You, Maybe: The Profound Asymmetry of Love in High School

Vail, Rachel

ISBN 10: 0060569182 ISBN 13: 9780060569181

Publisher: HarperTeen, 2006

Synopsis

Careful what you love

Josie is independent, fierce, and does not care what anyone thinks about her, especially where guys are concerned. She may flirt with them, and even kiss them, but it doesn't mean anything, not even with Michael. He's more like a friend-with-benefits.

So who can explain what happens when Carson Gold decides he's interested in her? Carson Gold, the hottest senior, the one everyone secretly watches. At first Josie treats him the same way she treats everybody else. But something about him gets to her. Maybe it's the same thing that causes everyone to watch him. Maybe it's something between them, something just he and Josie share.

Can you blame her for what happens? Could you resist? Neither can Josie -- not for lack of trying, and despite her better sense. It's too much, that first time love finds you and sucks you under. It's too much, even for Josie.

Love is a brat

About this title

About the Author

Rachel Vail is the author of The Friendship Ring series, as well as Wonder, Do-Over, Ever After, and Daring to be Abigail. She has also written the picture books Over the Moon and Sometimes I'm Bombaloo, and a series of early-reader books called Mama Rex & T. Rachel lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up–Josie is an independent, self-assured sophomore who doesn't care what anyone thinks about her–until Carson Gold, senior and hottest guy around, suddenly shows an interest. Neither Josie nor her best friends quite understand why she tentatively indulges his attention. At first, she makes out with both Carson and Michael, her neighbor and longtime best friend, following her own philosophy of not getting too involved with one person. Though her friends discourage the relationship, pointing to Carson's fame as a heartbreaker, Josie still finds herself falling for him and his lifestyle. She begins to dress to impress and alters her behavior to fit in with the Beautiful People. Pleased to see Josie taking an interest in her appearance, and also impressed by Carson, her mother approves Josie's request to go on a trip with him and his friends. Several traumatic events during the weekend lead Josie to rediscover what is really important to her. Ultimately, she proves that she is the bright, secure person her friends have always admired. Throughout her first-person narrative, confident vs. insecure Josie argues with herself about all of her relationships, giving readers a true glimpse of her confusion. Her friends are realistically portrayed and their reactions to her romance add to the story's development. Josie shows what often happens to a smart, young woman when a charismatic young man starts paying attention to her. This cautionary tale begs to be read by girls everywhere, before, during, and after they fall in love.–Linda L. Plevak, Saint Mary's Hall, San Antonio, TX
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Edition details

• Publisher: HarperTeen
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0060569182
• ISBN 13: 9780060569181
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 208