Out of the blue, high school senior and young-man-about-town Danny Keller begins showing quite an interest in Carly Williams, a high school junior hoping to finally have a beau in Saturday Night by Marjorie Holmes.

Gee. It wasn't until a couple of days ago that I knew this author of the biblical fiction classic Two from Galilee also wrote young adult novels back in the day. Turns out this one from 1959 was her first.

Now, even with the old-fashioned and wonderful "happy teen date night" cover art on various editions of this book, it isn't a light and carefree teen romance. In fact, the theme represented by the jaunty title doesn't stretch very far into the book.

Sure, the novel has its fun moments. How could you not have some fun with an upbeat and magnetic guy like Danny around? But Carly has got some learning to do about relationships.

And she, like a lot of people, will do some learning the hard way.

Honestly, I got pretty frustrated and even rather appalled by her during part of her "hard way." Yet, I can't say her feelings and actions aren't realistic or believable, especially for a girl going through certain experiences for the first time. The basic reality of it, the illustration of human flaws, gives this read its substance. Not meant to be a fairy tale but an honest tale.

Here and there, it reminded me of a few of Beverly Cleary's young adult novels, as well as Gift of Gold by Beverly Butler. Here's hoping I can get my hands on another vintage YA read by Holmes sometime. ( )