Title: Vegan Virgin Valentine
Author: Carolyn Mackler
First published July 22, 2004
228 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780763621551 (ISBN10: 0763621552)
Rating: 3.62
Overview
Meet Mara Valentine, the ultimate overachiever who is always in control. She is a straight-A senior, a vegan, and her parents’ pride and joy.
Mara is determined to beat her ex-boyfriend for the number one class ranking and leave Brockport for Yale with flying colors. But everything changes when her wild and rebellious teenage niece, V, moves in with her family.
Mara’s perfectly planned life is turned upside down, and she finds herself lusting after her boss and craving grilled cheese sandwiches. Will Mara learn to let go of her need for control and embrace the chaos?
Carolyn Mackler’s Vegan Virgin Valentine is a hilarious and heartwarming story of self-discovery that readers won’t be able to put down.
About the Author
Meet Carolyn Mackler, the author behind some of the most beloved teen novels of our time. You may have heard of her Michael L.
Printz Honor Book, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, or maybe you’ve read Infinite in Between, Tangled, Guyaholic, Vegan Virgin Valentine, or Love and Other Four-Letter Words. Her co-written novel with bestseller Jay Asher, The Future of Us, was a hit with critics and readers alike, earning starred reviews and spots on several bestseller lists.
But Carolyn isn’t just a one-genre author – she’s also written Best Friend Next Door, a novel for younger readers.
Carolyn’s work has crossed borders and oceans, with her novels being published in over twenty countries. From the United Kingdom to Australia, Germany to Israel, readers all over the world have fallen in love with her stories.
When she’s not busy writing, Carolyn lives in New York City with her husband and two sons. Her fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of her latest novel, The Universe is Expanding and So Am I, the long-awaited sequel to The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
Look out for it in May 2018!
Editoral Review
“Vegan Virgin Valentine” by Carolyn Mackler is a young adult novel that explores themes of love, adolescence, and self-discovery. First published on July 22, 2004, the book tells the story of Mara Valentine, a high school student who faces the challenges of navigating through the teenage years while dealing with societal pressures to conform.
Mackler is an accomplished author of young adult literature, having penned several other books in the genre, including “The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things” and “Infinite in Between”. Her writing style is witty and contemporary, with a flair for capturing the angst and confusion of adolescence.
In “Vegan Virgin Valentine,” Mara is on a quest to find herself amidst the turmoil of high school. She decides to stick to her values and become a vegan, but this leads to ridicule and isolation from her peers.
In an effort to reconnect with her best friend, she agrees to go on a blind date with a guy who ends up changing her life in unexpected ways. Set in New York City, Mackler’s portrayal of Mara’s world is realistic and vivid, bringing to life the diversity and energy of the city.
The conflicts that Mara faces as a vegan teenager trying to find herself are relatable and poignant, especially in today’s society where there is a growing awareness about ethical food choices and animal rights. Mackler’s writing is smart and engaging, with a refreshing sense of humor that speaks directly to the target audience.
Her insight into the teenage psyche is spot on, and her characters are well-rounded and complex. Mara, in particular, is a strong and memorable protagonist who evokes both sympathy and admiration.
One of the strengths of the book is the way it captures the contradictions and complexities of adolescence, with a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by young people today. The book also addresses themes of individuality, peer pressure, and the importance of sticking to one’s principles, making it a valuable resource for teenagers and adults alike.
However, the pacing of the plot could have been tighter, as some parts of the story drag on unnecessarily. Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been developed more fully, adding depth and complexity to the plot.
Overall, “Vegan Virgin Valentine” is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will resonate with young adults who are grappling with the challenges of growing up. It is a well-crafted and insightful book that addresses important themes in a sensitive and engaging way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction, particularly those who are interested in exploring issues related to veganism and animal rights. Whether you are looking for a fun and lighthearted read, or a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of adolescence, “Vegan Virgin Valentine” is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.