Stephanie Kate Strohm
Author of It's Not Me, It's You
About the Author
Stephanie Kate Strohm was born in New York and grew up on the Connecticut coast; her first novel was Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink. (Bowker Author Biography)
Series
Works by Stephanie Kate Strohm
Noite de Reis Arden High 1 1 copy
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 20th century
- Gender
- female
- Education
- Middlebury College, Vermont, USA
- Birthplace
- Connecticut, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Connecticut, USA
Members
Reviews
PILGRIMS DON'T WEAR PINK by Stephanie Kate Strohm is so cute and reading it made me wonder why I don’t indulge in more contemporary novels! Libby is off to a summer internship at a historical living museum, where she’ll be immersed in all things eighteenth century. Throw in some cute boys, a mysterious ghost and a hostile roommate, and Libby is in for quite a ride.
Libby is a great mix of history buff, fashionista and girl-next-door. She loves shoes and clothes, needs her cell phone, yet show more knows more history than most high school students would care to even acknowledge exists and has a very down-to-earth personality that allows her to get along with most everybody – except for Ashling, her crazy roommate and Garrett, the geek that just won’t seem to disappear. Dev, Libby’s gay best friend is absolutely hilarious and fashion obsessed. On the lam from a disastrous internship at a magazine, Dev shows up just in time to turn Libby into an eighteenth century beauty before the annual ball at the museum.
There was a nice mix of historic facts woven in throughout the story, and they never felt out of place with the plot or dialogue. Libby’s summer romance with Cam made me want to shake her a little bit, since it is very obvious he has an agenda and hidden motives (and not just to the reader – events that happen throughout the book should make it very obvious to Libby, too). I spent half the book wishing she’d just get a clue so the subsequent punch to Cam’s nose after he makes a very inappropriate move is wonderful. Libby can definitely take care of herself, and shows it. The ghost story mystery, while not a huge aspect of the book, is the catalyst for a number of decisions that get made and move the plot along. It’s a cute mystery and feels very Scooby-Doo (in fact, I do believe reference is made to Scooby-Doo throughout the book :D ).
PILGRIMS DON'T WEAR PINK by Stephanie Kate Strohm is a light, fun and funny read. A nice mix between summer romance, modern-historical and mystery, there is something for most anyone to enjoy. Plot moved along at a nice pace, characters were interesting and engaging and the descriptions of the clothes, museum and events are vivid and detailed. If you want to try out some historical or contemporary without diving all the way in, this is a great book for testing the waters. show less
Libby is a great mix of history buff, fashionista and girl-next-door. She loves shoes and clothes, needs her cell phone, yet show more knows more history than most high school students would care to even acknowledge exists and has a very down-to-earth personality that allows her to get along with most everybody – except for Ashling, her crazy roommate and Garrett, the geek that just won’t seem to disappear. Dev, Libby’s gay best friend is absolutely hilarious and fashion obsessed. On the lam from a disastrous internship at a magazine, Dev shows up just in time to turn Libby into an eighteenth century beauty before the annual ball at the museum.
There was a nice mix of historic facts woven in throughout the story, and they never felt out of place with the plot or dialogue. Libby’s summer romance with Cam made me want to shake her a little bit, since it is very obvious he has an agenda and hidden motives (and not just to the reader – events that happen throughout the book should make it very obvious to Libby, too). I spent half the book wishing she’d just get a clue so the subsequent punch to Cam’s nose after he makes a very inappropriate move is wonderful. Libby can definitely take care of herself, and shows it. The ghost story mystery, while not a huge aspect of the book, is the catalyst for a number of decisions that get made and move the plot along. It’s a cute mystery and feels very Scooby-Doo (in fact, I do believe reference is made to Scooby-Doo throughout the book :D ).
PILGRIMS DON'T WEAR PINK by Stephanie Kate Strohm is a light, fun and funny read. A nice mix between summer romance, modern-historical and mystery, there is something for most anyone to enjoy. Plot moved along at a nice pace, characters were interesting and engaging and the descriptions of the clothes, museum and events are vivid and detailed. If you want to try out some historical or contemporary without diving all the way in, this is a great book for testing the waters. show less
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Taming of the Drew might be my favourite contemporary of the year so far. It’s a hate-to-love romantic comedy done perfectly, complete with Shakespeare quotes everywhere.
In The Taming of the Drew, Cass heads off to a summer theatre apprenticeship to play Katherine, the ‘shrew’ from Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. She arrives to find that her counterpart, Drew, is a bit of a “douchewaffle”, but show more still her roommate develops a crush on him. Cass looks to the script of the play to ‘tame’ Drew over the course of the summer, thereby creating the ‘ideal boyfriend’. What ensues is unexpected fun, made all the better by the perfect cast of characters!
Cass was a relatable fireball of a girl. She was snarky, temperamental and scheming, and I loved reading the story from her point of view. She knew what she loved and was prepared to work for it. She didn’t take crap from anyone, and while she did have her teenage girl moments, she was independent and sure of herself. Yes, she was a bit bullheaded at times, but so am I. It was so empowering to read such strength from a character done so flawlessly!
Drew drove me crazy in the beginning. I honestly didn’t understand how I was supposed to end up liking him. He was patronising and arrogant, and I might have also been biased against the beard… What? I don’t like facial hair! But I really shouldn’t have worried, as I was on the floor in a big, dramatic puddle by the end.
The chemistry was all over the place!!!!!!! (In a good way. In that it was so strong it permeated the air.) I am such a sucker for a couple that start off bickering and “hating” each other before they realise they’re madly in love. And they kept quoting Shakespeare at each other! And fighting with swords. AHHHHHHHH. I’ll grant that the romance was a bit fast considering the book spans two weeks, but I DON’T CARE, OK? It was that good.
Overall, the ensemble was great! I loved how each character was so distinct. Heidi, in particular, made me laugh the most of the supporting members, especially with her boulder pun. (You’ll know it when you see it.) Taylor…I should have seen coming. Rhys was sort of all kinds of adorable, especially when he was all indignant.
An example of a Heidi gem:
Can I get an AMEN?
To wrap up all the amazing things about this book, the setting was beautiful. I could almost feel the sun on my face, smell the lake and woods, breathe the fresh air. Strohm brought the lakeside tale to life with just the right amount of description expertly woven through the story.
I squealed and snort-laughed my way through this book, and I’m pretty sad that it’s over. I want more Drew! (I also really, really want to join a Shakespeare group now and just read lines with them… Is that weird?) If you’re in the mood for YA contemporary guaranteed to make you laugh and swoon, buy this book immediately. show less
The Taming of the Drew might be my favourite contemporary of the year so far. It’s a hate-to-love romantic comedy done perfectly, complete with Shakespeare quotes everywhere.
In The Taming of the Drew, Cass heads off to a summer theatre apprenticeship to play Katherine, the ‘shrew’ from Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. She arrives to find that her counterpart, Drew, is a bit of a “douchewaffle”, but show more still her roommate develops a crush on him. Cass looks to the script of the play to ‘tame’ Drew over the course of the summer, thereby creating the ‘ideal boyfriend’. What ensues is unexpected fun, made all the better by the perfect cast of characters!
Cass was a relatable fireball of a girl. She was snarky, temperamental and scheming, and I loved reading the story from her point of view. She knew what she loved and was prepared to work for it. She didn’t take crap from anyone, and while she did have her teenage girl moments, she was independent and sure of herself. Yes, she was a bit bullheaded at times, but so am I. It was so empowering to read such strength from a character done so flawlessly!
“Did you just nah-uh me?” he asked incredulously.
“Yes. Yes I did. And then I dropped some knowledge. And then I ergo-ed you. Boom.”
“Did you just drop the mic?” The incredulity continued.
“Dropped the heck out of that mic.”
Drew drove me crazy in the beginning. I honestly didn’t understand how I was supposed to end up liking him. He was patronising and arrogant, and I might have also been biased against the beard… What? I don’t like facial hair! But I really shouldn’t have worried, as I was on the floor in a big, dramatic puddle by the end.
The chemistry was all over the place!!!!!!! (In a good way. In that it was so strong it permeated the air.) I am such a sucker for a couple that start off bickering and “hating” each other before they realise they’re madly in love. And they kept quoting Shakespeare at each other! And fighting with swords. AHHHHHHHH. I’ll grant that the romance was a bit fast considering the book spans two weeks, but I DON’T CARE, OK? It was that good.
“A person would have to be mentally unstable to like you!”
“Hey!” That stung more than I would have liked to admit. “You’re not exactly a picnic either!”
“Compared to you?” he snorted. “I’m a gourmet picnic. With champagne and strawberries and white linen napkins.”
“Your picnic would give people food poisoning!”
Overall, the ensemble was great! I loved how each character was so distinct. Heidi, in particular, made me laugh the most of the supporting members, especially with her boulder pun. (You’ll know it when you see it.) Taylor…I should have seen coming. Rhys was sort of all kinds of adorable, especially when he was all indignant.
An example of a Heidi gem:
“Appetite for life, appetite for food. Society tells us we women should deny ourselves, but it is time to be hungry! Hungry for everything!”
Can I get an AMEN?
To wrap up all the amazing things about this book, the setting was beautiful. I could almost feel the sun on my face, smell the lake and woods, breathe the fresh air. Strohm brought the lakeside tale to life with just the right amount of description expertly woven through the story.
I squealed and snort-laughed my way through this book, and I’m pretty sad that it’s over. I want more Drew! (I also really, really want to join a Shakespeare group now and just read lines with them… Is that weird?) If you’re in the mood for YA contemporary guaranteed to make you laugh and swoon, buy this book immediately. show less
From the initial meet cute (or meet COLD, more accurately stated, seeing as our girl Dylan had blue lips!) straight through to the BIG EVENT, I was hooked. I was smiling at the give and take chemistry between Jamie and Dylan (though thoroughly prepared to murder him if he was simply messing with our girl!), laughing at the antics of Dusty and her mama (pageant queen and morning show host...yeah, there's a lot of fake-it-til-you-make-it there) , smiling at the support Heaven provided as well show more Kit's comedic relief provided without a moment's hesitation, and just generally enjoying myself. It's been a while since I enjoyed a book in this genre so completely.
Often times Contemporary Romance works even in the Young Adult genre can take things...shall we say a bit too far? This one retains the sweetness of the moment, enjoys the romance for what it is, and allows readers to step inside the innocence of first love's potential bloom without encountering the thorns (for the most part).
Grab a front row seat for this reality show-esque read that'll have you wondering just how much of your favorite shows are scripted versus life simply playing out on the small screen...for better or worse.
**copy received for review show less
Often times Contemporary Romance works even in the Young Adult genre can take things...shall we say a bit too far? This one retains the sweetness of the moment, enjoys the romance for what it is, and allows readers to step inside the innocence of first love's potential bloom without encountering the thorns (for the most part).
Grab a front row seat for this reality show-esque read that'll have you wondering just how much of your favorite shows are scripted versus life simply playing out on the small screen...for better or worse.
**copy received for review show less
Oh, this sweet, sweet book. It's been quite a while since I've read a YA book that didn't contain tragic romance, or tough lessons. Not that I don't love those books, don't get me wrong, but That's Not What I Heard was like a breath of fresh air in a genre that's starting to feel a little heavy. This book is pure fun, really. It's almost like a satire of high school, except it's even smarter than that. While I didn't absolutely love this book, I saw the brilliance in it. Plus, I definitely show more giggled out loud more than once. Trust me, this is something YA readers are going to love.
You know how the high school rumor mill is. One little thing overheard, and suddenly it's morphed into something that is nowhere near what was originally said. That's this book in a nutshell. Perfect couple Kim-and-Teddy have been together for what feels like forever. Now it's their Senior year, and it's time to start thinking about the future. Except... are they on the same page? A fight begins, and what follows is a breakup story for the ages. Seriously, it's on that type of scale.
I had to keep reminding myself that yes, school really was as absurd as this book felt sometimes. It did feel a little over the top at points, but what I really enjoyed was the fact that the reader actually gets to see the rumors progress as they move along the telephone line of gossip. Each chapter would pick up with the last person who had heard something, and I honestly laughed more than once at how that next person interpreted it. There are school hijinks, plans to get back together with lost loves, and more friendship than I think I've ever seen in a book like this. You can tell that Strohm has been there. You can tell that she knows just how silly things can get when the rumor mill activates. There's just a flair on top of that to make things seem funnier, and that's the pat I had the hardest time with.
Final verdict? This wasn't quite my book, but I do know that a ton of YA readers out there are going to love this. Young YA readers especially, who are just entering the wide world of high school, will probably really enjoy this story. It's silly, it's a little too quick moving at times, but it has a ton of heart behind it too. I enjoyed getting to know the residents at William Henry Harrison High! I know that others will too. show less
You know how the high school rumor mill is. One little thing overheard, and suddenly it's morphed into something that is nowhere near what was originally said. That's this book in a nutshell. Perfect couple Kim-and-Teddy have been together for what feels like forever. Now it's their Senior year, and it's time to start thinking about the future. Except... are they on the same page? A fight begins, and what follows is a breakup story for the ages. Seriously, it's on that type of scale.
I had to keep reminding myself that yes, school really was as absurd as this book felt sometimes. It did feel a little over the top at points, but what I really enjoyed was the fact that the reader actually gets to see the rumors progress as they move along the telephone line of gossip. Each chapter would pick up with the last person who had heard something, and I honestly laughed more than once at how that next person interpreted it. There are school hijinks, plans to get back together with lost loves, and more friendship than I think I've ever seen in a book like this. You can tell that Strohm has been there. You can tell that she knows just how silly things can get when the rumor mill activates. There's just a flair on top of that to make things seem funnier, and that's the pat I had the hardest time with.
Final verdict? This wasn't quite my book, but I do know that a ton of YA readers out there are going to love this. Young YA readers especially, who are just entering the wide world of high school, will probably really enjoy this story. It's silly, it's a little too quick moving at times, but it has a ton of heart behind it too. I enjoyed getting to know the residents at William Henry Harrison High! I know that others will too. show less
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- Works
- 20
- Members
- 1,042
- Popularity
- #24,714
- Rating
- 3.7
- Reviews
- 53
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