Latest Read: Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

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Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
Publication date: March 26, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Purchased

Summary: When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List: 1. Run for pep club secretary 2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree 3. Sew a dress for Homecoming 4. Find a steady 5. Do something dangerous But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.(Adapted goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

Mallory writes lists on just about everything, from to-do's to thoughts on random topics. When she breaks up with her boyfriend for cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she finds her grandmother's list of goals from 1962 and considers it a sign. She decides to give up technology (no cell phones or computers!) and tries to accomplish the same goals her grandmother had when she was her age. In honor of said list, I've created my own list of thoughts on Going Vintage.

List of Thoughts on Going Vintage:

1. I loved how every chapter began with a list. Even though I'm still a list-maker, I was a lot more like Mallory in that sense when I was in high school. I always had a tiny notebook with me filled with random lists. It was my #2 reason for not paying attention in class. (#1 would be passing notes!)
2. Mallory is such a likable character! Instead of wallowing over what her boyfriend did, she decided to put that energy towards something else. Through her list she got to make new friends, meet a cute guy, get more involved in school, bond with her sister and grandmother. That sounds like a pretty good way to get over a guy if you ask me.
3. The book made me think about my day-to-day life and how often I check my phone or go online. Granted, I am a web developer (and blogger) so I'm basically on my computer from 9-5. But being without my phone just feels wrong! I get my email on there, texts, Instagram, Twitter, most of my pictures. I think it's important and healthy to disconnect sometimes though. I try to do that during the weekends (ok, maybe not Instagram) but the book made me think about doing that more often.
4. The catalyst for the plot might be about a boy but Mallory's family plays a huge role too. She has a younger sister, her parents like to be involved in her life (particularly her mom) and it's clear Mallory looks up to her grandmother too. I enjoyed her different interactions with each of them.
5. The romance between Mallory and Oliver, the guy who becomes the pep club president, was really sweet. He does his own thing and they take their time getting to know each other. It was nice seeing their relationship develop through hanging out and phone calls. 

Do I recommend?: I do! Especially if you're the mood for a quick, cute read and have ever considered disconnecting from technology. (I'm still trying to imagine what it would be like to that in this day and age.)  

Happy reading!