The Lipgloss Chronicles & Vote

The Lip Gloss Chronicles: The Ultimate Test by Sheila M. Goss Book 1
2009

Rating: 1/5

IQ "We almost failed the ultimate test: that boys may come and go, but a best friend is forever." Brittany

The Diva’s Creed: All for one, one for all; never let the other fall.

Ever since they met in their elite private school, Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra have lived by these words, but now that they’re entering their freshman year in a public high school, their bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.

The daughters of wealthy Texas socialites, these girls are used to getting whatever they want, so it’s no surprise to them when the gorgeous DJ takes them under his wing. Drama soon comes their way in the form of Tanisha, a jealous older student who thinks DJ’s attention should be focused solely on her.

Even Tanisha’s threats can’t intimidate these girls as they form a united front against her. They’re tighter than ever—until a sticky situation complicates everything. Jasmine and Sierra both fall head over heels in love with DJ. Could this really mean the end of their friendship?

I didn't like this book. I bought it because I wanted to read some more books about suburban African American teens, expand my reading habits. Well the Ultimate Test was not what I had in mind. I was thinking it would be a little like the Del Rio Bay Clique novels. No.

The writing is basic. I felt that the basic, short sentences, uninteresting dialogue and short chapters were insulting my intelligence. We young adult readers can handle long sentences, 'big' words, and more complex dialogue and characters. There's 51 chapters, but they are so short. The book wasn't even entertaining, it didn't suck me in. I didn't care how the book ended, I just wanted to finish it.

The three girls all annoyed me. Especially Sierra and Jasmine (the two fighting over the same guy). They were really mean to each other and it was like "you're supposed to be friends!" but what was even more frustrating was that they kept forgiving each other, even after they said some pretty bogus things (I would have dropped both of them as friends). The characters felt stereotypically (in a good and bad way) and the storyline was predictable. The characters all had the same interest as lots of other African American characters in other books, I want to see something different!

This book wasn't what I expected (although I don't think the plot was that great to begin with).
Age 14 and up. If you've read (or reviewed) this book and you disagree, leave a comment with a link to your review (or I'll post your comment). I'd be happy to post it up here so people can get an alternate opinion.

Also please vote for Color Online in the BBAW awards, voting ends tomorrow (Sept. 12). Color Online is nominated for Most Altruistic blog. Previously, I didn't know what altruistic meant, but I looked it up and I've decided to share it here. Altruism is the general pursuit of interests of others. I firmly believe Color Online fits this definition. Color Online is dedicated to promoting books about people of color which helps others. Susan (the creator of Color Online) regularly comments and encourages other bloggers as well, always looking to help others. Do check out all the blogs nominated in all the categories because they're all great and bring something different and interesting to the book blogging world.

Finally, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of 9/11.