Shrimp

Starred review from January 24, 2005
Cohn returns to spunky narrator Cyd Charisse for this compelling sequel to her first novel, Gingerbread
. In this installment, Cyd Charisse (now calling herself CC) has returned from visiting her "bio-dad" in New York and prepares for her senior year in San Francisco, determined to rekindle her romance with Shrimp. But even as she and the artistic surfer give their relationship another try, CC learns more about herself, finding out how to " a member of my family and... there are chicks my own age who are actually cool and friend-worthy." Her mother is pushing college, and Shrimp wants her to move to New Zealand with him ("The surfing is killer there," he pleads); ultimately, CC will have to decide her future for herself. Once again, the memorable heroine's light-hearted, sassy narration will enthrall her fans, and win over new recruits. She is a complete character, likeable as much for her daring outfits and attitude as for her good heart and energy. There are some glitches: a subplot about Alexei, a handsome college student who is taking a semester off to work for her step-dad, goes nowhere, and even Cyd's first female friends seem to disappear quickly from the story. But readers will be swept up in her relationship with Shrimp, which reads as authentic young love, from a romantic night spent snuggling on a rooftop hammock to struggling with each other's pasts—and their different ideas for the future. Ages 12-up.

Cyd Charisse (named after the dancer) is a unique young woman of opposites: tough on the outside, mush in the middle; supremely confident but only with the help of her doll; and clear on what she wants but only after much deliberation. Unfortunately, Carine Montbertrand's deep, older voice does not sound like a teen's. In this sequel to GINGERBREAD, the plucky heroine faces the many challenges of her senior year as she searches for independence while wanting to hold on to friends, family, and Shrimp, her ex-boyfriend, who may not need her as much as she needs him. Vocal tone aside, Montbertrand successfully conveys the contradictory emotions of a young woman looking for love without losing herself. M.M.O. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

April 1, 2006
Gr 9 Up -This sequel (S & S, 2005) to Rachel Cohn's "Gingerbread" (Dec. 2005, p. 84) brings back CC, the wanna-be out-of-control teen formerly known as Cyd Charisse, who will have an eager audience awaiting her return. Her unique persona -foul-mouthed iconoclast mixed with loving family member and devoted friend -voiced by Carine Montbertrand comes through in her trademark in-your-face style. Montbertrand's rather quirky voice and rhythm of speech evokes CC to perfection. She is a master of the sarcastic -whatever - teen tone of voice and uses it to read dynamic life into this appealing character. She uses a limited amount of vocal cues for individual characters, but this works well because Cyd Charisse tells the entire story. Although strong language and sexual frankness makes this audiobook most appropriate for older teens, CC's growing self-awareness and excellent judgment about what makes a good life, a good family, a good love relationship, and good friendships let listeners appreciate a truly good almost-adult. Still willing to drive her parents crazy, she is also able to see to the heart of situations and understand what it takes to be committed to good decisions and a worthwhile life. The well-drawn San Francisco sights and sounds create a wonderful backdrop for the story. A successful restaurant work experience, the forging of her first real friendships with other girls, her devotion to her boyfriend Shrimp, and the bringing of her own brand of peace and love to her family keep CC moving forward through her senior year of high school. Montbertrand's personality-filled reading brings credence and fun to an already terrific story. Listeners who have not read "Gingerbread" will still be able to understand "Shrimp" since enough of the plot line from the previous book is made clear. Wilder than "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" (Delacorte; Listening Library, 2001) or boy-crazed Georgia Nicholson's diary entries, "Shrimp" will appeal to the blossoming adult inside every teenager. A must buy for all libraries with audio collections serving teens. -"Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.