Model Misfit (Geek Girl 2) by Holly Smale
| Model Misfit (Geek Girl 2) by Holly Smale | |
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| Category: Teens | |
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Reviewer: Robert James
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| Summary: Excellent follow-up to one of the funniest teen novels of the year so far. Massively recommended. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 400 | Date: September 2013 |
| Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-0007489466 | |
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Some fairly major spoilers here for Geek Girl. Read on at your own risk!
Harriet Manners has the opportunity of a lifetime. She's been asked to go and model in Japan, a country she's always wanted to visit. Struggling from a break-up with Nick, best friend Nat being sent abroad for the summer, and her father and Annabel preparing for a new baby, this should be exactly what she needs. Of course, for Harriet, life is never quite that simple...
Holly Smale's debut earlier this year, the first in this series, brought me out of a reading slump which had lasted a while. I'm having a lot more luck when it comes to picking up books recently, but this still stands out as one of the best few of what's been a fabulous month so far. I loved Harriet in the original and she's quickly becoming one of my favourite narrators - with a mind full of useless information and all of the knowledge you could possibly want, except for the useful things in life like dealing with boys!
Again, Holly Smale's breezy writing style made this one a seriously quick read, and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments. (The dinosaur conversation towards the end is an especially great example!) A very strong supporting cast is another plus - Harriet's dad was one of the only characters I wasn't so keen on in the first book but I liked him much more here, perhaps because he's got a relatively small role. Friends Nat and Toby again have significantly reduced time on the page but I like both of their relationships with Harriet. Toby, in particular, is someone who's absolutely fascinating. With the general disdain shown by many readers for boys in teen fiction who display stalkerish tendencies, to have someone who'll cheerfully admit to stalking Harriet seems rather bizarre, but it works because of the well-rounded way that both characters are written and because it's clear to see that something more is developing between them. Rounding out the cast, designer Yuka and agent Wilbur are enjoyable to read about, while Harriet's grandmother Bunty comes close to stealing every scene she's in. And then there's love interest Nick, or Lion Boy - is he the right one for Harriet? I'm unsure, but he's an intriguing character and it's easy to see why she likes him so much.
As with the first book, the descriptions of the modelling world seem very realistic; unsurprisingly so given that author Holly Smale was a former model herself. I'm not sure if she visited Japan to research this one, but she captures the country - and Harriet's fascination with it - just as well.
Strongly recommended as one of the funniest teen contemporary series out there at the moment.
For more fantastic geekiness, check out Geekhood: Mission Improbable by Andy Robb.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Model Misfit (Geek Girl 2) by Holly Smale at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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