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protoman21's review
4.0
Took a while to really get going but I was hooked by the end. The geeks were actually really well defined and not all the same which I appreciated as a geek myself. It was very important for the geeks to ring true and not just be a stereotype. Yes they are a little exaggerated, but that's just what happens in books and most likely in the minds of teenage girls who actually are geek magnets. A fun book with a good message.
stephxsu's review
3.0
I wish this book had existed when I was in middle school, because it would’ve easily been one of my favorites. GEEK MAGNET is cute and heartfelt enough to excuse its predictable plot and occasionally stilted writing.
KJ is an easily relatable protagonist, with her unwanted geek posse (I’m sure we’ve all had those awkward crush-stalkers before!), familial worries, and subsequent growth into a bigger and better person. The thing is, she’s not a bad person to start with, and neither is Tama a straight-up antagonist: Tama’s lessons in “getting mean” have some merit to them, and the balance between right and wrong is well done in this story.
GEEK MAGNET also takes a step further beyond a simple story of high school friendship, love, and popularity with its frank portrayal of KJ’s father’s problems. Alcoholism is not a topic I’ve come across often in middle-grade literature, and again, I appreciated how Kieran Scott balanced this book’s contents so that it wasn’t pure froth or agonizingly serious.
More experienced readers will probably be forced to fault this novel for its blatant predictability and somewhat stilted dialogue. However, this is a good one for tween girls: it combines a strong protagonist, down-to-earth high school problems, and a cute romance for an appealing read.
KJ is an easily relatable protagonist, with her unwanted geek posse (I’m sure we’ve all had those awkward crush-stalkers before!), familial worries, and subsequent growth into a bigger and better person. The thing is, she’s not a bad person to start with, and neither is Tama a straight-up antagonist: Tama’s lessons in “getting mean” have some merit to them, and the balance between right and wrong is well done in this story.
GEEK MAGNET also takes a step further beyond a simple story of high school friendship, love, and popularity with its frank portrayal of KJ’s father’s problems. Alcoholism is not a topic I’ve come across often in middle-grade literature, and again, I appreciated how Kieran Scott balanced this book’s contents so that it wasn’t pure froth or agonizingly serious.
More experienced readers will probably be forced to fault this novel for its blatant predictability and somewhat stilted dialogue. However, this is a good one for tween girls: it combines a strong protagonist, down-to-earth high school problems, and a cute romance for an appealing read.
maimaitu's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thelibrarylady42's review
4.0
Super cute, kinda predictable but still good. KJ is a complicated young girl with a complicated life. I love that this is a little more than just a geek love story. A few to many asses and boobs to put in my library but any 7th or 8th grader would probably love.
cburgbennett's review
5.0
A book about a girl who all in one book learns who her real friends are, faces her alcoholic father, and of course finds the boy of her dreams who wasn't who she expected it to be. The cover may look cheesy and the summary may sound cheesy as well, but overall it was an inspiring book that brought tears to my eyes. A VERY funny must read!! :D
mbrandmaier's review
4.0
I love how KJ becomes so good at standing up for herself. She grows quite a lot in this story.
hpitcher15's review
3.0
I love cheesy books, so when i picked this one up i figured it would be just that, but to my surprise it was so much more. it was more deep and complex than i had expected while still keep it light and not depressing. i loved this book so much :)
springsea's review
3.0
I finished the book last night and have already forgotten the main character's name. She is a well endowed high school student who seems to attract the attention of only "undesirables" until she starts hanging out with the popular lead of the school's production of Grease. This new friend helps her figure out how to ward off this unwanted attention, with several missteps along the way. All about finding out what friendship means this book is utterly predictable, but fun.