It started with a dare

Let me begin by saying that this book was so good that I felt the need to email Lindsay Faith Rech at 2 AM to let her know how much I loved her book. In retrospect, I regret that a bit. Since she hasn't written me back I can only assume that my mad, caffeine fueled fan letter scared her away. Lindsay, I'm sorry and I don't blame you. I think I would have scared myself. A word of advice my friends, no matter how much you love a book wait until you wake up and can write coherently before you choose to write a letter! That being said, there was so much to love about It Started with a Dare. Let's get started.

First off, C.G. (Cynthia Gene) is truly a spunky female protagonist. Lindsay takes us deep into C.G.'s head, and the reader gets an opportunity to relive those confusing and popularity driven teenage years. C.G. is witty, she's bright, she pops off the page and will even make you laugh out loud at times! Yes my friends, this is not a book that you'll want to read in front of other people. That is unless they are okay with you breaking into fits of giggles periodically and having no way to explain what was so funny! Portions of this book will most definitely tickle your funny bone, so to speak.

When C.G. decides to remake herself and suddenly becomes popular, the line between what is right and wrong starts to blur. Her apparent discomfort with this at first was endearing. Thank goodness she had a conscience! I also loved the the chemistry that was present between C.G. and the other girls in her group. Each of them were so different and yet fit together so perfectly. Characters like Alona come up in books quite often, the girl whose parents are too rich to care. However into the mix comes bitter, angst driven Grace and self conscious Sammie. Between the four main characters, any person who happens upon this book will find someone to connect with. It is these vivid characters that really drew me into the book and kept me involved well past my bedtime.

The one thing that was difficult for me about this book was the ending. Without saying too much or spoiling things, I'll simply say that I wish C.G. would have learned more through everything that she went through. In the end it seemed a little too perfect how things worked out. Everything was tied up in a perfect little bow. I'm glad that this book addresses as many issues as it does (cyber-bullying included), however I would have liked to see just a little more remorse in C.G. as to the way things worked out. This is a personal thing I know, and it definitely didn't take away from how much I loved the book overall.

Before I ramble on yet again, I'll end with the simple fact that this is a great book! Whether you fall into the same age category as C.G. and her popular counterparts, or happen to be an older reader like I am, it's certain that you will find something to enjoy in this book! I cannot wait to see what else Lindsay Faith Rech has in store for her readers!