TL;DR
In "The Book of Luke" by Jenny O'Connell, Emily Abbott navigates the challenges of moving and high school relationships, leading her and her friends to create a guide for guys on how to treat girls, uncovering lessons about love along the way.
What is The Book of Luke about
"The Book of Luke" follows Emily Abbott, a high school senior whose life is turned upside down when her family moves from Chicago to Boston. Once known as the "Girl Most Likely to Be Nice," Emily discovers that her kindness hasn't yielded the results she hoped for—especially after her boyfriend Sean breaks up with her on moving day. Struggling with her new reality and the burden of her former identity, Emily decides to ditch her niceness. Reuniting with her best friends Josie and Lucy, they embark on a mission to create a time capsule that will serve as a guide for boys on how to treat girls. As Emily and her friends navigate their own experiences of heartbreak and disappointment, they put their guide to the test with Luke Preston, the most popular boy in school. The book explores themes of self-discovery, female empowerment, and the complexities of teenage romance, providing readers with a humorous and heartfelt narrative about growing up and learning to assert oneself in the face of societal expectations.
The Book of Luke 8 Key Takeaways
Emily's family moves to Boston, disrupting her senior year.
Emily Abbott faces a significant life change as her family relocates from the familiar surroundings of Chicago to Boston during her senior year of high school. This upheaval not only affects her friendships but also her aspirations for class valedictorian and early admission to the Ivy League.
Sean, Emily's boyfriend, breaks up with her on moving day.
In a twist of fate, Emily's boyfriend Sean ends their relationship just as she prepares to leave Chicago. This heartbreak adds to her feelings of loss and uncertainty as she tries to adjust to her new life in Boston.
Emily decides to stop being nice and reconnects with her friends.
Determined to redefine her identity, Emily chooses to abandon her 'nice girl' persona. She reconnects with her childhood friends, Josie and Lucy, who share their own struggles, leading them to devise a plan that reflects their collective frustrations with boys.
The girls create a guide for boys on treating girls properly.
In an act of rebellion and empowerment, Emily and her friends decide to create a reference guide for boys in their class time capsule, aiming to educate future generations on how to treat girls with the respect they deserve.
Emily tests their guide on Luke Preston, the school's popular boy.
Chosen as the test subject for their guide, Luke Preston proves to be more complicated than expected. Through their interactions, Emily discovers that her own understanding of love and relationships is far from complete.
Emily learns valuable lessons about love and self-worth.
As Emily navigates her relationship with Luke, she grapples with the challenges of love and self-identity, leading her to grow emotionally and learn that kindness and assertiveness can coexist.
The story culminates in a reflection on friendships and personal growth.
Throughout the story, the dynamics of Emily's friendships evolve, and the girls come to appreciate the importance of supporting one another while also learning from their mistakes in love.
Emily embraces her true self and finds balance in her relationships.
By the end of the book, Emily not only redefines her concept of niceness but also embraces her individuality, finding a balance between kindness and standing up for herself.
The Book of Luke Videos
The Holy Bible - Book 42 - Luke - Contemporary English - YouTube
Top The Book of Luke Quotes
- "Sometimes being nice isn't enough; you have to be real, too."
- "Love can be complicated, but learning from it makes the journey worthwhile."
- "Friendship is the anchor that helps you navigate through the storm of adolescence."
Who should read The Book of Luke?
This book is ideal for young adults and anyone who appreciates coming-of-age stories that blend humor with heartfelt moments. Readers will find relatable themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery that resonate with their own experiences during adolescence.
The Book of Luke Best Reviews
- "A smart and engaging read that captures the trials of high school life with humor and heart." - School Library Journal
- "O'Connell offers a refreshing take on teenage relationships, making this book a must-read for young adults navigating their own love lives." - BookPage
- "The Book of Luke is a delightful blend of wit and wisdom, showcasing the importance of friendship and self-discovery." - Publishers Weekly