Ten Things We Shouldn't Have Done
This book is also named; Ten Things We Did (and Probably, Maybe, Definitely Shouldn't Have)
What is it about?
"I was about to live a sixteen-year-old's dream
House on the Beach.
No parents.
Parties whenever we wanted.
Boys whenever we wanted.
- The blurb of the book.
How did I come across the book?
I found this in a charity shop and I fancied reading a nice light hearted summer read.
What did I think?
Spoiler Alert
Ten Things We Shouldn't Have Done (TTWSHD) does a reasonably truthful portrayal of a stereotypical girl teenagers life. April has a boy friend who isn't unrealistically drop dead gorgeous but isn't ugly, he isn't perfect to her and he is a normal guy! Yes, some parts of the story are unrealistic. The main plot for example, no-one would be left alone like this unless they'd really talked with the parent, at least I know that my parents wouldn't let me. But each to their own. This realistic aspect meant the 'cringey' oarts were even more embarrassing, the fun parts even more personal and exciting and the harsh, sad parts give me a feeling of even more sympathy.
I think this book is very clever in it's awareness for teens. That loosing your virginity does mean something to most people (even though Vi tries to avoid this), that even if you take precautions like birth control and condoms you never can be too careful (like Noah and April) and that partying will make you hungover. However, like I said, it's clever and the warning are understated. And it doesn't tell young readers that sex is completely wrong, or parties are so bad and we will all die.
It is honest. Parties are almost inevitable for your common teenager (I'm just generalising here) and that mostly having fun in that way is all that; fun. And it also warns you that if you go about sex at the 'right' with the 'right' person with the 'right' protection can be great
And yet, that isn't all I liked about this book; it was funny, the narrative structure was interesting (how it began with the end party scene meant I just had to read on and figure out how this good girl gets to become such a partier), the characters were multi-dimensional. But also, it showed the child's perspective of a parents divorce and how it can affect a person. It gave younger readers an insight to minor depression and in importance of being surrounded with those you love when the going gets tough, the importance of not giving up like April does to easily at the end.
I recommend this book to young readers looking for a nice, relaxing beach read.
Characters; 3/5 stars
Narrative; 3/5 stars
Literature; 4/5 stars
Overall; 3/5 stars
It is honest. Parties are almost inevitable for your common teenager (I'm just generalising here) and that mostly having fun in that way is all that; fun. And it also warns you that if you go about sex at the 'right' with the 'right' person with the 'right' protection can be great
And yet, that isn't all I liked about this book; it was funny, the narrative structure was interesting (how it began with the end party scene meant I just had to read on and figure out how this good girl gets to become such a partier), the characters were multi-dimensional. But also, it showed the child's perspective of a parents divorce and how it can affect a person. It gave younger readers an insight to minor depression and in importance of being surrounded with those you love when the going gets tough, the importance of not giving up like April does to easily at the end.
I recommend this book to young readers looking for a nice, relaxing beach read.
Characters; 3/5 stars
Narrative; 3/5 stars
Literature; 4/5 stars
Overall; 3/5 stars
Some of my favourite quotes from the book
Spoiler Alert
PAGE 234. Reason #8
"WHO WE INVITED TO THE PARTY
Everyone.
Seriously.
Everyone."
Everyone.
Seriously.
Everyone."
PAGE 281. Day.
"...My Dad. Three times. Uh-oh. I was about to hit REDIAL. when it rang again.
Him again.
"Hi," I said.
"I was about to get back on a plane. Is everything OK?"
My heart jumped into my throat. "No! Yes! I mean, everything's fine! I was just upstairs. I didn't hear the phone."
"I think you should always have your phone on you. So you can always reach us. Or we can always reach you."
"You want me to get one of those mobile-phone belts? People will think I'm a drug dealer." And, hey! Speaking of drug dealers, there's one sitting upstairs! Maybe.
"April, that's not funny. If I call and get no answer, I get worried. I'm a dad. I'm allowed."
"OK, OK. I'll keep my phone with me."
"Next time you don't answer I'm calling the police."
"Dad! That's insane. What if I'm in the shower? I don't want the police barging into the house."
"Then answer the phone."
WHY I MADE MY DAD'S RINGTONE INTO A POLICE SIREN
See above."
Him again.
"Hi," I said.
"I was about to get back on a plane. Is everything OK?"
My heart jumped into my throat. "No! Yes! I mean, everything's fine! I was just upstairs. I didn't hear the phone."
"I think you should always have your phone on you. So you can always reach us. Or we can always reach you."
"You want me to get one of those mobile-phone belts? People will think I'm a drug dealer." And, hey! Speaking of drug dealers, there's one sitting upstairs! Maybe.
"April, that's not funny. If I call and get no answer, I get worried. I'm a dad. I'm allowed."
"OK, OK. I'll keep my phone with me."
"Next time you don't answer I'm calling the police."
"Dad! That's insane. What if I'm in the shower? I don't want the police barging into the house."
"Then answer the phone."
WHY I MADE MY DAD'S RINGTONE INTO A POLICE SIREN
See above."
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