The Boyfriend List: 15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver

One-line summary: The Boyfriend List is a witty and relatable coming-of-age novel that follows Ruby Oliver as she navigates the ups and downs of teenage relationships, friendships, and self-discovery.

Ruby’s Boyfriend Dilemmas

Ruby Oliver, a fifteen-year-old high school student, finds herself in a complicated situation when her boyfriend, Jackson, breaks up with her unexpectedly. This event triggers a series of events that lead Ruby to create “The Boyfriend List” – a list of all the boys she has ever dated or had a crush on. As Ruby reflects on her past relationships, she begins to question her own actions and the impact they have had on her friendships.

Ruby’s Journey to Self-Discovery

As Ruby works through her list, she realizes that her relationships with boys are not the only source of her problems. She starts attending therapy sessions with Dr. Z, a quirky and insightful therapist, who helps her uncover deeper issues. Through these sessions, Ruby learns to confront her insecurities, anxiety, and the pressure she feels to fit in with her peers. Along the way, she discovers the importance of self-acceptance and embracing her true self.

The Power of Friendship

Throughout the novel, Ruby relies on the support of her close-knit group of friends, known as “The Ashbury Eight.” Despite their own struggles and differences, they stand by Ruby’s side, offering advice, comfort, and laughter. Together, they navigate the challenges of high school, including rumors, social hierarchies, and the complexities of teenage relationships. Ruby learns that true friendship is a powerful force that can help overcome even the toughest of obstacles.

Ruby’s journey of self-discovery and navigating teenage relationships is filled with humor, heartache, and relatable moments. As she reflects on her past, Ruby learns valuable lessons about herself, her friendships, and the complexities of love. Through her experiences, readers are reminded of the importance of self-acceptance, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.

• Ruby Oliver’s journey of self-discovery and navigating teenage relationships.
• The importance of self-acceptance and embracing one’s true self.
• The power of friendship in overcoming challenges.

“It’s not about finding a boyfriend, but finding yourself.”