Review for The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

"The Education of Hailey Kendrick"

Author:Eileen Cook
Publisher:Simon Pulse
Source:Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
272 pages

"Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.  Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped. They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?" - Goodreads

Ok, picture this: You are sitting in a relatively crowded small cafe style room, and all of a sudden you burst out laughing like a maniac.... all heads turn to you like your a mental basket. (That could very well be the case but still...) This is what it was like for this book, hilariously-funny-that-you-cannot-hold-in-your laugh style. Classy eh?

Hailey is a very very likeable character. In the beginning, she's the "perfect" child in a way but soon she becomes this quirky fun girl who is hilarious. I liked the conflict with her dad, it was nice that there was something that needed to be resolved for her, and it did. Hailey fits the bill so to speak for the main character. The other characters were awesome too. Except, I don't know why (I don't think the author meant to) but I hated her best friend. It was weird. But. I found the conversations between her (ex)boyfriend and his best friend LOL. Same goes with the guy she meets through her punishment (cleaning department).  Drew. Their conversations and interactions were believable but at the same time comic. If that makes sense. You know how the description makes her boyfriend sound kind of like a jerk? Well, he's not. He just got really hurt by her 'actions' which sucked because she couldn't tell him what really happened because she didn't want to get her accomplice in trouble. Sigh. Very bad situations but so funny. Drew I found to be not swoon worthy in my opinion. He's a really nice guy, it's just that I guess I really liked her (ex)boyfriend. Conflicting feelings on this end about that topic. All the other characters played their part though.

Like I said before, this plot is a very bad situation to find yourself in but it's so hilarious. I really enjoyed this, it was light and entertaining but it had some substance to it. It left an impression on my mind. In a good way too. I fell in love with the characters and was so relieved (along with Hailey) when everything was straightened out and resolved.

A very comic, romantic, light, fast read that I would highly recommend. This book has so many beautiful quotes and inspirations too!   

Excerpt:

"Careful. Your eyes might fall out," I said.
Tristan looked away, then pulled me close to nuzzle my ear. "The girl can't hold a candle to you. She's all flash and glitter. It would be like dating a disco ball." He looked up at Joel. "You should ask her to the dance. She looks pretty grateful."
"Oh, so I can have the disco ball. Thanks, man. Your kindness knows no bounds."
"You need something a little flashy to keep your attention. You get distracted pretty easy. It's a good thing we're seniors, because you're running out of girls to date."
Joel punched Tristan in the arm, and they jostled around laughing.
"You can do better than Mandy," I said to Joel while I stuffed papers into my bag.
"I keep trying to convince you to run away with me, but you won't leave this ape," Joel said, ducking a headlock from Tristan. Joel darted across the room, hooting like a monkey. Very fourth grade.