Diving In (Livewire) [Paperback]

Kate Cann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1997 | Series: Livewire

Coll thinks the boy she sees swimming every Thursday night is completely gorgeous—long and lean, powerful and strong. He becomes the fantasy that takes her out of her ordinary day-to-day existence. And then he asks her out, and the dream becomes reality. Art is strong and powerful, and he's also quite pushy. Just what is Coll getting into?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9. Although distinctively British in tone and language (including lots of British slang and some universally explicit language), this is really a conventional teenage romance, modernized to include issues such as date rape. Colette fantasizes about Art and, miraculously, ends up dating him. Wealthy and handsome, he pressures her about having sex. Although she is attracted to him, she's not ready; when he invites her to his family's summer cottage, she is furious to discover that he assumes she'll be delighted to sleep with him. Although Colette is an agreeable, believable heroine, grappling realistically with her dilemmas (unfortunately, her initial boldness and strength is replaced by her obsession with Art), the secondary characters are fairly one-dimensional: the best friend Val, almost abandoned once Colette starts going out with Art; the overweight, ex-hippie mother whose feminism consists of trashing men, including her meek husband; Art's rich, playboy father, etc. Several scenes strain credulity: Colette's mother confronts Art's parents for condoning their son's behavior, thus instantly improving her relationship with her daughter; Colette's reluctant participation in a self-defense class for women is a heavy-handed hint at subsequent events. In the end, she breaks up with Art and, in a nice reversal, he apologizes and pleads for another chance. Despite the flaws, this may be enjoyed by those who aren't baffled by the lingo or turned off by the lack of depth.?Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

'For authentic teenage voices look no further than Kate Cann' The Bookseller 'Accurately describes teenage emotions and crises' Teen Titles 'Colette's hippy-gone-to-middle-aged seed mother riding in to do battle with her daughter's would-be seducer and his parents is a treat...' Times Educational Supplement 'A good meaty read - an intelligent book with intelligent characters' The Times 'It is the realism and sensitivity of the writing that impresses most' Mizz 'Very true to life and realistic. A must-read' Amazon.co.uk 'Some of the best writing about love and sex that I have ever read in a book for young people...both emotionally stunning and morally unshakeable.' Books for Keeps --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Women's Press (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 070434937X
• ISBN-13: 978-0704349377
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,769,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can Read this OVER &OVER AND ALL OVER AGAIN, October 3, 1999

By 

"the1andonlyamber" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diving In (Livewire) (Paperback)

This is a book about all teenage girls! all I can Say is Amazing and that is an understatment. do yourself a favour and read this Book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Realistic YA Romance, December 16, 2008

By 

H. A. Janahi "MJ" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diving In (Paperback)

Collette, like any other sixteen year old girl, dreams of meeting Mr. Right; a guy that will sweep her off her feet, and who will put an end to her miserable single status. Miraculously, Collette meets Mr. Right -handsome, wealthy, and brooding Art. Is he the perfect guy she has set her heart on, or is he too good to be true ?

Though the synopsis screams A Typical YA Romance Fulff, the story comes out stronger than usual ChikLits. Kate Cann, recounts a realistic story about juvenile infatuations and the somewhat disastrous results they can sometimes cause, in a light and somewhat cynical voice projected through an average young girl. Despite her obvious flaws, the character is very round, and you'll keep rooting for her throughout the book. Honestly, I didn't like the book until I was halfway through it, but in the end it turned out to be a very good one.
(Taken from my review on shelfari)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest book ever., July 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Diving In (Livewire) (Paperback)

This book is the best I've read in a long time.It is about one girl's relationship with THE man of her dreams, who turns out to be after more than she's prepared to give!I suggest you buy it NOW before it's completely sold out!