Always refreshing to find a book about teen girls' friendship that doesn't still put BOYS at the forefront.

THE DARLINGS ARE FOREVER, by Melissa Kantor, is definitely a girl-bonding book. Three best gal pals from New York City are entering high school, at three different schools. They make a promise that their friendship won't change, but without each other they are forced to find who they are as individuals. They encounter cliques, boys, and the desire to fit in.

Honestly in after the first chapter I didn't think I would like this book. I have an issue when too many characters are introduced in a book right away. I was confused who was who and what school they went to, etc. But after a few chapters, the girls started to veer off into their own mold in my head. I loved the structure of the book with each chapter being from one of the girl's POV, and Kantor left each chapter at a teetering point so I was anxious to get back that side of the story.

I was definitely surprised at this book and I am so happy I got the chance to read it. I felt these girls were so perfect for each other because they all had a special fit inside their exclusive trio. And although they were young, I didn't feel like Kantor was 'dumbing them down' to be silly teenage girls, they were really a joy to experience in their actually mature ways.

Along the line of being individuals were the girl's crushes. I enjoyed reading about how these boys in their lives would change the dynamic of the group. I have to say Colin and Jack were my favorites. Colin was absolutely an adorable nerd and I wanted Natalya to embrace that side of herself too. Then there's Jack (swoon) the artistic and charismatic boy that Victoria loved to pretend to hate. That's all I'm saying about that.

This book is a great story for women at any age. The friendships, fights, and romances that ensue will warm your heart and keep you wanting more. ( )

This one sounded like a fun read but it did not have the bling of the paranormal young adult books out there these days. I was pleasantly surprised as it gripped me the same way that the Baby-Sitter's Club books did way back in the day. I think most people will be able to relate to at least one of the Darlings as they all face a variety of fears as they enter their first year of high school and to top it off they are all going to different schools. The insecurities each experiences are ones I imagine we all have like crushing over a cute teacher, wanting to be accepted by the "popular" girls and of course there are some boy troubles. Despite having to brave this whole new world of high school by themselves this does not mean they won't be there to support and push each other whenever needed. My favorite part of their friendship is that they encourage each other to challenge their limits and do things they do not think they are capable of. The story blooms at the perfect pace as each girl faces her own personal challenge. It was refreshing that although there is some romance weaved through the story the focus is on friendship and that with the support of your friends you can overcome anything. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and think this would be a wonderful addition to the MG/YA library. ( )

The Darlings are forever follows three friends in their process of growing up and finding themselves. It is not the most original but I was caught up in their stories. The blend of interests, nationalities, and personalities really made the story.
I can't wait to read more about the girls, because all of the plots were not wrapped up the way I would have wanted. But its in a good way, wanting more!
Victoria's crush on Jack is sweet, and it is refreshing not to have a love at first sight.
Jane's story deals with important issue that is not really talked about very much.
Natalya's discovery of what true friends are about is really intriguing to watch, but I def wanted more about Collin.
This is a cute contemp and I'd recommend it if you want a feel good book that will make you laugh some, and feel a lot.

The Darlings Are Forever is a really cute novel and a great beginning to a new series by Melissa Kantor. It took a few chapters to get into, but once I did, I was hooked! I was delighted by the humor and friendship the girls share. I was also very surprised when a few scandals came out, I was not expecting them, but boy (pun intended) did I like them.

This novel follows the lives of three best friends: Jane, Victoria and Natalya. Having spent every minute together from kindergarden to eight grade, the three girls thought nothing could ever come between them. But then they met high school.... three different high schools to be exact. Jane is acting at The New York School for Preforming Arts, trying to juggle her friends and a role in the highly anticipated school play. Victoria is trying to stay under the radar, however, she finds that goal hard to achieve when her father is the favorite for a seat in the Senate. Natalya is on scholarship at a prestigious private school, luckily she soon makes friends with the most popular girls in school- but they might not be as good friends as Natalya thinks. The Darlings Are Forever follows each of the girls through their own journeys as well as the journey they all share; staying together through think and thin.

This is definitely a tween girl book- but that doesn't take away from the plot. I was happy to see that the girls were not completely superficial, innocent, and ignorant. They were portrayed as (just turned) 13 year olds, not some made up species of 13 year olds like in other novels. I would recommend The Darlings Are Forever to younger girls (10-13) who's ever had a best friend (or a few). I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for The Darlings in Love, the next book in the series.

See review on my blog: http://ilikethesebooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/darlings-are-forever-by-melissa-kant... ( )