Not Exactly a Love Story

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 13+

An obscene call sparks an offbeat, heartfelt teen romance.

Audrey Couloumbis Romance 2012
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age 13+

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Audrey Couloumbis' Not Exactly a Love Story contains some sexual innuendo and charged repartee between a teen boy and girl. The novel explores authenticity in relationships, self-identity, and how we present ourselves to others, but these themes are propelled by Vinnie's nightly anonymous calls to Patsy, who seems sometimes put off and sometimes intrigued by what some readers might regard as stalker behavior. There's little to be concerned about, but the subtext of the relationship might give some parents pause. Parents might want to use this as a springboard to talk about privacy and conduct in a high-tech world.

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What's the Story?

Life gets bumpy for Vinnie just after he turns 15, in 1977. The girl he likes moves away, his parents split up, he suffers an awful acne outbreak, he gets mugged, and his mom starts dating his gym teacher, who's flunking him. He and his mom move from Queens to Long Island, and things start to look up: The girl next door is adorable, and Vinnie wants to get to know her. He comes by her private number, musters the courage to call her late one night, and blurts out an obscenity. The next night he calls to apologize, and then he keeps calling at midnight, anonymously, imagining himself transformed into the mysterious Vincenzo. They reveal more of themselves during these midnight calls even as Vinnie starts to get to know Patsy in real life. But she's smitten with her midnight caller, leaving Vinnie searching for a way to slip out of his web of lies and fully realize the genuine relationship they've nurtured.

Is It Any Good?

Audrey Couloumbis deftly explores themes of honesty, trust, and authenticity by setting up her protagonists in a tricky game based on deceit. Cloaked in darkness and anonymity, Vinnie is able to tease out the authentic side of a girl who's practiced at playing a role. It's an awkward role for him, and throughout he's a winning character.
By setting the story in the 1970s, Couloumbis neatly sidesteps the minefield posed by modern communication, which is a shame. Raised in an age of texting and Facebook, her readers probably won't fully grasp the stakes and allure of the midnight phone calls the way their parents might. And for all the soul-searching and longing for connection, some of the seamier notes -- such as Patsy's clear pleasure in receiving "obscene calls" -- are disconcerting (though realistic).

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how differently this story would play out today, with texting, cell phones, social networking, and email. Would Vinnie be able to remain anonymous for long? Do you think the flirtatious tone of the phone conversations would be different is the two were texting each other?

  • When Patsy agrees to meet her caller in an isolated place during the dance, do you think she's taking risks, being romantic, or a little bit of both?

  • In the '70s, Biff could only spread rumors about Patsy by talking with classmates, and telephone land lines were the only way Patsy and Vinnie could talk privately. Parents might want to talk about texting, cell phones, and safety. See our articles on giving your child a cell phone, preserving privacy, and dealing with digital harassment for advice.

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