The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein

December 7, 2009
Fifteen-year-old Brooklynite Lotus Lowenstein is obsessed with all things French. She aligns herself with Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir (“Like Simone, I will never marry and never have children. I will live a life of freedom, not one of oppression by some man”), swears by French Women Don't Get Fat
, and calls herself an existentialist without really grasping what it means. She and her best friend form a French club, but trouble ensues when the only other club member—a cute classmate—drives a wedge between them by expressing romantic interest in both of them. After the girls discover the truth, they spend most of the club's trip to Montreal squabbling. Adult author Schmais's (The Essential Charlotte
) YA debut is written in the form of Lotus's often whiny and superficial journal entries, placing this squarely in the realm of fluffy beach—or perhaps cafe—reading. With French words peppered throughout and frequent complaints about her parents' adversarial relationship and the general banality of life in bourgeois Park Slope, the novel feels more like a series of blog rants. Ages 12–up.

December 1, 2009
Gr 9-11-Lotus is completely enamored with all things French and organizes a club at her Brooklyn high school to celebrate French culture, food, and language. Initially her friend Joni is the only other member, and both girls are delighted when Sean, a handsome newcomer, joins them. Two girls, one cute guy, and a summer trip to Montreal are bound to spell trouble. Eventually it all works out in a rather speedy and contrived conclusion. The story is told in diary format with a liberal sprinkling of French vocabulary and pop-culture references past and present. Comments about current personalities will quickly date this novel, and the names of former personalities will mean little to today's teens. While Lotus is a fun, chatty narrator, and the book has some humorous moments, overall it's just "comme ci comme ça"."Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Grades 9-12 French-obsessed high-school sophomore Lotus plans to become an existentialist, visit France, and find romancebut currently, shes in Brooklyn, broke. Things improve after she meets new boy and fellow existentialist Sean, but then things deteriorate when best friend Joni falls for him, too. However, a French Club trip to Montreal with Joni, Sean, and a teacher, Ms. G., proves unexpectedly healing, bringing Lotus new opportunities and insights on life, love, and philosophy. Dealing with teen-resonant issues, from self-image to heartbreak, adult author Schmais youth debut offers an entertaining protagonist, whose intimate, diary-format narrative inserts French vocabulary, pop culture, and wry, sometimes snarky commentary into a sometimes dense story that has occasional mature scenarios and sexual references. Diverse secondary characters add depth and humor: supportive grand-m're, self-absorbed Mom, aspiring avant-garde playwright Dad, and offbeat hostel owner Bruno. Though some elements seem far-fetched, like Lotus breezy relationship with Ms. G., teens will find this a lively, engaging read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)