[Review: Geek Girl by Holly Smale]

"Geek Girl"
Author: Holly Smale
Series: Geek Girl #1
Pages: 384
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Date Published: January 27th, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

Geek + runway = a hilarious runaway hit! This bestselling UK debut is full of humor and high-fashion hijinks—and now it’s coming to America.

Harriet Manners is tired of being labeled a geek. So when she’s discovered by a modeling agent, she seizes the chance to reinvent herself. There’s only one problem: Harriet is the definition of awkward. Does she have what it takes to transform from geek to chic?

Geek Girl is the first book in a hilarious new trilogy. It was also the #1 bestselling YA debut of 2013 in the UK, where it was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Book for Teens. With all the humor and fabulous shenanigans of Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson and Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, Geek Girl is about to become an international superstar.

-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Geek Girl,

You made me laugh. Roll on the floor, wipe tears from my eyes laughter. I haven't read a book as sweet and funny and snarky as you in ages and I am happy that I've found you. There is nothing better than your average girl being thrust into something she doesn't understand and you delivered so well on that front! Thanks for all the laughs.

-The White Unicorn

I for one am so glad that this UK book finally got published in the US! I'm also really glad that it's part of a trilogy and I almost never say that about contemporary novels. Smale has delivered a debut that will make you laugh your face off. 

The plot is pretty simple. Geeky girl accidentally gets scouted at a fashion field trip for school and becomes an overnight success as a model. Thing is, she never wanted it. In fact it's her best friend who loves fashion. It's quite enjoyable to watch Harriet as she navigates the world of fashion. She's out of her depth and it's so much fun to watch her try to make sense of her life as it's changes right in front of her. She goes from a gangly red-head to a trending model and it's a grand adventure. Harriet's quirks make her character for me and I'm so glad that Smale has given her almost too much character. Sometimes that's not a bad thing and Harriet proves that. 

On top of this being a novel about Harriet coming into her own, it really focuses on family and friendships. Harriet's family is an interesting mess, but they all love each other and it was nice to see that they were featured so prominently in a novel where they could have just been in the background.

It also looks at friendships when you're a bit of an outcast. I love books that have protagonists like this and Harriet really does her thing, as do all of her friends. I must mention that there is also a bit of budding romance that I just adored. Lion Boy is darling and I can't wait to see what happens between them in the next installment. Add in the fact that the fashion industry that Smale gives us is full of satire and you really can't go wrong.

If you're looking for the perfect fun read, I suggest Geek Girl on so many levels!

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!