My Review of First Date

Here's a description of the book:

"Addy Davidson is the last girl in the country who wants to be on the new reality TV show to win a date to prom with the President’s son. She’s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn’t even audition for it.

But she got selected anyway.

So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show… right before she realizes that the President’s son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.

Addy’s totally out of her comfort zone—but that may be right where God can show her the most about who she is . . . and who she was meant to be."

My Rating

Fall/Spring

My Review

Clever and fun, First Date takes elements of the story of Esther and gives them a modern, YA twist. Addy feels she can never live up to the legacy of her missionary parents - nor is she sure that she wants to. When she is thrust into the world of reality T.V., she makes sure everyone knows that she doesn't want to be there. But then new friendships, new opportunities, and the reminders found in her mother's journal help Addy to strive to make a difference in a hectic, dog-eat-dog world that is so very different from the quiet life she enjoys with her Uncle Mike.

While the book doesn't come across as entirely believable in its contemporary premise, readers familiar with the book of Esther from the Bible should enjoy making connections between the two stories. The fictional re-telling is creative, and the different competitions and surprises keep the plot interesting. Some parts are a bit hard to swallow, either because they're frustrating (like when the people from the girls' hometowns seem to "worship" the girls, in a way) or they're too "perfect." But Addy's growth throughout the novel, especially as seen in her attitude at the end, is admirable.

First Date is a sweet story for girls who are looking forward to prom (or those who remember the anticipation and angst of prom), complete with day-dream-worthy romance and some good lessons to ponder.

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*