Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Treasure Map of Boys

The Treasure Map of Boys
written by E. Lockhart

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0385734263.01._SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

The Treasure Map of Boys begins with a quick recap of events, not getting in the way of the story, but serving as a nice reminder. Ruby is as quirky a narrator as always, and I loved her typical engaging thoughts. Although not that much happens plotwise, Ruby's snarky narration is just awesome enough to keep my interest. I'm proud of how much Ruby has developed over the series, into the self-assured girl we see in this book, reminding me of Meg Cabot's Mia Thermopolis and her endless quest for self-actualization. I felt that the book had a solid ending that would have worked even as an ending to the series. It really felt like a complete work, though, unlike many books found in series, where they sometimes feel incomplete as individual works of fiction. On a different note, I think it is important for readers to realize and keep in mind through the reading that this is a work of fluff fiction, and should not be taken seriously. Ruby overexaggerates a lot, is completely obsessed with boys, and when it comes to it, leads a pretty shallow existence. Don't go into these books looking for a heavy read, go into them for a bit of relaxation and unwinding, a distraction from the busy realities of life. It's a cutesy story about a girl and her day-to-day relatable adventures. Ruby is one of those characters that I know I would hate in real life, but reading it from her perspective, getting her outlook makes me like her. I don't love her, but I see the reasons behind the actions and Ruby makes more sense as a person--as much sense as a fictional character can make. And isn't that what books are all about? A heightened sense of understanding about the world around us?

Rating: 4.5/5

I got this book from...:Borders

2 comments:

  1. Great review! I love this series, I agree with you it was light, fun read. I just read the second book in the series, so I was a little annoyed from the recap, but it didn't take away from the story...

    ReplyDelete
  2. This was the first book when I felt like Ruby was taking back her power, so to speak, and I didn't feel sorry for her. She is one of my favorite characters, but yeah I don't know how she'd be IRL.

    ReplyDelete

Have something to say? A comment, question, or even a lively debate is always welcome :)