Book Review: 7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker

Title: 7 Clues to Winning You

Author: Kristin Walker

Publication Date: August 19, 2014

Publisher: Curtis Brown Unlimited

Format: paperback & ebook

Pages: 252 (paperback)

Review Rating: 5 stars

Source: Purchased it myself

Synopsis( from Goodreads): When forced to switch to a rival high school before the end of her junior year, Blythe’s carefully laid out plans for a perfect future begin to unravel. At first she thinks that being the principal’s daughter is the worst part, then an unflattering viral picture of Blythe has everyone laughing at her the first day. Although vengeance was never her thing, Blythe vows to abolish the Senior Scramble, a long-revered school scavenger hunt. Afterwards, things don’t go to plan, though. To make amends, she teams up with Senior, Luke—the surly head of the hunt and so-called-journalist who first posted her picture. Together they defy Blythe’s father and take the Senior Scramble underground. Blythe soon realizes that Luke isn’t so bad after all. In fact, she’s drawn in by his sly geekish wit, spontaneous Shakespearean quotes, and peering gaze. As Blythe speeds through the scavenger hunt, she faces expulsion, an arrest, and a split from her best friend. But she won’t give up. If she wins the Senior Scramble, she just might win back her reputation. And maybe even win Luke’s heart.

Kristin Walker has an incredible writing ability to develop such lovable characters. These characters have amazing personalities and attitudes. I absolutely loved Cy, Jenna, Ms. Franny, Ms. Eulalie, Blythe, and Luke.

The storyline with the Senior Scramble allowed the pace of the book to remain entertaining. It never felt dragging or boring. The pace was just right and I was pleased with every page of 7 Clues to Winning You.
In the beginning I thought Blythe was acting like a drama queen. It seemed as if she was just overreacting. When she was attending Meriton she gave off the atmosphere of being a snob. Then once Blythe started attending Ash Grove her attitude changed and she became a wonderful character. The best thing about Blythe was that she realized her old plans were boring and a bit unrealistic. Her old plans consisted in believing in her dream of happily ever after, but then she changed it to happy beginnings. The happy beginnings provides Blythe with a fresh start and actually sounds realistic.

I liked the entire idea revolving around the Senior Scramble. I wish my high school planned to do something like this. When ever Blythe would get a clue for the Senior Scramble I would get all excited, because I could easily visualize the scavenger hunt.

Cy and Jenna for being outsiders were an exceptional couple. Their loving relationship was genuine. I felt as if they were going to be high school sweethearts and eventually get married to one another.

Ms. Franny and Ms. Eulalie had me laughing out several times. I started reading 7 Clues to Winning You at midnight and began laughing when ever they started bickering. My parents were probably wondering why I was cracking up at midnight. My all time crack down moment of laughter was when they helped Blythe buy a magazine at the store. I grew sad when Ms. Franny thought Ms. Eulalie died. I'm so glad Ms. Eulalie made it through and survived.

When Luke was introduced I was in for a surprise. I never thought I would find a geeky love interest swoon worthy. All his Shakespeare messages to Blythe won me over completely. Also, I loved reading Blythe and Luke's IM messaging to each other. Let's just say those messages had me smiling when I read them.

I highly recommend 7 Clues to Winning You to readers who want to read a cute story with an adventurous scavenger hunt included. The book will provide you with hilarious and realistic characters.