Review : 52 Reasons To Hate My Father

Title: 52 Reasons To Hate My Father
Author: Jessica Brody
Published: July 3rd 2012 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Source: ARC received by the publisher for an honest review

"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."

First line: "My father is going to kill me."

Thoughts: 52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER is one of the most delightful books I've read in a long time. I couldn't put this charming book down. Really, it's that good.

This is your typical-yet-not-so-typical riches to rags story. On the outside, Lexington "Lexi" Larrabee seems to have it all: Money, access to her own private jet, and even her a bit of fame. At first, I must admit, I didn't really care for Lexi. She was spoiled, selfish, and had to have her way. This girl even threw tantrums like a child. She kind of reminded me of a Bridezilla only she wasn't getting married. Then I got to know her. You see, on the inside, Lexi is just a girl who lost her mother too young and has a very absent father. Once I got to know her, I realized she was only selfish because no one was there to teach her not to be. That's when I finally gave her a chance.

Let's talk about the jobs. For 52 weeks, Lexi has to work a different, minimum wage job inorder to earn her trust fund. What's the price if she declines? Oh ya know, being completely cut off from her dad. I absolutely adored this aspect of the story. Here's a girl who completely takes advantage of life and now has to work to earn her trust fund. These aren't glamous jobs. We're talking about being a maid, working in fast food, etc. One of my favorite scenes was when Lexi was trying to vacuum the room of a very messy teenage girl. She didn't realize that she actually had to pick up the girl's clothes prior to vacuuming. One thing lead to another and you get the point. I just found this particular scene so comical because seriously, who doesn't know how to turn on a vacuum? Lexi, that's who!

Finally, let's talk about Luke. I cannot tell you how much I adored this guy. He was kind of like the father (and boy!) Lexi needed. He constantly reminded her what would happen to her if she didn't do one of her jobs and kept her in check. Don't even get me started on the Kia-Civic Hybrid scene. He knew exactly who she was and instead of cowering like so many others, he stood up to her. I loved their funny interactions and how they genuinely made each other better.

Overall, I simply loved 52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER. From the arguments, to the video chats and everything inbetween, there never was a dull moment in this novel. If you're looking for a hilarious novel with complex characters and a bit of a twist, this is the book for you.

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