Oh, Sloppy Firsts, where were you hiding when I was younger? Admittedly, I had never heard of this series or the author, Megan McCafferty, before I started book blogging. How? I honestly am not sure. Especially since it is one of the books that nearly everyone (certain people in particular) were hyping up, and pushing me toward reading. And was it worth the push? YES!
If Jessica Darling had been an actual person when I was in high school I’m pretty sure she would have been part of my group of friends. Honestly, she would have fit right in. Or if she wasn’t a direct part of my group of friends I’m sure she would have been someone I would have admired and wanted to possibly be like. She is such a striking character in a young adult novel. She has such a strong insight about life and the people around her. It’s a bit abnormal in a way but, the things that she observes and the lessons she learns from them prove to be entirely life-changing. Also, she is hilarious!
I think part of me might have also been jealous of Jessica though especially when it came to Marcus Flutie. Marcus Flutie has no middle ground. He is either entirely reckless or entirely poised but, there is no in between. Those two characteristics never seem to cross paths but it honestly doesn’t matter because I still admittedly swooned over him. Even when he’s in his completely reckless stage he is truly irresistible, and he has his sights set on Jessica.
Reading Sloppy Firsts was a relatively easy task because of its quick brisk pace. It is broken down into the months of the year, and everything is composed of Jessica’s thoughts. You really get to get into her mind, and feel her reactions, and respond and relate to her. You get to know her family, her friends, and her experiences with lust and perhaps even love.
I’m really excited to read the rest of Megan McCafferty’s series, and learn more about Jessica and find out exactly what she has been up to. I have really only heard good things, and hopefully all of them are true. Plus, more Marcus Flutie? I am so down for that!
Disclosure: Received as a gift from Steph @ The Caffeinated Reader
Other reviews of Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty:
Queen Ella Bee Reads: “If you’re looking to get back to the ABCs of YA (the contemporary ABCs to be more specific), this is one of the series you should definitely pick up!“
I Eat Words: “…if you want the easiest and possibly most entertaining read you’ve had in a long time – read this book.“
Confessions of a Book Addict: “This is a must read for mature young adults and adults alike who want to be transported back to high school for a good laugh.“
April’s review: “Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty kicks off the excellent Jessica Darling series and is absolutely worth your time if you are down for good YA.”
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This is a fantastic review, Allison!!
I’ve actually only read the first two books in this series, and it’s been a few months – maybe even last year since I read them. Before I go any further, I need to re-read.
Like you, I definitely came late to the game and then was like WHERE HAVE THESE BOOKS BEEN ALL MY LIFE!! I love Jessica – she’s quirky and funny and definitely I can see parts of myself in her. And I like Marcus Flutie too. Once I started reading, I could see why everyone liked him a lot – and there is more of that in the second book. The reason I didn’t go any further is because I just loved the second book so much that I still have book hangover from how much I liked it and I just don’t want to move on, but I’m thinking that this summer I probably will.
Great review – I’m glad that I’m not the only one that is late to the series, but isn’t it great that the series is completed and we can read it at our own pace rather than having to wait for long periods between books?? I love that. Also, I REALLY think you’ll like the second book. And I’m hoping that we both continue to like the series as we keep reading. (:
My first time hearing about the series was about a year ago, so I’m still trying to decide if I’m going to check these out. It definitely sounds like a cute read though and I’m really curious about this Marcus fellow, lol.
This was one of my favourite novels (and series) growing up and still remains so to this day. I always get a little thrill when I see people discovering it for the first time! No literary character yet has managed to usurp Marcus Flutie in my affections. He is my ultimate book boyfriend and utterly swoon-worthy 😉
While I adore Sloppy Firsts, Second Helpings has to be my favourite instalment in the series. I can’t wait to hear what you thought about it as well!
I really need to get on with it and read this series! It’s seriously something that sounds amazing, but I’m afraid that it won’t live up to the expectations I’ve got for it. Still, I’m willing to chance it because I want to meet Jessica Darling, who sounds like a killer MC.
I don’t know if Jessica and I would have been friends, because I think she might have been cooler than me, but we SHOULD have been. Haha.
Marcus is SUCH a character. Like, he’s so hot when he’s all poised, but sometimes he’s so gross and just no. I both want and do not want him.
Pretty sure the second book is the best. I refused to read past that, because if I had to watch the romance drama, I was going to hate everything and two ends so well.