Language: R (74 swears 2 'f'); Mature Content: PG13 (described kissing, teen drinking games, hard flirting); Violence: PG (talk of a beheading (as part of a play about the prophet Judith)).
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
16yo Shira is spending the Hanukkah holiday at the family home in Nantucket. She has a huge crush on Isaac, who is an intern to her great uncle, but her experience with having a boyfriend is nil. She’s never even been kissed. Well, she tried to get her neighbor 18yo Tyler to kiss her when she was 14 (and he was 16) but he shut her down. Now, desperate to catch Isaac, she’s made a deal with Tyler, if he will teach her how to flirt, she will get him a meeting with her uncle, and give him to opportunity for the prized internship. But lessons on flirting with Tyler, get more serious than Shira expected - maybe she needs to rethink who she really likes.
Eight Nights of Flirting is a really cute romantic comedy. Tyler is sweet and respectful, and Shira is naive, but he doesn't take advantage. I loved seeing the family traditions surrounding Hanukkah, and the interplay between all the cousins as the extended family gathered for the holidays. A side plot involving the grandparents was unnecessary and ended the book quite abruptly (I thought I was missing pages or something.) Overall, I would recommend it. Reynolds doesn't over-explain the Jewish foods or practices, so a reader without that background knowledge feels like a guest at the party. Mature content doesn’t go beyond making out, but it’s certainly on the page. Shira and her family are Jewish.
Lisa Librarian
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