Cupidity

January 17, 2005
In this fourth addition to the Romantic Comedy imprint, mythology-obsessed Laura jokingly pleads to Jupiter to send her a boyfriend, and the Roman gods literally come out of retirement to make it happen. They send Cupid, disguised as a beautiful teen calling herself Cupidity, to Laura's Ohio high school. But the disguise will run out in 25 days, so time is precious. While Cupidity attracts plenty of admirers (mostly male), she also makes enemies (mostly female)—and she uses her magic bow and arrow to make some love mismatches (one including Laura's obvious true love, Peter, and the girlfriend of sought-after Jake). Laura starts to suspect the odd girl, but just as she's putting the pieces together, Laura accidently shoots arrows at Cupidity and the school rebel, causing them to fall in love—and Cupidity to forget her true identity.Now Laura has to find out how to break the spells before Cupid's disguise wears off (conveniently timed with the night of the school Homecoming Dance). The author mixes some funny and creative details into her novel, such as the Mount Olympus Retirement Home in Tarzana, Calif., where the gods currently reside, and readers may enjoy the twists on Roman mythology. Otherwise, this fluffy novel follows a predictable trajectory, and readers may bore of the goose chase even before the big dance climax. Ages 14-up.

February 1, 2005
Gr 7-9 -This chaotic story of mismatched love mixes together the residents of the Mount Olympus Retirement Home, gods and goddesses, and the entire social structure of Fimbrey High School. Laura Sweeney, 17, is desperate for a boyfriend. She loves Roman mythology and often regales those around her with the tales. After she half-heartedly sends Jupiter an anguished plea to send her a boyfriend, misstep follows goof, and Laura wonders if she can locate Venus so that order will be restored. This is an interesting stab at combining teen romance with some lively mythological figures. However, the zaniness becomes tiring, and the story ultimately seems stilted." -Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2004
Gr. 7-10. One of 17-year-old Laura Sweeny's interests is mythology, so when wishing for a boyfriend, she sends out a plea to the gods. Little does she know that Roman gods and goddesses are still around--retired to be sure, but living in California at the Mount Olympus retirement home. In a laugh-out-loud scene, winged Mercury, now shuffling about in an undershirt, shorts, and tennis shoes, gets Laura's message. The gods gather at the swimming pool and decide Laura deserves their aid, and that a Danny Devito-looking Cupid should be the one to help her out. Much hilarity and many mix-ups ensue as Cupid comes to Laura's town and takes on the persona of Cupidity, the new girl everyone wants to know. Laura also gets mixed up in the personal lives of the gods, extending the story. This is all silly fun, though the use of real arrows in the love capers may disturb some adults. Bringing in mythology does elevate the story, albeit not to Olympian heights.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)