LitPick Review
In this comedic, coming-of-age novel, Millie’s finally growing up. After crushing on Rory Calhoun for what seems like an eternity, she’s ready to move on to her first real crush - a cute boy in her social studies class called Scott Fenwick.
Through a mixture of Millie’s diary entries and her reality, we get to know everything about her growing obsession with Scott and each feature of his she deems attractive. There’s never a lack of descriptions about his ‘baby fawn eyes’ and ‘the almost invisible freckles across his nose’ or an end to the list of plans Millie and her best friend Shauna come up with to catch his attention.
Nevertheless, this story is not simply about a crush. What Millie eventually learns is far more important, which is that friendships should never be neglected or taken for granted and that perhaps one embarrassing incident isn’t going to ruin everything. Millie’s journey is something all teenage girls go through, something that is looked back fondly on and can be relived upon reading The Scott Fenwick Diaries.
Opinion:
The Scott Fenwick Diaries has all the charm that made me fall in love with some of my favorite teenage coming-of-age books as a child: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Dork Diaries, to give examples. Quirky, interesting protagonist? Check. Entertainingly embarrassing encounters with crushes? Check. That chaotic sense of not knowing what to do yet going with the flow anyway? Check.
I felt that this novel’s representation of teenagers was completely realistic. Millie has the immature moments expected of her age, but she’s also likeable, funny, and the kind of character you’d root for. Her interactions with Scott were sometimes hilariously awkward, sometimes sweet and meaningful; their relationship was undeniably adorable and wholesome. Not everything goes the way she plans it to be, and that’s ok. Who doesn’t love an imperfect character?
Although I never anticipated it, Millie’s family ended up being the biggest highlight of the novel. The grandmas were a hoot, and any scene with her trying to avoid her parents humiliating her had me immediately giggling. Heartwarming and authentic, this book is pertinent for any age, perfect for tween or teen girls or adults wanting to reflect on their middle school days.
