#2 in Jess Jordan Series
Girl, (Nearly) 16: Absolute Torture
on Goodreads (1,669)
What’s inside...
Just when things were going so well.Jess had the perfect summer planned: She and Fred, lounging in the park, gazing into one anothers eyes and engaging in witty repartee. It was going to be so romantic. And then her maddening mum stepped in: She suddenly announced a two-week road trip to Cornwall to visit Jesss dad, something Jess might have enjoyed, actually, were it not for the monstrously bad timing. Not only will this force Jess and Fred apart for two whole weeks, it will also leave the darling and handsome Fred in the clutches of Jesss blindingly beautiful best friend, Florawho, you might recall, expressed an interest in Fred not too long ago. As if all this werent enough, Jesss mum seems to expect her to weep at the grave of every departed literary hero in Britains long history. Its absolute torture. And little does Jess know, a huge surprise awaits her when she visits her dad at his home for the first time in years.From the Hardcover edition.
Character compass
Jess Jordan
Jess Jordan, the protagonist, is witty, imaginative, and often finds herself in amusing predicaments. Initially, she grapples with common teenage insecurities and the chaos of family life. As the story progresses, Jess's resilience shines through her humorous lens on life's challenges.
Throughout the book, Jess confronts the complexities of relationships, both familial and romantic. She navigates the awkwardness of teen love and the strains in her family with a blend of humor and introspection. Jess emerges more confident and self-assured, learning to embrace her unique qualities and understanding the value of genuine connections.
Discussion points
How did Jess handle the challenges she faced during her vacation? What would you have done differently?
Jess experiences some embarrassing moments in the book. Can you relate to any of these moments? How do they make you feel?
Why do you think Jess's relationship with her family is portrayed the way it is? What does this tell us about family dynamics?
The theme of self-discovery is central to the book. What do you think Jess learns about herself by the end?
How do Jess's experiences in Edinburgh help her grow? Can you think of a time when a trip or a new experience taught you something about yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own experiences similar to Jess's, fostering a deeper personal connection with the story.
Discuss the family dynamics in the story and encourage your child to compare and contrast with their own family experiences.
Use Jess's embarrassing moments to open a conversation about handling awkward situations and learning from them.
Highlight Jess's journey of self-discovery, prompting your child to think about their own growth and changes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Jess, juggles unexpected responsibilities when her mother travels to America, demonstrating the challenges and growth that come with being accountable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as completing their chores or caring for a pet, to learn the importance of reliability and duty.
Example Lesson: Navigating Family Dynamics
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jess faces various challenges with her family, particularly in dealing with her eccentric grandmother and a distant father. These scenarios illustrate the complexities of familial relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that every family faces challenges, encouraging them to communicate openly and cultivate patience and understanding with family members.
Example Lesson: The Value of Self-Expression
Explanation: Jess uses humor and her diary to express her feelings, which serves as a coping mechanism during trying times in the book.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express themselves through journaling, art, or conversation, fostering emotional intelligence and stress relief.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: Jess learns to adapt as she deals with changes in her family and personal life, showing resilience and maturity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace change positively, understanding that adapting to new situations is a part of life and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Others
Explanation: Jess develops a deeper understanding and empathy for her family members as she navigates through her personal and family issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more empathetic and considerate towards others' feelings and situations, helping them build stronger relationships with those around them.