How funny -- when I first read this book several years ago, I gave it only one star! Apparently, I just WAS NOT HAVING IT way back when. Perhaps I was turned off by the mean-girls vibe in the earlier chapters. 
 In any case, I thought I'd give this book another try, and this time around listened to the audiobook. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. True, there are some elements that could have used more explanation in order to make sense, but I did quite like the girls' friendship and the themes about girls struggling to make their own choices and break free from societal expectations and restrictions. 
 I'm glad I gave this book a second chance, and look forward to continuing the trilogy.