Double Review: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Tina Ferraro

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
Tina Ferraro
Series: N/A
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Word Rating: Decent
On Goodreads

If you are ever in need of a quick fix, I recommend this novel. You'll fly through it in an instant and it will make whatever you're doing about three hundred percent better. This is because it simply accomplishes what it sets out to do, and nothing else. No random florid side bullcrap, just a good time.

This novel contains a few elements that defy the girly, romance-y, tackyness that you would expect from a pink polka-dotted cover. (Not that I think that but you know what I mean). It is absolutely hilarious (compliments of the narrator), has a bit of mystery and suspense, and tons of hardship that grip you all 222 pages.

There's humor:

"Hire me Who's to say you can afford me, Nic?" (Farrero, 5) 

There's tension:

"You're calling him tonight?" Rascal asked me, although you'd hardly know it from the way his gaze seared into Jared's. (12)

There's humor:

. . . when I could have been perfecting something constructive . . . Kickboxing. Karate. Projectile vomiting. (85)

And a damn good story-line packed in only two hundred pages:

I grabbed my books, slammed my locker, and walked off. I had an agenda. A class about to start. A mother to protect. (12)

Did I mention the humor:

Oh, you know what they say. If you are what you eat then fast-food lovers are cheap, fast, and easy. (107)

Seriously this book is hilarious and will make you roar with laughter and feel all the feels you can. Which is one of the main points of concern for me . . . how could you fit a decent romance into such a small book? Well, very carefully and with simple, simple exposition and little twists that make you adore it all.

One of my main loves: the back story. The whole plot is centered around a few events that transpired in the past and how ridiculously important they are now (like Nicolette's dad leaving her and having another kid -- scandalous!).

And also: Jared. Jared. He's everything you want when your life is falling apart.

Unfortunately: I felt as though a bit more could have been done characterization wise. The main character is perfectly fine and dynamic, but most of the other characters seem like still pictures. But other than that, this book is one of those rainy day, just got terrible news, anything kinda books.

- Marlon

Kiersten's Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress Review
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Word Rating: Unbelievably Fun

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress follows the lovely Nic Antonovich through her various different struggles. Nic's prom date ditched her right before prom, leaving her to sulk with her unworn dress. Although the book starts out as Nic just trying to get over the embarrassment that came from being dumped at the last minute, the reader is gradually drawn into the messed up life of Nicolette Antonovich.

Every time I think about it, it amazes me just how many conflicts are packed in this book. Nic struggles in so many different ways throughout this book. From family to volleyball to boys, Nic's life keeps throwing problems at her. The greatest thing about Nic is how she gets through it all. She may need some support along the way, but that doesn't stop her from accomplishing what she sets out to do. I love the way Tina Ferraro built Nic with all these problems she faces and how she's such a fighter. There are so many sides to Nic that we get to see throughout the story and I absolutely loved all of them.

What I love about the romance in this book is how Nic's problems aren't magically solved when she falls in love, but rather that Nic falls in love as a boy she's known for so long helps her solve her problems. He's not the hero who magically fixes everything, but he provides a helping hand and comforts her when she's upset.

While Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress may not be some life changing book, it's definitely enjoyable. I bought this book several years ago, and I've read it so many times since. This is absolutely one of my favorite books and I highly recommend reading it if you want something on the lighter side and impeccably sweet.

- Kiersten

What would you do with an unworn prom dress?

Let us know in the comments!