The Bridesmaid (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) [Library Binding]

Hailey Abbott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 2005

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10–Abby Beaumont knows all about weddings–they make ordinary women turn into "Bridezillas." After all, her parents own a catering hall, and she and her older sister have helped with these events all their lives. The girls have sworn they will never get married, but then Carol meets Tucker Robb. Everyone, except for Abby, enters into the planning with enthusiasm and excitement. But soon her family turns into the worst of customers, bickering over nearly every detail. The characterizations are first rate–Bridezilla herself, the "evil" mother of the bride, the "poor" fiancé, the "unlistened to" father, and the bratty younger sister. Add Abby's first boyfriend and the stage is set for a humorous view of family celebrations and relationships. The plot moves smoothly as the protagonist is inextricably drawn into the preparations, and into the role of bridesmaid. At times, she seems to be the only levelheaded member of the group, even as she sometimes appears to be subtly sabotaging the big day. A fun read with a surprise twist at the end.–Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Abby and Carol, whose parents run a hall used for wedding ceremonies and receptions, have seen the dark side of wedding planning and conclude that within every woman lurks Bridezilla. When Carol becomes engaged after her college graduation, she promises not to fall into that dreaded role, but 15-year-old Abby's wry, first-person narrative details her older sister's slow transformation into the familiar creature that they both loathe. Meanwhile, Abby's love life takes a hopeful turn, and she tries to decide whether to accept a soccer scholarship that will take her to Italy or stay at home and let the romance develop. Though a subplot involving the groom's suspected unfaithfulness is unconvincing from the start, the rest of the story unfolds in a thoroughly satisfying manner. The characters emerge as individuals whose actions are consistent with their well-defined personalities. Told in Abby's snappy voice, this fresh and often funny story shows a good understanding of family dynamics as well as the highs and lows of the wedding experience. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Library Binding: 266 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (May 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417691034
• ISBN-13: 978-1417691036
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wedding daze, October 17, 2005

By 

Camille "at the BookMoot!" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: The Bridesmaid (Paperback)

This book is the pick for our mother-daughter book club. This is a great chick-lit read with well drawn characters and a fun plot that will appeal to girls who enjoyed Traveling Pants and Princess Diaries.

Abby's parents run Dove's Roost, a wedding venue where they make couples' wedding dreams come true. Over the years Abby and her sister Carol have witnessed so many wedding meltdowns they vow to never marry. It is a shock to the family when Carol returns home after college graduation and announces she is going to be married. Their parents look at it as an opportunity to put on the ultimate wedding. Abby is sick at heart at the thought of losing her sister.

Abby's world is changing in other ways. Her two best friends are planning a year in Italy and the boy she has a crush on is showing interest in her. A dedicated athlete and soccer player Abby is missing practice and games as she gets sucked into the wedding maelstrom and slowly but surely her sister is turning into Bride-zilla. Her parent's marriage is also cracking under the strain.

Abbott's take on weddings, ice sculptures, mothers of the brides, and color themes is hilarious. Readers will identify with Abby and cheer for her efforts to fix her family and do the right thing for herself.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my new favorites, October 16, 2005

By 

S. Roth (Bothell, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bridesmaid (Paperback)

I totally fell for this charming novel. It drew me in and kept me laughing and intruiged the whole time. I felt the pressure and frustration of the wedding plans. This was one of the best novels that I have read in a long time. It is fun and full of laughs. If Hailey Abbott continues writing like this, we will have a new star among young adult literature.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best wedding ever....., July 14, 2005

By 

kittycat "KC" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bridesmaid (Paperback)

Abby Beaumont is surrounded by weddings. Her parents run the Dove's Roost, a wedding hall. Naturally, Abby hates weddings. She is looking forward to spending the summer with her sister, who just graduated from college. When Carol shows up with a ring and a fiance, Abby is horrified. Then Carol announces that Abby is her maid of honor. Abby's plan to do nothing but show up is quickly over. Abby's parents can't agree on anything for Carol's wedding, and end up completely ignoring each other, while each plans a seperate wedding for their daughter. Carol quickly turns into a Bridezilla, and its up to Abby to keep the family from destructing. Meanwhile, she is suffering from unrequited love for Noah, one of their chefs. She also has the chance of a lifetime to spend a year in Italy, but might not be able to afford it. Can she pull of a fantasy wedding, get the guy of her dreams, and spend a year abroad?