Young Republican, Yuppie Princess by Nicole Chardenet

Book Review by OBS Staff Member Angie

Synopsis:
In the mid-eighties America is in the mindset of consumerism and Reaganomics. The personal computer has begun to be commonplace and we were completely wrapped up in what came to be called “The Me Generation.” It is in this era that we meet Hacker, Raven, JB and Joyce; four college students who stumble upon a secret.  While writing a computer program, Hacker has opened up a portal to another world. But it seems he’s not the first one to do so. Hacker’s project partner, Stephanie, disappeared without a trace a few days ago. After exploring this world, the four friends meet Eric, a native of Chassadril, who informs them that Stephanie has been kidnapped and is being forced to marry the prince in 6 days.  Hacker, JB, Raven, Joyce and Eric embark upon the adventure of a lifetime to save Stephanie and close the portal. What happens in Chassedril brings out the best and the worst in this group of rescuers.

Review:
I am a child of the eighties. I graduated high school in 1987 so I was just a bit younger than the main characters of this story when it takes place. I remember the Reagan-Bush campaign. I remember Reaganomics. I remember consumerism. I am a republican. I get it! I loved how the author wove in references to the music and styles and attitudes.

Early in the story one of the characters is turned into a toad by a witch. Raven offers the witch her diamond necklace, a gift from her father, as trade for her friend. Joyce is so moved by her friend’s sacrifice she pleads with the witch to reconsider. Seeing that Raven is willing to make such a deep sacrifice, the witch allows her to keep the necklace and returns the horny toad to his original state, a horny kid.

Throughout their journey to rescue Stephanie and return to their own world, this group of friends discover their deepest fears. And they discover that they are much stronger than they’ve given themselves credit for. I enjoyed watching Joyce learn about herself. She is strong in her Republican convictions. She is a very independent feminist. She’s certain of her career path and determined to let NOTHING stand in her way. But she soon discovers that there are times when “a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do.”

I really enjoyed this story on several levels. I enjoyed the delve back to the eighties, I enjoyed the witty sarcasm of Joyce, I LOVED that the nerds were totally the heroes of the story. But most of all I loved that even in all of its fantastical-other-worldliness, there was this hint of “this could totally happen!”

Check back for our interview with Nicole Chardenet.