for her work in the contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult genres.
The book follows three young women, Eliza, Mara, and Jacqui, as they take on a summer job as au pairs for rich families in the Hamptons. Each girl has her own baggage and past that has led her to this point, and as they navigate their new jobs, they also navigate life and love.
The characters, setting, and conflicts in The Au Pairs are all expertly crafted. The dynamic interaction between the three main characters adds depth to the novel as each girl works through her own personal demons, and the setting of the Hamptons is beautifully described, evoking an idyllic but cutthroat world.
The conflicts range from love triangles to family secrets, and each one keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. What makes The Au Pairs stand out is its historical significance.
Though the novel was written almost two decades ago, it tackles issues that still plague young women today. The exploration of class divides, beauty standards, and toxic relationships are all issues that still resonate with readers, especially teenage girls.
While the novel excels in many areas, it falls short in character development. Though the three main characters have fascinating backstories, their growth throughout the novel is somewhat underwhelming.
Additionally, some of the romantic subplots feel rushed and not fully fleshed out. Overall, The Au Pairs is a great summer read for young adult readers.
It holds up well over time and provides important commentary on issues that are still relevant today. Melissa de la Cruz’s writing is engaging, and though the novel isn’t perfect, it’s definitely worth the read.
Rating: 4/5
