LOOKING AHEAD: The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

About six years ago, I fell in love with a book--hard.

Sarah and I sped through it like madwomen; I got my first blurb on the Indie Next List for it; and then it came out and we sold it. And sold it. And sold it. We handsold that sucker to every teen girl and teen girl's mom that walked through the door, and over the years, we've continued to handsell it (first together, and now apart...sniff). That book was THIRTEEN LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES by Maureen Johnson, and it remains one of my favorite YA novels ever. 

So when the ARC of THE LAST LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPE showed up in the box from my Harper rep, my heart sank more than a little. TLBE was fine on its own. I didn't need to know what had happened to Ginny. I was fine with her story being finished (or unfinished, whatever). Couldn't anyone leave well enough alone? Why did everything have to have a sequel? One would be better off asking, "Why didn't you just trust Maureen?" Turns out finishing Ginny's story is a good thing. Turns out I'm pretty darn happy to have the sequel in the world.

I don't want to say much, because if you haven't read TLBE, you should read that first. You absolutely have to read it first. If you've read it, you can sleep soundly knowing that our Ginny is back and better than ever. There's a new, strange boy in her life (not by her choice), and he's the one who pushes her out on her new adventure. There's an old boy, too, causing problems. There's a possible new friend and a whole new series of trips to take. Turns out you open up THE LAST LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPE and it's like opening the door to an old friend. Thanks, Maureen, for the sequel I didn't know I wanted until I had it.

Comments

[Kendra]

Thanks for this. I've been torn about whether I should read this. (Probably wouldn't be able to stay away, but ...) Absolutely loved TLBE and, for me, part of the charm was NOT knowing what was in the last envelope. I'm probably in the minority, for sometimes I think it's better to not know all. That way, I can imagine the rest of the story any way I want. Hopefully, for me, the sequel will live up to all I dream up for Ginny. Now waiting for release date will seem like an eternity!

[Lysh]

I really want this. I'm glad it doesn't disappoint! :)

[sandi]

I am incredibly jealous that have already read this book.

13 Little Blue Envelopes is also one of my favorite YA books of all time.

[Ms. Yingling]

EXACTLY how I felt. I loved this one as well and even preordered it in hardcover. I wasn't disappointed. Whew!

[Maya]

I can't wait to read the second one!

My heart totally sank and i read that Ginny lost the 13 envelope. I got this book probably a week ago and finished it in 5 days! The book was amazing when i found out there was a sequel i was so happy because i couldn't imagine what would happen and what was in the 13 blue letter. Now i know its a good book and i can't wait to get and read this whole new adventure again!

[sleep]

I've been out of the loop for a while and haven't heard about this! I am so getting my copy and put off sleeping until I finish.