Book Review: Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

Source: Bought

Author: Lisa Burstein

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description: A coming-of-age story without the comfort of padding…a relatable and compelling character [with] a lot of wonderful snark.” —New York Journal of Books
Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.
Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over

Calamity's Review:
On this blog, we love to give honest reviews of books because we feel like authors should know what a reader likes. So, with that in mind, I have to say that this book was just not my cup of tea. Honestly, I got soo annoyed with it that I haven't even finished reading it (and I don't plan on it). Also, the cover isn't that appealing either. I feel like the book could have had a better representation. But that is just how I feel. I have read some reviews for Pretty Amy and people enjoyed it very much and felt like they could relate to Amy. Sadly, that was not how I felt. I could not believe that things that amy was doing. I'm a teenager that goes to highschool and I know that you really don't have to do what Amy does in this book. Maybe that is why I got annoyed; Amy being immature. She didn't even have family issues to blame on her drug/smoke use.
As far as family goes, Amy's mother was fairly unreasonable but I think if Amy tried to atleast communicate with her, things could have been better. At some points, Amy didn't even rebuttal her mother when she was wrong. Amy literally sat there and listened to her mom acuse of being a drug dealer. when, clearly, she isn't. That was infuriating to read. I'm just sayin, the girl should fight for her rights.
As for love/friendships in this book, I found the choices lacking. Amy's friends were bad influences that didn't care about their's or Amy's future. The guy that Amy "likes" is someone that gave up on her and moved on to something better. I understand that he would want to move on with his life, but why does Amy still think about him. Instead of pondering over what could have been, Amy should actually try to fix things for herself.
So, what I'm trying to say is that I like to relate to the MCs of books and Pretty Amy was seriously lacking that. Also, it might just be me, but I thought the tone was obnoxious..not in a good way. Other than that, the book was very well written and had some subtle jokes that were enjoyable to read.
I rate this book a 1!