Product Description

Everyone thinks of Isabel and Stuart as "just friends." So it's no big deal when their pals Ketti, Lois and Andria decide that Smart will be Ketti's next "love" target.

No one suspects the truth: that Iz has always thought of Stuart as hers, and that it's just a matter of time before they fall in love and live happily ever after. As far as Iz is concerned they've been engaged since first grade.

But Iz needs ammunition to win Stuart away from Ketti -- and it arrives in the shape of Gregory Arrington, a fellow poet and all-around romantic klutz. Much to her horror, Gregory adores her. And sensible, honest, kind-hearted Iz could never bring herself to lead Gregory even if it would make Stuart jealous...or could she?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #811395 in Books
• Published on: 1991-01-29
• Released on: 1991-01-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback

From Publishers Weekly
Isabel rides an emotional roller coaster as she confronts her true feelings about a longtime friend; PW called this "a warm and funny coming-of-age story set against a strong contemporary background." Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-- Isabel and Stuart have been friends since nursery school. This year they are seniors, and while Isabel longs for their friendship to blossom into romance, Stuart has a relationship going with her friend, Ketti. Isabel finds consolation in Gregory who, while poetic and an intellectual match, is gawky and far more intensely involved than she. Klein takes this romantic formula plot and dissects the emotions and events with straightforward honesty. There are few "typicals" here. Each character seems real and individual, from the best friend, who seems to be discovering that her early lesbian experiences matter to her, to Stuart's mother's ex-boyfriend, who pines to be forgiven for his philandering. In this first-person narrative, Klein reveals the souls of her characters in the details and dialogue, much like Isabel's father's hobby of photographing pieces of faces, such as eyes, nostrils, ears, etc. Klein never sidesteps the issues or questions that confront her young adults' first journeys into the realms of love and sexuality. This is a portrayal of a young woman as sex gradually enters her world. Intelligent and realistic, Isabel's choices are not always exemplary, but are always understandable. This book is an 80s update (or 90s?) of Blume's Forever (Bradbury, 1975) . Gone is the gush of emotion and the detailed love scenes. Instead readers meet a wryly honest young woman who learns that love and friendship are the mainstays, and that sex is the icing. --Carol A. Edwards, East Central Regional Library, Cambridge, MN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Combined with Klein's characteristically smart dialogue and smooth exposition, it all makes for an enjoyable read."

Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books -- Review

Customer Reviews

What to expect from one of the greatest unknown authors.
I've been reading Klein's books since the age of 12 and her writing has inspired me to write. "Just Friends" was a nice conclusion to her life. She proved that she has a firm grasp on the minds of teenagers, that they're not all about clothes and popularity. She treats people my age like we're people with minds and personalities, which is refreshing to see.

A fitting conclusion to Klein's body of work
Just Friends marks the final book published by Norma Klein. Sadly, the novel is indicative of the promise that Klein had in tapping into a whole new genre of Young Adult fiction -- the final year of high school and the beginning of college. The novel contains many of the similar themes in Klein's work, namely intelligent, urban teenagers who are not mere replicas of the Sweet Valley High set. Rather, Iz, Stu, et al are bright, sensitive teens who are preoccupied with both their intellectual development juxtaposed with their burgeoning sexuality. The novel is concerned with the undercurrents of desire between best friends Iz and Stu, and through the progression of their final year of high school, both characters come to terms with the thought of leaving home for college, where they wish to go with their careers, and the ambguity of high school friendships. The novel ends with Stu and Iz daring to admit their feelings for each other and embarking on a sexual relationship, but this ending is neither sappy nor sentimental. The novel marks a satisfying, albeit untimely and sad end to Klein's career.

Norma Klein- as always- at her best
Norma Klein is able to convince the reader by this brilliant novel of her great ability to write realistic novels about teens.

In this novel Norma Klein presents the story of two teens (Iz and Stu). Iz is keen to have a relationship with Stu. She knows Stu from Kindergarten and they are neighbours and are considered as being brother and sister by their friends. Throughout the plot a tragedy takes place. But I am not going to tell you, because you ought to read it yourself.

Anyway, one has to credit Mrs Klein for her fabulous work. I am still a teen myself. I think that she succeeds in presenting everyday problems in her novels. Yes, the problems are not very likely to happen. But still, Mrs Klein knows how teens think about certain issues. This book is a must read.