I really wanted to like this book. I thought I was finally getting a unique teen retelling of Pride and Prejudice. With newer adult titles like Written in the Stars and Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors, I thought I would finally see the teen genre embrace a truly modern Elizabeth. Silly me, apparently.
The first 85 percent of the book is pleasant, and at times enjoyable and original. Then the last portion of the book overshadowed any enjoyment previously experienced. I was hoping for a healthy dose of body positivity, and I got a little bit of begrudging body acceptance only when flattering clothes are worn. I thought the message of the book would be that the opinions of others does not define your self worth. Instead, the opposite message is given. This book basically carries the outlook that if someone even thinks your younger sister has had sex, whether true or not, your entire family's reputation is ruined. Also, self worth seems to be entirely determined by whether you have a boyfriend or not. Seriously?!
I wanted to find a relatable and strong female remodel that could be recommended to teens. While Elyse almost comes close a few times, I feel her portrayal here would do more harm than good to impressionable teens.


***SPOILER****

It's been a long time since a book has made me angry. Disappointed, sure, but not true anger. Until Elyse, only worried about what others would think of her, refuses the offered help to find her sister. She had no concern over her sister's safety and well-being. Of course the author ties this all up in a nice little bow, but my opinion of Elyse had already been establish as a selfish jerk at this point. The HEA was diminished as well by the fact that no true progress is made with Elyse's self image, or the mom's borderline emotional abuse that contributes to it.

PUDGE AND PREJUDICE by A K PITTMAN is a delightful book. The author has given us a modern Pride and Prejudice with the characters lining up with those in Jane Austen's classic. There is humour and sweet romance, all in the context of high school life in a small town.
I loved it and can highly recommend it for both young adults and those of us who are not so young!
I was given an ARC copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I am always in the mood for a good Jane Austen retelling and this one is very charming. It's interesting to see how the author is going to interpret the plot of such a well known book. This one has a great sense of time and place: Texas, 1984. And I really enjoy the sly little P&P references the author includes. Billy Fitz's address? 1813 Pember Lane, Northfield, Texas.