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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
E. Lockhart is one of a kind. After reading “Dramarama” for about a hundred times, I decided to read her other books too and I’ve never made a better decision when it comes to books. Seriously, I wish I had read these books as a teenager. “The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” has been on my tbr pile for ages before I finally picked it up, basically since it was first published in 2008. I was sixteen back then and I really truly wish I would’ve read it then. I could have needed it. The girl I was back then could have needed this book. Please don’t expect this review to be in any way coherent. “Frankie Landau-Banks” blew my mind a bit.
ONE OF THE BOYS?
This book basically is a look at your usual prep school story, your all boys secret society story from the point of view of an outsider. Think “Dead Poet’s Society” and imagine what it might have looked like to Chris, had she been given a point of view and not just been the pretty love interest for one of the characters to pursue. Don’t get me wrong, I love “Dead Poet’s Society” as much as everyone else but I love this book more. It dismantles the myth bit by bit and exposes all the double standards that still exist not just at American prep schools like the one Frankie attends, but in our modern society.
Frankie is a great heroine. She’s fifteen, grew very pretty over the summer and when she comes back to school for her sophomore year, boys start to notice her. Frankie soon becomes the girlfriend of popular Mathew Livingston and for a while it’s enough for her to be “the girlfriend” but soon she wants more. She wants in on the big secret surrounding Mathew and his friends, she wants to be part of their world as their friend and not just “Mathew’s new girlfriend”. I loved this so much. This is a real thing, not just at prep school, but all over the world. You’re never truly “one of the boys”. You’re always “the girl” or even “the girlfriend”. Your gender keeps these people you really want to be your friends from really seeing you. I’ve experienced this a number of times, first in High School and later with my now ex-boyfriend’s friend group, and I love Lockhart’s portrayal of this situation and how much it can hurt to not be allowed in based on who you are.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is a feminist novel and it isn’t subtle about it either. What Frankie wants to do is shatter that glass ceiling that’s keeping her from being truly equal to the boys. The novel illustrates the equality lie perfectly: Girls might be admitted to Alabaster preparatory school, but they’re nowhere near equal to the boys with their secret societies and “old boy” bonds, no matter how ridiculous they might seem.
NOT ONE OF THE BOYS
What I really loved about “The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is that the boys aren’t portrayed as evil antagonists trying to keep Frankie out because they’re sexist pigs or whatever. These boys are likable. I liked them. Frankie’s boyfriend Mathew was charming and clever, Alpha, leader of the gang, was interesting, funny and someone everyone would want to be friends with. The problem is that these boys don’t understand their privilege or society’s double-standards or why what they’re doing and what they believe in is harmful. It’s frustrating and a lot of it just rang true for me because that’s what it’s usually like.
On the other hand Frankie wasn’t innocent either. She’s obsessive in her goal of shattering that glass ceiling at her school, she’s a brilliant mind but she’s also somewhat ruthless and egocentric. I loved her none the less or maybe even because she wasn’t perfect and her means of achieving her goals weren’t always ethical. The thing is, even when you don’t agree with her, you understand why Frankie is doing what she’s doing. She wants desperately to belong. She’s not okay with just being someone’s adorable girlfriend. She’s not okay with having her intelligence underestimated just because she’s pretty to look at. Frankie is an intense character and I guess you’ll either love her or hate her but I think no matter which it’s gonna be, you’ll understand her.
The book isn’t perfect either. The actual story doesn’t start until 50 percent in which is a problem I’ve noticed before with Lockhart’s books. Half the book is build-up but I didn’t really mind. It was entertaining to read and it’s not like it’s all filler. There’s just a lot of background information. All of it’s important to the story but it could have been less. Whether you enjoy reading the first half of the book depends on if you like your books fast-paced or if you’re okay with slower books. I love slower books so I didn’t mind at all but I guess if you’re used to action-packed YA you might find “Frankie Landau-Banks”’s pacing boring.
Another thing I adored about this book and Lockhart’s books in general is the subtle humour. It’s never laugh out loud funny but I found myself smiling at the dialogue a lot and at Frankie’s neglected positives too. Overall “The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is about a serious topic but Lockhart’s writing is witty and light, making it easy to read these 350 pages in one go. Once Frankie infiltrated the secret society I couldn’t put the book down anymore. I had to know what would happen next and how it would end. I found the ending satisfying and realistic, even though it was quite bittersweet, which, judging by “Dramarama”, seems to be Lockhart’s signature style which I enjoy.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is a clever YA contemporary about feminism and double standards, privilege and what it takes to change things. It’s funny in a subtle way, insightful and interesting. It’s not just a feminist novel though. It’s also about wanting to belong and wanting people to like you for who you really are. It’s a story about boarding school and secret societies from the perspective of an outsider which makes it unique. I think this book is brilliant. Lockhart is a one of a kind brilliant YA author managing to hit the nail on the head with every book she writes. If you haven’t already, go check out “Frankie Landau-Banks” right now, no matter if your sixteen our in your 20s or older.
ONE OF THE BOYS?
This book basically is a look at your usual prep school story, your all boys secret society story from the point of view of an outsider. Think “Dead Poet’s Society” and imagine what it might have looked like to Chris, had she been given a point of view and not just been the pretty love interest for one of the characters to pursue. Don’t get me wrong, I love “Dead Poet’s Society” as much as everyone else but I love this book more. It dismantles the myth bit by bit and exposes all the double standards that still exist not just at American prep schools like the one Frankie attends, but in our modern society.
Frankie is a great heroine. She’s fifteen, grew very pretty over the summer and when she comes back to school for her sophomore year, boys start to notice her. Frankie soon becomes the girlfriend of popular Mathew Livingston and for a while it’s enough for her to be “the girlfriend” but soon she wants more. She wants in on the big secret surrounding Mathew and his friends, she wants to be part of their world as their friend and not just “Mathew’s new girlfriend”. I loved this so much. This is a real thing, not just at prep school, but all over the world. You’re never truly “one of the boys”. You’re always “the girl” or even “the girlfriend”. Your gender keeps these people you really want to be your friends from really seeing you. I’ve experienced this a number of times, first in High School and later with my now ex-boyfriend’s friend group, and I love Lockhart’s portrayal of this situation and how much it can hurt to not be allowed in based on who you are.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is a feminist novel and it isn’t subtle about it either. What Frankie wants to do is shatter that glass ceiling that’s keeping her from being truly equal to the boys. The novel illustrates the equality lie perfectly: Girls might be admitted to Alabaster preparatory school, but they’re nowhere near equal to the boys with their secret societies and “old boy” bonds, no matter how ridiculous they might seem.
NOT ONE OF THE BOYS
What I really loved about “The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is that the boys aren’t portrayed as evil antagonists trying to keep Frankie out because they’re sexist pigs or whatever. These boys are likable. I liked them. Frankie’s boyfriend Mathew was charming and clever, Alpha, leader of the gang, was interesting, funny and someone everyone would want to be friends with. The problem is that these boys don’t understand their privilege or society’s double-standards or why what they’re doing and what they believe in is harmful. It’s frustrating and a lot of it just rang true for me because that’s what it’s usually like.
On the other hand Frankie wasn’t innocent either. She’s obsessive in her goal of shattering that glass ceiling at her school, she’s a brilliant mind but she’s also somewhat ruthless and egocentric. I loved her none the less or maybe even because she wasn’t perfect and her means of achieving her goals weren’t always ethical. The thing is, even when you don’t agree with her, you understand why Frankie is doing what she’s doing. She wants desperately to belong. She’s not okay with just being someone’s adorable girlfriend. She’s not okay with having her intelligence underestimated just because she’s pretty to look at. Frankie is an intense character and I guess you’ll either love her or hate her but I think no matter which it’s gonna be, you’ll understand her.
The book isn’t perfect either. The actual story doesn’t start until 50 percent in which is a problem I’ve noticed before with Lockhart’s books. Half the book is build-up but I didn’t really mind. It was entertaining to read and it’s not like it’s all filler. There’s just a lot of background information. All of it’s important to the story but it could have been less. Whether you enjoy reading the first half of the book depends on if you like your books fast-paced or if you’re okay with slower books. I love slower books so I didn’t mind at all but I guess if you’re used to action-packed YA you might find “Frankie Landau-Banks”’s pacing boring.
Another thing I adored about this book and Lockhart’s books in general is the subtle humour. It’s never laugh out loud funny but I found myself smiling at the dialogue a lot and at Frankie’s neglected positives too. Overall “The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is about a serious topic but Lockhart’s writing is witty and light, making it easy to read these 350 pages in one go. Once Frankie infiltrated the secret society I couldn’t put the book down anymore. I had to know what would happen next and how it would end. I found the ending satisfying and realistic, even though it was quite bittersweet, which, judging by “Dramarama”, seems to be Lockhart’s signature style which I enjoy.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” is a clever YA contemporary about feminism and double standards, privilege and what it takes to change things. It’s funny in a subtle way, insightful and interesting. It’s not just a feminist novel though. It’s also about wanting to belong and wanting people to like you for who you really are. It’s a story about boarding school and secret societies from the perspective of an outsider which makes it unique. I think this book is brilliant. Lockhart is a one of a kind brilliant YA author managing to hit the nail on the head with every book she writes. If you haven’t already, go check out “Frankie Landau-Banks” right now, no matter if your sixteen our in your 20s or older.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Frankie Landau-Banks, previously the meek sheltered girl known to her family as "bunny rabbit", has grown up into a strong, independent young woman of 15, and she's not going to be a "bunny" anymore. The disreputable history follows her as she uses her wit and awesome criminal skills to bring down the old school patriarchal traditions/mindset of the old, stodgy boarding school she attends. Basically, she embarks upon social commentary through elaborate pranks. And its AWESOME.
So I remember really liking this book the first time around, but the second time around, it came off as damn near perfect. I loved it. Frankie is a lovable, realistic character. Sure, she makes some mistakes, but for the most part, she tries to do her best by people, and she fights the good fight for equality and fairness.
I'm so glad that our library system chose this as the "everyone reads" teen book this year, because its definitely something that all teenagers (and many adults) could benefit from reading. Its basically a primer for the ladies as to how to not get stomped all over, and its a how to for boys not to be dicks. So, yeah, its pretty great. And the pranks themselves were very amusing.
The two words I would pick to describe this book would be: clever, feminist. Which, you know, is a GREAT combination. 5 stars upon the re-read.
So I remember really liking this book the first time around, but the second time around, it came off as damn near perfect. I loved it. Frankie is a lovable, realistic character. Sure, she makes some mistakes, but for the most part, she tries to do her best by people, and she fights the good fight for equality and fairness.
I'm so glad that our library system chose this as the "everyone reads" teen book this year, because its definitely something that all teenagers (and many adults) could benefit from reading. Its basically a primer for the ladies as to how to not get stomped all over, and its a how to for boys not to be dicks. So, yeah, its pretty great. And the pranks themselves were very amusing.
The two words I would pick to describe this book would be: clever, feminist. Which, you know, is a GREAT combination. 5 stars upon the re-read.
Reasonable YA fluff that wants to think it's more than that - I liked the character of Frankie well enough, but the narrator/authorial voice was pretty insufferable (and really weirdly sexist, given the subject of the book).
I have to admit this book took me forever to get into. I mean I felt the build up for the climax was far too long but that's really the only major problem I had with this book.
I loved the way Frankie was desperate to show people that she was more than the "Bunny Rabbit" and wanted to show them all the greatness of her mind. I like the way the book tackles gender roles, power in society, how being accepted or not accepted in certain social circles can affect people's mental health and how actions can implement thought provoking change.
I loved the way Frankie was desperate to show people that she was more than the "Bunny Rabbit" and wanted to show them all the greatness of her mind. I like the way the book tackles gender roles, power in society, how being accepted or not accepted in certain social circles can affect people's mental health and how actions can implement thought provoking change.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At first glance this may seem like your typical YA Contemporary, but it really surprised me as I kept reading. The concept of a story taking place in boarding school really peeked my interest due to the fact that you basically could do whatever you wanted to do, add in the pranks and we're in for a real ride. As for the romance aspect of the story, I don't want to say much without spoiling the entire story but it was brilliantly planned out.
Frankie Landau-Banks is the kind of protagonist I look for in a book. Although she makes some rather questionable decisions, she's still 15 and when you're that young your judgement isn't exactly the best. It doesn't change the things she stands for as a young feminist. As much as she wanted acceptance from her boyfriends clique, she didn't loose sight of herself. She's smart and she's not going to let herself be pushed around. What first started off as a ploy to get closer to Matthew soon began into a movement of change, weather it be big or small.
I think it's safe to say that E Lockhart is definitely one of my favorite authors to date. Her spunky female characters, appealing writing style and interesting plot-lines are just some of the many reasons why her books are as ingenious as it is
Frankie Landau-Banks is the kind of protagonist I look for in a book. Although she makes some rather questionable decisions, she's still 15 and when you're that young your judgement isn't exactly the best. It doesn't change the things she stands for as a young feminist. As much as she wanted acceptance from her boyfriends clique, she didn't loose sight of herself. She's smart and she's not going to let herself be pushed around. What first started off as a ploy to get closer to Matthew soon began into a movement of change, weather it be big or small.
I think it's safe to say that E Lockhart is definitely one of my favorite authors to date. Her spunky female characters, appealing writing style and interesting plot-lines are just some of the many reasons why her books are as ingenious as it is
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
incredible vocabulary range, featuring an intelligent and capable semi-feminist female main character. the book it confusing at first and not as engaging but I became fully engrossed as the story progressed. it demonstrates a range of complicated and intriguing concepts that show off the sheer amount of research and effort that must’ve happened, giving the book another dimension and making it even more enjoyable to read. captivating and modern
Frankie Landau-Banks is a relatable character. The story starts off with her family writing her as a character who is less outspoken but as the story progresses, you can tell that she isn’t that at all. Frankie is relatable in the sense that everyone wants to be able to represent themselves and be independent but at the same time, she shows the fact that people desperately want to belong. She represents how it’s so hard to be a student or anyone in a situation with different power dynamics. One thing I disliked about it was that throughout the story it felt like so many of her decisions weren’t made by herself and instead were made under the influence of others. After finishing the book, I really thought about whether I enjoyed reading this or not and I came to this conclusion: While reading it, liked the story, it was a good idea and I also liked the writing style, but I didn't like how the story ended. Unless I blanked out and just didn't pay attention to anything that happened, the story kind of ended with Frankie not making any progress with herself. The whole point of her doing what she did was to kind of prove that she could be how the other people were and she ultimately did achieve that with Alpha but by the end, she lost half of her friends and she also lost Matthew and a big part of her as a person and I've mentioned this multiple times, she wanted to belong and this kind of counters the whole point of her belonging because now people see her as this person who breaks rules. As I've mentioned multiple times she wants to belong and be independent and I think that along the way she jumped from here to there so much that you couldn't keep up with her because of the fact that she wanted to be so many things I don't think she kept up with herself and ultimately, she became this person that i personally couldn't relate to as much as before because she did all these things to make herself like the others and she sort of forced herself to change to fit the others and stopped herself from voicing her opinions because of her wanting too belong.