Romance is a Wonderful Thing

by Ellen Emerson White

An honor student and a high school "clown" are increasingly attracted to each other, though the ensuing gossip threatens their relationship. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380839075
• ISBN13: 9780380839070
• Release Date: January 1983
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Not your typical teen romance...

Unlike most YA heroines, 16-year-old Trish Masters isn't really preoccupied with boys. She's in her junior year, and living a hectic life -- honors classes, PSATs, tennis team, and trying to spend some time with her two best friends, Janet and Rachael. Then she crosses paths with Colin McNamera...essentially her complete opposite. Colin takes remedial classes, gets sent to detention nearly every afternoon, and takes pride in his slacker reputation. But, after giving Colin a chance, Trish discovers that you can't always take things at face value. A traumatizing experience in Colin's childhood caused him to miss a year of school, and from that point, everything academic seemed to spiral downward. In reality, Colin is a voracious reader, who's memorized lengthy passages from Shakespearean plays. Yet despite his obvious intelligence, he seems unable to get past the expectations other people have set for him. And until he meets Trish, he doesn't even want to try. Of course, being in high school means that everyone else thinks Colin's and Trish's personal business is also their own. Trish's reputation is on the line, as their classmates believe Colin is no good, and she must be a certain kind of girl in order to be with him. Like most of Ellen Emerson White's novels, this story also takes place in Boston. Additionally, the Masters family is written with the author's usual careful blend of humor and irritable relationships, much like real life.

Good Comfort Read: still rings true

This is a book that I found at an old library book sale, and it remains one of the best book for teens that I've ever read. I just re-discovered it in my room last night, and I re-read it. I would highly recommend this book, because so many of the issues in it are ones that we as a culture have to face still today, even with the 80's far behind us. I especially like how the book explores teen drinking, showing that it isn't necassarily a good idea, but also not taking a preachy approach to it. It's a feel good book without putting you in "sugar shock," as one reader aptly named it. You'll laugh out loud, you'll feel sorrow for Collin, and Ms. White will have you wishing for more after the last page.

Finally, a teen romance that doesn't put you in sugar shock!

Ellen Emerson White did a great job with the issues facing the teens of the 1980's and now. This book deals with closet intellectualism, teenage sex, and peer pressure in a very realistic, yet sensitive manner. Ms. White has walked the fine line between patronizing and entertaining for teenage readers, as well as between controversial and acceptable to parents, with style and grace. This novel is a triumph!It should be noted that, although the novel deals with teenage sex, there is no sexual activity described in its pages. There is merely talk of previous experience (no details, just mention that it took place) in a rueful tone, as well as some implication of sexual tension. There is also brief mension of a past partner's "period."This novel may well create an open forum between you and your child to discuss sex and its implications. Be prepared to answer questions.

Very Funny

I found this book very funny. Ellen Emerson White has such a unique style of writting. Once when I was at the libary I saw a book called, "Life Whithout Friends" I desided I'd take out because I knoticed it before and didn't take it out because I all ready had alot of books. Now I've read every single book by her including this one and they all are wounderful.

BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK I HAVE EVER READ

When I was fourteen years old, I discovered this book tucked away in the corner of an old book store. Seven years later, the cover is crinked from frequent readings and it is one of the only books I have kept from my childhood. I LOVE THIS BOOK. It is touching, heart warming, romantic, and realistic. This book is defintely a keeper and one any reader would cherish forever.