Reviews:

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, March 2006
The teenage voice shines in this book. This unique style of writing is sure to grab the attention of fiction readers. The style sets it apart from other YA fiction. The plot unfolds when Brady, a budding teen girl, takes a trip to Europe and chronicles daily happenings and events when she writes letters to a friend left in the states. To spice up the information, readers are set up to understand the friend at home wrote a list on the hand of the letter-writer before she took off. Of course, the list is written with a permanent marker for all to see. And the list is made up of four things the writer must do in Europe. The text starts a bit slow, as the traveler actually travels to Europe, but by the time Europe is reached, the pace is moving right along. Much of the setting takes place on a cruise ship where Brady, who is traveling with her mother, conveys teen angst. Typical teen situations occur as she tries to fit in with other teen travelers. Many emotions connected to teens are addressed; shyness, silliness, and compassion are but a few. Some snide comments are interspersed with the regular text and they work perfectly. Much of the text is hilarious and as is fitting, the book ends with the perfect question: “Is life is a trip, or WHAT?”

The Midwest Book Review, March 2006
Brady is going to Europe—with her mother! It’s a family coming-of-age tradition, so there’s no way out of it. To make the trip more interesting, Brady’s best gal pal, Delia, has written four things Brady must do while she’s in Europe—and it’s written in permanent marker on Brady’s palm so she can’t chicken out. Good thing because they’re things Brady would never do without some encouragement—aka pressure—from Delia. This very hip girls’ book is loaded with fun info about Europe written in the form of letters to a friend. It’s funny, sharp stuff that preteens and teens will enjoy.