Awkward: Review

March 20, 2012 Uncategorized 1

Awkward

Author: Marni Bates
Publisher: Kensington 
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
Pages: 300
Source: Finished copy received for blog tour


About the Book: Mackenzie Wellesley has spent her life avoiding the spotlight. At Smith High, she’s the awkward junior people only notice when they need help with homework. Until she sends a burly football player flying with her massive backpack and makes a disastrous – not to mention unwelcome – attempt at CPR. Before the day is out, the whole fiasco explodes on YouTube. And then the strangest thing happens. Suddenly, Mackenzie is an Internet sensation, with four million hits and counting. Sucked into a whirlwind of rock stars, paparazzi, and free designer clothes, she even catches the eye of the most popular guy at school. And that’s when life gets really interesting…


My Thoughts: This book was such a treat to read. It had me smiling and giggling throughout. Don’t get me wrong, there were parts where I was cringing and wasn’t sure I could read because I was so embarrassed for Mackenzie.  But even in the midst of that… it. was. awesome.


I loved the characters so much! They were fun and their relationships were well played out.  I want to be friends with Mackenzie and her crew. I also really loved Mackenzie’s mom and brother. It was such an authentic family relationship. Mackenzie in general was just great. She was so fun to get to know. I love that she had a good head on her shoulders and had integrity. Sure, she made some mistakes. Still, she remained true to who she was. I like for teen girls to see characters like this.


An aspect of the book I didn’t expect was some of the discussion brought up about assumptions we make about other and the use of words like “skank” and “slut.” I was totally impressed with how it all worked in to the story. It wasn’t preachy at all but the ideas were still explored. I know I’m being vague but I don’t want to spoil the story line. 


The only drawbacks I noticed? A couple of the pop culture references. When I asked the teens I worked with none of them even looked at AOL… ever. Also, Teen People stopped being a magazine in 2006. Apparently it’s still part of People’s website but again, none of the teens I know would ever talk about it. That could of course be a regional thing. I still love, love, loved this book!


Awkward is a delightful read that is hard to put down! Mackenzie will work her way in to your heart and keep you laughing hours after you put the book down. If you’re looking for a great contemporary read look no further! Awkward fits the bill!

One Response to “Awkward: Review”

  1. Decked With Holly - YA BibliophileYA Bibliophile

    […] fan. I just don’t like how sappy they often get. However, I adored Marni Bates’ Awkward. It was so much fun to read. I knew Decked With Holly was a book I could make an exception for. […]

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