This book ranks in my “pleasant surprises of the summer” genre.  Originally, I picked this one up and thought it would be an “okay” read–not one of those books that everyone is raving about, but a good backyard hammock summer read.  I was wrong.

Charlotte Cuts It Out is quite good.  I was quickly transported back to my high school days.  Days when dreams were big, expectations weren’t quite realistic, and let’s face it, the world revolved around me (or so I thought).  Charlotte is no different.  She has big dreams with her best friend, Lydia.  Dreams that come to find out, not everyone quite shares…including Lydia.

When everything starts going wrong for the winter showcase, Charlotte learns more about herself then she ever thought she would.  She learns to be a bit more flexible and a bit less OCD.  She learns that she isn’t a very good listener and has a tendency to push people in her direction, not theirs.  She learns the boy she was crushing on is a pretty big loser, but the boy she never seemed to see is Prince Charming.  She learns that dreams can change and still be great.

Barson doesn’t disappoint in this poignant tale of a teenage girl and the struggles all of us have faced (or will).  A good read for anyone looking to wile away a few hours in the world of fashion and beauty.  

Review of an Advance Reader’s Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Viking Books for Young Readers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  7 religious exclamations; 23 mild obscenities; 16 derogatory names; 32 scatological words; 31 anatomical terms.

Violence/Gore:  Three instances of falls (tripping) with minor injuries (bumps, bruises, sprains)

Sex/Nudity:  Teens slow dance; teens kiss; little girl mimics wardrobe change happening off stage and strips on-stage.

Mature Subject Matter:

Mental disorder, bankruptcy.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults drink beer at Thanksgiving gathering.