16 year old Penny Lane Bloom’s heart has just been crushed: just when she’s ready to give the ultimate gift to the boy she’s loved for years, she catches him with another girl. Reeling from the hurt and betrayal, Penny Lane runs to the guys she’s loved more than any: John, Paul, George and Ringo. And she is inspired to stand up for herself, her heart, her dignity, and her woman-power; she forms the Lonely Hearts Club – a club for girls who want to let go of the boy-centric roller coaster ride of high school dating and focus on themselves, their girlfriends, and their own hopes & dreams. Now she just has to convince some of her girlfriends to join her.
The Lonely Hearts Club turns out to be more popular than Penny Lane ever expected. As it gains members from every corner and grade of their high school, Penny Lane and her girlfriends discover the power and support of friendship and the fun that can be had when they don’t devote all their energy to their boyfriends. Their resolve to remain single for the next 2 years doesn’t last very long, however; since as each girl gains confidence in herself, she becomes more attractive to the boys at school and one by one the club members, including their fearless leader, Miss Penny Lane Bloom, open their hearts to love.
The Lonely Hearts Club is light, sweet and fun. Its plot is predictable and fomulaic, but author Elizabeth Eulberg’s ear for teen dialogue and understanding of teen girls is evident on every page. The Lonely Hearts Club is a lot like that late night bowl of sugary cereal: it statisfies your craving with a sweet, light flair and has nothing heavy to weigh you down or make you regret your indulgence the next day.
- Posted by Cori