The Year of Secret Assignments Book

Popular Aussie writer Jaclyn Moriarty avoids the notorious sophomore slump with The Year of Secret Assignments, a bouncy epistolary follow-up to her smash debut Feeling Sorry for Celia. Here, a 10th-grade English teacher attempts to unite feuding schools by launching a pen-pal project. Best friends Cassie, Emily and Lydia initiate the correspondence and are answered by Matthew, Charlie and Seb. Emily and Lydia are more than pleased with their matches, but quiet Cassie has a frightening experience with Matthew. When Lydia and Emily discover that Matthew has threatened their fragile friend, the Ashbury girls close ranks, declaring an all-out war on the Brookfield boys. Soon, the couples are caught up in everything from car-jacking and lock-picking to undercover spying and identity theft. Brimming with self-confidence and charm, Moriarty’s captivating comedy of manners reads like a breezy 21st century version of Jane Austen--with no end of ridiculous misunderstandings, angst-ridden speeches, and heartfelt make-ups. Female teen fans of Ann Brashares' The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Megan McCafferty's Sloppy Firsts will waste no time swapping copies of The Year of Secret Assignments, with their best friends. The book is recommended for ages 12 and above. --Jennifer Hubert, Amazon.comRead More