Geek+Girl

Geek Girl by Holly Smale 2013 Chick Lit Recommended by Barrington Public Library PW Ages 13 & up; SLJ Grade 7-10 Link to the NHU-PAC entry here

Summary (B&N): Geek + runway = a runaway UK hit! // Geek Girl // is the first book in a hilarious, internationally bestselling series that's perfect for fans of Louise Rennison and The Princess Diaries. Harriet Manners is a geek. She always has been, and she thought she always would be—but when she's discovered by a modeling agent, she leaps at the chance to reinvent herself. There's only one problem: Harriet is the definition of awkward. Can she transform from geek to chic?

Comments:

Sounds like Sophie Kinsella for the teen set, which in my humble opinion is sometimes exactly what we all need…a little mindless fun never hurt anyone. - Amy/Barrington PL

What makes this novel worthwhile are the fun characters and situations, POV. I didn't like the end - takes a boys kiss to validate her...everything falls into place. But I would put it on the list. We all need some fluff once in a while. Nancy/former Madbury

I liked the main character and I think many girls would find similarities in her. I found the depiction of the modeling world a bit over the top and very two-dimensional, but I liked how she struggles to deal with the stress this modeling situation is putting on her friendship. I also liked that her stepmom was not a dolt or a bad person, but someone really cared and whose actions prove helpful in the end. Amy - Barrington Middle School (BMS)

I find this very over written and am not seeing the appeal or humor in the characters or situation. The chattiness/wordiness of the MC drones on and on and I find this annoying. I really struggled trying to listen to the MC but it's like the author's inexperience with this age group keeps getting in the way; she's over writing and sometimes less really is more. I don't mind light books but I'd rather have a shorter list than pad it with poorly written efforts. Pass. Yvette/Merrimack

I found it a bit flat and unbelievable. Although like Amy/BPL, I did like that the step-mother turned out to be both caring and smart. I also found the modeling world characters 2D and over the top. I'll pass on this. Amy / BMS