This is a really cute YA book that shows the differences between right and wrong (without any of that sex crap shoved in). I really enjoyed reading this book, and watching the characters develop into well rounded, better people (and the evil characters got what they deserved). Good book for teens, especially if they are gearing up for the SAT--this book might encourage them to study and NOT to try and cheat. ( )

It showed that the main character had faults even though she's seen as perfect. I like that. I didn't like all teh stereotypes in it. Like how the smart kids can't be "cool." I did like that the geek got the girl in the end. Plus it was funny. AHS/JP

Reviewed by Safia Abdul for TeensReadToo.com

Carly Biel's story is one that struggles between right and wrong. Carly is a good student and a likable character in this novel, but she has one flaw--test-taking. After bombing the SATs the first time around, Carly has one more chance to do better. Only one more chance to fulfill her (and her father's) dream of attending Princeton, where her boyfriend will be. Study really, really hard...right? But this route is becoming increasingly frustrating for Carly and not even tutoring from Ronald Gross (school genius) can help her get her score as high as she needs it to be. There is another option, however--one that is only supposed to be a rumor--and Carly goes for it: making a deal with "The Taker" for her SATs to be aced in exchange for "something". Who the "The Taker" is and what "something" he wants, Carly has no clue--but she's already in head-over-heels.

THE TAKER is a hugely relatable novel. Because of pressure for good grades, many teens have at one time or another thought about cheating, or have cheated on a test or assignment. This is an intricate novel that explores that decision and its consequences. For Carly, there is no turning back.

Read the book to find out what happens! ( )

This was a strange little book, but endearing so I probably gave it a star more than it deserved. The stress level of the students was realistic, but otherwise I can't imagine anything happening in "real life" the way it did in the novel. But the characters were sweet and even the "bully" boyfriend managed to redeem himself.

Cheating on the SATs or any test isn't something I condone. I like the way that the novel presents the guilt that comes with cheating. The depiction of the paranoia alone should be some deterant to actually cheating! ( )

Contacted by the "taker," Carly agrees to take advantage of his offer for him to take the SAT test for her in return for her doing 1 "unknown" thing for him afterward. As part of the arrangement, Carly must prepare for the test so that no one will suspect the improved score isn't hers. As Carly studies, she begins to gain confidence in herself. Afraid of what the "taker" would ask of her, she regrets her deal. Will the "taker" get her the promised score and what will he ask of her? ( )