Book Review: Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink

By: Stephanie Kate Strohm

Publisher By: Graphia

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

Page Count: 204

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: ARC Provided by Publisher via NetGalley

Audience: Young Adult - Contemporary

This one is a fun read that is perfect for Spring time. There is humor, romance, and even a ghost. There are times when I crave a "cotton candy" book - light, fluffy, fun stories. I needed this one after completing a lengthy, detailed historical fiction. 

Libby, the main character, is leaving behind her home in Minnesota to travel to beautiful Maine to spend her summer working as an intern at a living history museum. The museum specializes in 18th century history and allows patrons to experience what life would have been like during the colonial period when Maine was an extension of Massachusetts. Most teenagers do not find history as appealing as Libby does so many of her friends are perplexed by her decision. Libby's main job is to run the historical domestic arts camp for young girls. I loved the elements of the book that revolved around the camp; the campers are too cute.

Libby and the history elements are what make this book such fun. Libby has a wicked sense of humor that kept me giggling. I'm also a history nerd so I would have loved to spend a summer this way. Part of me still yearns to work for a museum or historical tour company. I also learned a few things about colonial life that I didn't know before reading this one. I really like that Strohm has created a new avenue for readers to experience history. This book doesn't read like historical fiction so it will reach a wider range of people. It felt more like Gossip Girl Goes Colonial which I felt made an appealing mix; this is chick lit for teens at its finest. I would love to see more books of this sort from Stephanie.

Lastly, I loved the romance and mystery elements of this read. The summer romance is predictable, but still enjoyable. I loved Garrett and Libby's banter. The mystery was also fairly predictable, but it was fun nonetheless. I would caution readers that in spite of its fun cover and amusing plot - there was a lot more profanity than I was expecting. I would recommend this without reservation to older teens, but it might be a bit much for younger teens.

If you're looking for a light, humorous read to welcome in the warm weather, this is the book for you. Its a fast read that will have you smiling.

One Last Gripe: I would have liked this one a bit more if it hadn't been so predictable. There just wasn't anything that made it stand out as an amazing book. 

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The history elements

First Sentence: "Please remind me again why you're going to pilgrim camp."

Favorite Character: Libby

Least Favorite Character: Ashling

Summary:

A story of crushes, corsets, and conspiracy 

Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem.