What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens
I got called into Principal Miller's office again. She handed me a notebook. This notebook. She told me keeping a journal is an excellent way to express oneself. So I have to write in this stupid thing and turn it in at the end of each month. Little does she know what she's in for. With everything that's been going on--Amy's band camp pregnancy, my parents' divorce, a secret wedding--it's practically one-stop shopping for all your Grant High gossip needs. Property of Ashley Juergens. Read at your own risk (especially you, Amy).
- GenresYoung AdultDiary
240 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2010
20 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 7, 2013
I decided to read this novel, because it was the only diary (though fictional) i could find. I prefer reading fictional diaries because the character's lives are left up to the author's imagination, which in my opinion makes for a much more engaging plot than real-life events, which i tend to find boring. Ashley's quote pretty much sums up my opinion of this book: "Sure, it's interesting at first, but after a while it gets exhausting." I liked it at the beginning, but the same story again and again got extremely boring at times.
This novel is the documented journey of opinionated, rebel, Ashley, as she goes through her parents divorce, her sister's teen-pregnancy and preparing for high-school. What starts off as a punishment from her principal, to write in this journal, gradually becomes a lifeline, keeping her from insanity, from her crazy, psycho family.This book completes the category: a diary, autobiography or biography.
A quote i found interesting was: "She only had two reasons listed under the "stay with dad" column: Amy and Ashley." This quotes was interesting because it completely made sense that a mother would sacrifice being happy to give her children a stable family, though the protagonist completely wrote this reason off, to be silly.
Something i learned from this book is to fight for what you want. Ashley showed me this by fighting so hard, against everyone else, to stop her sister putting the baby up for adoption.
A character that was interesting to me was Ben, the boyfriend (but not father) of Ashley's pregnant sister. He was interesting because he was clearly willing to give everything to Amy and her baby, while Amy was moody, angry and seemed to have feelings for the biological father, Ricky. This made me really feel for Ben, though it doesn't say what happened regarding this love triangle, in the end.
This novel is the documented journey of opinionated, rebel, Ashley, as she goes through her parents divorce, her sister's teen-pregnancy and preparing for high-school. What starts off as a punishment from her principal, to write in this journal, gradually becomes a lifeline, keeping her from insanity, from her crazy, psycho family.This book completes the category: a diary, autobiography or biography.
A quote i found interesting was: "She only had two reasons listed under the "stay with dad" column: Amy and Ashley." This quotes was interesting because it completely made sense that a mother would sacrifice being happy to give her children a stable family, though the protagonist completely wrote this reason off, to be silly.
Something i learned from this book is to fight for what you want. Ashley showed me this by fighting so hard, against everyone else, to stop her sister putting the baby up for adoption.
A character that was interesting to me was Ben, the boyfriend (but not father) of Ashley's pregnant sister. He was interesting because he was clearly willing to give everything to Amy and her baby, while Amy was moody, angry and seemed to have feelings for the biological father, Ricky. This made me really feel for Ben, though it doesn't say what happened regarding this love triangle, in the end.
July 18, 2010
Let me start off by saying I love The Secret Life of an American Teenager, the TV show. Since I love the show, I figured I would love the book too. I liked the book, but to be honest it felt like I was watching a re-run of the show and I'm not a huge fan of re-runs... I don't even re-read books (not even the ones I LOVE) ! When I know what's going to happen and there aren't any kind of surprises in it for me, I get bored and tend to stop reading... which is kind of what I did with this book. I read a little more than halfway into the book and stopped.
I really loved Ashley's attitude through out the book though! It was almost more entertaining than the plot sometimes. The plot was entertaining; But, I read something about the book having exciting new moments from episodes (to be aired) so needless to say, I was a little disapointed. One of the main reasons I read the book was to read a few sneak peeks of new episodes. I guess that was old news though... because the whole book had nothing to do with episodes even close to airing now. And even though I didn't read the whole book, I looked ahead... to the last few pages... and everything was still a little too familiar (old) to me.
I really wish there was some dialogue. I never thought dialogue was so important until I read this book. I think I NEED dialogue in order to get through a book now, which may be a reason why I didn't get all the way through this one. I didn't want to give this book that bad of a rating because I think someone that hasn't seen the TV show yet, might really enjoy them; Or someone that LOVES the TV show more than anything will really like them!
I really loved Ashley's attitude through out the book though! It was almost more entertaining than the plot sometimes. The plot was entertaining; But, I read something about the book having exciting new moments from episodes (to be aired) so needless to say, I was a little disapointed. One of the main reasons I read the book was to read a few sneak peeks of new episodes. I guess that was old news though... because the whole book had nothing to do with episodes even close to airing now. And even though I didn't read the whole book, I looked ahead... to the last few pages... and everything was still a little too familiar (old) to me.
I really wish there was some dialogue. I never thought dialogue was so important until I read this book. I think I NEED dialogue in order to get through a book now, which may be a reason why I didn't get all the way through this one. I didn't want to give this book that bad of a rating because I think someone that hasn't seen the TV show yet, might really enjoy them; Or someone that LOVES the TV show more than anything will really like them!
June 10, 2024
I will admit it. TSLOTAT is my guilty (and embarrassing) pleasure. I’m 33 and I’m not going to admit how many times I’ve rewatched this dumb show.
When I found this book I had to pick it up and it did not disappoint. I didn’t really find any new information, but I enjoyed hearing it from a different viewpoint.
Very nice distraction from real-life.
When I found this book I had to pick it up and it did not disappoint. I didn’t really find any new information, but I enjoyed hearing it from a different viewpoint.
Very nice distraction from real-life.
February 8, 2011
i know that i say this alot but this book was amazing since ashley convinced amy into keeping the baby she decided to let ashley name the baby and she named him john jurgens and everybody loved that name.ashley's parents got a divorce so ashley decided to live with her dad so they live right next door so she can see her nephew. ashley's mom got a boyfriend and ashley's mom found out that she is pregnant and then her boyfriend proposes to her and know she doesnt know what to do. ahley is happy for her mom but feels bad for her dad because her dad lives right next door and know that they are still divorcing she doesnt know whats going to happen but this book was awesome i loved how that author put everything into an actual diary and they put everything into ashley's point of view
January 17, 2011
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me, so I thought I would give this a try.
All I can say is, it was better than the actual television show.
All I can say is, it was better than the actual television show.
July 28, 2010
Hilarious! Definitely shows why she's one of my favorite characters. Hope there's a sequel soon...
September 29, 2021
I'm unsure of what to say about this book other than I've watched The Secret Life Of An American Teenager so many times (in its entirety) that I've lost count. Like I'm watching it right this second&I know the episode word for word ; I'm not a fan ; this is a show that I watch ONLY for comfort because I was a fan earlier in life&I now question my sanity for that reason. As soon as the book was mentioned on the podcast Juergen It I knew I wanted to read it for trash reasons but I didn't want to pay money for it because I knew I wouldn't enjoy it ; in summary I enjoy torturing my mind😂
So one day my mom's amazon account got hacked (no I'm not trying to be cute¬ admit to buying this ; she really got hacked) and someone bought the kindle version of this with a $10 gift card that was on my mom's account. I decided that since it was bought Id log into my mom's kindle account of my phone&read this fun dumb book. If you like Secret Life or torturing yourself then you might enjoy this. The story of the show is followed well&Ashley's character is portrayed through the entire book but they picked the most boring&unrelatable character to keep a diary that we don't need. I want to see Adrain's diary or Grace's (although preferably Adrain's let's be honest we all know she's why I still watch the show to this day)....like even Lauren's or Madison's would be so much more interesting. Ashley is just a character where her storylines are basically living in Amy's house watching her storylines up until season 3. I feel like this post will more of just me admitting Im obsessed with this show&the trauma that I live everytime I watch it or listen to Juergen It or @pdmmwt_podcast or @urtwogayfriends and honestly I enjoy living that trauma more than I should. I recommend this as a good plate cleaner (or whatever it's called) if quarantine has you focusing on everything in your life sucking ; this will make you think "at least I'm not Amy or Ashley."
So one day my mom's amazon account got hacked (no I'm not trying to be cute¬ admit to buying this ; she really got hacked) and someone bought the kindle version of this with a $10 gift card that was on my mom's account. I decided that since it was bought Id log into my mom's kindle account of my phone&read this fun dumb book. If you like Secret Life or torturing yourself then you might enjoy this. The story of the show is followed well&Ashley's character is portrayed through the entire book but they picked the most boring&unrelatable character to keep a diary that we don't need. I want to see Adrain's diary or Grace's (although preferably Adrain's let's be honest we all know she's why I still watch the show to this day)....like even Lauren's or Madison's would be so much more interesting. Ashley is just a character where her storylines are basically living in Amy's house watching her storylines up until season 3. I feel like this post will more of just me admitting Im obsessed with this show&the trauma that I live everytime I watch it or listen to Juergen It or @pdmmwt_podcast or @urtwogayfriends and honestly I enjoy living that trauma more than I should. I recommend this as a good plate cleaner (or whatever it's called) if quarantine has you focusing on everything in your life sucking ; this will make you think "at least I'm not Amy or Ashley."
January 11, 2019
This book, The Secret of Ashley Juergens, is a great book. It is based off ABC´s hit TV series, The Secret Life of an American Teenager. The book is written from the younger of the two sisters perspective on how life is going while they face tough times ahead. The Juergens didn't know how to react when finding that the not so innocent older sister, Amy, is expecting. The book is a whole bunch of diary entries on how Ashley is feeling while going through this. Amy´s pregnancy really takes a huge toll on the whole entire family. Ashley is a very mature girl for her age, at the beginning of the show she acts like she´s 13 going on 30, and you can kinda pick up on that in the book as well. She is the one who is there with Amy through her whole pregnancy, shes the first one to notice that her parents are separating, and she's trying to lead a somewhat normal life outside of the mess she is living in. In the book, it goes into more detail about the secrets of each character in the show and helps solve cliffhangers that are left in season 2. I would recommend this book to an older age group like 15 and up.
November 29, 2018
I’m a huge fan if the show to this so I ran out and bought it the minute I heard about it! I was not disappointed. Yes it was like rewatching season 1, but I liked the point of view and way it was written. We also get some stories not mentioned in the show as well which I like! And I also hate Amy less in the book 😂. If your a fan of the show, pick this up!
February 11, 2022
Ok so I really just picked up this book because it looked like the drama in it would be hilarious. Really what made it funny was Ashley’s dry humor and having never watched the tv show I didn’t know existed, I throughly enjoyed the book. I found it entertaining and it kept me reading (I think having not watched the show helped) and I loved Ashley’s brutally honest attitude. Good book 4/5
Read
May 27, 2024I don’t usually write reviews but I feel like I had to justify reading this book so� I only read this bc I keep getting tik tok clips about secret life of the american teenager and wanted to see what the hype was about but I am embarrassed to have read this so if anyone sees this pls don’t laugh at the fact that im 24 and read this book, I severely disliked it and just want to keep track of all the books I read
June 16, 2022
Surprised to say it's a high 2. While reading this book so many thoughts came to mind, I really should have written them down.
First off for my own records I'd just like to say someone sent me this book, of course they didn't force me to read it that of course was my choice. I'll admit that I don't completely regret that choice but I also can't think of anything positive to say about it, other than the writing wasn't bad.
I can't stand the show The Secret Life of the American Teenager, I used to try and watch it once in a while but that didn't last very long. It's actually one of my main reasons for deciding to read this, and again it wasn't bad; but a book about teen pregnancy from the point of view of a 13 year old didn't exactly work for me. I couldn't tell if it was pro or con teen pregnancy, of course she would have supported her sister, she wasn't the one responsible for a new life.
It centers on her family situation so we don't get a lot more than simple mentions about other characters. And there's no dialogue, I was halfway through before I noticed so it wasn't that big a deal.
I'm not the type of person that get's easily bothered by subjects I read, it takes a lot, but this kind of pushed it. Besides the 13 year old worrying about and then buying condoms, while waiting for the baby to be born she mentions that she won't be having sex for at least another decade. While 23 might be considered "old" by today's standards I really don't get why a 13 year old would worry about that.
It's like they're telling readers: wait til you're 15 so if you do end up pregnant because the condoms you bought two years ago didn't work, you won't have to worry because your little sister will go to work and support you and if you're lucky you'll traumatize her a little.
First off for my own records I'd just like to say someone sent me this book, of course they didn't force me to read it that of course was my choice. I'll admit that I don't completely regret that choice but I also can't think of anything positive to say about it, other than the writing wasn't bad.
I can't stand the show The Secret Life of the American Teenager, I used to try and watch it once in a while but that didn't last very long. It's actually one of my main reasons for deciding to read this, and again it wasn't bad; but a book about teen pregnancy from the point of view of a 13 year old didn't exactly work for me. I couldn't tell if it was pro or con teen pregnancy, of course she would have supported her sister, she wasn't the one responsible for a new life.
It centers on her family situation so we don't get a lot more than simple mentions about other characters. And there's no dialogue, I was halfway through before I noticed so it wasn't that big a deal.
I'm not the type of person that get's easily bothered by subjects I read, it takes a lot, but this kind of pushed it. Besides the 13 year old worrying about and then buying condoms, while waiting for the baby to be born she mentions that she won't be having sex for at least another decade. While 23 might be considered "old" by today's standards I really don't get why a 13 year old would worry about that.
It's like they're telling readers: wait til you're 15 so if you do end up pregnant because the condoms you bought two years ago didn't work, you won't have to worry because your little sister will go to work and support you and if you're lucky you'll traumatize her a little.
May 17, 2012
I got called into Principal Miller's office again. She handed me a notebook. This notebook. She told me keeping a journal is an excellent way to express oneself. So I have to write in this stupid thing and turn it in at the end of each month.
Little does she know what she's in for. With everything that's been going on—Amy's band camp pregnancy, my parents' divorce, a secret wedding—it's practically one-stop shopping for all your Grant High gossip needs.
Property of Ashley Juergens. Read at your own risk (especially you, Amy).
i bought this book from Barnes and noble.com, this book was very good i am so glad that i bought this book, the secret life of the American teenager is my favorite show ever, this book goes along with the 1st season of the show, i really hope that they make more books of the show, i really enjoyed this book alot, this book was so good, i highly Recommend this book if you like the secret life of the American teenager, i hope that there is a whole series to the show, if they do make a whole series to the show i will buy every book of the series, this is 1 of my favorite books i have read this year and 1 of the best, this book was very interesting it was never dull, i did not want this book to end, hopefully there will be more i hope so, this book grabbed my interest from the 1st page and held it to the very last page, i give this book 5 stars.
Little does she know what she's in for. With everything that's been going on—Amy's band camp pregnancy, my parents' divorce, a secret wedding—it's practically one-stop shopping for all your Grant High gossip needs.
Property of Ashley Juergens. Read at your own risk (especially you, Amy).
i bought this book from Barnes and noble.com, this book was very good i am so glad that i bought this book, the secret life of the American teenager is my favorite show ever, this book goes along with the 1st season of the show, i really hope that they make more books of the show, i really enjoyed this book alot, this book was so good, i highly Recommend this book if you like the secret life of the American teenager, i hope that there is a whole series to the show, if they do make a whole series to the show i will buy every book of the series, this is 1 of my favorite books i have read this year and 1 of the best, this book was very interesting it was never dull, i did not want this book to end, hopefully there will be more i hope so, this book grabbed my interest from the 1st page and held it to the very last page, i give this book 5 stars.
October 11, 2010
I am a secret watcher of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. (Aw dang it, I guess the secret's out now.) However, the show seriously does suck. I am so embarrassed that I watch it, but it's like a train wreck you just can't look away from.
So of course I wanted to read this book, the fictional diary of the fictional Ashley. And I've just got to say - if only Ashley narrated the show, it would be a million times better! All the repetitive and stupid dialogue was erased and all that was left was Ashley's dry, witty commentary. I found myself laughing several times, and I loved some of the "behind the scenes" we got that the first and second seasons didn't show. It reminded me that I really do like the soap opera storyline of the show, I just really can't stand the actors and dialogue.
So of course I wanted to read this book, the fictional diary of the fictional Ashley. And I've just got to say - if only Ashley narrated the show, it would be a million times better! All the repetitive and stupid dialogue was erased and all that was left was Ashley's dry, witty commentary. I found myself laughing several times, and I loved some of the "behind the scenes" we got that the first and second seasons didn't show. It reminded me that I really do like the soap opera storyline of the show, I just really can't stand the actors and dialogue.
March 6, 2011
I decided to read the book a while ago because i've seen the show and i figured why not. I found that when i read this book, there was a couple of things you couldn't see in the show.However,i did feel a little board-- it was pretty much the same thing as the show just in ashleys piont of view.I did like though that it you,the reader got to know what she was thinking and how she felt;They don't really say how she's thinking on the show much unless she is writing or talking to someone so i found that interesting. So i gave this book a 2 out of 5 stars.
March 31, 2012
I got this book with little hope that it would be good. I watch the show despite the fact it is an obvious train wreck. They are trying to follow way to many people at the same time. I actually really liked this book and enjoyed reading it. It told the same story, but from one point of view instead of jumping all over the place like the show does. She is witty and smart and I love a lot of her comments. :) This book might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I seriously enjoyed it.
May 16, 2016
Everyone was right, it was a recap of the show but with less dialogue and in Ashley's pov. I'd like my money back but I bought the digital copy. There are some fillers, amusing childhood anecdotes, and some things explained but nothing the show hadn't already answered. Only buy this book if you don't mind character pov recaps and if Ashley is your favorite character. I gave it 3 stars because as much I liked Ashley this wasn't that good.
October 14, 2010
This is the first season of secret life from Ashley's perspective. There are little details and rants to make it interesting, but it covers all the main points which if you watch the show, you already knew what happened. It's a nice side story, but I wouldn't bother reading it unless you're a hardcore fan or Ashley is your favorite character.
February 8, 2024
NOT A REVIEW: just my favorite quotes :)
“But some mistakes need to be made in order for you to realize they actually weren't mistakes in the first place.�
“There's always another way. And that doesn't make them bad or worse than other ways. Things are bad right now, sure, but they don't have to be. Things are the way they are- it's how you handle them that determines the outcome.�
“But some mistakes need to be made in order for you to realize they actually weren't mistakes in the first place.�
“There's always another way. And that doesn't make them bad or worse than other ways. Things are bad right now, sure, but they don't have to be. Things are the way they are- it's how you handle them that determines the outcome.�
November 8, 2012
If you really dont like all of that teenaged drama (you know things that really dont matter that they get all crazy about)this book really isnt for you Id say the book was ok. it wasnt really the best.:/
November 1, 2010
I really want to read this book sooo badly!! I wish we had this in our school library!
November 22, 2010
This was a very good book. Watching the first few seasons of the show kind of ruined the experience for me though.
December 24, 2010
I need to read!
February 24, 2011
I love the show so I figure why not read the book. So far so good but we shall see...
Update: Freaking awesome :) loved it.
Update: Freaking awesome :) loved it.
June 18, 2011
Read this because I watched the TV series, "Secrets of the American Teenager". Really enjoyed it. I could visualize Ashley's expressions as I read this book. Fun read.
September 29, 2011
Based on the tv show the secret life of the American teenager on ABC family!!!!!! If u didn't watch it u will b relly confused!
November 24, 2014
Best novelty book ever! It is so much more well-written than the show that I just want Ashley to narrate all the insane happenings from now on. She's the best.
September 6, 2013
I really really really loved it. I thought that it was good and it represented everything about Secret life of the American teenager.
October 14, 2013
Loved it!! I'm a little obsessed with secret life, so naturally, I loved the book too.
June 5, 2014
not my favorite show, but definitely a good book :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.