Summary | Excerpt | Reading Guide | Reviews | Read-Alikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio
Critics' Opinion:
Readers' Opinion:
First Published:
Feb 2001, 272 pages
Paperback:
Jan 2002, 288 pages
A funny, touching, revealing story written entirely in the form of letters, messages, postcards - and bizarre missives. Hilariously candid, shows that the roller coaster ride of being a teenager is every bit as fun as we remember--and every bit as harrowing.
Life is pretty complicated for Elizabeth Clarry. Her best friend Celia keeps disappearing, her absent father suddenly reappears, and her communication with her mother consists entirely of wacky notes left on the fridge. On top of everything else, because her English teacher wants to rekindle the "Joy of the Envelope," a Complete and Utter Stranger knows more about Elizabeth than anyone else.
But Elizabeth is on the verge of some major changes. She may lose her best friend, find a wonderful new friend, kiss the sexiest guy alive, and run in a marathon. So much can happen in the time it takes to write a letter…
A #1 bestseller in Australia, this fabulous debut is a funny, touching, revealing story written entirely in the form of letters, messages, postcards - and bizarre missives from imaginary organizations like The Cold Hard Truth Association.
Feeling Sorry for Celia captures, with rare acuity, female friendship and the bonding and parting that occurs as we grow. Jaclyn Moriarty's hilariously candid novel shows that the roller coaster ride of being a teenager is every bit as fun as we remember -- and every bit as harrowing.
Excerpt from Part One
Dear Ms. Clarry,
It has come to our attention that you are incredibly bad at being a teenager.
I mean, take a look at your bedroom.
You haven't got any posters on your wall. (Don't try to tell us that that picture counts. A kitten drowning in a strawberry milkshake? Designed by your mother as an ad for carpet cleaner? Give us a break.)
You have a paper chain made of old Christmas cards hanging from your curtain rod. The only makeup you have is banana flavored lip gloss and it's melting all over your Little Mermaid quilt cover. (Actually, we don't think that lip gloss counts as makeup at all.)
Not to hurt your feelings or anything, but you are an embarrassment to teenagerhood. Therefore, could you please climb into the refrigerator and wait very quietly until your teenage years end?
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
The Association of Teenagers
P.S. Also, you don't seem to understand how to get a snow tan. You ...
Lori Gottlieb, author of Stick Figure: A Diary of My Former Self
In Elizabeth Clarry, Jaclyn Moriarty has created more than a delightfully irreverent and engaging Everygirl. She brilliantly captures the poignancy and vulnerability of adolescence with a razor-sharp wit and authenticity, and provides a refreshing take on the nature of friendship and family along the way. Marian Keyes, author of Watermelon and Rachel's Holiday
I absolutely loved Feeling Sorry for Celia and wished I had written it myself. It's so funny and so gripping - it describes perfectly the confusion and bittersweet hope of being a teenager. Written with exquisite deftness, immense warmth and humanity, it is the best 'feel-good' book I've read in a long time. Melina Marchetta, author of Looking for Alibrani
Elizabeth Clarry is exactly the sort of person I'd love for a best friend. Michelle Ison, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY
I loved this book! I think it would be a great [book]... for teens and maybe their mothers as well. The format is fun since you feel like you're going through a box of notes instead of reading a book. Excellent YA read! Tara Hoopes, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
I think you were lucky to get your hands on such a fabulously thrilling book by such an obviously supremely talented author! I was unable to put the book back on the shelf after part 3 and read almost as fast as Elizabeth runs. I intend to write a letter to my best friend right now. A delightfully enthralling tale! I only hope we have the honor of hosting Jaclyn at Blue Willow someday! I promise to make her a slice of coconut pie as soon as I find a recipe! For anyone who has ever had or been a best friend.
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