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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
Full Disclosure: I read this for a gender representation in children's and youth lit class for my MLIS and I wouldn't have read it otherwise. I wouldn't have even known about it... I did like Lockhart's other novel, We Were Liars, though. I'm not entirely sure why I'm giving this four stars because it took me nearly half the novel to get into it. It's also a little anti-climactic as well. I think the main thing that's so enjoyable about it in the end is that it's got a really fresh, compelling voice from a character who draws you in and you want to root for. This is like those boarding school novels where the tony rich kids rule the school and get away with all kinds of shit while everyone looks on with either bemusement or consternation (I could potentially see these male characters in a Salinger novel and I could definitely see them showing up in a Bret Easton Ellis novel a few years removed from where they are in this novel). With this though, that paradigm is completely subverted by Frankie in her quest to shake things up. If you typically enjoy that kind of novel, then you might like this variation on it. Oh, and the voice here rings with such authenticity that Lockhart must have grown up in this world.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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:
Complicated
Now here was a great read! The character, though enjoying being in the "in crowd" of her high school, questions why they can't value her for those traits that she values about herself. It is actually interesting watching this teenage come to terms with who she is and what she wants from people. I have never identified so strongly with a character. Lockhart captured the issues confronting teenagers so well. Of course she has her character go way over the top with her pranks - they are incredible! It appealed to the rebellious, anti-establishmentarian in me. The author is quite realistic as to the consequences of Frankie's actions. Fabulous read!
Oh my god, this book was so good. I really like Lockhart's writing style. I need to read all of her books now...
This book was absolutely fantastic. It was all about feminism and fighting for all your principles. I really liked the irony of what Frankie did, but it was really sad to see it didn't have the intended effect. I was like, really cheering Frankie on.. I also liked the humor in the book, and the tone. How (pardon the pun) frank it was and how it seemed almost devoid of emotions most of the time. Which is why it was actually pretty funny. I liked it. There is one thing I wished was different about the ending, but I understand why it was the way it was. .
I feel like this kind of book could be read and analyzed in English class. Except, it would be a lot more interesting and easier to analyze since the language doesn't confuse everybody every 0.0001 seconds. There are actually a lot of messages in this book and I feel like eventually, it could be a book everyone ends up reading in English. Probably like in middle school, but still. I'd much rather have read this in middle school English class than some of the books we read...
This book was really good and I recommend it to people who like realistic fiction and feminism and challenging societal beliefs. It's super interesting and I really hope more people read Lockhart's books (not just this one, even though I am strongly recommending it).
This book was absolutely fantastic. It was all about feminism and fighting for all your principles. I really liked the irony of what Frankie did, but it was really sad to see it didn't have the intended effect. I was like, really cheering Frankie on.
Spoiler
Also, I was really hoping she'd break up with Matthew Livingston (it doesn't feel right to not say his first and last name). She didn't even like him that much; she liked what he represented and that's what she wanted. Not him.Spoiler
I wish Frankie had started her own secret all-girls club that was basically the same as the Basset Hounds, but for girls only. I think that this would have been epic and that Frankie could get exactly what she wanted this way. She could probably lead it better than Alpha and Matthew Livingston lead the Bassets. Of course, she'd have to lay low for a little at first after getting in huge trouble, but it would be possibleI feel like this kind of book could be read and analyzed in English class. Except, it would be a lot more interesting and easier to analyze since the language doesn't confuse everybody every 0.0001 seconds. There are actually a lot of messages in this book and I feel like eventually, it could be a book everyone ends up reading in English. Probably like in middle school, but still. I'd much rather have read this in middle school English class than some of the books we read...
This book was really good and I recommend it to people who like realistic fiction and feminism and challenging societal beliefs. It's super interesting and I really hope more people read Lockhart's books (not just this one, even though I am strongly recommending it).
http://welfycatreads.blogspot.com/2007/08/disreputable-history.html
A great boarding school/feminist tale!
The plot of this novel is excellent and gives way to an interesting conversation about feminism. I like how Frankie asked herself questions and questioned her own actions. I liked that it didn't have a nicely tied up romance at the end. I also liked the agency Frankie gave herself, to do what she wanted. The Boarding school setting was also done very well. Easy read.
The plot of this novel is excellent and gives way to an interesting conversation about feminism. I like how Frankie asked herself questions and questioned her own actions. I liked that it didn't have a nicely tied up romance at the end. I also liked the agency Frankie gave herself, to do what she wanted. The Boarding school setting was also done very well. Easy read.
I read this after Liars which I rated five stars, so I had high expectations for this one. I found it difficult at first to get into as it had much to set up by way of story and class, but once I got into its style and started caring about Frankie, I was hooked. I rated it four stars because the overall story isn't a novel concept or even something freshly unique to this genre, but it's in the little things. The slight panics. The awkwardness. The narcissism. What Frankie herself orchestrates isn't quite as good as what Lockhart does with the overall book, and I think that's what makes it so enjoyable.
Excellent story of a girl who is an amazingly realistic and well-rounded blend of feminist, nerd, and ordinary teenage girl with a strong drive to be recognized as a clever force to reckon with.
Highly recommended for teens and adults with an interest in realistic YA fiction.
Highly recommended for teens and adults with an interest in realistic YA fiction.