The Treasure Map of Boys: Noel, Jackson, Finn, Hutch, Gideon—and Me, Ruby Oliver

July 6, 2009
Smart, funny, neurotic Ruby Oliver (from The Boy Book
and The Boyfriend List
) is back, still struggling with confusing boys, former friends who now shun her and, of course, panic attacks. When her shrink asks her to create a treasure map showing “positive relationships with peer group,” Ruby again focuses on the boys in her life—like Jackson, her first boyfriend, who cheated on her with her former best friend but now may want her back. In the process, she overlooks some of the true gems surrounding her. Fans will continue to root for the authentic if self-centered narrator as she relates both the hilarious and painful moments of her life (which sometimes coincide, such as when her mother comments on her breasts and her back pimples while they are in a Nordstrom changing room). Readers may get occasionally annoyed by Ruby's emotional upheavals, but they will appreciate her honest insights about the good and bad in everyone—including “hyperverbal and reasonably good looking” people like her who “get confused about what and whom they want”—and about the possibility of loving them anyway. Ages 12–up.

September 1, 2009
Gr 6-9-Readers who missed "The Boyfriend List" (2005) and "The Boy Book" (2006, both Delacorte) will have no trouble keeping up, but they might still feel compelled to go back and read them. Sixteen-year-old Ruby brings readers up to speed on her dramatic history, in which a love triangle, a misplaced boyfriend list, and a dented reputation have left her almost friendless (aka a "roly poly," to use her coined term for a social pariah) and in therapy. The book chronicles her continuing social dilemmas, including ambiguous signals from former boyfriend Jackson, growing conflict over would-be boyfriend Noel, a lost job, a new pet, and panic attacks. Sessions with therapist Dr. Z punctuate the narrative, providing an opportunity for Rubyand readersto reflect on herself and her peers and unpack her feelings and fears. And despite her obvious insecurities, Ruby is funnyvery funny. She expresses herself in a manner both self-deprecating and precocious, with a quirky use of language and an appreciation for the absurd that is thoroughly endearing. A definite purchase if you have the first two in the series; if you don't, consider getting all three for reluctant readers and lovers of chick-lit."Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.