Review: Top Ten Clues You're Clueless by Liz Czukas

Top Ten Clues You're Clueless by Liz Czukas
304 Pages
Release Date: December 9th, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Rating: 4 STARS

Goodreads Summary: 
Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe’s Day

5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market

4) Crashing a cart into a customer’s car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi

3) Trying to rock the “drowned rat” look after being caught in a snowstorm

2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)

1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees—of stealing upwards of $10,000 

Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe’s list of Top Ten Best Moments.

MY THOUGHTS:

       I wasn't sure what I expected before reading this book. But I'm glad I didn't have super high expectations or low expectations because Top Ten Clues You're Clueless provides just the right amount of sweetness and friendship. I don't think I've ever read a contemporary that was like this. It was a lot less one guy and one girl book and more one girl and 4-5 other teens. It's a lot different from other contemporary novels that have recently been published. And I do give props for the diversity Liz adds to the characters and how their backgrounds affect their lives in the story. She subtly underscores racial stereotypes in America and how we are not as different as many people may think

        Chloe's lists are the best thing ever. It's hilarious reading them and the topics are just plain awesome. I feel like it was easy to connect to her because of her insecurities especially with people. I would also be that one girl who wouldn't really talk or would find it hard to make conversation with other people. Tyson was pretty chill and he didn't as big of a role than I thought he would have but it worked out for the better. I loved Zaina's character! Culturally/Religiously speaking, she's the one I can most definitely relate(ish) to. Soft spoken and gently, Zania was the warm breeze of the group.

      Then there's Sammi. I will admit that it did take time for me to get used to Sammi's character. She wasn't exactly irritable and did make funny remarks but her attitude if anything brought down her character. Gabe had to be my favorite out of the entire group. Easy going and fun, he got along with everyone easily...well maybe not everybody but it was hilarious seeing his relationship with Sammi :P At last but not least, Micah. Oh sweet Micah. He reminds me of a cute golden retriever mixed with a little kid with wide, excited eyes. And he's just adorable when he talks all nerd like the genius he is.

     Full of fun character list and a simple (albeit a tiny bit cliche) premise, Top Ten Clues You're Clueless was a great and short read for contemporary fans or those who just feel like chilling and relaxing. Happy Readings!!