Customer Reviews

Adventures of the Teen Furies

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read and loved all of MaryJanice Davidson's novels and novellas and decided to give her Young Adult offering a whirl. This is a wonderful novel with a great deal of humor and some poignancy to boot. Andrea Grouper is a typical teenage girl going through growing pains while convincing her paranoid driving coach that she has been driving since she was eight years old and keeping her eye on her troubled friend Meredith. When she convinces Meredith to join her in visiting her old friend Brenda, she does not know how she would interact with her. But it turns out that not only is Meredith adored by Brenda and a new crop of male friends, she also becomes part of a game in which they pretend to be superheroes and villains. They also have some adventures with the male friends. Andrea accepts to become George's girlfriend while she drools for Kyle, the one Brenda has set her eyes on. Meredith hooks up with Terry, who is as eccentric as she is at times. However, how will the group cope with Meredith's suicidal episodes and the extreme side effects from her medications? How will they cope with the knowledge that she'd had a nervous breakdown a few months before? Will Andrea be able to break free from George and tell Kyle how she feels about him? And are their imaginary characters a way to escape from their sometimes troubled realities?

This is one of the best Davidson stories I have read. She has a wonderful sense of humor, as all of her faithful readers are well aware, but she also adds some dark situations and poignant scenes in this offering. Meredith saddened me at times. She goes through some rather painful things brought on by her depression. She has a wonderful friend in Andrea. Speaking of whom, Andrea is the signature Davidson heroine in that she is a smart mouth and is fiercely independent. She likes the idea of having a randy boyfriend who worships her even though she is not that into him. Those scenes made me laugh. Terry is also hilarious. He is a hopeless flirt who is not afraid to voice his opinion on everything. Kyle is the quieter one of the bunch, but he also turns out to be as three-dimensional as the other characters. As said earlier, this is one of Davidson's best stories. This also happens to be one of her first writing efforts. She started out writing Young Adult books and then branched out into writing romance and fantasy (or a combination of both genres). But she will release another YA book later this year. Adventures of the Teen Furies is a true testament of just how talented and versatile Ms. Davidson is. She is now one of the most popular romance/paranormal authors out there and for good reason. I recommend this YA novel most highly.

It is unusual to find a story that can make even the difficulties of the high school years seem both fun and funny. Davidson succeeds in showing realistic characters and situations in a positive way - without being preachy. I almost miss my high school days... almost.

I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of life as a teenager (although it did bring back some painful memories!). Well written and thoughtful, Adventures of the Teen Furies explores the often painful, confusing world of adolescence with humor and honesty. Ms. Davidson obviously remembers what it was like to live through, and she uses that knowledge to great effect as she follows her characters through some of the pressures and decisions that plague teenagers. I highly recommend this to all readers.

I am a 55 year old mother of two and I loved this book. It is teenagers all the way. It is exciting, well written, fast moving and a joy to read.

This book brought back both good and bad memories from my teenage years, but isn't that what a good book is supposed to do? I really enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone who has teenage children.

OK, I grew up with the author, so it was a given that I'd buy this book. I logged on and had it delivered to my house. Then I made her sign it and write something nice about me. Then I actually read it. It's a great read. Quick, funny and a little close to home.

I think [...] that this book was an excellent example of a teen life. It certainly sounds familiar to me! The girl thought she liked someone because they were the first person to have feelings for her. That happens to teens all the time. It is an excellent book and i recommend that you all read it!

Adventures of the Teen Furies - is a YA book about a group of teenagers that come together and bond over the playing of a game. From mental issues to teenage coupling this is a cute read.

Melissa

Reviewer for 1000 + Books to Read

This book really spoke to me. It reminded me so much of my teenage years and my friends.The boys, the fights, the confusion about who you are and what you want. It was very true to what teenagers think and feel. Ms Davidson, Have you truly gown up yourself? It seems like you are still thinking like a teenager.
As a young adult my friends and I played "Dungeons and Dragons" (some of us still do). It was such an escape for us from real life. We could be strong when we really felt weak, outgoing and brave when we felt shy or be beautiful if we felt fat or ugly. This group of friends used their superhero alter-egos to work through some of their problems and insecuries, but once the game was over they still had to face each other and real life.
The frienships you form in your teenage years may or may not last through to adulthood, but they help define your personality in some vital years. If being a teenager is about anything it is about discovering who you are and being comfortable with yourself.
As great a book as this is for the young adult age bracket I think it is also an insightful peice of literature for a parent to read. In case you have forgotten what it was like to be confused about everything and torn between being an adult and a kid, take a refresher course in TEENAGER 101 and pick up this book. I think parents should take a look at what's between the lines here. It may just help you communicate with your child in a whole new way.
Not to throw off the young adults here though. It is a hilarious and really entertaing book. Good job Mary Janice. It helped me remember what it was like to be a teenager with all the good, the bad and the ugly.

I am just taking polite exception to the lower ratings. Everyone has an opinion or two, I suppose! I have read every book this author has written; and while I agree that this early effort is not her best work, I must say I found the characterizations VERY believable. It's easy for a reader to "see themselves" in the book. It's not always pretty, but such is the life of a juvenile! Solid work.