Jessica Darling is definitely an icon. Besides all of the obvious reasons (she's outspoken, smart, courageous, "marches to the beat of her own drum," etc.) She's also the epitome of the Modern Woman. Independent and self-sufficient, (working a job to pay for college while keeping a stellar g.p.a) she knows what she wants, and she goes out and gets it. She's exceptionally confident (despite what she may think) because she isn't afraid to be on her own, to struggle, and she brushes off the comments, rumors, etc. about her without question. She doesn't seem to fit in anywhere and she doesn't try to, she doesn't care. She's willing to take the cultural and personal blows to be who she is because she isn't willing to sacrifice that. I admire her more than most "real" people I know, and I thank Megan M. so much for creating an answer to the internal questions of teenage angst I've always had.

Sent by Lisa | 12:47 PM ET | 01-16-2008

Imagine that! The only two people in the entire world who know who Jessica Darling is are on the same site!

Sent by Ricky Booby | 2:40 PM ET | 01-16-2008

I like Jessica more and more with each book in the series. She has grown tremendously, and I feel as if I have known her since the beginning of Sloppy Firsts. Jessica is one of the most, if not the most, relatable characters I have ever encountered, and I cannot wait to see where she goes next.

Sent by Ally | 4:40 PM ET | 01-16-2008

http://community.livejournal.com/sloppyfirsts/profile

check it out Ricky Booby, there's over 2000 other Jessica fans at this one website!

Sent by an avid reader | 11:35 PM ET | 01-16-2008

Jessica Darling is the fictional teen queen of the Y Generation. Every girl who has ever opened up her diary likes to think that they see a bit of Jessica in themselves. While Jessica would relish in the absurdity of teen girls idolizing the casts of such ridiculous mindless productions as "High School Musical" or "Gossip Girl," she would be downright baffled at the notion that millions of girls aspire to emulate her. It's not just Jessica's whip-smart comebacks, stellar academic performance, quirky pop culture obsessions and dedicated best friend that girls want, it's also her boyfriend. Even I can admit having entertained a crush on my favorite fictional bad-boy, Marcus Flutie.

Sent by Ellen Macfarlane | 5:21 PM ET | 01-17-2008

Jessica Darling isn't perfect, but I still wait patiently (or not-so patiently) for the next book to come out, excited to read about the next chapter in her life. "Sloppy Firsts" became a lifeline for me my junior year of high school when my best friend moved away. Like Jessica, the group of people I hung out with were there just so I wouldn't have to be a complete loner. As soon as I'd finished reading "Second Helpings" I immediately made a 'Chaos Called Creation' t-shirt in honor of Marcus Flutie. Over the course of four books, I've laughed, cried, envied and loved with Jessica Darling... and I know that when the fifth book comes around, it will be just as fantastic as the other four.

Sent by Maura | 12:00 AM ET | 01-23-2008

Jessica's iconic quality comes from the uniqueness of the series; unlike most YA franchises, Jessica actually grows and changes as the books continue (unlike that cheaper mainstay of "alternative chick lit", Mia Thermopolis). Although there are occasional moments in which Marcus plays Prince Charming and Hope the eternally dedicated Best Friend, every character relationship goes deeper. Happy endings don't stay that way. Jessica becomes confused, makes serious mistakes, alienates people, loses faith - in short, she is very real.

Sent by E. Tripe | 11:08 PM ET | 02-07-2008