52 Reasons to Hate My Father

52 Reasons to Hate My 
Father
by Jessica Brody

From the publisher:
"Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. 

Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him."

The concept and plot of this book reminded me very strongly of The Ultimate Gift, except way fluffier, more annoying and none of the depth that was in that book. However, I had fun reading it, and it is popular with my 7th and 8th grade girls. I had a really hard time caring about the spoiled heiress, and the intern who was supposed to be the love interest was so one dimensional it was ridiculous. I much preferred the happy Don Juan's taco friend who taught Lexi and thing or two. So it was fluffy, it was fun, but there was no depth or heart. The ending wrapped up way too quickly and conveniently and, quite frankly, wasn't even very believable.
On another note, this book has the most awesome book trailer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjWYB... 

Areas of concern:
*Quite a bit of underage drinking and clubbing.
*Drunk driving.
*Rich people paying off people to keep bad behavior out of court.
*Drunk spoiled heiress making horrible choices including making out with someone she doesn't even like.
*A father on his 6th engagement. The daughter recognizes that this "stepmother" will only last about 2 years. 

Suggested Ages:

Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12+

School Library Journal - Grades 7+