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A review by snarkywench
Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
3.0
Meg Cabot is a genius. However, the concept at the core of this novel series, involves the reader taking a huge leap of faith in order to invest in the protagonist, Em. I have to admit that the whole brain swapping scenario makes it difficult for me to love this series as much as some of Cabot's other work. That being said, Being Nikki was a huge improvement on Airhead.
Em is a great character - she's smart, determined, empathetic and now beautiful. Unlike Airhead, Em has increased problems to keep her occupied. There's less emphasis on the modelling and more on her relationships, Nikki's family and her own conflicted emotions which makes this a much more fluid, relatable and enjoyable read. The addition of Nikki's brother, Steven, was a great move and the indication that he's around to stay. While the concept of Christopher is something I very much like, I found myself disregarding him a lot in this novel. He's less likable as his hard edges get sharper. Frida continues to grate though. I find the need of Em (and Nikki's body) to smooch on everyone within arms reach to be extra seedy and truth be told, it undermines the likability of the character.
Cabot is great at writing humorous, intelligent and feisty protagonists and she's been successful here too. However, the over-arching concept of brain transplants is beyond ridiculous and as it plays such a key part in the story development, it's hard to avoid. Em's adventures as a supermodel are a fun read and it will be intriguing to see what happens in the forthcoming titles in the series.
Em is a great character - she's smart, determined, empathetic and now beautiful. Unlike Airhead, Em has increased problems to keep her occupied. There's less emphasis on the modelling and more on her relationships, Nikki's family and her own conflicted emotions which makes this a much more fluid, relatable and enjoyable read. The addition of Nikki's brother, Steven, was a great move and the indication that he's around to stay. While the concept of Christopher is something I very much like, I found myself disregarding him a lot in this novel. He's less likable as his hard edges get sharper. Frida continues to grate though. I find the need of Em (and Nikki's body) to smooch on everyone within arms reach to be extra seedy and truth be told, it undermines the likability of the character.
Cabot is great at writing humorous, intelligent and feisty protagonists and she's been successful here too. However, the over-arching concept of brain transplants is beyond ridiculous and as it plays such a key part in the story development, it's hard to avoid. Em's adventures as a supermodel are a fun read and it will be intriguing to see what happens in the forthcoming titles in the series.