Book Review: 52 Reasons to Hate My Father

52 Reasons to Hate My Father
Published By: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Publication Date: July 2012
Page Count: 352
Source: Kindly Provided by Publisher
Audience: Young Adult - Contemporary

Reading Lark was fortunate enough to be asked to participate in Jessica Brody's blog tour for this novel, but at the time I couldn't work it in for review. I was a little nervous to read this one - the summary on Goodreads sounded interesting - but the cover made me worry that it would be cheesy. This one took me totally by surprise and ended up becoming one of my favorite reads of 2012. I polished this one off in less than a twenty four hours because I could not put it down. It was the best way to spend a Saturday when I was recovering from a particularly grueling work week. Not only is this novel fun, but I also really enjoyed the messages it contains about family and responsibility.

This novel will resonate with many readers in this age of heiress celebrities and their tiny dogs. We see them splashed all over the covers of magazines in the check out line at the grocery store and on tv reality shows. It seems like you can't avoid knowing every single sordid detail of their lives. I have often wondered how celebrities respond to the total lack of privacy. It was interesting to get an inside look into the world of the spoiled and privileged in this novel. I loved watching Lexington change throughout the story from pampered princess to a young woman with a good head on her shoulders and a plan to take control of her life.

Lexington makes this novel. I wasn't sure I would like her at first. She's your typical wealthy, spoiled, stuck up elitist who doesn't realize that her lifestyle isn't how most Americans live. She takes everything she has for granted. However, when her father takes away her trust fund, she learns that hard work and determination are really what make the world go around. Her story is a powerful one; it made me truly think about the nature of my career. My initial wariness of her wore off pretty quickly and I began to see her merits. Her sense of humor kept me in giggles.

The plot originally reminded me of the movie, Billy Madison. This quickly faded when I realized that Billy and Lexi are really nothing alike. The only thing they have in common is a father who makes them earn their trust fund.

Another element I loved was the romance. It was sweet and realistic. I predicted it early on, but it didn't happen without a little conflict. Brody wrote it perfectly.

All in all, my first experience with Brody's writing was a great one. I loved this novel and had such fun reading it. It was a nice change of pace from my typical paranormal reads. While their were numerous hilarious moments, I was also happy to see that this book also had some serious undercurrents.


One Last Gripe: I wasn't ready for this one to end. 

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The character growth

First Sentence: My father is going to kill me.

Favorite Character: Lexi

Least Favorite Character: Caroline



Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. 

Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.




Comments

  1. I've had the pleasure of reading all of Jessica's books, but this is definitely my favorite of them. I can't wait to see the film that is being made.

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    1. I am excited about a film too. I really ended up these characters.

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  2. I agree - the cover is a little off-putting, but I'm glad you enjoyed this book! I'm definitely adding this to my TBR list. :)

    Lyra @ Defiantly Deviant

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    1. Yes - do not judge this book by its cover - I promise it was a great read.

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  3. Oh, I have heard a LOT about this book. It sounded a little "cheesy" when I read the blurb. Just like the typical contemporary reads. But I trust your judgement, Andrea, and I add every book you liked to my TBR list. Because I know they will be great.
    Now, I am so excited to read this one!
    LOVED your review, by the way.
    Your constant reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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    1. Awww, thank you, Soma. I am honored that my recommendations mean so much. It's always nice to know people enjoy our reviews and appreciate how much effort goes into Reading Lark. I hope you love this one as much as I did.

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  4. Great review! I'm so glad you loved this book because I've been wanting to read it for AGES! It sounds like it could be a fantastic read and how amazing is that book trailer?? I normally don't like book trailers that much but this one is great!

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  5. I agree - this book trailer is FAB!

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  6. I keep hearing such wonderful things about this book and have it on my shelf. I hope to read it soon! Thanks for your thoughts!

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    1. It's definitely one to move up on your TBR list. I had a blast reading it and learned a lesson too. :)

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  7. I can't wait to start this one. I have it and just haven't gotten to it yet. I'm a huge fan of Jessica :D

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    1. That reminds me - I need to be sure to put the rest of Jessica's work on Netflix.

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  8. I was incredibly hesitant to read this book, but I was also hopeful. I wasn't wrong to be hopeful, it turns out. 52 Reasons surprised me in big ways. The growth that Lexington and her dad go through in this book is the absolute best part about it. Growth in a character is a huge deal for me, and it can make a novel that otherwise would have flopped. This is the ultimate example of growth in a character. Loved it, love Jessica Brody, and love your review!

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    1. I completely agree with you. I thought the character growth in this one was superb. It was one of my favorite aspects of this novel.

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  9. This doesn't look like my kind of thing, but I think I'll give it a shot anyway. You better not let me down :P

    Also: that's one of the better book trailers I've seen.

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    1. Trust me, I was hesitant at first as well. Jessica Brody's writing and Lexington one me over though. This read is a lot of fun.

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  10. I love the idea behind this one -- learning about what's really important in life -- so it is definitely on my TRB list!

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