Tempestuous

Confession: The Tempest is one of my LEAST favorite Shakespeare plays. Also: I worked in two different malls when I was a teen. And that is why I really, really enjoyed this novel. I also thought the mall was at its most appealing before and after the customers were present, and the staff at many of the stores do tend to form friendly bonds. Here we have mall employees and several last minute customers stuck in a mall in the middle of a blizzard but the is much going on behind the scenes. Old rivalries, new friends, and a sinister plot are afoot. I loved this book for many reasons, but mostly because the writing is well above par. Once does not have to be familiar with the classic tale to become really involved, but imagine how helpful this would be to a teen studying the Tempest in English class. Major points for all of the pop culture references and great, modern slang. Not many YA authors pull that off. So, despite the fact that it is a retelling, Tempestuous feels original and new. It lost a star with me for some of the tangents dragging on for too long and not really moving the plot (such as Miranda's relationship with Brian), and as a vindictive move as I did not appreciate the “Jersey” comment (pg 154). Overall, I highly recommend it, and think this may make a great book club read. Thanks to Christi the Teen Librarian to drawing my attention to Merit Press, so far I have really enjoyed two of their titles.

Tempestuous (Twisted Lit) Miranda Prospero was high school royalty. Dating the most popular boy in school, complete with her own clique, and ready to take on the world. Then it all came crashing down when a cheating scam rocked her world. Forced to take a menial job to make up the money, Miranda has fallen from her perch. Can things get any worse?
 
I have to say that this was a pretty adorable take on the original Shakespeare play. I liked that Askew and Helmes managed to incorporate a lot of the original characters in new ways. When I originally read the synopsis I wasn't sure if I'd like Miranda. Former mean girl, right? I was wrong! She's funny, she's intelligent, and honestly a ton of fun to follow. Pair her with her bubbly co-worker Ariel, and the rather sullen Caleb, and you have a cast of characters who make this read fly by.
 
What was even more clever was setting of the book. Rather than being stranded on a desert island, these teens end up snowed in at the mall. Whole stores full of items to use, no adults, does it sound like the perfect place to get up to all kinds of mischief? You'd be right, oh you'd be right. I laughed out loud more than a few times at the crazy things that Miranda and her cohorts were up to. No spoilers here, but I almost wish I'd get snowed in at a mall.
 
The mystery aspect was a little less prominent than I thought it would be, but that was really the only thing I noticed. Everything else about Tempestuous is fun, quick moving and easy to read. If you're looking for a new read this weekend, give Miranda and her friends a place on your TBR.