Sweet Valley University #37: Breaking Away
by Laurie John
I love that the Sweet Valley University series balances both the unrealistic and the totally relatable. Yes, we all love reading about a bunch of moody college kids with bottomless bank accounts and beautiful tans as they hang out at the beach instead of studying for class—all the while they’re running for their lives being chased by a psychotic killer with a crazy ex-girlfriend! But, it brings us down to earth to read about a problem we might have faced ourselves.
In the current timeline of Sweet Valley University, the beautiful, kind, understanding Denise finds herself in a mountain of debt. She signed up for a credit card, not understanding the fine print, and went on an insane spending spree to feel like she fit in with her sorority sisters. Now, she has no way to pay it and is afraid of prison, her parent’s disappointment, and expulsion. As luck would have it, her dad’s a gourmet chef and has passed his talent down to her. She’s scraped together a catering company (with herself and her klutzy boyfriend Winston as the only employees) to get some quick cash. In a hilarious episode, Winston leaves the expensive lobster in the backseat of the car and it all spoils; he runs to the store and grabs a hunk of tofu to fix it! Denise sautés the tofu and covers it with spices and paprika, miraculously (and unrealistically) fooling all the guests at the party!
All in all, Breaking Away continues the Elizabeth and Tom drama that’s a bit long in the tooth, as well as the Jessica and Nick drama that’s sad but predictable. Denise’s floundering in the kitchen and her worries about the bills piling up are the best part. But it’s a big part, so enjoy!
More Sweet Valley University reviews here on Hot Toasty Rag!
In the current timeline of Sweet Valley University, the beautiful, kind, understanding Denise finds herself in a mountain of debt. She signed up for a credit card, not understanding the fine print, and went on an insane spending spree to feel like she fit in with her sorority sisters. Now, she has no way to pay it and is afraid of prison, her parent’s disappointment, and expulsion. As luck would have it, her dad’s a gourmet chef and has passed his talent down to her. She’s scraped together a catering company (with herself and her klutzy boyfriend Winston as the only employees) to get some quick cash. In a hilarious episode, Winston leaves the expensive lobster in the backseat of the car and it all spoils; he runs to the store and grabs a hunk of tofu to fix it! Denise sautés the tofu and covers it with spices and paprika, miraculously (and unrealistically) fooling all the guests at the party!
All in all, Breaking Away continues the Elizabeth and Tom drama that’s a bit long in the tooth, as well as the Jessica and Nick drama that’s sad but predictable. Denise’s floundering in the kitchen and her worries about the bills piling up are the best part. But it’s a big part, so enjoy!
More Sweet Valley University reviews here on Hot Toasty Rag!