Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

Rating:
Summary: Casserole Queens Rock
Review: I enjoyed the characters in Deb Caletti's first book, "The Queen of Everything" and was not disappointed that the characters in "Honey, Baby, Sweetheart" where even more tender and amusing.

Ruby is a 16 year old who most teens can either relate to or admire. Caletti has a way of getting into her characters feelings and expressing them so well that I felt as if I knew them before...especially the Casserole Queens who reminded me of some of my mother's aunts! I love the Casserole Queens! Ruby, Chip Jr. and Mom's relationship with them is so funny and sweet. I admit that I cried more than once while reading this book! I often laughed out loud too! I like how Deb Caletti describes things. She makes it easy to visualize each scene.

I like the message that I got out of the book...there is more to life than boys!

I think that this is a book for all ages...older people will love it as much as I did. It would make a fun movie.

Rating:
Summary: It's boring!
Review: I have the feeling that all the other reviews must have been written by adults. I don't think that teenagers will like this book - it's so boring! Okay, the beginning is quite interesting, I liked the story about Ruby getting more and more drawn to no good Travis that was really exciting but after that?? The trip of the old people to California is way too long, it's supposed to be romantic I guess. I didn't like it.

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME
Review: I was waiting for her next book, and it didn't disappoint. I ran out and got it right away. I'm not sure which one is my favorite! I loved, loved, loved this book. I started crying when I was reading it, and it was so great. The Casserole Queens are hilarious and Ruby and her Mom and brother are funny and strong. This is a awesome book that I truly recommend.

Rating:
Summary: Something anyone can relate to
Review: Mrs. Caletti did a wonderful job with this book. her characters are wonderfully developed and real. the plot is new and engaging. my favorite character was Poe the dog.
i promise you that when you turn the last page, there will be an unparalleled feeling of joy and happiness.

Rating:
Summary: an enjoyable read about the troubles of love
Review: Sixteen-year-old Ruby McQueen thinks her dreams have come true when handsome, wealthy and mysterious biker Travis Becker starts paying attention to her and giving her mind-blowing kisses. At the same time, her sometimes-father pays a visit and Ruby barely recognizes her usually competent librarian mother as she caters to his whims. Ruby doesn't understand why people love where it doesn't make sense, until it happens to her. While she sorts out these feelings, she becomes involved in helping a senior book club member find her long lost love. HONEY, BABY, SWEETHEART is about finding yourself and compassion for others.

Ruby and her brother's pain at seeing their mother hurt over and over again in the same way by their father is also a nice parallel to the mistakes Ruby makes with Travis. When Travis turns out to be someone other than Prince Charming, she finds that it's not so easy to make logical judgments and walk away, even when it would be the right thing to do. Ruby's mother reminds her that she is only human herself, and at least they can support each other.

Everyone has made dating mistakes, and readers will easily relate to Ruby. Deb Caletti, author of THE QUEEN OF EVERYTHING, once again comes through with a believable teen narrator. While the pace is slow at times and readers will be yelling at Ruby not to make some of the choices she does, the subplot involving the book club and Ruby's relationship with her mother makes this book unique and worthwhile.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

Rating:
Summary: poignant story, excellent writing
Review: The story -- or a girl drawn into the petty crime world of a local heartthob, against her own better judgement -- is at times heartbreaking and humorous. My love for this book centers not so much around the story, although that too is great, but on the amazing way in which it is told. Very rarely have I encountered such a gifted writer. Caletti's writing is ponderous and quotable and relavent and I was sad to come to the end of her words.

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves really great literature; to one who likes reading for more than the plot, but the whole rapturous experience.

Rating:
Summary: An amazing read
Review: This book was so much fun to read. I loved the interaction with Ruby and her brother, Chip Jr. it reminded me of my own sister and brother, especially when they play games with each other, like the "things i hate most" game. Ruby is the type of character that you can really identify with. that's what makes this book so special.

Rating:
Summary: Even better than the first
Review: This was even better than her first book The Quuen Of Everything, that I loved. It's also got lots to say, and a plot that keep your turning pages and keeps you up at night. The characters you just love and feel sad when you turn the last page and have to see the end of them. I loved Harold, and Poe, the dog. The old people are especially hilarious and my favorite part is when they are all in the car on their trip. This is great reading and something to tell your friends about. Read it, you won't be sorry!!!

Rating:
Summary: Funny, sad, memorable
Review: This was one of the most memorable and well-written teen books I've read in a long time. As a Y/A librarian, I've read many, but this is laugh aloud funny in parts, and makes you cry in others. It is tender, real and stays with you long after the last page. Read this one. The characters are your neighbors and friends, and adults will love this as much as teens.

Rating:
Summary: Funny, sad, memorable
Review: This was one of the most memorable and well-written teen books I've read in a long time. As a Y/A librarian, I've read many, but this is laugh aloud funny in parts, and makes you cry in others. It is tender, real and stays with you long after the last page. Read this one. The characters are your neighbors and friends, and adults will love this as much as teens.