I loved this series as a teen. Nothing like revisiting the series as an adult. I love that JD is an imperfect over-thinker. It’s fun to think about how much people develop and grow after high school. I’m excited to continue my read through the series and see how Jessica grows after high school.

Originally read in September 2010. I love when the second book is as good as the first. I love how Jessica is exploring new options with her life and future - it makes me so excited you'd think it was my own life! The writing style is still incredibly honest and raw and wonderful. It really captures the end of high school, with all the changes, everything you're experiencing "for the last time" and leaving behind, all the possibilities that are waiting for you. I definitely shed a few tears towards the end of this book.

Oh my god, I love Jessica Darling. Like the first one, this book is funny and genuine and straight up fun to read. I have to confess though, getting-into-college drama stresses me out. I had to look up the synopsis of the third book on amazon, just to make sure things worked out ok (spoiler alert, they do).

While not quite as good as the first, I still love this book, even reading it now, at my advanced old age;)

I read this book in middle school, and it made me feel so understood. Rereading it, I have drawn the conclusion that I must have been very annoying in middle school. I wish Jessica Darling’s undiagnosed depression was paired with a hefty dose of dialectical behavioral therapy. However, the cringe it inspires is nostalgic, and she is refreshing amidst the YA2K protagonists geared towards female readers. Also MARCUS FLUTIE. I appreciate that the stoner loner love interest isn’t paired with an unhealthy dose of “I can fix him.” Again, refreshing for the time and the genre. I’m gonna continue my reread.

This second in the Jessica Darling series did not disappoint. I continued to enjoy the dear-diary format and stayed on #TeamMarcus.
Jess's senior year is filled with college applications, self-discovery, and navigating relationships. There is something so appealing and relatable to Jess's thoughts and concerns, her fears and triumphs. She tends to err on the side of caution and uses sarcasm to protect her heart and feeling from family, friends, and love interests.
I enjoyed listening to this on audiobook. The narrator, Katie Schorr, felt true to Jess's personality and story. I'd gladly listen to her narrate book three, Charmed Thirds.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the alc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

even better than the first. I've read this book more times than Harry Potter

Liked this one a bit better than "Sloppy Firsts" but still am kind of "eh" about it.

I'm hoping once Darling heads off to college that the characters and the story will become more relatable.

Definitely not an intellictual book by any means but the narrator is a sarcastic, witting, and cynical senior in high school which makes me wish someone like that had been with me through my four years. It is my go-to book when I am feeling down or just way too optimistic for my own good.

Gotta know how Jessica is doing in college....going on to number 3.