Cathy Hopkins: Mates, Dates and Sole Survivors

Simon Pulse Fiction (Paperback) 0-689-85992-9

I picked up on this delightful British teen romantic comedy series somewhat late and in the middle, missing Mates, Dates and Inflatable Bras, Cosmic Kisses, Designer Divas, and Sleepover Secrets, as well as more recent releases. But now that I've found it, I don't want to miss a mate (British slang for "friend"), date or whatever themed escapade this quartet of best friends (Nesta, Lucy, Izzie and T.J.) involves themselves in!

In the fifth book of the series, Cathy Hopkins creates characters and situations that ring true. At the onset, Lucy looks forward to a romance-filled summer with her beau, Tony (Nesta's brother). But without warning, Lucy finds herself dumped and the only one of her mates without a guy. At first, she tries going solo along with them, but feels like the proverbial third wheel. After struggling with self-doubt and self-sympathy, Lucy vows not to waste her summer holiday alone. With the help of her friends, she steps into action with "Mission Matchmake," playing the field and making herself available. She even makes a list of the characteristics for the perfect guy and mentally wills him to find her.

After coming up empty-handed in the guy department time and time again, Lucy (and Dad) and Izzie (and Mum) go for a health weekend away. Lucy regrets going until she meets Daniel, the instructor's son. He's gorgeous, clean, well-dressed, likes petite women and proves reliable. He seems to possess all the good qualities Lucy listed. But is Daniel too good to be true?

Lucy struggles with problems most every teen endures -- being the odd one out, trying to please her pals, please her boyfriend, deal with rejection, be honest and not hurt anyone's feelings. In the end, Lucy finds out what we all need to learn -- you must be true to yourself. A fast and fun serving of food for thought!

Lynne Marie Pisano

Lynne Marie Pisano is a freelance writer, poet, book reviewer, SCBWI Metro New York LI Critique Group Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Long Island Children's Writers and Illustrators. She lives in New York with her husband Michael, her son Kevin and a daughter named Kayla, and Dante, a Schipperke.

Click here to share your views.