The Teashop Girls

Title: The Teashop Girls

Author: Laura Schaefer

Date Finished: January 10, 2010.

Personal Book Count: 4 out of 100

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: early teen fiction

First Line: There is a right way and a wrong way to do many things, and when it comes to tea, my opinion is one should not mess around.

Summary: from the jacket-

“The Official Rules of the Teashop Girls

1. Teashop girls are best friends forever.
2. Tea is held every week, no matter what.
3. All tea and scones must be split equally at all times.

Annie, Genna, and Zoe have been hanging out at the Steeping Leaf since elementary school. The Teashop Girls do everything together -- at least they used to. With the end of eighth grade approaching, Genna's too busy with theater, Zoe's always at tennis, and Annie feels totally left out. What happened to tea every week, no matter what?

When Annie convinces her grandmother to give her a job as a barista at the Leaf, things begin to look up. In between whipping up chai lattes for customers, and attempting to catch the attention of her Barista Boy crush, Annie is finally beginning to feel as grown-up as her best friends. But an eviction notice spells trouble for the Leaf and unless they can turn the business around, the teashop will have to close its doors forever.

Fresh, honest, and sweet, Laura Schaefer's debut novel is sure to resonate with readers everywhere.”

Why did I pick this book? : I heard many good things about it, both on book blogs and on twitter.

Review: I loved this book. It was so refreshing. With all the dystopian and vampire stories that are out there (I have read quite a few myself, not dissing nothin‘!), it is nice to have a sweet plot line. I like the writing, because it is set at an age that could come across as very whiny, angst-y and self absorbed. And although she had typical teen stuff to deal with, it never felt that way. It is set at an age where you feel like you can take on the world, and that came across very well.

A thought came up as I was reading. Do groups of 3 friends every really work, in life. My experience is no (at least as teenagers). Inevitably it ends up two against one, and things fall apart. It was nice to see it working here, even if it was a book.

I found the ending a little ideal, but lovely. And you know what? This was the kind of story that it works well for. It was very satisfying in this case.

It also reminded me, once again, how much more kids do, and have to deal with now. School, jobs, activities, family responsibility, and still have time for some down time, maybe even a relationship. I guess we had all those things, but for some reason it seems like so much more now. Hmmm, wonder if it’s the times or an age thing?

Anyhow, I will be recommending this book to people, and will definitely be searching out more by this author in the future.

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D