The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
ARC from Pamela Dorman books, PRH Audio and Netgalley for an honest review
Book Blurb:
When Caroline Lash arrives in Greenhead, Massachusetts, she falls head-over-heels for Van Whittaker, a fleece-wearing, litter-collecting, kayak enthusiast with long, floppy hair and the personality of a Border collie. Born and raised in this picturesque coastal village, Van runs with the same crowd he did as a kid: His ex-girlfriend, Bailey, a beautiful girl who attracts men like moths to a flame; Augusta, old money, horsey, and snobbish; and Fran, surrounded by brothers and sons, too fed up with boys to ever consider marrying one. Together, the group runs wild through the marshes, beaches, and bars of Greenhead, drinking on houseboats, spending long afternoons sunbathing with their children, and playing games the way they always have. But when Bailey discovers that she is pregnant with Van’s baby, the delicate balance of the group’s friendship is thrown off. Soon Caroline is cast out of the circle and what she does next—in a potent mix of fury and heartbreak—exposes long-held secrets and works the entire town of Greenhead into a lather.
My Review: 4 stars
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson was a great follow up to her debut novel Pineapple Street. This book deals with the making and breaking of adult friendships, the harsh realities when someone new joins the group and seeing your friends from fresh-eyed perspectives.
First of all, this was quote was posted and sent to me by another reader: “The term ‘Shampoo Effect’ describes how a tiny bit of extra shampoo on already-wet hair creates an outsized, instant lather. The characters use this as a metaphor for long-standing relationships and old friend groups—you never start from a clean slate because new feelings and drama are always built on top of old history.” I think it’s a great metaphor for the life they were living. So, if you were wondering what the title refers to, there you have it.
I really enjoyed Caroline and Van as a couple, and I do think it’s hard to be the new one in a friendship group. It was refreshing for Caroline, a NY character, to meet such a down to earth, sweet guy. It was jarring and surprising to find out that Van’s ex-girlfriend was pregnant. That situation presented a great plot point, that fed the storyline.
Overall, this was a good read to bring in your beach bag.
Quotes I liked:
She discovered that her relationship to caffeine was as emotional as it was physical.”
