Scan barcode
mareadgrace's review
4.0
Margot Mertz 2.0 has four rules, and abiding by these four rules over the course of her senior year will keep her from being a self-described "garbage person," and from imploding her own life, as Margot Mertz 1.0 did during the last school year. However, when things start going sideways in both the school election and senate campaign race that Margot's helping out with, her rules become increasingly more difficult to follow.
Spoiler: There is no HEA here. Margot is young and jaded, and despite having good intentions, she often makes misguided decisions in the name of justice. She does not learn from most of her mistakes or past experiences, and continues to prioritize whatever job she's working over the majority of her relationships. If you read this sequel in the hopes that Margot becomes a different person by the end, you will be disappointed. However, this book is a perfect example of why I love contemporary fiction. It's frustrating, and heartbreaking, and honest. Teenagers, like everyone else, are flawed.
I admire McCrossen and McWethy's ability to weave humor throughout a story that includes such sensitive and important topics as this one, and I am forever impressed by co-authors who can write a single POV so seamlessly. I was, and still am, fully invested in the lives of these characters, and hope to see more of Margot Mertz someday.
Spoiler: There is no HEA here. Margot is young and jaded, and despite having good intentions, she often makes misguided decisions in the name of justice. She does not learn from most of her mistakes or past experiences, and continues to prioritize whatever job she's working over the majority of her relationships. If you read this sequel in the hopes that Margot becomes a different person by the end, you will be disappointed. However, this book is a perfect example of why I love contemporary fiction. It's frustrating, and heartbreaking, and honest. Teenagers, like everyone else, are flawed.
I admire McCrossen and McWethy's ability to weave humor throughout a story that includes such sensitive and important topics as this one, and I am forever impressed by co-authors who can write a single POV so seamlessly. I was, and still am, fully invested in the lives of these characters, and hope to see more of Margot Mertz someday.
blue_charlesss's review
3.0
Really enjoyed coming back to Margot's character and her narration, and this was another interesting, exploration of its feminist themes. I found myself really enjoying the characters a lot more this time around, which was great, though I do feel like things just sort of peter out in some ways at the end.
The storyline with the class president election and the fallout from Margot's actions never really gets any closure, and she ends the book kinda just going "well ig if I'm an asshole i'll be an asshole!" Feels like there's a third book brewing here to wrap up these loose threads, though I haven't seen anything about one.
The storyline with the class president election and the fallout from Margot's actions never really gets any closure, and she ends the book kinda just going "well ig if I'm an asshole i'll be an asshole!" Feels like there's a third book brewing here to wrap up these loose threads, though I haven't seen anything about one.
ask1229's review
4.0
I must say I enjoyed this more than the 1st in the series. However, maybe that is because of my interest in politics.
I have some of the same problems as I did with the first book but if you suspend all disbelief, Margot Mertz is a typical teenager figuring out her moral compass with a side of sarcasm.
I have some of the same problems as I did with the first book but if you suspend all disbelief, Margot Mertz is a typical teenager figuring out her moral compass with a side of sarcasm.
Spoiler
Books don't always have to have a happy ending but I was really rooting for Avery and Margot. It honestly left me on a mediocre note but it seems there is a chance for rekindling in a possible sequel at Stanford.readingwithkirstyn's review
4.0
Margot Mertz is a great main character who isn't afraid to be her true self and follow the morals she believes. She always stands up for what she believes in and that makes her a compelling character. This time she gets involved in politics, both in school and out of it. She brings so much to the table in her humor mixed with her intelligence. make this a lighthearted and fun read!
hitechredneck's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nwrites's review
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
I enjoyed the story, but as with the first installment, Margot does not feel like a teen.
Her “I’m not like other girls because I’m a loner and know how to hack” shtick gets old fast too.
While realistic, the ending didn’t feel satisfying, but that’s personal preference.
Her “I’m not like other girls because I’m a loner and know how to hack” shtick gets old fast too.
While realistic, the ending didn’t feel satisfying, but that’s personal preference.
rbreade's review
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Every element I loved in the first Mertz novel--the snappy dialogue, the snarky interiority of the title character, the fascinating dive into the difficult task of erasing or ameliorating someone's digital footprint, and the full-bore attack on toxic masculinity and "boys will be boys" attitudes--is present and accounted for in this sophomore effort in the series.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
5.0
5/5
It took me a while to get around to reading this but I loved it all the same. The little side notes in the book make it feel more real and I enjoy Margot as a main character
It took me a while to get around to reading this but I loved it all the same. The little side notes in the book make it feel more real and I enjoy Margot as a main character