Zoe & Chloe on the Prowl (review)

Classmates of Jess and Flora (from Girl, 15, Charming but Insane, BCCB 10/04, etc.), narrator Zoe and her friend Chloe are desperately seeking dates for their school’s charitable Earthquake Ball. Having agreed that the boys they do know are hopeless, they decide to be proactive and advertise, making up an imaginary job and vetting applicants for date suitability. Chloe, however, seems to be falling for a troublesome upperclassman known as “the Beast,” while Zoe yearns for the attentions of dark and moody Oliver, but what to do when none of these boys seem to rise to the occasion of the Ball? Readers familiar with the Girl books will recognize the chaotic yet clever comedy of Zoe’s trials and tribulations, such as her battling with a severe case of flatulence as she attempts to interview a boy for a nonexistent job, and Limb as usual manages to extract maximum amusement by piling comic events up to make an elaborate edifice of mishappery. Yet there’s more then mere slapstick going on here, with subtle changes in Zoe’s relationship with her adored older sister (who isn’t quite the flawless wonder Zoe thinks) and a conclusion that isn’t simply a triumphant boyfriend acquisition for both girls (though there are good signs ahead for Zoe and Oliver). This is chick lit that has a brain but sometimes forgets it amid the frenzy of teenaged existence, and readers who favor the funny will enjoy the froth.