‘Geek Girl’: A Nerdy Girl Story in the Style of ‘Princess Diaries’
THE STORY | If there is one thing Harriet Manners knows, it’s this: from the top of her head, to the tip of her toes, she’s a geek. She’s no one’s best friend save for Nat, the one girl who has become Harriet’s one and only friend whether she likes it or not. Not only does Harriet deal with mean girls at school, but
she also has a stalker-who-has-a-crush on her, which makes her life rather difficult.
But everything changes when, while accompanying Nat to an event for aspiring models, it’s Harriet who is “spotted.” Soon Harriet’s life is a mirage of makeup chairs, flamboyant people wishing to “manage” her, white lies that tumble into very big lies, and a mysterious, but cute guy!
Geek Girl by Holly Smale | Book Review
REVIEW | This is one of those novels I’ve intended to read for years now. Ever since I saw the cute British covers, I was sold on this book being one I’d thoroughly enjoy. It has the kind of swagger all contemporary novels should. For me, this was, purely, a fluff piece (which is always a pro) kind of read that is not only hard to put down, but impossible not to 100% love.
BOOK REVIEW | Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Geek Girl: A Story for the Nerdy Girl in All of Us in the Style of ‘Princess Diaries.' A #YALit must read! Share on XGeek Girl has the kind of confectionery styling that makes one smile, laugh and root for its heroine. For me, this is because despite her fame, Harriet is, at heart, a simple girl who’s something of a klutz. Yep, like I said, relatable. Before I even read this synopsis on Goodreads, I described this as a Princess Diaries esque story, which made it interesting to read it in the official blurb. This comparison is easy to draw, and for me, makes this novel all the more attractive. Though I’ve never read the Meg Cabot books, the Princess Diaries was a big part of my younger years, and a film that made my fairy tale loving heart swoon.
In a word, this contemporary “fairy tale” is catnip. Or it is for me. Harriet’s first-person narrative is warm, funny and easy to follow. Nat is a fierce, if not slightly melodramatic, protector, and then there is the curiosity that is Nick. His role is minimal at best, but in the end, I felt interested to discover where his character goes (or effects) as regards Harriet’s new normal.
Those who love, and maybe even miss, the kind of books that make you smile with nary a glimpse of spiraling into darkness are sure to discover a gem inside these pages. Late to this party or not, Geek Girl is without hesitation one of my favorites of the year. ♥
A B O U T THE B O O K
Author: Holly Smale
Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Bought Publication Date: 2015 (US Publication)
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads
E L S E W H E R E Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary YA
Series: Geek Girl, 1
Rating: ★★★★★
Review text is © Rissi JC and first appeared on RissiWrites.com
Princess Diaries esque story?! Yes, please! I think I may have heard of this one, but don't remember if I ever read what it was about until now. It sounds like it would be "catnip" for me as well! Adding to my TBR asap.
Amazing review, Rissi. :)
It's SO cute, Bekah. I loved how "easy" Harriet's voice was and the charm of the story. The romance was unimportant to the norm, but that's okay – there is LOTS more story to be told. :)
Hope you enjoy if/when you read this one – and as always, thanks for reading. :)
I'm so glad you liked this one! I thought it pretty cute and fun myself. Harriet is definitely relatable, as you said, and it's just overall got a lot of sweetness. :)
It does have sweetness, Kara. I love that about this one and the fact that Harriet's "voice" (POV) is so easy to read and enjoy. :)
How fun! I loved Princess Diaries, so I might need to give this one a try :)
It's darling, Becca. There's no "Princess" angle in terms of the character having royal blood, but it's got the same vibe. :)
Sometimes I just want a cute, light read like this. I totally agree! I'll have to check this one out.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This one is 100% darling, Nicole. I so hope you enjoy if/when you read it. :) Thanks for stopping by – and happy 2017!