You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality isn't a very long book but man, it tackles some really important and heavy issues in YA. The novel is centered around Lexi and her family, about toddler/children pageants and the effects that they have on these really young, very impressionable young children. While her seven year old sister Mackenzie's an old hand at these pageants, Lexi has never participated in one before and was deemed as a Girl with a Great Personality (shorthand for meaning that while she's fun to be around she's not considered as date material). In Revenge, things start to change because of a bet that she's made with her best friend Billy and starts making an effort in dressing up. Unlike Hollywood movies where everything's good after the heroine goes through the requisite makeover montage, the notions of appearances and self-identity are brought out and explored in a thoroughly entertaining way.
Lexi's one of the selling points of the novel. She's funny, smart and witty but has a really low self-esteem, which is very understandable because of everything that she's been through. In fact when Mackenzie called her ugly, I flinched and felt so bad for her. Elizabeth Eulberg has created a really great protagonist in Lexi, such that even when she makes really stupid decisions you can't help but to root for her and hope for the best. I especially liked her relationship with her sister and how real it was--that siblings can love and kind of dislike each other at the same time is one of the better portrayals that I've seen in YA books.
Relationships are one of the best things that's in Revenge. While there's a love triangle of sorts in it, the resolution of the triangle between Taylor, Lexi and Logan was well done. The friendship between Cameron, Billy and Lexi was very sweet too and I loved how they stood by each other throughout the changes in their lives.
Eulberg focuses on the mother-daughter relationship in Revenge too and it was something really hard to read about because of how terrible Lexi's mother was. Her selfishness and her self-centeredness was so damaging to their relationship and the way she treated Mackenzie was horrible as well. I mean if your kid doesn't want to go through with pageants anymore what's the point of forcing them to do so?
The creepy aspect of toddler pageants is also a focus of the book. There's even a mention of a reality show that Lexi's mother is dying to star in, which reminds me of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers & Tiaras. Eulberg doesn't glamourize these competitions but shows how warped they are and how they can damage a kid's psyche. There are really many uncomfortable aspects of toddler/children pageants, from the way these kids are dressed up for adults to ogle at and judge to that crazy flipper thing that they have to wear in order to pass of as having a full set of adult teeth. And the cost of entering in these competitions. I had no idea how expensive these things were.
Revenge was an eye-opener for me in terms of children pageants and it portrays the troubles of growing up quite well. Lexi's confusion about who she wanted to be (the girl who didn't care about her appearance because she knew she was never going to be beautiful or the girl who cared too much about her appearance and wakes up two hours before school to get ready) is completely understandable. The relationships were realistically depicted and the romance was sweet though it didn't quite work out in the end. I'll definitely check out more of Eulberg's books!
Lexi's one of the selling points of the novel. She's funny, smart and witty but has a really low self-esteem, which is very understandable because of everything that she's been through. In fact when Mackenzie called her ugly, I flinched and felt so bad for her. Elizabeth Eulberg has created a really great protagonist in Lexi, such that even when she makes really stupid decisions you can't help but to root for her and hope for the best. I especially liked her relationship with her sister and how real it was--that siblings can love and kind of dislike each other at the same time is one of the better portrayals that I've seen in YA books.
Relationships are one of the best things that's in Revenge. While there's a love triangle of sorts in it, the resolution of the triangle between Taylor, Lexi and Logan was well done.
Spoiler
Even though I loved Taylor, the fact that Lexi ends up alone at the end of the novel was great, because it's obvious that she isn't quite ready for relationships of that kind. And Logan being a jerk wasn't something that I saw coming but I liked the twist anyway.Eulberg focuses on the mother-daughter relationship in Revenge too and it was something really hard to read about because of how terrible Lexi's mother was. Her selfishness and her self-centeredness was so damaging to their relationship and the way she treated Mackenzie was horrible as well. I mean if your kid doesn't want to go through with pageants anymore what's the point of forcing them to do so?
Spoiler
And you know that your relationship with them is warped when they feel like pageants are the only way to have some mother-daughter time with you.The creepy aspect of toddler pageants is also a focus of the book. There's even a mention of a reality show that Lexi's mother is dying to star in, which reminds me of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers & Tiaras. Eulberg doesn't glamourize these competitions but shows how warped they are and how they can damage a kid's psyche. There are really many uncomfortable aspects of toddler/children pageants, from the way these kids are dressed up for adults to ogle at and judge to that crazy flipper thing that they have to wear in order to pass of as having a full set of adult teeth. And the cost of entering in these competitions. I had no idea how expensive these things were.
Revenge was an eye-opener for me in terms of children pageants and it portrays the troubles of growing up quite well. Lexi's confusion about who she wanted to be (the girl who didn't care about her appearance because she knew she was never going to be beautiful or the girl who cared too much about her appearance and wakes up two hours before school to get ready) is completely understandable. The relationships were realistically depicted and the romance was sweet though it didn't quite work out in the end. I'll definitely check out more of Eulberg's books!
2020 me here just doing her thing and editing old reviews.
---------------------------
AGAGA I really enjoyed this book. I don't think a teenage girl can not relate to the problems Lexi had. Lexi really grew up in this book and become more confident and in love with herself. Sometimes I think as girls, we always want approval from others to tell us we are beautiful.
*sophomore year me reviewing*
I related to this book on such an emotional level just because this book tackled an issue that I feel like every girl has felt in their life. This book followed a girl named Lexi who is contemplating why boys never like her, and she decides to change how she dresses to get boys to notice her. The book follows her journey of finding herself and with all the internal conflicts.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
aGAGAGAG this book made me see things differently. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how much I loved Lara Jean in To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and Lexi is a very close second. Lexi was inspired by her sister doing pageants to glam herself up. She started wearing lots of makeup and clothes that show off her curves. She continuously talks about how boys keep whistling at her, the popular girls keep talking to her ,and how she spends hours on her appearance.
She attracts this boy, Taylor who genuinely liked her, and she LET THIS BOY GO because she thought he liked her because of her appearance. Logan was such a jerk and it was a shame to know that he only liked/ started noticing her because of her appearance. Logan just had so much potential to be a nice boy. It was nice to have Lexi accepts that he would always be a friend to her.
The book ends with her accepting her GREAT personality. Her friends, Benny and Cam, really helped her find herself, and Benny helped her get out of her comfort zone by doing this risky experiment. Cam saw how the popularity and beauty were changing her and called her out on it.
The final plot I want to talk about was Lexi and her family. Lexi's sister, Mackenzie, did pageants and her mother never told her she was pretty. Lexi was this hardworking girl that wanted to study fashion and always helped her sister without receiving credit. Her mom always made it seem like it was a bad thing for her to do things for herself. When Lexi's mom stole money for Mac and yelled at her for being selfish and even slapped her, I pretty much gasped and felt so bad for Lexi. It really made the reason this experiment happen click. Lexi did this because she was never told she was beautiful, this experiment became her life because she felt like she was the "ugly duckling," and the boys provided that security and comfort she needed. After she realized the truth about pageants, she left the insecurities behind. Overall I really feel like this book should be read by teenage girls.
The reason why the book had a strong impact on me was because it made sense. Girls thrive on compliments. We thrive on boys saying they love us, and we thrive on approval of others not really caring about our own desires. We obsess over Kylie's lips or Blake Lively beauty, looking up to others while dragging ourselves down. This book made me realize I'm over this mentality. Society has made it seem like looks were important, the cute boys get famous and rich. What do we do? We stare and obsess. As human, we need to change this. I recently made a checklist so to speak of characteristics I want in a future spouse, ( I encourage every girl to do this), and it opened my eyes that looks aren't a #1 priority. If their personality is terrible, then looks are not going to cut it. Never settle my friends. Settling is compromising, and all of us deserve someone that is compatible with us, that makes us happy and joyful and encourages us to be an amazing person.
---------------------------
AGAGA I really enjoyed this book. I don't think a teenage girl can not relate to the problems Lexi had. Lexi really grew up in this book and become more confident and in love with herself. Sometimes I think as girls, we always want approval from others to tell us we are beautiful.
*sophomore year me reviewing*
I related to this book on such an emotional level just because this book tackled an issue that I feel like every girl has felt in their life. This book followed a girl named Lexi who is contemplating why boys never like her, and she decides to change how she dresses to get boys to notice her. The book follows her journey of finding herself and with all the internal conflicts.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
aGAGAGAG this book made me see things differently. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how much I loved Lara Jean in To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and Lexi is a very close second. Lexi was inspired by her sister doing pageants to glam herself up. She started wearing lots of makeup and clothes that show off her curves. She continuously talks about how boys keep whistling at her, the popular girls keep talking to her ,and how she spends hours on her appearance.
She attracts this boy, Taylor who genuinely liked her, and she LET THIS BOY GO because she thought he liked her because of her appearance. Logan was such a jerk and it was a shame to know that he only liked/ started noticing her because of her appearance. Logan just had so much potential to be a nice boy. It was nice to have Lexi accepts that he would always be a friend to her.
The book ends with her accepting her GREAT personality. Her friends, Benny and Cam, really helped her find herself, and Benny helped her get out of her comfort zone by doing this risky experiment. Cam saw how the popularity and beauty were changing her and called her out on it.
The final plot I want to talk about was Lexi and her family. Lexi's sister, Mackenzie, did pageants and her mother never told her she was pretty. Lexi was this hardworking girl that wanted to study fashion and always helped her sister without receiving credit. Her mom always made it seem like it was a bad thing for her to do things for herself. When Lexi's mom stole money for Mac and yelled at her for being selfish and even slapped her, I pretty much gasped and felt so bad for Lexi. It really made the reason this experiment happen click. Lexi did this because she was never told she was beautiful, this experiment became her life because she felt like she was the "ugly duckling," and the boys provided that security and comfort she needed. After she realized the truth about pageants, she left the insecurities behind. Overall I really feel like this book should be read by teenage girls.
The reason why the book had a strong impact on me was because it made sense. Girls thrive on compliments. We thrive on boys saying they love us, and we thrive on approval of others not really caring about our own desires. We obsess over Kylie's lips or Blake Lively beauty, looking up to others while dragging ourselves down. This book made me realize I'm over this mentality. Society has made it seem like looks were important, the cute boys get famous and rich. What do we do? We stare and obsess. As human, we need to change this. I recently made a checklist so to speak of characteristics I want in a future spouse, ( I encourage every girl to do this), and it opened my eyes that looks aren't a #1 priority. If their personality is terrible, then looks are not going to cut it. Never settle my friends. Settling is compromising, and all of us deserve someone that is compatible with us, that makes us happy and joyful and encourages us to be an amazing person.
I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK!!! I liked what it was all about. I also liked that she did not change herself just for a boy. It was REALLY great when Lexi and Mac finally told their mother how they really felt and I hope she understood because she should act more like a mother!! Another thing is I REALLY wanted her to go with Taylor I knew he really did like her because they had chemistry before she started to change. I hope they work it out.Overall I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK I REALLY LIKE THE ENDING AND IT'S MESSAGE!!! ^.^ :) :D
Pageants, make-overs, family drama, friendship, romance, this all is found in this deliciously wonderful book!
Lexi was an absolutely lovely girl, I loved how apparently she was popular, yet not that kind of popular. More like the girl to laugh with and the girl to talk with, but not the girl that you come to for a date or some romance.
Add to that, that she is a dedicated supporter for her sister, who is a pageant competitor. However, she doesn't really like that. Especially since her mom just spends all their money on stuff like that. (More on the mom later, I really need to rant for a bit)
I loved how at first she was hesitant about make-up, but soon saw the benefits and tried to pay a bit more attention to herself, how she looked and what she wore. Of course, she also learns a lesson about beauty and inner beauty, and I loved to see how she went through this. How she started realising things.
One thing I didn't like about her was her constant OMG Logan attitude. It got a bit boring and annoying, and one event especially made me cringe and just want to smack her for being such a total bitch. She has a wonderful boyfriend, but they break up (mostly because of a misunderstanding), but then she doesn't correct it and goes with Logan... Like what the actual hell? So yeah, that was one thing that I just didn't like. Maybe if we had a little less Logan? Maybe if she actually cared about her boyfriend instead of pining for another one?
The whole pageant stuff was interesting, but also disturbing. I remember watching some pageant shows on tv, and 2 things that stuck to me were: 1. The clothes the kids wore, seriously, what kind of parent dresses their kids up as prostitutes or sexy cowboys? 2. The attitude of the parents/children. A lot of the children were acting like they were princesses and they could do anything they wanted. And oh dear, if they didn't get what they wanted immediately.
That was my problem with the sister. She was so spoiled, so used to getting her fricking will that she turned into a total little bitch. Saying mean stuff to her sister who is trying to care for her, who is trying to make sure everything is fine for her (otherwise she would incur the wreath of not only said sister, but also of mother). The sister changes, but sorry, I still couldn't like her. I can understand why she became like this, but she was already ruined for me. Suddenly having her act all nice and friendly, I just didn't buy it any more.
Then we have one of the biggest frustrations. The mom. Seriously, WTF is wrong with that woman. At times I was doubting she had any braincells. She acts like her younger child is a god, and mistreats her older child. Her older child has to work and make sure there is money, because her mom just spends all their money on pageants and making sure her younger child has a perfect life. Not only that, but the mom actually had the balls to steal money from her older child. Yes, stealing, like what the hell? What kind of parent are you to just steal money, oh and then when your kid is angry about it and demands the money back you act like she shouldn't whine and hit her. WTH WTH... NO, just no.
And sorry, but I couldn't care that she tried her bestie westie to get better and care more for her older daughter, I just hated her at that point and I wished that both the younger and the older child could have gotten out of her custody and just live with another family member. Some parents just don't deserve kids.
But other than that, the book was great and I loved it. Our main characters friends are wonderful and I had a great time reading about them.
This is one book I would really recommend, it is funny, a little bit frustrating, but ah so fantastic. :)
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Lexi was an absolutely lovely girl, I loved how apparently she was popular, yet not that kind of popular. More like the girl to laugh with and the girl to talk with, but not the girl that you come to for a date or some romance.
Add to that, that she is a dedicated supporter for her sister, who is a pageant competitor. However, she doesn't really like that. Especially since her mom just spends all their money on stuff like that. (More on the mom later, I really need to rant for a bit)
I loved how at first she was hesitant about make-up, but soon saw the benefits and tried to pay a bit more attention to herself, how she looked and what she wore. Of course, she also learns a lesson about beauty and inner beauty, and I loved to see how she went through this. How she started realising things.
One thing I didn't like about her was her constant OMG Logan attitude. It got a bit boring and annoying, and one event especially made me cringe and just want to smack her for being such a total bitch. She has a wonderful boyfriend, but they break up (mostly because of a misunderstanding), but then she doesn't correct it and goes with Logan... Like what the actual hell? So yeah, that was one thing that I just didn't like. Maybe if we had a little less Logan? Maybe if she actually cared about her boyfriend instead of pining for another one?
The whole pageant stuff was interesting, but also disturbing. I remember watching some pageant shows on tv, and 2 things that stuck to me were: 1. The clothes the kids wore, seriously, what kind of parent dresses their kids up as prostitutes or sexy cowboys? 2. The attitude of the parents/children. A lot of the children were acting like they were princesses and they could do anything they wanted. And oh dear, if they didn't get what they wanted immediately.
That was my problem with the sister. She was so spoiled, so used to getting her fricking will that she turned into a total little bitch. Saying mean stuff to her sister who is trying to care for her, who is trying to make sure everything is fine for her (otherwise she would incur the wreath of not only said sister, but also of mother). The sister changes, but sorry, I still couldn't like her. I can understand why she became like this, but she was already ruined for me. Suddenly having her act all nice and friendly, I just didn't buy it any more.
Then we have one of the biggest frustrations. The mom. Seriously, WTF is wrong with that woman. At times I was doubting she had any braincells. She acts like her younger child is a god, and mistreats her older child. Her older child has to work and make sure there is money, because her mom just spends all their money on pageants and making sure her younger child has a perfect life. Not only that, but the mom actually had the balls to steal money from her older child. Yes, stealing, like what the hell? What kind of parent are you to just steal money, oh and then when your kid is angry about it and demands the money back you act like she shouldn't whine and hit her. WTH WTH... NO, just no.
And sorry, but I couldn't care that she tried her bestie westie to get better and care more for her older daughter, I just hated her at that point and I wished that both the younger and the older child could have gotten out of her custody and just live with another family member. Some parents just don't deserve kids.
But other than that, the book was great and I loved it. Our main characters friends are wonderful and I had a great time reading about them.
This is one book I would really recommend, it is funny, a little bit frustrating, but ah so fantastic. :)
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Can i just say that life is not about boys and beauty, THIS COMING FROM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. So Stfu Lexi ugh
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... But let's be honest, people tend to gravitate towards more physically attractive individuals even if they have the personality of a rock.
This book addresses many issues such as self-image, family dynamics, self-esteem, and friendship.
The book stars Lexi. The smart, funny, and down-to-earth girl who hides behind her pageant sister's shadow. Her mom is basically depressed after separating from her husband and has thrown herself into being this monster pageant mom who is obsessed with getting her seven -year-old daughter a worthless, sparkly crown. She steals money from Lexi, treats her like shit, and doesn't listen to her children. I hated her! I tried to be sympathetic but in the end she didn't even think she did anything wrong. Dayuuum.
Lexi tries to bust out of her wallflower image by having an extreme makeover. But in the end she realised that it's not about the way you look that should attract people but the personality and values you have.
I liked Lexi. She was a good person and even though she went through a confusing time she didn't let her problems break her. I also liked her relationship with Taylor. I was disappointed that they didn't end up together.
I wanted to know more about Cam and Benny because they were the most amazing best friends a girl could have.
So basically my big problem with this was Lexi's unresolved family issues. I just couldn't believe her mom's horrid attitude. I tried to be sympathetic but it was too difficult because it's harder to help adults out of their crises when they have such fixed notions that are difficult to change.
But overall it was a very entertaining book. I highly recommend it.
This book addresses many issues such as self-image, family dynamics, self-esteem, and friendship.
The book stars Lexi. The smart, funny, and down-to-earth girl who hides behind her pageant sister's shadow. Her mom is basically depressed after separating from her husband and has thrown herself into being this monster pageant mom who is obsessed with getting her seven -year-old daughter a worthless, sparkly crown. She steals money from Lexi, treats her like shit, and doesn't listen to her children. I hated her! I tried to be sympathetic but in the end she didn't even think she did anything wrong. Dayuuum.
Lexi tries to bust out of her wallflower image by having an extreme makeover. But in the end she realised that it's not about the way you look that should attract people but the personality and values you have.
I liked Lexi. She was a good person and even though she went through a confusing time she didn't let her problems break her. I also liked her relationship with Taylor. I was disappointed that they didn't end up together.
I wanted to know more about Cam and Benny because they were the most amazing best friends a girl could have.
So basically my big problem with this was Lexi's unresolved family issues. I just couldn't believe her mom's horrid attitude. I tried to be sympathetic but it was too difficult because it's harder to help adults out of their crises when they have such fixed notions that are difficult to change.
But overall it was a very entertaining book. I highly recommend it.
I found this book to be a fun summer read! I Almost wish the book was longer as I finished it in two days. However following Lexis life was pretty entertaining!
one-sentence summary: "frumpy" girl with a glamorous, toddler-pageant little sister tries makeup for a week and it changes everything.
---
this book was okay. i liked the addition of the little girl pageants. i watch toddlers and tiaras like it's my job. the book wasn't 100% pedictable, it hovered around only 90%. i didn't understand why, if Lexi (lead character) is interested in fashion design, she isn't interested in wearing fashionable clothes. all the fashion-oriented people i know may not be typical and wear the fad styles, but they still have an edgy and developed sense of personal style. this girl only starts caring what she wears because her friend made her. the fashion designer element wasn't developed enough for me. Lexi says that's what she wants to do in life,, but she doen't do much to show it.
Also, and this is a personal gripe, why is it that mini-makeovers always have to have negative consequences? when i got my act together and started dressing nicer and wearing makeup, it made me feel better about myself. my inner sense of self wasn't destroyed by this "facade" of beauty. i wish, for once, a makeover could be show as a positive step in personal evolution. **spoiler alert** lexi doesn't give up makeup and looking nice in the end and some vague references are made about who she "used to be," which makes you think maybe she used to try to look better, but then she demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge about how primping is supposed to go, suggesting she's never done it before. at the end of the book, she decides to still wear makeup and dress well--to a degree, but she has to go through all this drama about wearing makeup in the first place. if a guy started showing interest in me only after i started wearing makeup and dressing better-- it actually make sense. makeup and clothes are a good barometer of how ready and welcoming a girl is to dating. maybe the guy realized her newfound "hotness" was her way of saying she's ready for attention.
oy, whatever. makeup isn't evil. attractive clothing isn't evil.
---
this book was okay. i liked the addition of the little girl pageants. i watch toddlers and tiaras like it's my job. the book wasn't 100% pedictable, it hovered around only 90%. i didn't understand why, if Lexi (lead character) is interested in fashion design, she isn't interested in wearing fashionable clothes. all the fashion-oriented people i know may not be typical and wear the fad styles, but they still have an edgy and developed sense of personal style. this girl only starts caring what she wears because her friend made her. the fashion designer element wasn't developed enough for me. Lexi says that's what she wants to do in life,, but she doen't do much to show it.
Also, and this is a personal gripe, why is it that mini-makeovers always have to have negative consequences? when i got my act together and started dressing nicer and wearing makeup, it made me feel better about myself. my inner sense of self wasn't destroyed by this "facade" of beauty. i wish, for once, a makeover could be show as a positive step in personal evolution. **spoiler alert** lexi doesn't give up makeup and looking nice in the end and some vague references are made about who she "used to be," which makes you think maybe she used to try to look better, but then she demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge about how primping is supposed to go, suggesting she's never done it before. at the end of the book, she decides to still wear makeup and dress well--to a degree, but she has to go through all this drama about wearing makeup in the first place. if a guy started showing interest in me only after i started wearing makeup and dressing better-- it actually make sense. makeup and clothes are a good barometer of how ready and welcoming a girl is to dating. maybe the guy realized her newfound "hotness" was her way of saying she's ready for attention.
oy, whatever. makeup isn't evil. attractive clothing isn't evil.
The Revenge of the Girl with Great Personality follows Lexi as she navigates an unstable world of glitz pageants, cute boys, and good friends. Lexi's sister is a seven year old diva who participates regularly in beauty pageants that her family can't afford. Because of the cost and strain of weekly pageants, Lexi is neglected. With the help of two best friends, she tries to revamp her image and get the attention she wants from both her mom and her high school crush.
Written with humor and a conversational tone, this book highlights that personality and self worth is more important than beauty standards. Although the lesson is an important one, I found the story to be predictable. In fact, it reminded me of Mean Girls, which makes me wonder if the author pulled anything from the movie.
During an author visit, I asked Eulberg about her research for this book. As a previous pageant contestant (not glitz) I wanted to know how far she went to research her topic. I was disappointed to learn that she simply watched toddlers and tiaras and googled some prices for cosmetic props. I understand an authors limitations in research. I can't expect them to first hand experience everything they write (come on historians, where is your time machine?) However I do use her confession as a word of warning; this is a fictional tale based on a reality television show. Reality shows are rarely that, thus begging me for more information before I judge those who compete in there pageants.
It's also important to remember that the book's ultimate goal is not to trash the pageant world, but to tell the story of a set of characters and remind the reader that personality and actions are more important than social acceptance. For this reason, I recommend this book to readers who have forgotten this fact or need a reminder than beauty is on the inside.
Written with humor and a conversational tone, this book highlights that personality and self worth is more important than beauty standards. Although the lesson is an important one, I found the story to be predictable. In fact, it reminded me of Mean Girls, which makes me wonder if the author pulled anything from the movie.
During an author visit, I asked Eulberg about her research for this book. As a previous pageant contestant (not glitz) I wanted to know how far she went to research her topic. I was disappointed to learn that she simply watched toddlers and tiaras and googled some prices for cosmetic props. I understand an authors limitations in research. I can't expect them to first hand experience everything they write (come on historians, where is your time machine?) However I do use her confession as a word of warning; this is a fictional tale based on a reality television show. Reality shows are rarely that, thus begging me for more information before I judge those who compete in there pageants.
It's also important to remember that the book's ultimate goal is not to trash the pageant world, but to tell the story of a set of characters and remind the reader that personality and actions are more important than social acceptance. For this reason, I recommend this book to readers who have forgotten this fact or need a reminder than beauty is on the inside.
Despite the fan craze of toddlers in tiaras (or whatever that show is called) I've never read a book that looks into that culture of people. I loved the underlying message of the book that personality>looks. However, I think I've outgrown books like this. It was fluffy and very middle school-esq. even though the characters were in high school. I finished it because I was generally interested in what happened in the end, but it definitely wasn't a mind blowing book by any means.