Tools for this page
Print

Likely Story

(2008, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by David Van Etten)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Light, soapy summer read about a teen soap writer.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A guy cheats on his girlfriend on a regular basis. A mother is emotionally abusive toward her daughter and marries frequently, ignoring her daughter's needs. One friend turns on another after suffering a disappointment.
  • Violence:

    Screaming matches between mother and daughter often occur.
  • Sex:

    A teen couple make out several times, including a time he shows up at her hotel room wearing nothing but a t-shirt and boxers. The narrator shares that the only thing being deflowered are the rose petals on the bed.
  • Language:

    "Bitch" is a often used as a description of one girl's mother. There are a few other mild swear words teens tend to like. Gay men are negatively called "gayboys."
  • Consumerism:

    A good amount of product placement: Desperate Housewives, Hamlet, Paris Hilton, Starbucks, Old Navy, Prada, etc.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    An adult woman drinks alcohol quite often to deal with emotional stress.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Likely Story

Parents need to know that there's a fair amount of swearing, some make-out sessions, poor parental influence, and brand names in this novel. However, it's milder and less malicious than other teen fare like the Gossip Girl books.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about marketing and relationships. Does mentioning name brands and TV shows help the story? Are the characters who own high-end items positive influences in Mallory's life?How does Mallory's relationship with her mother affect her relationship with others? Mallory makes a tough decision where Amelia is concerned -- have you ever had to make a decision and worried about how your friends would react?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Likely Story?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name