The Real Life series by Nancy Rue is four books written for teens. The books are about four completely different teen girls who each find Christ during a difficult time in their lives. The girls never meet in the books and the only thing they have in common is a book that each found when they needed guidance the most. Or the book found them. The books are Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book,
Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble, Tournaments, Cocoa and One Wrong Move, and Limos, Lattes and My Life on the Fringe.

I won the last book in the series from GoodReads and got two others from the library because I hate to read a series and not know what's going on. Turns out each book stands alone, but reading three of them gave me an overview I wouldn't have had if I had only read one of the books.

What I liked: The books address subjects that teen girls can really relate to: divorce, parents, boys, friends (and faux friends), fitting in, prom.
There is a strong pro-God message in the books. Jesus and scriptures are explained in a way that make it easy to understand.

What I didn't like: The mysterious book (Real Life or RL) doesn't claim to be the Bible, although it's Bible-story book. In fact, when each girl's "turn" is over, the book tells her that she can find all she needs in the Bible, and it's time for someone else who need RL to find it... Which is what bothers me about these books. I read fantasy and horror, so I'm not one of those anti-Harry Potter people (Although I haven't read any HP; I just haven't gotten around to it.), but the concept of the RL made me uncomfortable. The whole concept is that RL turns up when someone needs it. When they're done, they leave it somewhere and it mysteriously ends up somewhere else so the next person who needs it will find it. Then the writing on the pages tailors itself to whatever message the reader needs and answers the readers questions, basically having a conversation with the reader.

The author compares this to the Bible speaking to each of us according to what we need at the time. I couldn't disagree more. If you're a believer, you've had at least one experience of picking up the Bible and opening it up to a passage that answered whatever question you had right then or offered comfort or whatever you needed at that moment. But the text of RL actually changed to fit the reader. At times, the girl could only turn to certain pages because that was the lesson RL thought she needed at that moment. In a "woo-woo" book, this kind of thing wouldn't have bothered me, but these are not "woo-woo" books. They're Christian books. No, that's not even what bothers me. I've read Christian fantasy books. But they weren't focused on the Bible, especially not on some bizarre version of the Bible that moves itself around and rewrites itself.

On one hand, I believe God is strong enough to take anything we throw at him, and I also believe that while the Bible is the Word of God, he can and does use other means to reach people. The message of God's love and grace is front and center in these books and I certainly hope they lead people to search more and accept God into their lives. But I can't really say I recommend these books because something in the premise just seems "off" to me. ( )

This book was really a good book. Makes u stop and think and even gives a bit of suspense in te mix. ( )

Nancy Rue's YA books are like a breath of fresh air in Christian young adult fiction. While there are several good CF YA authors already in place, her stories are not just fluff and romance. She takes serious subjects and puts it in a teen's perspective with situations and answering questions that no one else pays attention to.

This book does not shy away from realistic issues that teens face. I'm sure that there are probably some parents who will think that this book is too mature for their teens and while it is their right, I believe that learning about how to handle this kind of situation will benefit teens. Bryn has found herself in an abusive relationship with almost no one to turn to. Many teen girls are either in this kind of relationship currently or have had abusive boyfriend in the past but never told a single person. The story shows the helplessness, fear and shame that comes with being in this situation. The behavior that she has to put up with is unbearable and even though I don't condone physical abuse from both sides, I really wanted this guy to feel the same pain and agony that he put on Bryn.However, there is some hope for Bryn as she finds this in her new relationship with her grandmother, the new guy she meets, and surfing.

I was particularly excited that parts of the book took place in my hometown area of Virginia Beach. I love seeing places I know show up in books so it was a very nice surprise and Rue portrayed our area very nicely. And kudos for mentioning burritos!

Some might complain that this book is preachy due to the Christian overtones found in the overall story and in the book that Bryn finds. However, I am going to have to disagree with this. Yes, I read a lot of Christian books and am a practicing member of the faith. BUT for a young adult fiction book, this story features so much more than just religion. Bryn is obviously going through A LOT of emotions and is involved in a dangerous situation with no one to turn to and almost no help in sight. It's her choice to turn to her faith to put her trust in and the way that Rue handles it is not at all in your face or proselytizing type of way. Pretty much all I can say is a quote from 12 step programs: "Take what you like and leave the rest." Because what Rue says in this book is something that a lot of teen girls need to hear but no one ever tells them and you can choose what you want out of this book. HIGHLY recommended. ( )

Unlike other Christian fiction books I’ve read, this one has a heavy dose of Jesus. Not being Christian, I did find it a little preachy and skipped some pages. For those of you who do enjoy that element in Christian fiction, this is the book for you. All others, try it on for size — but it’s not for everyone. ... please read the full review at: http://tipsyreader.com/books/reviews/book-review-boyfriends-burritos-trouble/ ( )

Do you remember the "ABC After School Special"? It was a program that dealt with real life situations that no one talked about. This book reminds me of that series. "Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble" deals with teen relationship abuse - something that most of us don't even think about, let alone consider.

The main character, 15 year old Bryn O'Connor, dates her "dream guy" who ends up being the boyfriend from a nightmare. He's controlling and abusive but even worse, popular. When it comes to light Bryn is being abused by him, no one believes her and she walks from one nightmare into another.

This is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend giving to every teenage girl. Bryn is a wonderful role model, going from meek to a strong character. She learns about love, trust and taking risks, both in her physical and spiritual life.

If there is one book your teen needs to read this summer, this is the one!! It's not only well written and entertaining, but really has a powerful message about relationship abuse. ( )