Apple's Angst    by Rebecca Eckler Order:  USA  Can Doubleday Canada, 2010 (2010) Softcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Rebecca Eckler's Rotten Apple told a breezy tale of a love triangle that resulted in Apple telling lies to both her beautiful best friend Happy and to Zen, whom she has always adored, in order to sabotage their relationship. Apple's mother is Dr. Bee Berg, a celebrity talk show host and self-help guru, and the story culminated in Apple's owning up to the error of her ways in front of the cameras on her mom's Queen of Hearts show. But it was not all bad. Apple regained Happy's friendship and, as a result of all the publicity, was offered an intern position at teen Angst magazine. She also found the perfect boyfriend, Lyon, who is always thoughtful and there for her. Now, as the sequel, Apple's Angst, opens, her two BFFs are combing Apple's wardrobe (or rather Happy is while Brooklyn meditates), for suitable clothing for her first meeting at the magazine. Wearing Happy's boots (two sizes too small) and supported by her mother, Apple totters into the Angst offices and gets the gig, despite some harsh words from editor-in-chief Fancy Nancy. But the job ends up not being what she expected - long hours working on menial tasks (with hostile fellow intern Emme) cut into both her school work and her time with Lyon. Then her role as a teen TV relationship guru turns her into a celebrity and it goes to Apple's head. As if all this were not enough, Crazy Aunt Hazel plans to marry Apple's math teacher; Happy decides to end her relationship with Zen (who now hovers around Apple); and Lyon becomes overbearing and clingy. Apple feels - and is - out of control of her life. It's all rather shallow and fluffy, but nevertheless a fun, and often funny, read about knowing who you are and being true to yourself. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews