Reading Teen

Frankie is a sophomore at her prestigious boarding school, trying to figure out where she fits in now that her popular sister has graduated. The previous year, no one really paid her any attention, especially Matthew Livingston, who is now the most gorgeous and popular senior at the school. But this year is different. This year people are noticing her. And when Matthew not only notices, but starts dating her, she doesn't think anything could be more perfect.....at first. But Frankie isn't happy just being someone's "arm candy". She has a brain, she has ambitions, she has ideas, but she is constantly underestimated: by her family, by her friends, and especially by Matthew.When Frankie finds out about a secret, exclusive, all-boys society that her boyfriend and his friends are involved in, Frankie decides she will show them that she's just as capable as they are.....maybe even more so.Let me get this out of the way, because I want my review to end on a positive note. I do NOT like the covers for this book. I would NEVER have picked it up if it weren't for the fact that I won it in a contest, and because of the recommendation of Kiersten White (author of Paranormalcy....my booklove). My other, semi-complaint is that I'm somewhat unsatisfied with the ending. Although logically it made sense, and the "girl-power" part of me was happy, I still wish there would have been a little more happiness at the end. I wanted Frankie to be happy, and at the end, I still felt bad for her.Ok, on with the good part:This pseudo-documentary shows us Frankie's transition from "nobody" to "evil genius mastermind" in a way that makes you quickly fall in love with her. I can't name a single female main character that I feel was better portrayed than Frankie was. Normally books are so focused on how hot and wonderful the guy in the story is, that I'm left wondering what was so great about the girl, and why all these guys are falling all over themselves for her. This was TOTALLY NOT the case with Frankie. Honestly, I thought Matthew was ok, but I completely fell in love with Frankie! She was so smart, and witty, and fun, and fresh! I loved that she could be so confident, but somehow at the same time still have all these insecurities, and while having the insecurities, she would realize her insecurities (and fears) and talk herself into going against them. She was such a schemer, and over-analyzed everything, but it was SO fun to read her internal dialog.I also loved all the word games, and the playful use of language (though younger readers may be thrown a little by it, or possibly bored). I found myself laughing out loud over and over again. Example-an email conversation between Frankie and her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her:Porter:Frankie, what's up? Hope your term is going well so far. I want to apologize for what happened with Bess last year. -PorterFrankie:You mean, you want to apologize, or you are apologizing? Your grammar is indistinct.Porter:This is me, apologizing. I apologize.Frankie:Also, "for what happened with Bess." Meaning, what? Is your vaguery advertent?Porter:Vaguery was inadvertent.For fooling around with Bess behind your back. You let nothing slide, do you?....How about a burger Wednesday?Frankie:Why should I have a burger with you? Give me three reasons. Porter:Free burger bought by me.Because I would like to be friends.Because there's something I want to talk to you about.Frankie:What do you want to talk about?Porter:I'll tell you when I see you. xo PorterFrankie:Don't xo me, Porter. Just because I'm letting you by me cheese fries doesn't mean you can xo me.I just LOVE her!! And actually, it wasn't just her, it seemed like almost all of the characters were quick and witty and a little bit snarky (in a good way). It reminded me of the dialog in The Gilmore Girls. :) Also, I think it must attest to the personality and wittiness of the author, so kudos to you miss Emily Lockhart!While the story acknowledges the existence of sex and drinking in high school, it isn't glorified or magnified. In fact, Frankie doesn't seem phased by anyone else's choices, but instead is very "comfortable in her own shoes," living the way she feels is best for her. I really appreciated that as well. She seems to let peer pressure roll off her like water off a duck's back! AND THE PRANKS! Did I mention the pranks? How much fun is that?? I loved that she masterminded all these pranks and made the "good 'ol boys" just follow along to her every command. How fantastic! It made me want to be a part of it! Actually I just wanted to BE Frankie!! I wish I was half as witty and courageous and inventive as she is. I could go on and on about this book....wait, I think I have. I have a feeling this is a book you'll either love or hate. For me, I loved it! I hope you'll give it a chance, and that you'll love it as much as I do!-Andye http://ReadingTeen.net/