The Au-Pairs
Melissa de la Cruz
304 Pages
Teen Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 Annoying Brats (haha)

The summer job of a lifetime has been taken up by three girls, all for their own reasons. Three Au-Pairs were wanted to take care of four annoying, spoiled children in the East Hamptons, where the rich and famous spend their summer vacations. The ad guarantees a summer of a lifetime, oh, and of course, $10,000.

The first au-pair, Eliza, is an ex-socialite, whose father took some wrong turns and landed him unemployed and Eliza out of the city. She's ready to make a comeback and spend her time where she has spent all of her summers: the Hamptons. Of course she'll be working, but there's all the parties and events to attend...

Mara, on the other hand, is a small town girl, ready to work for her college fund. It is her first time seeing so many celebrities (expecially all at once!)

The third and final au-pair is the Brazilian girl Jacqui. With her stunning and exotic beauty, she's used to getting what she wants. Last summer, she spent two weeks with this American boy, and for the first time, she felt true love. All he mentioned was 'the Hamptons,' and when she saw the ad, she took the opportunity right away to find him.

Through many obstacles in love, fitting-in and getting along, the girls manage to pull through the summer. Each learn from the other to become a better person. Not to mention the parties and boys they went through those two months.

This book is extremely predictable, but I guess it isn't that bad. Not as bad as the A-list, which has to be the worst book in the world. They always compare it to this and Gossip Girl, and it's not even close. Anyway, back to this book. If you want an easy and entertaining read, this is it. No intelligence required. I even feel like reading the rest of the series! It is pretty unrealistic as well, as... well I don't want to spoil it, now do I?

There are enough 'elements' to keep the reader entertained, though it is not written the best nor does it create much suspense. There are some sexual tones, but it's brief and not in-depth. There's plenty of name-dropping and brand naming; it makes you feel as if you know how it works in 'their world' (the world of the rich and famous). And unlike the A-List (yes I really hate that book), they name REAL celebrities and REAL places.

Give the book a chance. It's a really easy one-night read, and is quite entertaining. For those offended by sexual references, keep away.

Jessica

Volunteer Hours (Total): 6 (!)
This review can be published in the Teen Newsletter.