Check This Out: Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin
The corny names Jack and Jill were the only boring things about this book.
Jill is a seventeen year-old girl. All GIRL, as she has to say to herself. She spends a lot of time reminding herself of this because instead of the normal menstrual cycle that other girls have, Jill endures something more painful than cramps. For her cycle, she becomes Jack, a hormone-fueled teenage boy.
She and her mother have been to all kinds of doctors over the past four years, trying to find a reason or solution but to no avail. So for now, when Jack arrives, Jill is confined to her home, and her friends at school all believe she’s getting stressful blood transfusions. She stocks up on supplies to entertain Jack with, and he pretty much keeps a low profile for the few days he’s around.
But things are changing.
It could be the stress of finding a date for the prom, or the wonky hormones, but Jack’s showing up with much more personality and a budding crush on Jill’s best friend, Ramie. Meanwhile, Jill’s trying to get a little closer to her crush in hopes of getting asked to the prom.
As Jack’s personality and love for Ramie grows stronger, and Jill discovers that her love interest Todd is actually bisexual, the lines between Jack and Jill grow more and more blurry. So WHO is actually going to show up at the prom?
The storyline of Cycler was fresh and interesting. Under the surface of the storyline were themes about discovering one’s sexual identity and how to handle the feelings that run so intensely for most teens. Jack and Jill had two very different personalities and sometimes sounded more like brother and sister than one person. Ramie was a likeable and honest best friend who seemed perfect. Readers will gather feelings about Jack/Jill’s parents and their way of “handling” the situation, and will laugh like crazy at the predicaments Jack/Jill get themselves into.
A funny and engaging read that really gets you thinking.
Review by: Miss Regina
Miss Regina is currently reading (Re)Cycler to follow Jack and Jill up the hill once more. Stop by the YS desk and ask her what she thinks so far!
Tags: books, LGBT, Reviews, YA books, youth services
