It’s called The Lonely Hearts Club,” Rita chimed in. So what if they call her “Penny Lane” in public? They’re still great parents.Ī teeny example - following Penny’s disclosure that she’s in a club: Mom and Dad are quirky and hip, occasionally embarrassing, but also unabashedly pro-independence and nonconformity in their daughters - so, for example, it’s no surprise that they take Penny’s side against the principal who tries to crush the club. Penny’s full name is Penny Lane Bloom, and her older sisters are Rita (Lovely Rita) and Lucy (in sky with diamonds…). One great little tidbit that you don’t get from the synopsis: Penny’s parents are Beatles fanatics. It’s really about balance, and the takeaway here seems to be that girls have the right to expect to be treated with respect, to decide whether they want a relationship or to go it alone, to pursue what makes them happy and not just what makes them popular. It isn’t preachy, though: No one here is saying that boys are bad, or that feeling pretty and popular is shallow, or that strong girls should never flirt or care about dating. Penny and her small circle rediscover the value of having friends to rely on, friends who put their friends first and don’t dump them the second a boy comes calling (or texting). Suddenly, the girls at school begin to realize that being with a boy who treats you badly is not actually better than not having a boyfriend at all. She’s not looking to start a movement, but by taking a stand for herself, she sets the stage for a lot of soul-searching. Penny isn’t a revolutionary, though - she’s just a girl who’s been dumped on and duped by one too many jerky boys. Her female characters tend to question the norm and make their own way. When I happened to stumble across her debut, The Lonely Hearts Club, at the library this week, I thought I’d give it a try.Įlizabeth Eulberg excels at portraying the ups and downs of the high school pecking order. I’ve read and completely enjoyed Elizabeth Eulberg’s two most recent books, Revenge of the Girl With the Great Personality and Better Off Friends. which is too bad, because there’s this certain boy she can’t help but like.

Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways.

A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt.

It’s a personal choice.and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. Love is all you need… or is it? Penny’s about to find out in this wonderful debut. “Take a Peek” book reviews are short and (possibly) sweet, keeping the commentary brief and providing a little peek at what the book’s about and what I thought.

We Can Work It Out by Elizabeth Eulberg