[review] The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

Once upon a time Ruby Oliver had three friends and a boyfriend. But that was before the batrayal. Before the dance. Before the kiss. Before the therapist. Before the boyfriend list.

E. Lockhart jumped onto my favourite author list the moment I read The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and this book, the first in the Ruby Oliver series, has cemented that spot.

How do I describe The Boyfriend List? The Boyfriend List is chick lit with a feminist kick. If I could, I would date The Boyfriend List because it’s funny, honest, and totally open about sex. One time, The Boyfriend List punched misogyny in the face. It was awesome.

Seriously though, the characters in TBL are totally realistic. Sometimes they do crap things because they’re human. Sometimes they’re mean. Sometimes they are judgemental. Sometimes they jump to conclusions. Because they’re human. Ruby Oliver may be the coolest fifteen year old you will ever meet. She’s a great mix of witty wisdom and complete cluelessness.

I also really love that as much as this book is centred around “romance,” it is not a romance. Or at least, it is not only a romance. It is more of a coming of age story. A girl finding her way story. And I loved every word.

Books with similar aspects

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

I’d tell you I love you but then I’d have to kill you by Ally Carter

recommended to girls looking for something funny and romantic with a kick of wit and intelligence

not recommended to …er…girls who have it all figured out?

BONUS! Here’s a video on my first thoughts on the second book in the series, The Boy Book. 

Don’t just take my word for it!

“Awesome, thy name is Ruby Oliver.” – April @ Good Books and Good Wine

“E. Lockhart not only has her finger on the pulse of adolescence, she demonstrates a perfect knowledge of what complexity of it all.” – Katya

“This book is better than any relationship self-help book out there.” – the Readventurer

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