Overview
When Cyd Charisse moves from San Francisco to start a new life in New York City, she leaves behind her family — and her true love, Shrimp.
She wants to find a cool job, the city's best caffeination and most perfect cupcake, and a hot new love. But the reality of CC's new life hits some unexpected obstacles, including a broken leg that renders her immobile; the joy and aggravation of sharing an apartment with a roommate who's also an older brother; and a tasty selection of guys — none of whom measure up to Shrimp.
Then, just when CC starts to get her new life on track, her old love returns. Shrimp has given up on his plans to live and surf in New Zealand and arrives in NYC with nothing to do other than to be with CC. And this time CC is determined that she and Shrimp will not repeat their old mistakes.
This third book about reformed hellion Cyd Charisse is just as unforgettable as Gingerbread and Shrimp.
Synopsis
When Cyd Charisse moves from San Francisco to start a new life in New York City, she leaves behind her family -- and her true love, Shrimp.
She wants to find a cool job, the city's best caffeination and most perfect cupcake, and a hot new love. But the reality of CC's new life hits some unexpected obstacles, including a broken leg that renders her immobile; the joy and aggravation of sharing an apartment with a roommate who's also an older brother; and a tasty selection of guys -- none of whom measure up to Shrimp.
Then, just when CC starts to get her new life on track, her old love returns. Shrimp has given up on his plans to live and surf in New Zealand and arrives in NYC with nothing to do other than to be with CC. And this time CC is determined that she and Shrimp will not repeat their old mistakes.
This third book about reformed hellion Cyd Charisse is just as unforgettable as Gingerbread and Shrimp.
Publishers Weekly
Irrepressible Cyd Charisse returns in a third novel that picks up right where Shrimpleft off. CC is now 18 and living in New York's Greenwich Village with her half-brother, Danny, thinking about culinary school and reconsidering her "no contact" agreement with Shrimp, who is surfing and writing haiku in New Zealand. Her new life features ups and downs (she breaks her leg and drops out of culinary school, but also makes new friends and lands a job as a barista). When Shrimp arrives on her doorstep just in time for a Christmas surprise, CC must decide if she wants to continue building her own life or make one with the man she loves. This book once again covers a lot of ground, including CC's first fight with Danny, the death of a friend and a trip back to California to see her parents (and to track down Shrimp), but CC's authentic voice keeps the story grounded. Fans will appreciate that this installment features a more mature CC, who considers choices more carefully, even if she complains, "What happened to us!We were once rebels! Proudly insolent teenagers!" Readers may find it hard to believe that the book's unusual characters bond so strongly (such as CC's punk boss, Johnny Mold, and her uptight half-sister LisBETH) and they may well predict the outcome but they will have fun watching CC's free spirit take on the Big Apple. Ages 13-up. (Feb).
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Irrepressible Cyd Charisse returns in a third novel that picks up right where Shrimpleft off. CC is now 18 and living in New York's Greenwich Village with her half-brother, Danny, thinking about culinary school and reconsidering her "no contact" agreement with Shrimp, who is surfing and writing haiku in New Zealand. Her new life features ups and downs (she breaks her leg and drops out of culinary school, but also makes new friends and lands a job as a barista). When Shrimp arrives on her doorstep just in time for a Christmas surprise, CC must decide if she wants to continue building her own life or make one with the man she loves. This book once again covers a lot of ground, including CC's first fight with Danny, the death of a friend and a trip back to California to see her parents (and to track down Shrimp), but CC's authentic voice keeps the story grounded. Fans will appreciate that this installment features a more mature CC, who considers choices more carefully, even if she complains, "What happened to us!We were once rebels! Proudly insolent teenagers!" Readers may find it hard to believe that the book's unusual characters bond so strongly (such as CC's punk boss, Johnny Mold, and her uptight half-sister LisBETH) and they may well predict the outcome—but they will have fun watching CC's free spirit take on the Big Apple. Ages 13-up. (Feb).
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature -
Cyd Charisse is both excited and confused by her new surroundings. After moving from San Francisco to New York City to live with her half-brother Denny, she settles in to the city but still misses her true love, Shrimp. Her life there is filled with ups and downs, enrolling in and then dropping out of culinary school, breaking her leg, getting a job as a barista, and a drunken encounter with a date that she immediately regrets. Just when she is beginning to feel grounded in New York City, Shrimp shows up and forces her to re-evaluate their relationship. While Cyd's adventures are interesting, Cyd's voice while entertaining always seems to be at the same emotional level, whether interacting with her brother, dealing with a possible pregnancy, or meeting her long-lost love. She seems to regard everything that happens to and around her with the same intensity, which becomes monotonous. Still, fans of Cyd will enjoy following her on this latest wacky adventure. Reviewer: Amie Rose RotruckChildren's Literature -
Cohn brings back teen favorite Cyd Charisse, recently graduated from high school and living with her half-brother in New York City. She plans to help him with the cupcake business he runs out of his Greenwich Village apartment and, eventually, to attend culinary school. But possible disaster strikes when a broken leg forces her to drop out of school. Life is not all bad for CC, though, and her injury gives her the chance to make new friends and gain a whole new perspective on life in the big city. What will she do when ex-boyfriend Shrimp shows up and wants to get back together? Should she fall back into old patterns or follow her new path? The cast of characters is eclectic and their compatibility is a little surprising, but fans of Cohn's first two installments in CC's life story (Gingerbread and Shrimp) will be delighted with the pace and quick dialogue here. The frank treatment of sexuality makes this a choice for older teen readers.KLIATT -
To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, January 2007: This is the third novel in a trilogy about Cyd Charisse, a former bad girl, now good (sort of), in love with Shrimp, and finally graduated from high school and living on her own (sort of) in New York. She has just turned down Shrimp's marriage proposal and they have gone in opposite directions to seek their destinies. The trouble is, CC (as she prefers to be called) is not sure what that destiny entails. She knows she doesn't want to go to college and she knows she misses Shrimp. She also manages to break her leg on her first day of freedom and is confined to her apartment for six weeks. All this baggage, however, does not stop her from having new adventures in New York, making new friends, incorporating herself into her new family, and trying to find a new love. Just as her new life seems under control, Shrimp reappears, making her question her destiny, her sense of selfhood, and what sorts of sacrifices loving another person calls for. Told in a cocky, self-assured voice that tends to ramble in humorous riffs, the story is both fun and intriguing. The author raises some real questions for CC to confront. How she solves her problems may not be to everyone's taste, but the novel shows a character in the act of figuring out life by taking some risks, all the while maintaining a kind and generous heart. A good read for both escape and depth and a nice introduction to the wonders of New York City. Reviewer: Myrna MarlerVOYA -
After graduating high school, Cyd Charisse (or CC as she prefers) moves from California to New York to live with her brother Danny and attend culinary school (her parents' idea). While arguing with her mom on the phone, CC falls down the stairs and breaks her leg. Homebound CC wallows in self-pity over doubts about moving to New York and letting boyfriend Shrimp go. She drops out of culinary school after one class and decides that it is time to find self-actualization even if she cannot find a good cup of coffee anywhere in Manhattan. CC hooks up, makes-and loses-a few friends, and finds a few jobs that force her to do some soul searching. Cyd Charisse just might be on the path to self-actualization after all, but all that actualization crumbles when Shrimp shows up at her doorstep on a whim. This third and final Cyd Charisse novel is just as fun to read as Gingerbread (Simon & Schuster, 2002/VOYA April 2002) and Shrimp (2005/VOYA June 2005). Feisty CC has really matured. She has several "ah-ha!" moments and finally comes to the conclusion that boyfriends do not define who you are as a person. Readers of the previous novels will be anxious to find out if CC and Shrimp get back together. Readers do not have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one, but the story line continues from one book to the next, giving the reader more insight and emotional connections to the characters. Cohn creates a loveable character in sassy Cyd Charisse. CC's independent spirit will encourage readers not only to talk the talk but also to walk the walk. It is a highly recommended purchase for all libraries serving high school students.School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up
In this final installment in the series, Cyd Charisse, high school graduate, rejects a marriage proposal from her surfer boyfriend, Shrimp, who relocates to New Zealand with his parents, and follows her own dream of a new life in Manhattan. Tossed back into the life she first sampled in Gingerbread (S & S, 2002) when she visited her father, she is determined to find her niche in the city that promises to deliver the "perfect espresso shot" she craves. Readers will once again be captivated by Cyd's hip language and sophisticated take on life. She and her New York family, including her gay, cupcake-baking half brother and ambitious, man-hunting half sister, are perfect foils for one another. She dominates the novel with her strong, effervescent personality, and readers are drawn inside the mind of this unforgettable young woman. Fans of the Cyd/Shrimp love story will not be disappointed with this thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the saga.
—Caryl SorianoCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.