BOOKS

Before we get started on this week’s discussion, I, Mandy Forr, Girls’ Life editor, must make a confession. I am a Meg Cabot addict. There’s a part of me that’s simply a super-fan who owns pretty much all her books. I even read her diary at her web site megcabot.com. There’s another part of me that secretly wants to be her and write amazing books for teens.

So it’s no surprise that I loved Jinx. It wasn’t my ultimate favorite Meg book of all time, but I enjoyed it so much. A firm 4 out of 5 stars. May even push four and a half. (What’s your rating?)

The heroine of our story, Jean, aka Jinx, is unlucky and has special powers. Not a great combination for her, as she has to leave her Iowa home and her overzealous suitor to live with relatives in Manhattan. And as all you readers know, it just gets more complicated from there.

Let's Discuss!

Do you believe in luck? If you do, are you lucky or unlucky?
Mandy: I totally believe in luck, and I generally live by the idea that good things happen to good people. For example, one time I entered a drawing at a little boutique while shopping with my BFF Julie. Turns out, I got a call that I won! But I also realized from talking to Julie that I entered myself—and she entered me as well, so technically I cheated. I went to the store and confessed, and not only did they give me the necklace I won, but candles for Julie and I for being so honest. Lucky, right? And occasionally I have unlucky days, like anyone. But thankfully, it’s not my usual day. Phew.

Jean hates her nickname Jinx. Do you have a nickname (I’m not talking about how I’m called Mandy, but my real name is Amanda)? If you do, how’d you get it?
Mandy: Not usually. Occasionally, people have called me Red, since I have curly red hair. And when I was in high school, a lot of people called me Bernie (it’s a long story. But occasionally when I go to my hometown, I’ll get a “Hey Bernie!” and it freaks me out.)

Would you wish for the kind of abilities that Jinx has?
Mandy: This is a tough one, but no. I don’t think I’d want that kind of responsibility! Though it would be nice to be able to protect those you love.

Do you think Tory got what she deserved? Oh, sorry, Torrance.
Mandy: Tory is a complicated character to me. A part of me just feels sad for her, but then at the end. Whoa. Trying to drink your cousin’s blood is NOT COOL. I think her parents probably did what’s best for her by sending her to juvenile boot camp and then a special school, but she’s lucky no one decided to press charges.

The oh-so-dreamy Zach claims he fell for Jean the moment he met her. Up to that point, he had  a thing for Petra. Do you believe in love at first site?
Mandy: Not really, but I suspend my disbelief for books, where I’m a sucker for a romantic tale. In real life, how can you truly love someone you don’t really know? But in a good book, sigh…

Get discussing! I'm dying to know what you thought of the book. I'll be checking in throughout the week to respond to some of your comments.

And come back next week to chat about Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen.

7/13/2008 12:00:00 AM