The Implosion of Aggie Winchester proved to be a relatively quick read that managed to tackle multiple issues simultaneously, including teen pregnancy, the acceptance of the "goth" culture, the political ramifications of both of these issues (at the high school level), cancer, and unhealthy relationships. Admittedly, none of these topics are explored too deeply, but they're all touched upon and interconnected in a cohesive manner.

The plot centers around Aggie and her best friend, Sylvia. Both girls are goth, but the reader quickly discovers that, though they dress the same, they definitely don't think the same, nor are they goth for the same reasons. Aggie uses her dress and attitude as a way to keep people at arm's length, while Sylvia seems to use it for attention, having no problem allowing people to get close to her. Sylvia seems to find herself invincible, even after discovering she's pregnant by one of the most popular boys in school. Aggie, on the other hand, if completely aware of just how vulnerable she is.

When Sylvia is nominated for prom queen, she sees it as her chance to prove her worthiness to the father of her baby. Sylvia's peers find that they have more in common with her than the stereotypical girls who usually take the crown and rally behind her. The school's staff, however, regard the prom queen as a role model... a role that a pregnant goth girl is in no position to fill. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a scandal ensues.

The scandal is definitely the main focus of The Implosion of Aggie Winchester, but it was the other smaller issues that drew my focus. Throughout the novel Aggie is struggling to let go of her ex-boyfriend, who is, for all intents and purpose, leading her on and keeping her emotionally involved to use her whenever he feels like it. In short, he's not a good guy and is messing with Aggie's head for his own gain. Even if I hadn't dealt with this type of guy in real life, I still would have been rooting for Aggie to find enough self-respect to tell this guy to take a hike. And, to let you in on a little secret, Aggie may have given me a bit of courage to do the same!

This sophomore offering from Lara Zielin was a great read on multiple levels. It dealt with some serious issues and featured a main character that clearly grows throughout the novel, while incorporating a budding romance and humor. I definitely recommend it. ( )

Disappointing book that starts out promising. Aggie has gone "goth" in order to keep herself safe from friends who have turned on her. She gets bootie calls from her irresistible ex-boyfriend and her best friend (and fellow outcast) Sylvia is in a secret relationship with a popular football player from their high school. This book would have been great if it had just focused on the interpersonal relationships-but an absurd plot line about Junior prom king and queen elections makes the book almost unreadable. Aggie is a difficult protagonist to sympathize with as she makes bad decisions almost throughout the book and much of her actions are completely unbelievable. ( )

http://tinyurl.com/3mo25u7

It is amazing to know real published authors. I don't understand how I know almost a whole handful of them. Me, whose lack of creativity simply oozes from her pores. I guess opposites attract!

I know I can get you to read this delightfully refreshing, slightly acerbic, breakneck-paced young adult novel by saying these five things:

- This is Veronica Mars, if Veronica Mars was a goth chick. (If you don't know who Veronica Mars is, well, sheesh.)
- The mom was perfect. I completely understood her, and I loved and hated her at the same time. This is what we want our moms to be, down deep.
- If you don't know what color a dress is that is the color of a lake at sunrise, it's time for you to move to the Midwest! (And it's one of the nicest allusions to Aggie's growth.)
- Don't doubt the innards of this book. They really happened. (Mostly.)
- If I could come up with prom king and queen names like Ms. Lara Zielin does, I wouldn't need a job. (You know, you could do just that for a living, Lara.) ( )