The Lonely Hearts Club

November 30, 2009
Penny Lane Bloom (named for the Beatles song) suffers a broken heart over the summer at the hands of Nate, her longtime love, and is determined to put him out of her head. “I would, for once, focus on me
. Junior year would be my year.” Debut novelist and children's book publicist Eulberg creates characters who, inspired by Penny's plight, join her “Lonely Hearts Club,” which requires members to swear off boys. The club gains momentum quickly, though inevitably there are roadblocks. Penny finds herself interested in Ryan, the former boyfriend of fellow club member Diane. And, improbably, the school principal seeks to shut down the club when male students complain that no one will date them. Penny's closure regarding Nate and Diane's willingness to give Penny and Ryan her blessing come with unrealistic ease, and larger issues, like a classmate's battle with an eating disorder, are glossed over. Still, the celebration of sisterhood and the amended club rules (“Members are allowed to date, but must never, ever forget that their friends come first”) emphasize the campy fun. Ages 14–18.

February 1, 2010
Gr 9-11-Penny Lane Bloom is stung by love and vows to give up boys and dating for the rest of her high school days. She and her older sisters, Lucy (in the Sky with Diamonds) and (Lovely) Rita grew up with parents who were huge Beatles fans so it's no surprise that Penny calls her no-dating club The Lonely Hearts Club. There are lots of fun references to the Fab Four throughout the book. Now unfettered by the rules of high school dating and courtship, Penny is free to be, and enjoy, herself. Other girls notice her burgeoning self-confidence and her infectious joie de vivre. They want to join the club too, so what began as one girl's personal rebellion becomes a school-wide revolution. Formal rules strictly forbid dating, so when swearing off boys doesn't work and Penny meets her match, she has to keep the relationship on the q.t. Eventually club rules are amended and dating is permitted, but with the caveat that friends come first, so no ditching your girls just because a guy calls at the last minute. The plot is fairly predictable, but it moves along at a quick enough pace to hold readers' interest. The story is a gentle reminder to girls who may fall head over heels and sometimes jeopardize solid friendships for a romantic relationship. Fortunately, Eulberg injects the right amount of humor so the message doesn't come across as too heavy-handed."Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Grades 7-10 After a devastating betrayal by the boy she thought she was destined to be with forever, Penny Lane Bloom (who fortunately inherited her parents love of the Beatles to go with her name) swears off guys and quietly starts the Lonely Hearts Club. To her surprise, many of her girlfriends are also sick of high-school guys and want to joineven Diane, Pennys former best friend and one-half of the schools power couple until a recent, amicable breakup. The club grows and becomes an influential social force as members meet every Saturday night, go to dances together, and support one another in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. But conflict arises when the school administration fears the group is getting too powerful and making the boys feel bad, and Penny finds herself torn between her no-boy pledge and the courteous advances of one of the nicest guys she knowswho happens to be Dianes ex-boyfriend. This first novel will be a draw for readers looking for an upbeat take on friendship, empowerment, and finding romance without losing yourself.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)