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The Secret Life of Prince Charming (by Deb Caletti)

common sense media says

Teen's quest for truth is compelling; some strong profanity.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is some very strong language in the novel, including "f--k." There's talk of adult relationships, divorce, and infidelity. First intimate/sexual experiences are described.

Positive messages: There are some selfish adults, including parents. Some acting out from a tween. Drug use and cheating, as well.
Violence: A violent, moody ex-boyfriend is described by one woman; we don't see any of the violence.
Sex: Women describe their first French kiss, talk about heavy petting. Another woman describes a man's body's attributes. Talk about passionate encounters, bedroom behavior, including a teen boy having sex with an older woman. Sexual situations are described.
Language: Regular swearing from both kids and adults, including the "f-bomb."
Consumerism: Some talk of money and fame, including a specific car type, but nothing obsessive.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: An adult makes marijuana brownies in full view of the teen daughter. A woman talks about a teenage boyfriend who used drugs and alcohol.
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More on The Secret Life of Prince Charming

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about boundaries in a relationship. What are the boundaries when it comes to parent/child relationships, boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, etc.? Why is it important to talk openly with the ones you love? What are some things that may be inappropriate for parents to share with their kids? What subjects are worth talking about?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Quinn is surrounded by wounded women, as her mother, aunt, and grandmother have all been disappointed by love and filled Quinn in on every possible detail. So Quinn decides to be the responsible one and strives to make good, safe, middle-of-the-road choices. When she is dumped by her boyfriend and renews a rocky relationship with her irresponsible dad, she makes a risky choice -- to go out and right the wrongs of her father, with the help of her little sister and half-sister she barely knows. Will she earn back a little romantic karma for herself in the process?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Author Deb Caletti does what she does best here: Create layered, developed characters readers will love to read about. The novel is beautifully written, and the story is intriguing and timely for a generation of young women growing up in the Too Much Information era, where adults share intimate details with kids about their lives and relationships, making kids grow up too fast.

The snippets of relationship advice sprinkled throughout the novel from Quinn's father's past girlfriends are an interesting addition to the story . This is not a gooey, happily-ever-after romance novel with all good or all bad characters, and that's what makes it real and rich; teens will find lots to identify with here.

 

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: April 20, 2009
Number of pages: 336
Hardcover price: $16.99
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

soccer_411
teen, 17 years old
13
 
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details | read my mind (2)
Beliefs-Wonder
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Now ya'll people are givin' others ideas?! - no offence to author
I ain't suprised really, I mean the cover shows a couple touching eachothers butt. Man, the adults are SO mature. . . ( sarcasum ) geeze when its time to grow up ya gotta grow up! I actually feel sorry for kids that have to live with perverted morons like them. ( Sorry, just telling what they're becoming ) it ain't what they are, its what they become.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)

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