If you are unfamiliar with the Gossip Girl novels, they are a bestselling series revolving around a group of rich, Manhattan teens.  Each book starts with the latest dose of gossip dished out by an anonymous person known as Gossip Girl.  Her identity has remained a secret throughout the previous four titles, and who is behind the gossip is anyone’s best guess.  Just when I think I am sure, something else pops up leaving me to question my opinion.  While you could read them as stand alone novels, I urge you to read them in order.  You'll have a better understand of each character and their relationship structure.

The latest installment of the Gossip Girl novels, I LIKE IT LIKE THAT, finds Blair feeling out of sorts.  Her mother is entering the final trimester of her pregnancy, and a trip to Oahu is all set for spring break.  The last thing Blair wants is to spend time at a beach she has visited before.  Instead, she goes skiing with Serena’s family.  Romance is in the air for Blair, as she explores her feelings for Serena’s older brother.  Meanwhile, Blair’s previous beau, Nick, isn’t sure he is as over Blair as he previously thought.

Readers will also learn about Dan’s new job, it is certainly not what he was expecting.  Serena’s face is all over the city due to a perfume ad, so you’d think the guys would all be after her.  If that’s the case, where is her Prince Charming?   Jenny settles in her new relationship with Leo, but he still is much of a mystery to the majority.  There are many other stories to keep you flipping pages.

The Gossip Girl series may be aimed for your teenager, but I have to admit that I find them to be right up my alley as a grownup.  These are pampered princesses.  If I were still in school, they are the classmates I would despise.  However, as you read this series, you can’t help but become hooked.  The books are catty and endearing.  There is plenty of bickering, backstabbing, and most of all - gossip. 

These teens get into plenty of trouble – sex, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes have become issues throughout the series.  You can’t avoid these in real life, so the author’s inclusion of them is realistic and necessary.   If your teen is reading them, why not join in?  I think the books could be great tools for bringing up these important conversations without singling your child out.

Once again, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next entry in this delightful series.  Maybe Gossip Girl’s identity will finally be revealed.