The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Review of The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Published: April 13, 2010

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Sixteen-year-old Jess Parker survives by staying invisible. After nine schools in ten years, she's come to terms with life as a perpetual new girl, neither popular nor outcast. At Mt. Sterling High, Jess gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join The Cinderella Society, a secret club of the most popular girls in school, where makeovers are the first order of official business. But there's more to being a Cindy than just reinventing yourself from the outside, a concept lost on Jess as she dives tiara-first into creating a hot new look.

With a date with her popular crush and a chance to finally fit in, Jess's life seems to be a perfect fairy tale. That is until the Wickeds--led by Jess's archenemy--begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers her new sisterhood is about much more than who rules Mt. Sterling High School. It's a centuries-old battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys need Jess on special assignment. But when the mission threatens to destroy her new dream life, Jess is forced to choose between this dream realized and honoring the Sisterhood. What's a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn't want to wear it anymore?”

The Cinderella Society was an empowering girl’s story about finding where you fit in and who you truly want to be. The Cinderella Society is about destiny, sacrifice, good v. evil, and trying to get out of high school in one piece. Kay Cassidy wrote a cleverly written story about belonging and helping others. Jess (main character) is a new student at school who just happens to get bullied almost every day until a letter shows up in her locker and changes her life forever.

There are a couple of things I really enjoyed about TCS, the first being Jess is a really strong character who exhibits both strengths and weaknesses like a real person. Another aspect is the crush, Ryan, who is more lost than a dog who escaped to chase after a ball. Jess and Ryan’s “dates” are so complex and reflect exactly how a girl and a guy in high school can simple not work out because of wires crossing. I also adore the fact that Jess knows when to ask for help and how to recover from going onto a path not suited for her.

I gave The Cinderella Society 4 smirks because I loved it, but I would not buy it in hardback. I will get this book when it comes out in paperback because I want to be able to travel with it. Yes, I know I’m weird because I don’t “travel” with hardback books but we all have our quirks….I just have several more than the average person. Bottom line, The Cinderella Society is an amazing story about girl power, and the power of positive thinking about who you are and how you look. You should also know there will be another Cinderella Society book out Spring 2011.