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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
This is genuinely one of my favorite books I've ever read. It's YA so I read it a while back, but the "treasure hunt," "clues," "hidden drama," motifs were some of the best I've read. It really transported me into the world and I loved it so so much.
It started off promising but fell flat after the first hundred pages. It has so much potential and such an interesting concept, but it revolves entirely around a fifteen year old girl's obsession with a boy three years older than her. Yeah, she was trying to prove herself or something, but she did it so appallingly and didn't learn anything at all, despite E. Lockhart trying to convince the reader that yes, she did, can't you see that she's strong now??
This felt anticlimactic after We Were Liars.
This felt anticlimactic after We Were Liars.
I love this book so much. I love its craft, its hilarious and fast-paced plot, and its message to girls to break the glass ceiling in the end. (Of course, it's probably best not to do anything that will get you expelled from boarding school.)
The attitude of Frankie Landau-Banks was definitely the best feature of this book. And not attitude in a tough girl sense per se (although she is tough) but her overall outlook on life and her fierce belief in equality and change are what draw me to her character. Alpha of course was my second favorite character of the novel and it is definitely obvious that it is he that would fit with Frankie better in a relationship than grammar Nazi Matthew. I did love though that he was this super cool, popular guy but really knew his way around the English language. Twas very not cliche of Lockhart and that's always great.
I give it a 4 though because although a lot of the writing and dialogue was mature like the Panopticon metaphors, the symbolism of the pranks and even Frankie's neglected positives (which I agree is completely logical and reasonable); certain words like 'grodie' REALLY rubbed me the wrong way. I never used or heard anyone use that word when I was in high school and I never wanna hear or see (read) it again. Also there were some instances pertaining to boys and relationships and tears when I had to just roll my eyes.
I give it a 4 though because although a lot of the writing and dialogue was mature like the Panopticon metaphors, the symbolism of the pranks and even Frankie's neglected positives (which I agree is completely logical and reasonable); certain words like 'grodie' REALLY rubbed me the wrong way. I never used or heard anyone use that word when I was in high school and I never wanna hear or see (read) it again. Also there were some instances pertaining to boys and relationships and tears when I had to just roll my eyes.
At first, the book was a little bit static, I was hoping for something different, not the clichés: student girl, that meets a boy, and falls in love with him, the other student girl, the bad one, friends, love and stuff. But this books surprised me in so many levels... It reminded me of Looking for Alaska, with the pranks and stuff (and also E. Lockhart thanked John Green at the end of the book, which took my full attention and I loved it), and also reminded me of a Brazilian book by Pedro Bandeira, with a gang of students in a school that created a secret group to fight against evil and bad things.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! Seriously, it took my breath away when [SPOILER ALERT] Frankie decided to make the pranks and help the boys to come back in scene and being remembered. SO AMAZING AND SO BREATHTAKING THAT SWEET JESUS, THANK YOU FRO CREATING SUCH AN AMAZING AUTHOR! THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING BOOK!
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! Seriously, it took my breath away when [SPOILER ALERT] Frankie decided to make the pranks and help the boys to come back in scene and being remembered. SO AMAZING AND SO BREATHTAKING THAT SWEET JESUS, THANK YOU FRO CREATING SUCH AN AMAZING AUTHOR! THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING BOOK!
Looking for a good read that overtly at times (and subtly at others) offers up the current established order of things to be dissected and perhaps turned on its head? Are you also looking for a good read that does so in an enjoyable, non-chastising fashion? The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks may be just the book for you.
Frankie (so named because her dad Franklin desperately wanted a boy to be his "junior" -- Frances was a close enough female equivalent made even closer by the nickname "Frankie") is a sophomore girl at Alabaster, a well-known high-end boarding prep school. Her mind has always been sharp, but her body is what is really getting her the attention of others this year. Soon, she finds herself in with a group of senior guys, dating one of them: the very crush-worthy Matthew Livingston.
It becomes clear, though, that Matthew respects Frankie, but not for reasons she would like. He appreciates her looks, her sense of humor, and basically everything except her ability to think. But oh, she can think. Follow this amazingly enjoyable story of Frankie showing everyone she can out-think the most thinkingist guys around, despite her being "only a girl" (not a direct quote from the book, but definitely a direct emotion). She will turn an age-old all-boys secret society on its head. She will challenge the established order. She will not be put in a place she doesn't want to be.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book is how explicitly it treats the subtle ways boys and girls attempt to control and manipulate each other. There's no hiding it. Frankie sees it clearly, and even though the book is in third person, the reader sees it clearly as well. This is in contrast to some other books that have the same elements, but leave much unspoken. Our narrator doesn't allow for that. It's more of "here's some high school controlling drama/bullying, and here's how we know." That added immensely to my enjoyment of this book.
I think every middle school or high schooler, male or female, should give this book a read. It has a nice touch of mystery to keep the plot moving, some action, and just a lot of guts. If you're a fan of The Clique books or Pretty Little Liars, this may be a welcome addition to your catalog. I know I've been ending my reviews a lot with this lately, but: no matter who you are, read this book!
Frankie (so named because her dad Franklin desperately wanted a boy to be his "junior" -- Frances was a close enough female equivalent made even closer by the nickname "Frankie") is a sophomore girl at Alabaster, a well-known high-end boarding prep school. Her mind has always been sharp, but her body is what is really getting her the attention of others this year. Soon, she finds herself in with a group of senior guys, dating one of them: the very crush-worthy Matthew Livingston.
It becomes clear, though, that Matthew respects Frankie, but not for reasons she would like. He appreciates her looks, her sense of humor, and basically everything except her ability to think. But oh, she can think. Follow this amazingly enjoyable story of Frankie showing everyone she can out-think the most thinkingist guys around, despite her being "only a girl" (not a direct quote from the book, but definitely a direct emotion). She will turn an age-old all-boys secret society on its head. She will challenge the established order. She will not be put in a place she doesn't want to be.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book is how explicitly it treats the subtle ways boys and girls attempt to control and manipulate each other. There's no hiding it. Frankie sees it clearly, and even though the book is in third person, the reader sees it clearly as well. This is in contrast to some other books that have the same elements, but leave much unspoken. Our narrator doesn't allow for that. It's more of "here's some high school controlling drama/bullying, and here's how we know." That added immensely to my enjoyment of this book.
I think every middle school or high schooler, male or female, should give this book a read. It has a nice touch of mystery to keep the plot moving, some action, and just a lot of guts. If you're a fan of The Clique books or Pretty Little Liars, this may be a welcome addition to your catalog. I know I've been ending my reviews a lot with this lately, but: no matter who you are, read this book!
I read this one quickly, and I enjoyed the main character's wordplay!
Mmm, the political commentary in this was spot-on.
All of the underlying messages in this novel — that we need not blindly accept the double standards put on women in this society; that humor and parody, rather than being tactless, can sometimes be the best way to bring about social change; that we so easily dismiss people sometimes because of their appearance; that we constantly underestimate the power of the human mind and settle for less — were so good.
It was witty.
It was clever.
And the best part?
E. Lockhart used this wit to make a statement.
"She will not be simple and sweet. She will not be what people tell her she should be. The Bunny Rabbit is dead."
Amen.
All of the underlying messages in this novel — that we need not blindly accept the double standards put on women in this society; that humor and parody, rather than being tactless, can sometimes be the best way to bring about social change; that we so easily dismiss people sometimes because of their appearance; that we constantly underestimate the power of the human mind and settle for less — were so good.
It was witty.
It was clever.
And the best part?
E. Lockhart used this wit to make a statement.
"She will not be simple and sweet. She will not be what people tell her she should be. The Bunny Rabbit is dead."
Amen.
I sincerely enjoyed this book. The writing style was distinctly unique and though it did take a little bit to get used to, it was enjoyable all the same. I felt like at some points the narrative focused too much on the plot and not on the characters, and I finished the book with only a limited understanding of the main characters. That being said, the plot was well thought-out and it was fun for me, as the reader, to guess what would happen next.
My main complaint, however, was that the climax, what the whole book had been leading up to, was merely Frankie stealing an e-mail address. When promised a feminist book, one expects something more profound. When promised a plot line, one expects something more believable.
Aside from that, this book was a delight for me to read. The flaws that it had are balanced out by how enjoyable the writing was to read. I would most definitely recommend this book.
My main complaint, however, was that the climax, what the whole book had been leading up to, was merely Frankie stealing an e-mail address. When promised a feminist book, one expects something more profound. When promised a plot line, one expects something more believable.
Aside from that, this book was a delight for me to read. The flaws that it had are balanced out by how enjoyable the writing was to read. I would most definitely recommend this book.
Diversity-Check: Frankies Familie ist jüdisch (ansonsten wird aber nicht weiter darauf eingegangen).
Zum Buch:
Es gibt diese Momente, da möchtest du etwas und es gibt absolut gar keinen Grund, warum du es nicht haben solltest – und dann stellen sich trotzdem ein paar Leute in den Weg, weil … Gründe. In so einer Situation befindet sich Frankie, die liebend gerne der Geheimgesellschaft ihres Freundes beitreten möchte. Die Gruppe ist dafür bekannt, der Schule und dem Personal Streiche zu spielen und Frankie hätte da deutlich bessere Ideen als die Jungs in der Gruppe. Das Problem? Jungs, die Jungs. Mädchen sollen nämlich nicht teilnehmen und niemand denkt auch nur daran, Frankie zur Teilnahme einzuladen.
Wie Frankie damit umgeht, ist herrlich. Statt kleinbeizugeben, fasst sie ganz in Frankie-Manier einen Plan. Sie wollen sie nicht reinlassen? Dann lässt sie sich eben selbst ein. Ist auch gar nicht schwer, so unkreativ wie die Jungs im Club sind. Frankies Streiche sind inspiriert und zeigen Verfehlungen der Schule auf, und zielen darauf ab, etwas zu verbessern, und schlagen einfach mehr ein als die der Jungs. Da werden sie nicht Nein sagen können, wenn diese Streiche in ihrem Namen begangen werden, auch wenn sie nicht wissen, wer eigentlich dahintersteckt.
So weit, so witzig. Natürlich bringt das einige Probleme mit sich: Der Anführer der Gruppe, Alpha (ja, ihr dürft lachen), will wissen, wer sich als er ausgibt, Frankie muss ihre geheime Identität, nun, geheimhalten und so clever ihre Streiche auch sind, viele verstehen nicht, worum es ihr damit geht, weswegen sie ihr Ziel – Veränderung – gewissermaßen verfehlt. Nur kann sie auch schlecht Stellung dazu nehmen, wenn erst mal kein Mensch wissen soll, dass sie es war, ne?
Letztlich hat das Buch sehr deutliche feministische Töne – aber eben Frankies Feminismus, was betont wird und was mich sehr gefreut hat: Den Feminismus gibt’s eben nicht und ich hab das Gefühl, das kann ruhig öfter betont werden.
Es zeigt auch eins dieser weitverbreiteten Probleme auf: Frankie ist tierisch genervt, dass Matthew und seine Freunde sie nicht als eigenständige Person wahrnehmen, und trotzdem will sie Teil ihrer Gruppe werden, eine von ihnen sein. Dieses Ringen um Anerkennung, ist es nicht auch das, was ihre Streiche sind? Nicht die Streiche per se, die das Schulleben kommentieren, aber dass sie es im Namen der Jungs ausführt, um doch irgendwann aufgenommen zu werden. Ist es das aber wirklich wert? Warum sollte sie mit Leuten sein wollen, die erst überzeugt werden müssen, dass sie Akzeptanz und Anerkennung verdient hat? Frankie muss da ihre eigene Antwort darauf finden, aber wenn jüngere Leser_innen sie diese Fragen zwischendurch selbst stellen, hat das Buch alles richtig gemacht.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” mag einen ellenlangen Titel haben, ist aber ein kurzweiliger Spaß, der trotzdem ein paar wichtige, feministische Fragen stellt. Es ist garantiert keine schwere Kost, aber so muss das manchmal auch sein – und zeigt jüngeren Leser_innen vielleicht auch, dass Feminismus wirklich nichts Schlimmes ist.
Zum Buch:
Es gibt diese Momente, da möchtest du etwas und es gibt absolut gar keinen Grund, warum du es nicht haben solltest – und dann stellen sich trotzdem ein paar Leute in den Weg, weil … Gründe. In so einer Situation befindet sich Frankie, die liebend gerne der Geheimgesellschaft ihres Freundes beitreten möchte. Die Gruppe ist dafür bekannt, der Schule und dem Personal Streiche zu spielen und Frankie hätte da deutlich bessere Ideen als die Jungs in der Gruppe. Das Problem? Jungs, die Jungs. Mädchen sollen nämlich nicht teilnehmen und niemand denkt auch nur daran, Frankie zur Teilnahme einzuladen.
Wie Frankie damit umgeht, ist herrlich. Statt kleinbeizugeben, fasst sie ganz in Frankie-Manier einen Plan. Sie wollen sie nicht reinlassen? Dann lässt sie sich eben selbst ein. Ist auch gar nicht schwer, so unkreativ wie die Jungs im Club sind. Frankies Streiche sind inspiriert und zeigen Verfehlungen der Schule auf, und zielen darauf ab, etwas zu verbessern, und schlagen einfach mehr ein als die der Jungs. Da werden sie nicht Nein sagen können, wenn diese Streiche in ihrem Namen begangen werden, auch wenn sie nicht wissen, wer eigentlich dahintersteckt.
So weit, so witzig. Natürlich bringt das einige Probleme mit sich: Der Anführer der Gruppe, Alpha (ja, ihr dürft lachen), will wissen, wer sich als er ausgibt, Frankie muss ihre geheime Identität, nun, geheimhalten und so clever ihre Streiche auch sind, viele verstehen nicht, worum es ihr damit geht, weswegen sie ihr Ziel – Veränderung – gewissermaßen verfehlt. Nur kann sie auch schlecht Stellung dazu nehmen, wenn erst mal kein Mensch wissen soll, dass sie es war, ne?
Letztlich hat das Buch sehr deutliche feministische Töne – aber eben Frankies Feminismus, was betont wird und was mich sehr gefreut hat: Den Feminismus gibt’s eben nicht und ich hab das Gefühl, das kann ruhig öfter betont werden.
Es zeigt auch eins dieser weitverbreiteten Probleme auf: Frankie ist tierisch genervt, dass Matthew und seine Freunde sie nicht als eigenständige Person wahrnehmen, und trotzdem will sie Teil ihrer Gruppe werden, eine von ihnen sein. Dieses Ringen um Anerkennung, ist es nicht auch das, was ihre Streiche sind? Nicht die Streiche per se, die das Schulleben kommentieren, aber dass sie es im Namen der Jungs ausführt, um doch irgendwann aufgenommen zu werden. Ist es das aber wirklich wert? Warum sollte sie mit Leuten sein wollen, die erst überzeugt werden müssen, dass sie Akzeptanz und Anerkennung verdient hat? Frankie muss da ihre eigene Antwort darauf finden, aber wenn jüngere Leser_innen sie diese Fragen zwischendurch selbst stellen, hat das Buch alles richtig gemacht.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” mag einen ellenlangen Titel haben, ist aber ein kurzweiliger Spaß, der trotzdem ein paar wichtige, feministische Fragen stellt. Es ist garantiert keine schwere Kost, aber so muss das manchmal auch sein – und zeigt jüngeren Leser_innen vielleicht auch, dass Feminismus wirklich nichts Schlimmes ist.