Sweet Valley High Confidential Review & Interview with Francine Pascal

Francine Pascal caused quite a stir when she published her newest novel in March 2011.  When she dared to ask the question, “what are those blonde twins up to ten years later?” people were mixed about their feelings on what she wrote.  Some people could not wait to get their hands on this book. They were curious about Jessica and Elizabeth and wanted to know the latest drama in their lives now as adults. Others felt like this book was a fantastic read for teenage drama and didn’t think the Wakefield twins needed to have yet another book written about them.

What did I think?

Well, I couldn’t wait to read it either.  When I was in high school, I read these books when I needed something light and easy to read. (I was a huge Jane Austen fan).  So reading their names and the description of their life brought back memories. That is about where it ended.  Maybe I am more mature now, but I felt like Jessica and Elizabeth reminded me more of a soap opera than real life. Actually, that is exactly what it is! I didn’t realize in high school, but this series has always been out of touch with reality. This book follows suit very well. I can’t say that this book was 100% enjoyable for me – but I don’t really like easy reads like this anymore. I don’t watch soaps and don’t read paper back books.

Basically, it has the same strife between Elizabeth and Jessica that I always came to expect from the series. Except now, something terrible has happened and they are not speaking to each other. In fact, Elizabeth is struck by so much deep pain she cannot say Jessica’s name without vile in her mouth. Jessica still says the word “like” after every other sentence and most of the characters still live around Sweet Valley. For a fun read that you don’t have to think much about, this book does well. It answered “where are they now” with a healthy dose of Sweet Valley drama!

Since this book has received mixed reviews, I was dying to ask Francine a few questions.

1. What was the original inspiration for the Sweet Valley twins? 
Originally, I wanted to write a series with girls in charge. I wanted them
to move the action. The idea of twins came later. Everyone is always
fascinated by twins and for me it was an opportunity to use the good and bad
of one person and make them twins.
2. Will there be another series – like a Sweet Valley Grown up series –
produced? 
Yes.  I am working on an e-serial that takes off after Sweet Valley
Confidential.  There will be six short novels only on the Internet.  I am
writing the first one now.

3. There has been a lot of mixed reviews with this book. I know when I write a blog post that people “flame” it hurts because my blog is my baby. How do you handle the criticism? 
Almost ninety percent of the real reviews and signed comments were very
positive.  I never waste my time on anonymous comments.  Those are just from
cowardly “mean girls” who never grew up and not worth reading.

 What do you think? Have you read it? Will you read it? 

I was given this book to review. All opinions are 100% mine.