The Fruit of My Lipstick (All About Us Series, Book 2)

Shelley Adina
FaithWords (2008)
ISBN 9780446177979
Reviewed by Sandra M. Webster for Reader Views (10/08)

 

To her friends, Gillian is a typical all-American rich teenager attending the elite Spenser Academy; she is loud-mouthed but loved. To her parents Jiao-Lan is an Asian American daughter who should abide by her Asian heritage, be respectful and excel in every way. Gillian Frances Jiao-Lan Chang is a brilliant young woman struggling to be all things to everyone in her life at the expense of losing her true self.

When the gifted and good-looking Lucas Hayes starts showing an interest in her, Gillian falls head-over heels, fast. Her friends Lissa Mansfield and Carly Aragon become concerned when their friend Gillian starts blowing them off and acting in an up-until-Lucas uncharacteristic manner.  Is Lucas the catch he appears to be, or does he have his own secrets?

When it is discovered that a student at Spenser Academy has been selling exam answer sheets, the finger is pointed at Gillian because of her unusual behavior, even her friends have questions. When she vehemently denies being the culprit they band together to find the true criminal before the entire Junior Class has to pay the price.

The second novel in the “All About Us” series, “The Fruit of My Lipstick” can be read as a standalone book, but there are several references to incidents from the previous book “It’s All About Us” that may be a bit confusing if you haven’t read it first.

This is a quick, easy read that does explore some slightly darker aspects of teen relationships including racism, abuse and the pressure of academic competition. Though the main characters profess a belief in Christianity and the need to explore their faith openly and honestly, they are shallow enough to also worship the pop-culture gods such as Prada, Juicy and Vuitton. “The Fruit of My Lipstick” by Shelley Adina is sure to appeal to teenage girls between the ages of 13 and 17 who dream of fancy dates and fast cars.

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