Ginger Snaps by Cath Cassidy (From Worcester News)

Ginger Snaps by Cath Cassidy

3:16pm Tuesday 3rd March 2009 in News

Gone are the days when Ginger was an outsider, always on the fringes of friendship. She's swapped puppy fat and pigtails for make-up and hair straighteners and never looked back - until now.

Ginger and Shannon are best mates, but when they befriend lonely Emily, everything changes. Even the Saxophone-playing boy in the trilby hat can't help - he's part of the problem.

Are Ginger and Shannon drifting apart or can they stay best friends forever?

This book was reviewed by Yvette Caster.

REVIEW

I think it's fair to say that Cathy Cassidy is the new Jaqueline Wilson. This is pretty high praise for those who know their young teen lit. In fact, I might even go so far as to say she's better, if I didn't know saying that would incur the disbelief and mockery of my niece and the rest of the JW army.

Ginger Snaps gripped me from start to finish. From a geek's point of view it's beautifully written with flowing prose, colourful descriptions, perfectly-formed characters and the kind of insight that only a writer who really remembers what it's like to be at school can create.

From a reader's point of view it's just a great yarn. Thanks to her gorgeous best friend Shannon, Ginger has had a make-over and gone from outsider to popular in one seemingly easy step. But when they decide to invite Emily into their group everything changes. On top of this, a new boy called Sam has ignored Shannon and actually seems interested in Ginger instead.

This tale of friends, finding yourself and putting Tippex on your jeans is funny and insightful. A highly recommended read.