THINGS YOU EITHER HATE OR LOVE

Weight-conscious Georgia is the Australian, 15-year-old equivalent of England’s Bridget Jones. In an effort to earn enough money for concert tickets, she spends her summer holiday working a series of jobs, none of which she enjoys. Meanwhile, she attempts to understand her single mother, obsesses over boys and endures the ups and downs of friendship with her pal, Mel. To help sort out her feelings—and break the tedium of an uneventful holiday—Georgia begins making lists of random topics such as “things to do while watching a sunset,” “ways in which I am like my mother” and “stuff I don’t like that everyone else likes.” Although not much else about this story is unique, Georgia’s lists are cleverly wrought and typify a teenager’s response to understanding who she is and defining her place in the world. Amid changes in her life, Georgia remains a likable heroine who stays true to herself. Cherie Whytock or Sue Limb fans will enjoy this latest addition to the ever-growing number of chick-lit offerings for teen girls. (Fiction. YA)