Major Crush

This is a super cute book and it’s a quick read, too. (Seriously, I devour Jennifer Echols’s books like midday snacks.) I almost hate to say that it’s super cute, because I don’t want to give the impression that it’s overly girly. I mean, it’s a romance, so it is girly, but it’s not cute as in a gaggle of girls will be “Awwwwwwwwww”-ing annoyingly about it. It’s cute in the sense that it’s got entertaining, fascinating characters that are easy to cheer for and that you want to end up together. Usually there are a few characters that seem a little flat, but Echols has a way of making you believe that every character has a clear backstory, even if it isn’t shared.
Both Virginia and Drew are intricately drawn show more characters. It was fun to watch as they broke down the wall that was between them. As they each reveal the reasons for various choices they’ve made in life, they become even more complex. While they work together more and more, the attraction between them is palpable. And although it’s expected that they’ll be together in the end, everything they go through before they get there is superb.
When the first halftime show of football season is a disaster, the new band teacher, Mr. Rush, has to step in and get them to work together. Mr. Rush absolutely cracks me up, with his first-year teacher missteps and family therapy sessions and casual reminders of Pizza Hut. I don’t think I’ve actually seen a teacher act like this with students (“Can I say that as her teacher, or is it sexual harassment?”), but remembering some of my classmates in my college education classes, I can see it as a very real possibility. I also love that he talks too candidly at faculty meetings and gets into trouble with the other teachers.
Let me add this: I’m not sure if it’s a Southern thing I’m connecting with or what, but Jennifer Echols, in a neck and neck race for the win over Sarah Dessen, writes the most attractive book boys. Ever. And for anyone who thinks sex sells romance books, chapter ten of this book (henceforth referred to as The Hand Flirting Chapter) is what I would present as my rebuttal. The Hand Flirting Chapter is a perfect example of what high school romance is all about.
Well, actually, the whole book is. And that is why I loved it. show less

Reading Major Crush, or reading it for the third time, is such an unexpected pleasure. It's a sparkly, hilarious, witty, frothy YA delight from beginning to end.

Virginia has a lot of problems. Her best friend is in love with her. The boy she crushes on doesn't know she exists. She's not getting along with her dad. And she has to share being drum major of her high school band, even though she deserves to be the one-and-only girl in charge.

If you love funny, sweet, smart YA then you won't go wrong with Major Crush. Or anything Jennifer Echols writes, to be honest.

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

If you're thinking that MAJOR CRUSH is another one of those "one time, at band camp" stories, then you're sorely mistaken! I have to say that this is one of the best, not to mention funniest, young adult romance stories I've read this year.

Sixteen-year-old Virginia Sauter has just gotten the job as co-drum major of the high school marching band. A position she just happens to share with her crush-of-a-lifetime, Drew Morrow. Having given up her life on the beauty pageant circle, fashionista Virginia has given way to manly band uniforms, orthopedic shoes, and a nose stud. She knows she's not the prettiest, or most popular, girl in school, and now that she's working closely with Drew--and if the first show more game of the season is any proof of the matter, failing miserably--she's at the center of jealous girlfriends and rude gossips.

It seems that Drew isn't enjoying working with Virginia, either. She knows he's not happy about their co-drum major status; after all, Drew's family has held the position--alone--for a long, long time. So when he's not harping at her about not arguing in public, or the fact that he won't stoop to her "juvenile" level, he's giving off signals that Virginia just can't interpret.

When it becomes obvious (sort of), that Drew just might be crushing on Virginia as hard as she is on him, things really start to get interesting. As the two drum majors struggle to work together and create a band that the school, and the band instructor, can be proud of, they'll have to deal with their attraction in a way that hopefully won't create major fireworks.

MAJOR CRUSH is a quick, fun read that anyone can enjoy. It's obvious that Ms. Echols herself loves the marching band, and even though I never got to experience any of those "one time, at band camp" stories myself, I truly enjoyed seeing it through Virginia and Drew's eyes. With well-devoloped characters, fresh dialogue, and a great cast of supporting characters, MAJOR CRUSH is one story you don't want to miss. show less

Virginia Sauter is a beauty pageant retiree and her high school’s first ever female drum major. However, she has to share that leadership position with Drew, super-hot senior whom she has a crush on. It’s too bad he has a stick up his you-know-what and has bad taste in girls, as seen by his girlfriend, the Evil Twin.

When Mr. Rush, their young and new band director, threatens them with removal from their drum major positions, they are forced to get along—or at least pretend to. Quite surprisingly, and pleasantly, sparks begin to fly between the two. If they want to get together, though, they’re going to have to get past numerous obstacles, including their own stubborn personalities, the numerous boys who have a crush on Virginia, show more and the Evil Twin’s jealousy and, well, evil ways. Rumors and assumptions could tear the blossoming couple apart…and their band along with them.

It’s not often that we come across a book that combines romance with marching band, and I’m glad that this book was written. MAJOR CRUSH is adorable and has a lot of funny moments. For someone looking for a light but fun read, this is definitely a good choice. show less

Major Crush is an incredibly cute, quick read. This book has all the elements of a great romantic comedy. Though the romance is the main point of this book, there are many other things going on in the book that combine to make a great read.

The romance was so cute and fun to read about in this book. Virginia is crushing hard on her co drum major, Drew, who resents her for making him share his leadership. It's funny how girls always want what they can't have in romance books. Not only does Drew dislike her with a passion, but he is also dating one or both (he doesn't even know) of the two evilest twins in the whole school who seem bent on ruining Virginia's life. I mean he is rude, annoying, and hot. I guess the last one cancels out the show more other two in this case. But gradually I got to see why Drew is the way he is, especially towards Virginia.

I loved the characters. Every single one of them. Virginia, changing from her past beauty contest champion self to individualist nose ringed self. And Drew just gets better and better as the book goes on. Though I found him to be somewhat of an idiot in some places. I mean if you don't know name the name of which twin you are dating, then its probably time to stop dating her, or them.

This book was a cute, funny, and romantic read. I reccomend this book to all those who like romance, funny books, and who are in need of a quick read.

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Major Crush is definitely not a brain-bender, but it's cute and fun and allows for some really nice will-they-or-won't-they kind of tension, which I always love in a book. It was a nice quick reread.

Echols' books are wonderful, easy reads. This book reads like a typical teenage girl's daytime fantasy. While the main character is rich and beautiful, she feels like an outcast. She falls in love with her co-drum major, who happens to be gorgeous and sensitive. It takes the whole book to get there, with little "almosts" throughout, but they finally become a couple. Great book. Great author. Easy read. Highly recommended.