How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation - Simone Elkeles

Title : How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation #3
Series : How to Ruin
Author : Simone Elkeles
Date Read : January 19, 2013
Synopsis :

Amy Nelson-Barak, 17, is back in this third installment about a Jewish-American teen learning how to live and love in peace. She signs up for 10 days of training with the Israel Defense Force as soon as she finds out that her long-distance boyfriend, Avi, will be on base as well. But things turn out to be different from what she'd hoped for. She sleeps in a bunk bed underneath coils that look ready to give way, she's being worked to the bone, and the bathrooms are hardly up to her standards. Worst of all, Avi doesn't seem remotely thrilled that she's there. Is something going on between him and a fellow soldier? Strong, beautiful, and able to be with Avi all the time, Liron is everything Amy wants to be. Even though the plot is predictable, readers can't help but get drawn in by Amy's fun way of telling her story, and they learn a lot about Israeli teens' mandatory military service. Elkeles catches new readers up to speed in no time.

Review :

When I first read the title, I had a bad feeling that Amy is going to embarrass Avi in public. Although Amy is a strong girl, but she is just a teenager who loves make up and nice clothes. She never gets her hand dirty because she loves her nails too much. Besides, she lives in Chicago where what she wants can be easily bought or done as she wish. However, no matter how fantastic the city is, her-non-boyfriend-who-has-turned-to-be her boyfriend Avi isn't there. He is in Israel right now and being part of the Israel Defense Force. 

You never know hard long distance relationships are until you have experienced it yourself. Amy hates the fact that she can't be with her boyfriend because Avi has to be in Israel for training. Thus, when Jess, Miranda and Nathan decided to sign up for 10 days of training in Israel, she doesn't think twice and beg her protective father to allow her join them the training. 

They say that when you are in love, you are willing to do everything to make the relationship works. Although ten days of training means to sleep in uncomfortable position every nights, no Starbucks coffee, dirty bathrooms, etc but as long as Amy could meet Avi and be with him, she doesn't mind at all. However, reality might not always be the same with what you wish. Their relationship is being tested in the middle of the ups and downs. 

"Expectations make people miserable, so whatever yours are, lower them. You'll definitely be happier."

Honestly, I'm boiling by reading the sudden conflict that happened between Amy and Avi. It's pretty intense and I myself almost cried for some reasons. But I always like Amy and her unique way of communicating to people. It's very fascinating and witty. About Avi, although at one point he has disappointed me and makes me want to punch him in the face, I can't put all the blame on him. I appreciate him for not push Amy to do what she isn't ready yet, though (if you know what I mean =)) 

"My girlfriend might be an American princess, and gets herself into ridiculous situations all the time... but she's no dummy."

As what I have said that Simone Elkeles is one of my favorite author. I have no doubt about her writing skill because she is an excellent writer who always gives out the best of her. This is the last book of How to Ruin trilogy and it is kind of sad to have to say goodbye to each characters in the series. They are lovely and attractive, especially Amy and her father Ron. Amy herself has matured if you read it from the beginning. 

At last, If you haven't read this series or any of Simone Elkeles books, I highly recommend you to read it =) 

Rating : 4/5

Series : How to Ruin
1) How to Ruin a Summer Vacation - Simone Elkeles
2) How to Ruin My Teenage Life - Simone Elkeles
3) How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation - Simone Elkeles