Starstruck by Cyn Balog

Starstuck by Cyn Balog
Release Date: July 12, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Books For Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256




Summary: When Gwendolyn “Dough” Reilly’s boyfriend and best friend Wish moves away in seventh grade, the only consolation she can find is in her family bakery’s donuts. Now, it’s sophomore year, and Wish is coming back. But in only three years, they’ve both changed—drastically. She’s seriously overweight, and suddenly Wish is the most popular guy in school, and girls everywhere want him. Dough has doubts that appearances don’t matter and that Wish can love her as she is, so she launches into a plan designed to keep them together. That is, until she discovers that Wish’s gorgeous looks and charm might not be all they appear to be.

My Thoughts: When I first heard about Starstruck I was super excited to read it. It sounded really interesting. I liked Fairytale and Sleepless but I didn't love them like I had hoped. I liked them but didn't love love em. Well, Starstruck was a lot different and I felt myself becoming more interested as I read.

We meet Dough who is a teenager who has been dating her best childhood friend Wish. He moved away a few years ago and they have been talking through phone calls, chat messages, and email. He hasn't seen her in a few years besides a few pictures that are cropped at her neck. She has gained weight and is embarrassed about it, especially when she finds out he's moving back to town. And she isn't given much notice! There is also a new guy working at her family's business so they become kind of friends. His name is Christian. Well, Wish shows up and he still sees Dough as her old self. He looks right past the outside and sees her personality. Of course Dough sees how hot Wish has gotten.

This one was very strange, but in a good way. Come to find out, there is something more mysterious about Wish and the way people see him. Has he really changed that much or is there some way to make others think he's better than what he is? Christian was also from California; where Wish had been living so everyone was connected one way or another.

I didn't see the ending of this one coming. I figured there was something up but I didn't actually know what. At first I thought he was a vampire (thats the in thing right?) but that idea soon passed and I didn't know what was up with him.

The only thing I didn't like was how Dough always put herself down. It was always about her weight and I felt really bad for her but I wanted to give her a pep talk and tell her to cheer up. I also liked hearing about her family. And the small interactions with Christian.

This one was surprisingly good and its a quick read, under 300 pages.

Overall: I really liked it. It was a fun little novel.

Cover: Love it! Isn't it cute?

What I'd Give It: