From Publishers Weekly
In another entry in the burgeoning category of Bridget Jones's Diary-esque YA novels, Clark's (What's So Funny About Ninth Grade?) tale may lack the bite of Rosie Rushton's recent Fab Five series and the wit of this season's Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison (reviewed Mar. 20), but it still hits adolescent themes head-on and with self-deprecating humor. "I realize I may be psycho and also boyfriendless. And if so, I'm at risk of being a stereotype," writes heartbroken 17-year-old Courtney Von Dragen Smith, who finds solace in a diary after being dumped by her college-bound boyfriend, Dave, at the onset of senior year. Courtney's tendency to self-sabotage (such as straying off her soy mocha and tempeh burger diet for self-pity-induced hot-dog splurges) and her quest for self-improvement (e.g., her list of how to deal with the changes in her life: "1. Hate Dave. 2. Try to move on by getting involved with other things. Which I am already doing by getting involved in student council. 3. Stop obsessing about Dave. Which I will do this instant") also invoke her older British contemporary. Set in present-day Colorado, the novel (named for the ice cream vs. healthy smoothie caf? where Courtney works) follows the protagonist through the first five months of senior year as she attempts to get over Dave, deal with a student council funds imbroglio and cope with trouble at her job, while trying to stay true to her oath not to date anyone before graduation. Popular and vain, the character of Courtney doesn't exactly encourage sympathy, but as with Bridget, it is in her flaws that her voice rings true. Ages 13-up. (May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-Courtney Von Dragen Smith's senior year gets off to a terrible start. Her boyfriend has broken up with her because he is going to college 30 minutes away and doesn't want to have a long-distance relationship. Also, she's bored with her job at the local Truth or Dairy caf? and confounded by her family's quirkiness. She decides not to date, even though there are a couple of attractive guys who show interest in her, and decides to run for vice president of the student council. Written in diary format, the novel has a strong narrative voice that gives readers insight into the protagonist and her feelings. This is especially evident after Courtney gets drunk at a party, which is reflected in her writing. The teen's quick wit gets her into many predicaments, all of which are humorously described. In the end, her family members resolve all of their issues. Her mom ends her conflict with the telephone company, the family's missing dog returns, and her sister comes out of the closet while at college, all of which make for a very pat ending. Courtney realizes how unfair she has been to a boy who has tried to befriend her, to her best friend, and to her brother. Her misadventures will appeal to slightly brainy girls who sometimes need to be reminded that life is a journey. An ephemeral paperback for those who take their literature "lite."-Karen Hoth, Marathon Middle/High School, FL Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Told in diary format, this lightweight, faintly amusing slice-of-life novel chronicles the ups and downs of a confused, lovelorn high-school senior. After being dumped by her off-to-college boyfriend, who is looking to begin campus life free and clear of emotional entanglements, Courtney is so upset that she decides to spare herself future heartbreak by swearing off boys for the rest of the year. To take up the slack, she decides to concentrate on her academic career, getting involved with student government while continuing to work at the Truth or Dairy, an ice-cream-cum-health-food snack shop. But the course of true non-involvement does not run smoothly either, and complications on the work, home, and student government fronts soon ensue. Moreover, it's clear that fellow student Grant is romantically interested, and eventually, Courtney must decide if the involvement is worth the risk. While Clark deserves kudos for her delivery of a pitch-perfect, self-absorbed teenage voice, her protagonist has little emotional range, and the wafer-thin secondary characters that surround her similarly lack depth. Wearisome in spots and straining for laughs, this novel's main strength is its hip, airy tone and accessible subject matter. (Fiction. 13-15) -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Publishers Weekly
"...Hits adolescent themes head-on..."

Kirkus Reviews
"...[ Truth or Dairy]'s main strength is its hip, airy tone and accessible subject matter."

Booklist
"Irresistibly realistic, [her] will draw even reluctant readers into this enjoyable novel."

Teen People
"It's a good thing [Clark's protagonist] has her cute friends, a job... and time to make sense of it all..."

Book Description
She's humiliated, she's angry....and she's through with boys. Or least that's what she says. This is the journal of Courtney Von Dragen Smith: middle child, product of divorce, would-be vegetarian. She writes the first mega-negative page the day after her boyfriend, "Such a Dave," breaks up with her because he's heading off to college. Angry and humiliated, Courtney vows to survive senior year on the anti-guy plan. But can she really give up guys and focus on friends, school, and her job at the hip café Truth or Diary? Or will a stint in student government, an epileptic dog, and a guy named Grant ("like-the-lake") Superior turn her world upside down and prove her journal right?It's true: life can get weirder. 2001 ALA Popular Paperback for YAs

About the Author
Catherine Clark is the author of Truth or Dairy and Wurst Case Scenario. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she's still trying to figure out the new windchill formula.

ANNOTATION

This is the journal of Courtney Von Dragen Smith: middle child, product of divorce, would-be vegetarian. She writes the first mega-negative page the day after her boyfriend, "such a Dave," breaks up with her because he's heading off to college. Angry and humiliated, Courtney vows to survive senior year on the anti-guy plan. But can she really give up guys and focus on friends, school, and her job at the hip cafe Truth or Dairy? Or will a stint in student government, an epileptic dog, and a guy named Grant ("like-the lake") Superior turn her world upside down and prove her journal right?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

She's humiliated, she's angry....and she's through with boys. Or least that's what she says.

This is the journal of Courtney Von Dragen Smith: middle child, product of divorce, would-be vegetarian. She writes the first mega-negative page the day after her boyfriend, "Such a Dave," breaks up with her because he's heading off to college. Angry and humiliated, Courtney vows to survive senior year on the anti-guy plan. But can she really give up guys and focus on friends, school, and her job at the hip café Truth or Diary? Or will a stint in student government, an epileptic dog, and a guy named Grant ("like-the-lake") Superior turn her world upside down and prove her journal right?

It's true: life can get weirder. 2001 ALA Popular Paperback for YAs

About the Author

Catherine Clark is the author of Truth or Dairy and Wurst Case Scenario. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she's still trying to figure out the new windchill formula.

FROM THE CRITICS

Teen People

It's a good thing [Clark's protagonist] has her cute friends, a job at the hip cafe Truth or Dairy and time to make sense of it all in her journal, which she shares with us.

Voice of Youth Advocates

Courtney is an extremely entertaining character. A breezy, contemporary story...this book will be a popular choice among teens.

Teen People

It's a good thing Courtney has her cute friends, a job at the hip cafe Truth or Dairy and time to make sense of it all in her journal, which she shares with us.

Publishers Weekly

In another entry in the burgeoning category of Bridget Jones's Diary-esque YA novels, Clark's (What's So Funny About Ninth Grade?) tale may lack the bite of Rosie Rushton's recent Fab Five series and the wit of this season's Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison (reviewed Mar. 20), but it still hits adolescent themes head-on and with self-deprecating humor. "I realize I may be psycho and also boyfriendless. And if so, I'm at risk of being a stereotype," writes heartbroken 17-year-old Courtney Von Dragen Smith, who finds solace in a diary after being dumped by her college-bound boyfriend, Dave, at the onset of senior year. Courtney's tendency to self-sabotage (such as straying off her soy mocha and tempeh burger diet for self-pity-induced hot-dog splurges) and her quest for self-improvement (e.g., her list of how to deal with the changes in her life: "1. Hate Dave. 2. Try to move on by getting involved with other things. Which I am already doing by getting involved in student council. 3. Stop obsessing about Dave. Which I will do this instant") also invoke her older British contemporary. Set in present-day Colorado, the novel (named for the ice cream vs. healthy smoothie caf where Courtney works) follows the protagonist through the first five months of senior year as she attempts to get over Dave, deal with a student council funds imbroglio and cope with trouble at her job, while trying to stay true to her oath not to date anyone before graduation. Popular and vain, the character of Courtney doesn't exactly encourage sympathy, but as with Bridget, it is in her flaws that her voice rings true. Ages 13-up. (May) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

VOYA

The entries in Courtney Von Dragen Smith's diary illustrate the lifestyle of a modern high school senior. Courtney is unhappy because her boyfriend ends their relationship. He does not want a long-distance romance although he is only half an hour away. Courtney swears off men, deciding to go into school politics instead, but one or two of her male classmates seem interested in her. Her job making smoothies at the local Truth or Dairy is boring; her mother is doing public battle with telemarketers; and her epileptic dog keeps disappearing. Also it is hard to be a vegetarian when one cannot resist the lure of hotdogs smothered in cheese. Courtney's younger brother is dating her best friend, and her older sister is close to being perfect. Life is very challenging, but nothing weighs too heavily on Courtney as she recounts her fast-paced adventures with a self-absorbed humorous edge. The diary entries are short, about two pages long, and there is a lot of white space. This story is a quick read both due to the format and to the fact that Courtney is an extremely entertaining character. The references to alcohol and sex are matter-of-fact and fit the story line. Courtney's family and friends all have their quirks that add to the fun. Truth or Dairy will appeal to those looking for a breezy, contemporary story that is more surface than depth. This book will be a popular choice among teens for recreational reading. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P J S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, HarperCollins, 268p, $6.95 Trade pb. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Judy Sasges