It is a sad thing to say, but I feel like many grown women need to read this novel, just to get a better understanding of their dating patterns and mistakes. I love that the underlying message of this book is for girls not to become complacent and emotionally dependent on boys, that dating a popular guy is not the most important thing in the world. I like how the author deciphers relationships through Ruby's experiences. I can not praise Lockhart’s writing style enough – it is funny and clever. But in the end, through looking back at her dating history, analyzing her own family dynamics and talking to her therapist, Ruby learns how to be more assertive, get what she wants from her relationships with boys and simply becomes a more self-aware person. In short, she does everything that other teenage girls do. Ruby is not a perfect character – she makes mistakes, she hangs on to boys for all the wrong reasons, she doesn’t appreciate her real friends enough. In “The Boyfriend List” we learn about Ruby Oliver through her relationships with boys (not necessarily her boyfriends), how these relationship affect her life and if they are at all healthy and constructive. Lockhart explores the challenges of being a teenage girl. Just like in The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, E. And this is coming from a person who isn't into chick-lit. As far as girly, chick-lit books about relationships go, hers are the best. I've read them 5 times now, and I'll read them again. Still, for me, these are some of the best YA books ever written. True, some stuff in it didn't age well - the language around mental health, or no one would be so proud of watching Woody Allen's movies anymore.

The Boyfriend List* by E. Lockhart