Guyaholic by Carolyn Mackler

Guyaholic by Carolyn Mackler

Reviewed by Suzanne Dlugolonski, YA Librarian 

Carolyn Mackler first introduced readers to Vivienne Vail Valentine, or V, in the coming-of-age Vegan Virgin Valentine.  In Guyaholic, feisty V is the heroine, graduating high school and dodging love. 

V does not want to end up like her mother, Aimee, zig zagging across the country in a succession of failed relationships.  V treats boys as disposable, refusing to care about them, in an attempt to avoid getting attached and subsequently hurt.  Naturally, when V finds herself in a long-term relationship with Sam, she begins to panic.  After another disappointment from Aimee, V lashes out and isolates the only person who has ever given her unconditional support. 

What follows is a novel about a young woman, on the brink of adulthood, setting out to find herself.  Along the way she redefines her relationships with people and learns who truly matters. 

Guyaholic is a quick, enjoyable read.  The character of V is simultaneously frustrating and endearing, and readers will find themselves rooting for her happiness.  The mature themes in this book make it more suitable for 10^th – 12^th graders.  Additionally, Guyaholic’s setting will be a treat to local readers as it takes place in Brockport; nearby cities and towns are mentioned, including Rochester, Buffalo, Albion, and Le Roy. 

The Lewiston Public Library owns one copy which can be ordered through NIOGA.  To learn more about author Carolyn Mackler, including her Michael L. Printz Honor Book The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, visit her website.