Book Review: Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Pages: 320

Pub. Date: March 26, 2013

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List: 1. Run for pep club secretary 2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree 3. Sew a dress for Homecoming 4. Find a steady 5. Do something dangerous  But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far."

One day on her boyfriend's computer, Mallory finds a screen that pops up, which shows evidence that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend.  Although it seems not too serious at first, since it is online after all, it becomes more apparent to her that he actually shares more with his online girlfriend than her!  Mallory is furious and obviously they break up, but she decides to make some changes in her life.  When she was cleaning out her grandmother's house, she came across a list that her grandmother jotted down back in 1962.  Mallory is inspired by this list and wants to achieve the same goals.  First, she must get rid of technology, such as her cell phone and computer and live like it's 1962, which she feels is a much simpler time. As Mallory tries to accomplish her 1962 goals, she learns more about life and what she wants out of it.  Lindsey Leavitt's Going Vintage is a delightful read that makes me want to rewind time to the 60s and go vintage as well.

Mallory is my kind of girl. First off, she loves lists. (Me too!) Her lists cracked me up and Leavitt includes them at the beginning of each new chapter.  Mallory has such a quirky voice and is such a fun character. Mix in her outgoing sister, Ginnie, and the combination had me laughing out loud.  Even though her grandmother spent most of Going Vintage being rather secretive and elusive, I loved Mallory and Ginnie's relationship with her as we don't see many good relationships with grandmothers in young adult literature.  

Regarding Mallory's 1962 goals, some are pretty hilarious.  For starters, she must join the pep squad, which her school doesn't even have.  Mallory intends to start one, which turns out to be an interesting process and in turn, she becomes closer with her ex's cousin, Oliver.  Other goals are to host a fancy dinner, sew a homecoming dress, and find a steady.  All of these goals are pursued in one way or another in Going Vintage and it was a fun journey. Mallory's 1962 goals made me think a lot about modern technology, both the good and the bad. Mallory faced many challenges giving up modern technology, but at the same time, it seemed so much easier. I mean who hasn't dreamed up unplugging for a bit?

If you are looking for a charming read filled with laugh out loud moments, some retro inspiration, and a sweet romance, then you must check out Going Vintage this spring.