Giving Up the V [Paperback]

Serena Robar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2009

Spencer “Responsible” Davis is nowhere ready to “give up the V,” as opposed to her hormonally crazed crew of friends, obsessed with the who-what-when-where-how of it all. “It” being . . . well, you get it. Even Spencer’s male friends, who claim to have expertise in the matter, offer their services to help relieve her of that pesky letter, much to her embarrassment.

But when new-kid Benjamin enters the picture, Spencer begins to rethink her “responsible” moniker, and for the first time she wonders if she’s found just the right guy worth trading in her V-card.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–For her 16th birthday, Spencer Davis gets her first ob-gyn exam and birth control pills, thanks to her progressive mother. Uninterested in losing her virginity, Spencer doesn't drink and is the responsible one in her group of friends, The Crew. Zach, gentlemanly romantic math nerd, is her special guy pal. Her best friend, Alyssa, Asian American and super thin, vows to lose her own virginity soon. Goth girl Morgan has regular sex with her on-again off-again boyfriend, Justin, who has sex with any girl available. Ryan, wealthy bad boy, gets drunk and hooks up with a different girl every weekend. When dreamy Ben moves to their western Washington town and joins The Crew, Spencer is surprised when he bestows his attention on her. Could Ben be the One, perfect for her first time? Spencer's character is satisfactorily developed, including her struggle with body image and the complexities of her friendship with Alyssa, who wants Ben, too. The other characters remain flat stereotypes. Justin and Ryan openly offer their sexual services to Spencer (So, Davis, who gets to pop your cherry?) and publicly brag about their conquests. Ben is just another egotistical, horny guy looking for hookups. Spencer does his chemistry homework and accepts his invitation to the Winter Formal, but by the middle of the book, readers will see what's coming. Terra Elan McVoy's Pure (S & S, 2009) covers similar ground with complex and interesting characters, realistic repercussions, and without crude conversations.–Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO
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About the Author

Serena Robar is the author of Giving Up the V, as well as three YA vampire books and co-author of Fendi, Ferragamo & Fangs. She lives in Maple Valley, Washington.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; Original edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416975586
• ISBN-13: 978-1416975588
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #860,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Serena Robar spent her school days addicted to reading romances of all kinds. She would tuck a Romance in her open science book and pretend to be following along with the class when she was really lost in a fantasy world of happily ever after. Though her knowledge of mitochondria is woefully limited, thanks to various Historical romances, she can boast a vast array of trivia about the pirate trade of the 16th century, American pioneer life and Regency etiquette of the Ton.

Serena lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three kids. You can find her on the web at www.serenarobar.com or follow her on Twitter @serenarobar.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yet Another Great One From Robar, June 10, 2009

By 

Jessica Cave "Jess" (Seattle, Wa) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Giving Up the V (Paperback)

I'm a huge YA fan, but it's getting harder and harder to be impressed. I like real stories with real people. I like like to laugh and cry and feel something for the main character. That's exactly what I got with GIVING UP THE V. I went into this story thinking maybe it'd be a cutesy, fun read, but I had no idea that I would love it so much. It was practically like reading about my own high school years. The characters seemed so real - like I could be friends with them, too. The situation Spencer has gotten herself into is classic - it happens every single day. And that's what's so great about it: it is completely and utterly relatable.

I was truly surprised by this book. It was entertaining, witty, funny, and all-around enjoyable. I've read Robar in the past and I will definitely read her in the future.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet!, June 9, 2009

By 

S. Cave (Puyallup, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Giving Up the V (Paperback)

Full of lots of teenaged angst, Giving Up the V is a very realistic depiction of the struggles teens have these days regarding sex. Should they? Shouldn't they? It's more than just a yes or no answer involved, and Robar nails it in the funniest, yet sweetest way.

While many of her peers are already having sex (or want to), Spencer isn't sure she's ready. When ensues is a fun comedy about making a decision that will affect you for the rest of your life. Snappy, realistic dialogue, and humor are Robar's strengths, and they shine.

Teens will love this book... and probably see a lot of themselves and their friends in the characters. Very enjoyable!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We've All Been There!, November 6, 2009

By 

princess bookie "Cin" (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Giving Up the V (Paperback)

My Thoughts: What better way to start the book than with Spencer in the gynecologist's office. And he's even a man! How embarrassing! Spencer is turning 16, so her mother insists she be put on the pill even though she is not doing "anything." Spencer starts to feel like since she is on the pill, maybe losing her v-card won't be so bad. She than starts thinking about all her friends and of course a few of them step up to the plate and volunteer! Than moves in a new kid Ben from another school. Spencer really likes him, but so does her best friend! We get to know all of Spencer friends! They are all a close bunch! I really enjoyed this book a lot. I am happy to see where the all the characters went. I am happy on who she ends up with at the end. I wanted that from the beginning! Who will it be? Ben, the new guy? Ryan? Zach? Justin?

Overall: I've seen good and bad reviews on this one, but I actually really liked it. It had laugh out loud moments. I would haved to liked to get to know "mystery guy who she ends up with" more but it was just the right amount of romance and humor for me. I felt like I could connect with the characters, I really liked it.