lizpatanders

If you’re looking for a fun and girly read, you may want to check out The Cinderella Society, but if inspirational and empowering are also traits you’re looking for, you should definitely check out this book. I read the vast majority of this novel on a day spent on long flights, sitting in airports and waiting on tarmacs, and this book was the perfect thing to distract me from the anxiety and impatience I felt about traveling. It exuded girly fun and kept a smile on my face!I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the plot of this novel, but I was really impressed. I loved that the story had its secret society, intelligence and spy elements. Cassidy wove in a considerable amount of intricate detail. While it had me up past my bed time in search of satisfaction, which it provided, it piqued my interest enough to make me wish I could read the second book right away.I found Jess as a narrator to be feminine, fun and cute, but also very thoughtful. Her descriptions definitely made me want to get fabulous highlights and an indulgent frozen coffee beverage. I also have to say that I thought Cassidy wrote the romance particularly well and I definitely swooned over Ryan. I’ll admit that I was a bit more dubious of him by the end of the novel, but will be eager to see how his character evolves later in the book.This is a book about good versus evil, and I definitely agreed with Cassidy’s broader definitions of good and evil. It wasn’t just a simple who’s nice and who’s mean, but it’s about empowering young girls to feel confident and succeed in life, despite discrimination and bullying. I will admit that I got skeptical at the Cindys desire to have tame relationship choices and relationships, but I understand that Cassidy likely meant this as message not to say that women shouldn’t dress as they wish or be sexual beings, but that they should stay true to themselves in the process. I think the girl power message sets a great example and can encourage a reader of any age to empower his or self. It’s also especially why I think The Cinderella Society would be a great book for younger readers of YA.Overall, The Cinderella Society was fun and a swift read, but much deeper than the cover or the premise lets on. I can definitely see myself picking this up again when I need some girlinesss and positive energy in my life. I enjoy the messages that Cassidy has woven into her story, and can’t wait to read the other books in the series and much more by her.