Here's Lily by Nancy Rue

I don't know about you, but I grew up reading the Lily series by Nancy Rue when I was a kid. My school had all the books in the school library and I remember really enjoying reading the series. So, when I saw on NetGalley that the first book of the series - Here's Lily was going to be republished, I couldn't wait to read it. Nevermind the fact that I'm probably well above the age of the target market :p

Well, the first book in the Lily series focuses on looks. Lily is a typical 12 year old girl (6th grade means 12 right?) who's insecure about her looks. But when she receives an invitation to join a modeling agency (well, classes that could lead to a job with the agency), she jumps at the chance to be beautiful. Well, that and silence that annoying boy in class who's always teasing her.

The book felt largely the same as I remember it, which is to say, awesome. Except for a few changes, which were things like references to Taylor Swift and iPods. Whether that there were major plot changes, I don't think so, but it has been many years since I read the book so I could be wrong. Personally, I didn't really see the point of adding references that may become dated in a few years time. But if I were much younger, these things would make me feel as though Lily was part of my generation (instead of being my generation).

I love how the book focuses on Godly beauty, even if Lily does get confused. But the confusion is what makes the lesson seem so real. If I remember, the accompanying book (the series used to come with a 'workbook') was about beauty and how to take care of your skin, hair, and such while not becoming obsessed with it. I hope that it's also being reprinted; I think the accompanying book makes the series unique, not to mention turns it from an entertaining read into something a Sunday School Class can use.

Basically, I think all girls should read it (even if you're old!). It may be my bias, but the book is entertaining, even as Lily goes over-the-top. If you have a younger sister/cousin/you happen to teach a Sunday School Class, maybe you should get them to read this book, I think they'll like it. Who knows, if there isn't a book club, this book may make one out of them (you can tell them it's a series).

Disclaimer: I got this book free from NetGally in exchange for a free and honest review.