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Geek Girl #2
Model Misfit
“My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek.”
Harriet knows that modelling won’t transform you. She knows that being as uniquely odd as a polar bear isn’t necessarily a bad thing (even in a rainforest). And that the average person eats a ton of food a year, though her pregnant stepmother is doing her best to beat this.
What Harriet doesn’t know is where she’s going to fit in once the new baby arrives.
With summer plans ruined, modelling in Japan seems the perfect chance to get as far away from home as possible. But nothing can prepare Harriet for the craziness of Tokyo, her competitive model flatmates and her errant grandmother’s ‘chaperoning’. Or seeing gorgeous Nick everywhere she goes.
Because, this time, Harriet knows what a broken heart feels like.
Can geek girl find her place on the other side of the world or is Harriet lost for good?
Harriet knows that modelling won’t transform you. She knows that being as uniquely odd as a polar bear isn’t necessarily a bad thing (even in a rainforest). And that the average person eats a ton of food a year, though her pregnant stepmother is doing her best to beat this.
What Harriet doesn’t know is where she’s going to fit in once the new baby arrives.
With summer plans ruined, modelling in Japan seems the perfect chance to get as far away from home as possible. But nothing can prepare Harriet for the craziness of Tokyo, her competitive model flatmates and her errant grandmother’s ‘chaperoning’. Or seeing gorgeous Nick everywhere she goes.
Because, this time, Harriet knows what a broken heart feels like.
Can geek girl find her place on the other side of the world or is Harriet lost for good?
356 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2013
492 people are currently reading
8613 people want to read
About the author
Holly Smale
34 books2,298 followersHolly is the Number One bestselling, multi-award winning author of the GEEK GIRL series.
She fell in love with writing at five years old, when she realised that books didn't grow on trees like apples. A passion for travel, adventure and wearing no shoes has since led her all over the world: she has visited 27 countries, spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, volunteered in Nepal, been bartered for in Jamaica and had a number of ear-plugs stolen in Australia, Indonesia and India.
Holly has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Shakespeare, and currently lives in London or at @holsmale.
The GEEK GIRL series has been an internationally bestselling no1. smash-hit. It won the Waterstones Teen Prize of the Year and the Leeds book award, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Branford Boase award, and was long-listed for the Carnegie.
She fell in love with writing at five years old, when she realised that books didn't grow on trees like apples. A passion for travel, adventure and wearing no shoes has since led her all over the world: she has visited 27 countries, spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, volunteered in Nepal, been bartered for in Jamaica and had a number of ear-plugs stolen in Australia, Indonesia and India.
Holly has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Shakespeare, and currently lives in London or at @holsmale.
The GEEK GIRL series has been an internationally bestselling no1. smash-hit. It won the Waterstones Teen Prize of the Year and the Leeds book award, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Branford Boase award, and was long-listed for the Carnegie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 967 reviews
August 19, 2023
Having already read the fourth book in the series, I picked this up, the second book in the series hoping to see more of the 'Geek Girl' and less of the fashion model pining for her boyfriend, but alas that appears to be the real theme of this series; I can see why it's a conventional hit for its intended audience of 11+ years old female readers, but I think it misses a trick by only focusing on Harriet Master's geekdom mostly via references and her thoughts. A meagre 3 out of 12, One Star for me, even the comedy gets tiring very quickly after reading two books in the series.
2023 read
2023 read
May 14, 2019
After my heart has been bruised and battered watching Episodes 3 and 4 of GOT 8 , I seriously needed a light read.
This was the perfect pick. I liked it so much. Even more than the first book. I enjoyed every bit of it. Laughed from the opening sentence till the very last word. I even probably cried a few happy tears too because unexpectedly, it was also very touching. (Hachiko made me cry gallons of tears too).
Indeed, the geek is back and Harriet is even geekier than before.
Sure, she’s now a super model but it only seemed to enhance her geekiness to extreme levels. I’m so happy she hasn’t changed at all and the characters I really enjoyed from the first book are still present and are exactly how I remembered them. Toby is still extremely hilarious and his geekiness just outshines everybody else’s. Nat is still her super cool self. Annabel is still her very composed but very reasonable self except with a baby bump and Harriet’s dad is still his super goofy self and Nick is well, let’s keep that a mystery. *winks*
The plot is incredibly adorable as Harriet flies with her granny Bunty to Japan to become a Model Misfit because disaster seems to follow her steps. She’s extremely clumsy and is prone to embarrassing herself but soon she learns there’s something very fishy about her constant tragedies. Even her broken heart isn’t meant to be broken because somebody might be sabotaging her all the while.
Super recommended if you’re looking for a fun, light, hilarious and adorably geeky read.
This was the perfect pick. I liked it so much. Even more than the first book. I enjoyed every bit of it. Laughed from the opening sentence till the very last word. I even probably cried a few happy tears too because unexpectedly, it was also very touching. (Hachiko made me cry gallons of tears too).
Indeed, the geek is back and Harriet is even geekier than before.
Sure, she’s now a super model but it only seemed to enhance her geekiness to extreme levels. I’m so happy she hasn’t changed at all and the characters I really enjoyed from the first book are still present and are exactly how I remembered them. Toby is still extremely hilarious and his geekiness just outshines everybody else’s. Nat is still her super cool self. Annabel is still her very composed but very reasonable self except with a baby bump and Harriet’s dad is still his super goofy self and Nick is well, let’s keep that a mystery. *winks*
The plot is incredibly adorable as Harriet flies with her granny Bunty to Japan to become a Model Misfit because disaster seems to follow her steps. She’s extremely clumsy and is prone to embarrassing herself but soon she learns there’s something very fishy about her constant tragedies. Even her broken heart isn’t meant to be broken because somebody might be sabotaging her all the while.
Super recommended if you’re looking for a fun, light, hilarious and adorably geeky read.
February 28, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
“This is my big adventure. I have travelled 6,000 miles and fifteen years to get here. I came to Japan to have the best summer of my life, and I am going to have it.
And no boy is going to ruin it for me.”
This was an enjoyable story, and Harriet did a really good job of messing up time and time again!
Harriet really did mess up in this story, to the point where I wondered how she managed it! It seemed like no matter what the situation, Harriet managed to ruin it spectacularly, and I wasn’t surprised that people got annoyed with her.
“Before you say it, no.
There is nothing weird about hiding in a cupboard. C.S. Lewis based an entire series of books on the premise that this is what normal people do on a regular basis.”
The storyline in this revolved around Harriet going to Japan for modelling, and having some disastrous shoots while she was there, ruining multiple dresses, and even angering an octopus!
“Harriet Manners, are you studying maths in the middle of my fashion shoot?”
There was some romance, and Harriet did a good job of misinterpreting things, as well as having some awkward encounters with her ex-boyfriend Nick.
“LOVE = nearly ruining your exams because all you’re thinking about is him.”
The ending to this was really sweet with the arrival of Harriet’s brand-new baby sister. So cute!
6.5 out of 10
“This is my big adventure. I have travelled 6,000 miles and fifteen years to get here. I came to Japan to have the best summer of my life, and I am going to have it.
And no boy is going to ruin it for me.”
This was an enjoyable story, and Harriet did a really good job of messing up time and time again!
Harriet really did mess up in this story, to the point where I wondered how she managed it! It seemed like no matter what the situation, Harriet managed to ruin it spectacularly, and I wasn’t surprised that people got annoyed with her.
“Before you say it, no.
There is nothing weird about hiding in a cupboard. C.S. Lewis based an entire series of books on the premise that this is what normal people do on a regular basis.”
The storyline in this revolved around Harriet going to Japan for modelling, and having some disastrous shoots while she was there, ruining multiple dresses, and even angering an octopus!
“Harriet Manners, are you studying maths in the middle of my fashion shoot?”
There was some romance, and Harriet did a good job of misinterpreting things, as well as having some awkward encounters with her ex-boyfriend Nick.
“LOVE = nearly ruining your exams because all you’re thinking about is him.”
The ending to this was really sweet with the arrival of Harriet’s brand-new baby sister. So cute!
6.5 out of 10
April 23, 2021
Watch out, Tokyo! Here comes Harriet Manners. When Yuka Ito decides to launch her own private brand, she brings Harriet to Tokyo for some memorable photo shoots. Each location is a meaningful representation of Japanese culture including a fish market (a live octopus), a Sumo wrestling ring, a Manga shoot in a glass box, and Mt. Fuji. At the same time Harriet is trying to bond with her flatmates who are also models. (You will completely fall in love with Ren.) Harriet's chaperone is Annabel's mother (Grandma Bunty) who couldn't be more different from her daughter and Nick aka 'Lion Boy' is there to help Aunt Yuka. Could be complicated. Don't worry, my little pineapple chunk, dear Wilbur (that's Wil with a 'bur,' not a 'liam') will be along just in time to help Harriet in her time of need. Love, love, love listening to these on audio as I did the 'Princess Diaries.' Looking forward to visiting the Big Apple with Harriet in Book 3.
July 4, 2017
5 Words: Model, friendship, love, fashion, enemies.
You know when you pick up a book and it's already bed time, but you tell yourself you'll only read a chapter, and then suddenly it's the early hours and you start work in 5 hours?
Yeah.
This is that book.
The one that you cannot put down. The one that you say one more chapter (ha!) then stay up all night reading.
These books are just so much fun, and I wish I'd had a Harriet Manners to read about when I was younger. I would have loved her then, same as I do now.
You know when you pick up a book and it's already bed time, but you tell yourself you'll only read a chapter, and then suddenly it's the early hours and you start work in 5 hours?
Yeah.
This is that book.
The one that you cannot put down. The one that you say one more chapter (ha!) then stay up all night reading.
These books are just so much fun, and I wish I'd had a Harriet Manners to read about when I was younger. I would have loved her then, same as I do now.
May 3, 2020
First read: 23 November 2013
First re-read: 22 January 2016
Second re-read: 4 February 2017
4 FEB: Yes I have read this book two years in a row and I'm considering making this a yearly tradition!
22 JAN: I wanted to re-read more of my favourite books this year, so of course I decided to start with Harriet! Gosh, this book is stuffed full of hilarity and model mayhem. I'm so excited for Head Over Heels to come out this year, and I can't believe how long I've been following this series!
First re-read: 22 January 2016
Second re-read: 4 February 2017
4 FEB: Yes I have read this book two years in a row and I'm considering making this a yearly tradition!
22 JAN: I wanted to re-read more of my favourite books this year, so of course I decided to start with Harriet! Gosh, this book is stuffed full of hilarity and model mayhem. I'm so excited for Head Over Heels to come out this year, and I can't believe how long I've been following this series!
October 29, 2016
Αρκετά ωραίο και πολύ ανάλαφρο αλλα τις ατάκες του πρώτου βιβλίου δεν τις είχε!
3,5/5 αστεράκια
3,5/5 αστεράκια
January 4, 2015
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
The Geek Girl series has always been those books that I turn to when I'm feeling down or just lazy in general to work my brain with dark conspiracies and run down worlds. Model Misfit was exactly what I needed--typically fun and drama-filled.
What I love about Holly Smale's debut series is how she always starts her books with something shocking and not really in Harriet's character. It really helps draw readers into the novel. In Geek Girl, Harriet's story begins with her faking an abnormal sickness with red spots all over her body but soon turns out she was just faking ill. In Model Misfit, Harriet seems completely under control with her new modelling job, a true top model; but a chapter later we find out Harriet was just fooling with us. Moving on, in Holly Smale's latest novel, Harriet soon finds herself in Tokyo, Japan modelling once again. Only a day before she was sad as her summer holiday plans were all ruined when her best friend Nat was forced to go to France, leaving Harriet all alone.
Model Misfit is very much a character and drama orientated read. We are once again reunited with Harriet's narration, fun facts and excitable but awkward charisma that I ended up to enjoy in Geek Girl. I love how Harriet is talking to us readers, like we are sitting next to her and she's telling us her life story. It contains certain perks such as her inner dialogue which I appreciate dearly. Harriet can always get some laughs out of me. Nat does not hold a great role in this instalment, but her relationship with Harriet is fantastic. There are distinct flaws in this friendship however that makes it feel more genuine--though I must admit some dramas get way too unrealistic and unbelievable.
My main dilemma was how most complications that Harriet came across were just misunderstandings. Sure, a few are okay but Model Misfit was packed with them and it began to irritate me to no end.
Other than that, Model Misfit was just as good as Geek Girl and I look forward to see how things continue in Picture Perfect. I recommend this to young teens/middle grade readers.
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
The Geek Girl series has always been those books that I turn to when I'm feeling down or just lazy in general to work my brain with dark conspiracies and run down worlds. Model Misfit was exactly what I needed--typically fun and drama-filled.
What I love about Holly Smale's debut series is how she always starts her books with something shocking and not really in Harriet's character. It really helps draw readers into the novel. In Geek Girl, Harriet's story begins with her faking an abnormal sickness with red spots all over her body but soon turns out she was just faking ill. In Model Misfit, Harriet seems completely under control with her new modelling job, a true top model; but a chapter later we find out Harriet was just fooling with us. Moving on, in Holly Smale's latest novel, Harriet soon finds herself in Tokyo, Japan modelling once again. Only a day before she was sad as her summer holiday plans were all ruined when her best friend Nat was forced to go to France, leaving Harriet all alone.
Model Misfit is very much a character and drama orientated read. We are once again reunited with Harriet's narration, fun facts and excitable but awkward charisma that I ended up to enjoy in Geek Girl. I love how Harriet is talking to us readers, like we are sitting next to her and she's telling us her life story. It contains certain perks such as her inner dialogue which I appreciate dearly. Harriet can always get some laughs out of me. Nat does not hold a great role in this instalment, but her relationship with Harriet is fantastic. There are distinct flaws in this friendship however that makes it feel more genuine--though I must admit some dramas get way too unrealistic and unbelievable.
My main dilemma was how most complications that Harriet came across were just misunderstandings. Sure, a few are okay but Model Misfit was packed with them and it began to irritate me to no end.
Other than that, Model Misfit was just as good as Geek Girl and I look forward to see how things continue in Picture Perfect. I recommend this to young teens/middle grade readers.
May 6, 2018
Time to resurrect my French and this one will be my First.
July 2, 2017
Quiet similar to the first book, this book is a nice mixture of fun and easy to read silliness.
I really enjoyed Harriet in this one since she was not as overly silly but still clearly the girl we meet in the first book, just a bit less over dramatically clumsy.
I enjoyed the additional characters we are getting in this one. All of them where a nice addition in my option so that was great to see, since many authors don't manage to add actual good characters into the second book, but Smale did a great job with it.
And i love that we finally have a story where the boyfriend is not a "bad guy" but actually wonderful person. Thats great to see.
Toby in this one was still a bit strange to me -especially with the constant popping up that he is always doing- but he was also a bit more substantial and realistic in this one at the same time.
Another character that became bit more realistic in my option was Harriets father since he was not as silly and non-fatherly feeling in this one but more of an actual father with a bit of a silly side. Could be because he did not have such a bit role in this book as he did in the first one or because the author herself noticed that the father was a bit too overly silly in the first one.
I enjoyed the mixture of school related things and the strangely fun photoshoots.
Overall?
Nice second book, slightly less overly silly but still really fun to read and defiantly worth a try if you enjoyed the first one!
I really enjoyed Harriet in this one since she was not as overly silly but still clearly the girl we meet in the first book, just a bit less over dramatically clumsy.
I enjoyed the additional characters we are getting in this one. All of them where a nice addition in my option so that was great to see, since many authors don't manage to add actual good characters into the second book, but Smale did a great job with it.
And i love that we finally have a story where the boyfriend is not a "bad guy" but actually wonderful person. Thats great to see.
Toby in this one was still a bit strange to me -especially with the constant popping up that he is always doing- but he was also a bit more substantial and realistic in this one at the same time.
Another character that became bit more realistic in my option was Harriets father since he was not as silly and non-fatherly feeling in this one but more of an actual father with a bit of a silly side. Could be because he did not have such a bit role in this book as he did in the first one or because the author herself noticed that the father was a bit too overly silly in the first one.
I enjoyed the mixture of school related things and the strangely fun photoshoots.
Overall?
Nice second book, slightly less overly silly but still really fun to read and defiantly worth a try if you enjoyed the first one!
July 15, 2014
I seriously didn't think its possible to love these books any more than I already did, until I received a copy of Model Misfit for review, and before I had even finished the first chapter I realised I was completely wrong, and somehow I found myself loving Harriet and all of her friends even more than I previously did. What I love so much about Harriet is her geekyness that she is not afraid to show, and how it comes out more when she is nervous or when she is modelling, which just cracks me up every time.
If you read Geek Girl then you know that Harriet's step Mother, Annabel, is expecting her baby within the next couple of months, but this also affects Harriet's modelling, especially when she is offered the job to go to Japan. Of course the parentals flat out refuse to let her go alone, and both her Father and Annabel have to stay in England for the baby. Enter Bunty, Annabel's wacky Mother who is tasked with taking Harriet to Japan, and to look after her while there.
With Harriet in Japan we don't get to see much of Toby or Nat, but the short time we do spend with them is as entertaining as ever and I looked forward to seeing what they would do or say next whenever they had a part in the book.
Model Misfit is even better than Geek Girl, Harriet is even more of a geek than ever, if that is even possible, but she is also facing a lot of new things by herself. Stuck in Japan with no-one to help her she makes friends with Poppy and Rin, her two room-mates in Japan, and their cat Kylie Minogue. Poppy I had reservations about from the beginning, things just didn't sit right with me. Rin was adorable, in a crazy kind of way, and I love how she tries to speak English and gets the words mixed up or sayings wrong. She adores Harriet and even wants more geekisims from her, which pleases Harriet to no end. Harriet is also dealing with Nick, A.K.A Lion Boy, and the fact that he has dumped her. Getting over your true love is never easy, and Harriet does a spectacular job at showing how not to go about it.
While I did laugh a lot throughout Model Misfit, I also did feel sorry for Harriet, she is way out of her league among Models, only really feeling comfortable with Nat, Toby and Nick, but I have to admire her for sticking with it, and no matter what was thrown in her way she consistently picks herself back up and carries on. She is tricked, lied to, made to look like a fool, and late for her modelling jobs, yet she still works her ass off each and every time, even in the most disgusting places. Her finally job sounds amazing, and I would not only love to be in that location, but also get to see the dress that sounds absolutely fantastically gorgeous.
I don't want to say much else about the book as there are a lot of surprises that even shocked me, and even mentioning a small portion of it will spoil it for those of you who haven't read Model Misfit yet. Put it this way, if you loved Geek Girl, then Model Misfit is a MUST BUY.
Holly Smale has once again made me fall completely into the world she has created and I devoured every single page. This is one of the few book series that I give five star reviews to for every book I have read so far. The countdown is on for the next book in this series which I needed yesterday.
If you read Geek Girl then you know that Harriet's step Mother, Annabel, is expecting her baby within the next couple of months, but this also affects Harriet's modelling, especially when she is offered the job to go to Japan. Of course the parentals flat out refuse to let her go alone, and both her Father and Annabel have to stay in England for the baby. Enter Bunty, Annabel's wacky Mother who is tasked with taking Harriet to Japan, and to look after her while there.
With Harriet in Japan we don't get to see much of Toby or Nat, but the short time we do spend with them is as entertaining as ever and I looked forward to seeing what they would do or say next whenever they had a part in the book.
Model Misfit is even better than Geek Girl, Harriet is even more of a geek than ever, if that is even possible, but she is also facing a lot of new things by herself. Stuck in Japan with no-one to help her she makes friends with Poppy and Rin, her two room-mates in Japan, and their cat Kylie Minogue. Poppy I had reservations about from the beginning, things just didn't sit right with me. Rin was adorable, in a crazy kind of way, and I love how she tries to speak English and gets the words mixed up or sayings wrong. She adores Harriet and even wants more geekisims from her, which pleases Harriet to no end. Harriet is also dealing with Nick, A.K.A Lion Boy, and the fact that he has dumped her. Getting over your true love is never easy, and Harriet does a spectacular job at showing how not to go about it.
While I did laugh a lot throughout Model Misfit, I also did feel sorry for Harriet, she is way out of her league among Models, only really feeling comfortable with Nat, Toby and Nick, but I have to admire her for sticking with it, and no matter what was thrown in her way she consistently picks herself back up and carries on. She is tricked, lied to, made to look like a fool, and late for her modelling jobs, yet she still works her ass off each and every time, even in the most disgusting places. Her finally job sounds amazing, and I would not only love to be in that location, but also get to see the dress that sounds absolutely fantastically gorgeous.
I don't want to say much else about the book as there are a lot of surprises that even shocked me, and even mentioning a small portion of it will spoil it for those of you who haven't read Model Misfit yet. Put it this way, if you loved Geek Girl, then Model Misfit is a MUST BUY.
Holly Smale has once again made me fall completely into the world she has created and I devoured every single page. This is one of the few book series that I give five star reviews to for every book I have read so far. The countdown is on for the next book in this series which I needed yesterday.
August 31, 2016
HOW THE SUGAR COOKIES IS IT OCTOBER ALREADY?! I read
Geek Girl
back in February, which doesn't feel like that long ago, and so I cannot believe that it's nearly 2014. I thought Geek Girl was wonderful, very British and very witty, and I'm happy it appears that the rest of the country thinks so too. It's been everywhere! And it's also being published in the US, which is especially interesting to me as I had wondered how the humour would translate. Because, if it doesn't, you're in for a very strange experience.
I dedicated most of my Geek Girl review to Harriet Manners and the whole host of colourful characters in her life – and I'm about to do the same! I knew Harriet was fantastic, but I did not realise at the time quite how distinctive she is. As soon as you start reading, you know it's Harriet's voice; no other character sounds like her. She's probably one of the most stand-out characters in YA even though she feels she blends into obscurity in her normal life, despite being a model.
In Model Misfit, Harriet takes an unexpected trip to Tokyo, Japan, where she's wanted to go since she was six years old. She's ecstatic and begins to create a New and Infinitely More Glorious Summer Plan 2 flow chart since she has been dumped by Lion Boy, abandoned by her best friend Nat, and her family do not seem to want to be around her any more. Although Model Misfit is, again, a lot of fun, I couldn't help saying 'poor Harriet' every few chapters – and if you'll read it, you'll see why. It's full of surprises, and not just for Harriet herself.
In my previous review, I said that Geek Girl was exaggerated and extreme, but after I had the pleasure of meeting Holly Smale, I found out that a lot of what happens to Harriet – and the quirky and (mostly) loveable characters that surround her – is based on Holly's own experience as a model. Holly lived and worked in Japan for two years and so I knew this journey was going to be a good one. And I was right! It made me want to visit Japan the next chance I get (which, unlike Harriet's, is likely not to be fully paid for). I wanted to eat proper sushi, take kitties for walks and ride the superfast trains. I also had no idea how vast Japan is. Harriet tells us it has 12.6 million people, 62 municipalities and 168 tube stations. (And this is also what I love about Geek Girl – we're treated to even more fascinating, geeky facts that I would probably spout out frequently if only I had a good memory, such as that pigs can trot up to 11 mph or you'd need 772 white vans to move one billion Wotsits).
Model Misfit is as funny as Geek Girl, with little moments like the one below, which are made even funnier because they actually happen, but I enjoyed it more because I had come to know every character very well, expect the unexpected, and became immersed in a novel I simply enjoyed reading (and which made me nearly miss my bus stop on the way to work).
Model Misfit is the brilliant sequel to Geek Girl, both of which are likely to be among the most enjoyable books published this year.
Kawaiiii!!
Thank you HarperCollins Children’s Books for providing this book for review!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
I dedicated most of my Geek Girl review to Harriet Manners and the whole host of colourful characters in her life – and I'm about to do the same! I knew Harriet was fantastic, but I did not realise at the time quite how distinctive she is. As soon as you start reading, you know it's Harriet's voice; no other character sounds like her. She's probably one of the most stand-out characters in YA even though she feels she blends into obscurity in her normal life, despite being a model.
In Model Misfit, Harriet takes an unexpected trip to Tokyo, Japan, where she's wanted to go since she was six years old. She's ecstatic and begins to create a New and Infinitely More Glorious Summer Plan 2 flow chart since she has been dumped by Lion Boy, abandoned by her best friend Nat, and her family do not seem to want to be around her any more. Although Model Misfit is, again, a lot of fun, I couldn't help saying 'poor Harriet' every few chapters – and if you'll read it, you'll see why. It's full of surprises, and not just for Harriet herself.
In my previous review, I said that Geek Girl was exaggerated and extreme, but after I had the pleasure of meeting Holly Smale, I found out that a lot of what happens to Harriet – and the quirky and (mostly) loveable characters that surround her – is based on Holly's own experience as a model. Holly lived and worked in Japan for two years and so I knew this journey was going to be a good one. And I was right! It made me want to visit Japan the next chance I get (which, unlike Harriet's, is likely not to be fully paid for). I wanted to eat proper sushi, take kitties for walks and ride the superfast trains. I also had no idea how vast Japan is. Harriet tells us it has 12.6 million people, 62 municipalities and 168 tube stations. (And this is also what I love about Geek Girl – we're treated to even more fascinating, geeky facts that I would probably spout out frequently if only I had a good memory, such as that pigs can trot up to 11 mph or you'd need 772 white vans to move one billion Wotsits).
Model Misfit is as funny as Geek Girl, with little moments like the one below, which are made even funnier because they actually happen, but I enjoyed it more because I had come to know every character very well, expect the unexpected, and became immersed in a novel I simply enjoyed reading (and which made me nearly miss my bus stop on the way to work).
1. You left a multipack of Mars Bars on top of your wardrobe. Can I have one? Dad x
2. I had three. Hope that's OK. Dad x
3. I'm just going to have one more. Dad x
4. Harriet, your Dad's made himself sick on an entire multipack of Mars Bars again. Please don't leave sweets where we can find them. Ax
Model Misfit is the brilliant sequel to Geek Girl, both of which are likely to be among the most enjoyable books published this year.
Kawaiiii!!
Thank you HarperCollins Children’s Books for providing this book for review!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
February 5, 2017
The modelling shoots in this book are actually insane, just on the border between ridiculous and beautiful which is the perfect mix. Nick, once again, proving that he's the best boyfriend in the world, but Toby takes the biscuit for shining star in this one. Loved it, loved it, loved it, even more the third (or fourth?) time round!
March 26, 2016
Reseña en el blog: http://librosdelcielo.blogspot.com.es...
Harriet Manners es una de las chicas más frikis que existen, tiene en su cabeza un montón de datos que la gente consideraría inútiles y construye diagramas de flujo para planear sus fantásticas vacaciones . De por si no es una chica normal pero, para rematarlo todo, es modelo, una de las modelos más patosas y con más mala suerte de la humanidad, pero modelo al fin y al cabo.
La diferencia de este libro con el primero no es grande realmente, seguimos con la trama como se dejó tras el primer libro y la retomamos aquí para ir avanzando poquito a poco. Sin embargo, Geek girl es de esas historias que tampoco es tan necesario haberse leído el otro libro , aunque siempre es bueno saber el origen de todo pero, a pesar de continuar algunas cosas que se dejaron en el otro libro, te lo recuerda y no hay problemas con continuar la historia porque se crea la suya propia.
El plato fuerte de la historia se lo lleva la protagonista : Harriet. No he visto protagonista igual, me encanta el frikismo que lleva consigo, los datos que nos encontramos a lo largo del libro me resultan curiosos y me encanta que la protagonista nos diga que existe un miedo a que la crema de cacahuetes se pegue al paladar, me encanta su modo tan dramático de actuar frente a las situaciones y también me encanta la forma en la que a veces estructura las ideas por puntos para explicarnos y enseñarnos una lista. Todo esto hace que tanto la protagonista como la narración destaquen en todo el libro, que se haga una historia amena, ligera y divertida, con capítulos muy cortos y de fácil devorabilidad.
Volviendo a lo que era la protagonista, adoro a Harriet por la simplicidad que lleva consigo pero también por las vueltas que le puede dar a las cosas. Es divertida, es peculiar, es patosa, es inteligente pero sigue demostrando que es una adolescente , lo que lleva a situaciones de lo más pintorescas. En este libro Toby y Nat no han salido casi, pero una cosa os digo: me encanta Toby, es la versión masculina Harriet pero que entiende todavía menos la manera de actuar frente a muchas situaciones, y me he reído mucho en uno de sus momentos. Por otro lado, de Nick ni hablo, no puedo hablar sin hacer spoiler. Claro está que no puedo evitar mencionar al resto de personajes: Wilbur sigue siendo un personaje muy pomposo, extraño pero del que no puedes evitar reirte ante tal personaje que nos presenta, el padre sigue siendo un completo niño pequeño, Annabel es la voz de la razón y la madurez y aquí viene el personaje de la abuela que es otro como el padre.
La narración, como ya he dicho, también es distintiva. Sigue el orden que seguía el otro libro, con listas hecha con doble subrayados en líneas perfectas, esquemas con puntos para explicar cosas, datos curiosos cada dos por tres... Me tiene enamorada esta forma de escribir porque hace que todo sea muchísimo más ligero y se convierte en un rasgo de la protagonista, logra hacer que simpaticemos con ella.
En este libro todo se une para que sea una historia divertida y diferente , estos personajes tan peculiares no podrás encontrarlos en otro lado, nadie te podrá hacer reír de la misma manera en la que lo logra Holly Smale , porque se capaz de crear una historia que parte de la simpleza pero que no olvidarás de lo ingeniosa que es.
Modelo inadaptada sigue los pasos de su predecesor y se convierte en un libro fácil y rápido de leer que sin duda disfrutarán todo tipo de personas pues nadie podrá resistirse a los encantos de una historia tan divertida y unos personajes tan particulares.
Harriet Manners es una de las chicas más frikis que existen, tiene en su cabeza un montón de datos que la gente consideraría inútiles y construye diagramas de flujo para planear sus fantásticas vacaciones . De por si no es una chica normal pero, para rematarlo todo, es modelo, una de las modelos más patosas y con más mala suerte de la humanidad, pero modelo al fin y al cabo.
La diferencia de este libro con el primero no es grande realmente, seguimos con la trama como se dejó tras el primer libro y la retomamos aquí para ir avanzando poquito a poco. Sin embargo, Geek girl es de esas historias que tampoco es tan necesario haberse leído el otro libro , aunque siempre es bueno saber el origen de todo pero, a pesar de continuar algunas cosas que se dejaron en el otro libro, te lo recuerda y no hay problemas con continuar la historia porque se crea la suya propia.
El plato fuerte de la historia se lo lleva la protagonista : Harriet. No he visto protagonista igual, me encanta el frikismo que lleva consigo, los datos que nos encontramos a lo largo del libro me resultan curiosos y me encanta que la protagonista nos diga que existe un miedo a que la crema de cacahuetes se pegue al paladar, me encanta su modo tan dramático de actuar frente a las situaciones y también me encanta la forma en la que a veces estructura las ideas por puntos para explicarnos y enseñarnos una lista. Todo esto hace que tanto la protagonista como la narración destaquen en todo el libro, que se haga una historia amena, ligera y divertida, con capítulos muy cortos y de fácil devorabilidad.
Volviendo a lo que era la protagonista, adoro a Harriet por la simplicidad que lleva consigo pero también por las vueltas que le puede dar a las cosas. Es divertida, es peculiar, es patosa, es inteligente pero sigue demostrando que es una adolescente , lo que lleva a situaciones de lo más pintorescas. En este libro Toby y Nat no han salido casi, pero una cosa os digo: me encanta Toby, es la versión masculina Harriet pero que entiende todavía menos la manera de actuar frente a muchas situaciones, y me he reído mucho en uno de sus momentos. Por otro lado, de Nick ni hablo, no puedo hablar sin hacer spoiler. Claro está que no puedo evitar mencionar al resto de personajes: Wilbur sigue siendo un personaje muy pomposo, extraño pero del que no puedes evitar reirte ante tal personaje que nos presenta, el padre sigue siendo un completo niño pequeño, Annabel es la voz de la razón y la madurez y aquí viene el personaje de la abuela que es otro como el padre.
La narración, como ya he dicho, también es distintiva. Sigue el orden que seguía el otro libro, con listas hecha con doble subrayados en líneas perfectas, esquemas con puntos para explicar cosas, datos curiosos cada dos por tres... Me tiene enamorada esta forma de escribir porque hace que todo sea muchísimo más ligero y se convierte en un rasgo de la protagonista, logra hacer que simpaticemos con ella.
En este libro todo se une para que sea una historia divertida y diferente , estos personajes tan peculiares no podrás encontrarlos en otro lado, nadie te podrá hacer reír de la misma manera en la que lo logra Holly Smale , porque se capaz de crear una historia que parte de la simpleza pero que no olvidarás de lo ingeniosa que es.
Modelo inadaptada sigue los pasos de su predecesor y se convierte en un libro fácil y rápido de leer que sin duda disfrutarán todo tipo de personas pues nadie podrá resistirse a los encantos de una historia tan divertida y unos personajes tan particulares.
January 19, 2016
I love this series and the adorable and awkward protagonist, Miss Manners. I really do.
August 6, 2018
Ik vond het een vermakelijk boek. Ook al was alles erg voor de hand liggend, een einde zoals deze had ik niet verwacht. Dat was wel fijn eigenlijk. Voor de rest was het geen bijzonder verhaal.
December 21, 2015
This is one of my most anticipated books to read this year and I’m so happy I got the chance to read this early. I started reading this book out in public, while waiting on the queue. Despite the weird looks, people give me because I sometimes laugh to myself while reading this, I still pushed through and read. Of course between being bored to death and amused with my nose buried in a book, I’ll totally choose the latter.
Like the first book, Model Misfit brought hilarity, humor, drama and romance. In this book, Harriet signs on to a modeling project with Yuka Ito in Tokyo, where she spent her summer vacation in order to get away from home, thinking she couldn’t fit it with the new baby coming.
I dove into the book without knowing anything. When I requested this book from Edelweiss, I didn’t even read the synopsis. I just knew that I’m going to get a great reading experience because a.) it’s written by Holly Smale and b.) It’s Geek Girl!
I was really sad when I learned that Nick and Harriet broke up. I love them so much together, they’re so adorable! I think they’re the most adorable teen couples ever. Throughout most of the book, Harriet was heartbroken, the fun thing was, as much as one would expect a book with 15 year-olds as a couple who broke up would go waaaaayy too whiny and immature, this one is NOT and I LOVE IT. Plus, their chemistry was much more explored in this book and it has blossomed in a way that makes me clutch to my chest because of FEELS.
I love the additional characters in the book! Aside from the Nat, Harriet’s BFF; Toby, Harriet’s stalker who had an amazing character arc here by the way; and Alexa, the not-really-an-antagonist-but-enjoys-bullying-Harriet-and-friends, the book introduced more amazing characters.
Rin was one of Harriet’s flatmate in Japan and she’s super adorable! She even calls Harriet as Harry-chan. *heart eyes*. She was written so well. I like to think Holly Smale has a knack for writing super adorable characters. I love her character so much! Poppy was their other housemate. She’s this beautiful model, who worked with Nick in one project. Like Harriet, I did feel a little threatened by her character and it’s written so well too!!
Bunty, Harriet’s Step-Grandmum, I guess was the cherry on top. She’s really awesome and funny and cool! One of the main topics discussed in this book is family. I love the Manners so much, especially Harriet’s dad. What I love more is the fact that family was the main concept of the book, like how will Harriet fit in the family when Annabel finally gives birth to the baby. It was such an experience reading the development of their relationships with each other, it has gone deeper and I think the strings have been knotted tightly.
Overall, this book was a mix of fun and heartfelt read. It was amazing to witness Harriet’s growth as a person. If you haven’t read this series yet, I suggest you do.
Like the first book, Model Misfit brought hilarity, humor, drama and romance. In this book, Harriet signs on to a modeling project with Yuka Ito in Tokyo, where she spent her summer vacation in order to get away from home, thinking she couldn’t fit it with the new baby coming.
I dove into the book without knowing anything. When I requested this book from Edelweiss, I didn’t even read the synopsis. I just knew that I’m going to get a great reading experience because a.) it’s written by Holly Smale and b.) It’s Geek Girl!
I was really sad when I learned that Nick and Harriet broke up. I love them so much together, they’re so adorable! I think they’re the most adorable teen couples ever. Throughout most of the book, Harriet was heartbroken, the fun thing was, as much as one would expect a book with 15 year-olds as a couple who broke up would go waaaaayy too whiny and immature, this one is NOT and I LOVE IT. Plus, their chemistry was much more explored in this book and it has blossomed in a way that makes me clutch to my chest because of FEELS.
I love the additional characters in the book! Aside from the Nat, Harriet’s BFF; Toby, Harriet’s stalker who had an amazing character arc here by the way; and Alexa, the not-really-an-antagonist-but-enjoys-bullying-Harriet-and-friends, the book introduced more amazing characters.
Rin was one of Harriet’s flatmate in Japan and she’s super adorable! She even calls Harriet as Harry-chan. *heart eyes*. She was written so well. I like to think Holly Smale has a knack for writing super adorable characters. I love her character so much! Poppy was their other housemate. She’s this beautiful model, who worked with Nick in one project. Like Harriet, I did feel a little threatened by her character and it’s written so well too!!
Bunty, Harriet’s Step-Grandmum, I guess was the cherry on top. She’s really awesome and funny and cool! One of the main topics discussed in this book is family. I love the Manners so much, especially Harriet’s dad. What I love more is the fact that family was the main concept of the book, like how will Harriet fit in the family when Annabel finally gives birth to the baby. It was such an experience reading the development of their relationships with each other, it has gone deeper and I think the strings have been knotted tightly.
Overall, this book was a mix of fun and heartfelt read. It was amazing to witness Harriet’s growth as a person. If you haven’t read this series yet, I suggest you do.
February 28, 2017
Adorei, espero que não demore muito para o 3o em pt!
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Uma das coisas que critiquei no 1º livro é a insegurança de Harriet em relação a ela mesma. No 1º livro não se decidia se queria ser modelo ou não e aqui não se decide onde quer estar, pois sente que em lado nenhum não é bem vinda, embora isto seja maioritariamente só coisas da cabeça dela.
Gostei que aqui o livro se passasse em outro país, no Japão. Adorei a introdução das novas personagens e da trama em si. Fartei-me de ri com as trapalhadas da Harriet, até logo ao início quando está a estudar equações numa sessão fotográfica, muito bom! Outro ponto positivo foi mais uma introdução no núcleo familiar e não falo do rebento novo da família!
As duas novas modelos do livro também foram muito importantes, para mostrar que no mundo da moda podemos encontrar amigos ms também inimigos.
Ainda assim o livro é um pouco irrealista porque com tantas asneiradas que a Harriet faz, ainda continua a ter muitas oportunidades com a Yuka, quando a própria Yuka é a 1ª a dizer que há muita gente a querer o lugar dela.Adorei a cumplicidade entre o Wilbur e a Harriet e até a estória da Nat e do Toby. Espero que aquilo não tenha sido o inicio de um triângulo amoroso!
Oinião completa aqui: https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
Passatempo para ganhar o 1º e 2º livro aqui: https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
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Uma das coisas que critiquei no 1º livro é a insegurança de Harriet em relação a ela mesma. No 1º livro não se decidia se queria ser modelo ou não e aqui não se decide onde quer estar, pois sente que em lado nenhum não é bem vinda, embora isto seja maioritariamente só coisas da cabeça dela.
Gostei que aqui o livro se passasse em outro país, no Japão. Adorei a introdução das novas personagens e da trama em si. Fartei-me de ri com as trapalhadas da Harriet, até logo ao início quando está a estudar equações numa sessão fotográfica, muito bom! Outro ponto positivo foi mais uma introdução no núcleo familiar e não falo do rebento novo da família!
As duas novas modelos do livro também foram muito importantes, para mostrar que no mundo da moda podemos encontrar amigos ms também inimigos.
Ainda assim o livro é um pouco irrealista porque com tantas asneiradas que a Harriet faz, ainda continua a ter muitas oportunidades com a Yuka, quando a própria Yuka é a 1ª a dizer que há muita gente a querer o lugar dela.Adorei a cumplicidade entre o Wilbur e a Harriet e até a estória da Nat e do Toby. Espero que aquilo não tenha sido o inicio de um triângulo amoroso!
Oinião completa aqui: https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
Passatempo para ganhar o 1º e 2º livro aqui: https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
June 1, 2024
Read as part of my finishing my physical tbr series ~
Geek girl one and two were rereads. I read both books when I was younger, a socially awkward anxious little girl, and honestly i understand EXACTLY why I loved them so much. It's actually kinda painful that I still relate to some of the fmcs self deprecating thinking:')
The plot in this was more unpredictable than the first book, with the model shoot descriptions getting more creative. Some thingd rang childish obviously, considering this is targeted at a younger audience (hence why it took me longer to read this) but I also had fun in many parts :) If I were to donate any books in the near future, geek girl would be one of them, simply because I want a little outcasted girl to also meet Harriet, her family, Nick and Willbur (with bur not -iam!) And the rest of the lovable cast of characters, whom I may have overgrown but will always remember with fondness.
Will I read the next books in this (which I do not own)? Maybe!
Geek girl one and two were rereads. I read both books when I was younger, a socially awkward anxious little girl, and honestly i understand EXACTLY why I loved them so much. It's actually kinda painful that I still relate to some of the fmcs self deprecating thinking:')
The plot in this was more unpredictable than the first book, with the model shoot descriptions getting more creative. Some thingd rang childish obviously, considering this is targeted at a younger audience (hence why it took me longer to read this) but I also had fun in many parts :) If I were to donate any books in the near future, geek girl would be one of them, simply because I want a little outcasted girl to also meet Harriet, her family, Nick and Willbur (with bur not -iam!) And the rest of the lovable cast of characters, whom I may have overgrown but will always remember with fondness.
Will I read the next books in this (which I do not own)? Maybe!
April 20, 2016
4.5 stars - Review copy provided by HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
There's rarely a book that can literally make you feel all the feels. As readers, we tend to say it a lot, but how often did we actually feel every single one of those feels? I know when I say it I mean that it made emotional. I probably cried, or laughed until I pissed my pants (not literally, guys). Apart from Harry Potter and maybe The Wolves of Mercy Falls, I don' think I have meant that I truly felt every single emotion. Model Misfit is the first book to truly make me laugh, cry, swoon, die of embarrassment, clap my hands in delight and scream with anger. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and the whole time you felt entirely immersed in Harriet's life. You were there with her, experiencing everything along with her... I honestly just never wanted it to end. And now, my family probably thinks I am crazy with all the laughing, swooning and crying I've done over this book, but it was so worth it.
Like I said, Model Misfit was one of those rare books that managed to create the most realistic characters imaginable. Our protagonist is this geeky girl named Harriet who has bee thrown head first into the fashion/modelling world. She doesn't think she 'fits in' because doesn't really care about clothes or make-up or brand names and doesn't have the psychically flawless body like some of the other models, but this story is so much more than Harriet's terribly awkward modelling experiences. This story is about Harriet trying to figure out who she is and where she fits in. This isn't a story about Harriet accepting herself, but a story about everyone understanding what it means to love yourself and stay true to yourself. This story isn't about defying stereotypes, but embracing yourself regardless, even if you fit perfectly into those molds.
Harriet herself is just... *gestures wildly*. How do I explain? Harriet has a little bit of all of us (readers, nerd, geeks, misfits) in her. She is just one of the most realistic, lovable and complex protagonists I have ever had the joy of reading about. Nat, her best friend, was also one of the standout characters. She's tough, strong, fearless and also one of the most supportive people. Her and Harriet's friendship is probably one of my all-time favorite bookish relationships. As Toby says, they're soul mates... without the kissing.
But what makes this book truly stand out? Characters are memorable, but they don't always 'make' the book. The writing style does! Well, for me it does. And if there's one thing Holly Smale is, it is a brilliant writer. Model Misfit was hilarious! I mean full-on laugh-out-loud, seal-clapping, tears-streaming-down-my-face funny. There was hardly a page that I wasn't smiling, and I was honestly laughing out loud at least once a chapter. This book was written with my exact my sense of humour in mind. Harriet's internal monologues were so much like mine, it was actually a little scary! And mixed with the constant barrage of random facts - which is another annoying habit I have, just ask my family - it felt like reading my exact words down on the page. How can you not fall in love with a book when it hits so close to home?
On top of all that, Holly Smale didn't shy away from any diversity with our love interest being a POC, half-Australia and half-Japanese, and this series has very strong Japanese connections... especially since its majority is set in Tokyo! There's always something special added to a book when it has a fantastically exotic setting which the author portrays accurately (well, it felt realistic at least). The exploration of friendship and family also gave this book some extra warm fuzzies. You can understand why this book truly hit the mark for me! I'd honestly recommend it in a heartbeat.
Overall, I didn't not expect to love this as much as I did. I don't think I've ever felt so many different emotions in one book, and have never laughed out loud as much as I did, not even for Skulduggery Pleasant. I cannot wait to pick up Picture Perfect.
There's rarely a book that can literally make you feel all the feels. As readers, we tend to say it a lot, but how often did we actually feel every single one of those feels? I know when I say it I mean that it made emotional. I probably cried, or laughed until I pissed my pants (not literally, guys). Apart from Harry Potter and maybe The Wolves of Mercy Falls, I don' think I have meant that I truly felt every single emotion. Model Misfit is the first book to truly make me laugh, cry, swoon, die of embarrassment, clap my hands in delight and scream with anger. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and the whole time you felt entirely immersed in Harriet's life. You were there with her, experiencing everything along with her... I honestly just never wanted it to end. And now, my family probably thinks I am crazy with all the laughing, swooning and crying I've done over this book, but it was so worth it.
Like I said, Model Misfit was one of those rare books that managed to create the most realistic characters imaginable. Our protagonist is this geeky girl named Harriet who has bee thrown head first into the fashion/modelling world. She doesn't think she 'fits in' because doesn't really care about clothes or make-up or brand names and doesn't have the psychically flawless body like some of the other models, but this story is so much more than Harriet's terribly awkward modelling experiences. This story is about Harriet trying to figure out who she is and where she fits in. This isn't a story about Harriet accepting herself, but a story about everyone understanding what it means to love yourself and stay true to yourself. This story isn't about defying stereotypes, but embracing yourself regardless, even if you fit perfectly into those molds.
That's the truth about people with obsessively organised plans: we're not trying to control everything in our lives. We're trying to block out the things we can't.
Harriet herself is just... *gestures wildly*. How do I explain? Harriet has a little bit of all of us (readers, nerd, geeks, misfits) in her. She is just one of the most realistic, lovable and complex protagonists I have ever had the joy of reading about. Nat, her best friend, was also one of the standout characters. She's tough, strong, fearless and also one of the most supportive people. Her and Harriet's friendship is probably one of my all-time favorite bookish relationships. As Toby says, they're soul mates... without the kissing.
But what makes this book truly stand out? Characters are memorable, but they don't always 'make' the book. The writing style does! Well, for me it does. And if there's one thing Holly Smale is, it is a brilliant writer. Model Misfit was hilarious! I mean full-on laugh-out-loud, seal-clapping, tears-streaming-down-my-face funny. There was hardly a page that I wasn't smiling, and I was honestly laughing out loud at least once a chapter. This book was written with my exact my sense of humour in mind. Harriet's internal monologues were so much like mine, it was actually a little scary! And mixed with the constant barrage of random facts - which is another annoying habit I have, just ask my family - it felt like reading my exact words down on the page. How can you not fall in love with a book when it hits so close to home?
On top of all that, Holly Smale didn't shy away from any diversity with our love interest being a POC, half-Australia and half-Japanese, and this series has very strong Japanese connections... especially since its majority is set in Tokyo! There's always something special added to a book when it has a fantastically exotic setting which the author portrays accurately (well, it felt realistic at least). The exploration of friendship and family also gave this book some extra warm fuzzies. You can understand why this book truly hit the mark for me! I'd honestly recommend it in a heartbeat.
Overall, I didn't not expect to love this as much as I did. I don't think I've ever felt so many different emotions in one book, and have never laughed out loud as much as I did, not even for Skulduggery Pleasant. I cannot wait to pick up Picture Perfect.
February 17, 2017
Het blijft een heerlijk makkelijk boek om 's nachts te lezen! Slecht teken dat hij weer uit is dus, maar ik heb me er gelukkig wel mee vermaakt. ;)
February 2, 2020
Bu kitabı 3 kelime ile özetleyecek olursak; Çok güzel, Çok komik ve Harika.♡
September 30, 2016
Net als het eerste deel vond ik hem niet super, maar hij leest super snel weg dus voor tussendoor vind ik hem prima.
August 18, 2015
“1. You left a multipack of Mars Bars on top of your wardrobe. Can I have one? Dad x
2. I had three. Hope that's OK. Dad x
3. I'm just going to have one more. Dad x
4. Harriet, your Dad's made himself sick on an entire multipack of Mars Bars again. Please don't leave sweets where we can find them. A x”
My adoration for Harriet Manners continues in this hilariously-funtastic series! I first fell in love with Harriet in Geek Girl , where her willingness to let her geekiness shine immediately won me over. I loved her style, her attitude with regard to her personality, and how she was unwilling to give in to the "norm" of peer pressure. Her wonderful owning of her inner nerdiness remains, and Harriet shines in this second installment to this incredible series.
Harriet is now a model. This fact does not, however, make her feel any less awkward and unable to fit in at school. She feels like she's even more of a laughing stock now that she's returned to her normal daily life. When the opportunity to model in Japan arises, she jumps at the chance to leave her mundane life and travel to Japan.
The fantastic group of characters we met in Geek Girl is back and filled to the brim with hilarious banter! I can't get enough of Holly Smale's writing and humor. Every few pages I'm laughing hilarious. I'm sure it makes it even more enjoyable because I'm listening to the audiobook, and let me tell you, Katey Sobey is FANTASTIC!! (More about that below in Audiobook Impressions. ;) ) My favorite character is still Wilbur. The nicknames he has for Harriet are just plain hilarious! Nat, Harriet's best friend, who I enjoyed quite a bit in Geek Girl, isn't as present in this story as she traveled to France during most of the book. But I love seeing the little mentions of their friendship holding up despite the distance. Annnnd Harriet's crush, Nick, who recently moved on to a different model girlfriend, may show up for a bit as well. ;)
As in Geek Girl, I LOVE all of Harriet's facts! Most were completely random and meaningless... but man, I learned A LOT from that geeky girl! Bring on the info, Harriet! Say it proudly, girl!
As is normal Harriet style, this trip to Japan was no different when it came to her disastrous tendencies. She ruined photo shoots, angered quite a few people, and, of course, destroyed a dress or two. Leave it to Harriet to be a bumbling mess and keep us cracking up! I can see why so many people were mad at her in this story... yet I couldn't stop smiling long enough to feel any resentment toward her at all. Too much love in my heart to be upset by anything this firecracker can do. LOL
This story did carry with it a heavier topic as well. Harriet longed to fit in and find somewhere that felt like "home" to her. Whether it be her current house with her father and pregnant stepmother, or Japan, she was longing for that feeling of belonging somewhere. With her new sibling on the way, her insecurities took over. She worried her father and stepmother had their own new family forming that did not include her. Her friends seemed to be gone, since Nat was traveling to France, and Harriet was left feeling lost and alone. She hoped this trip to Japan was what she needed to finally find herself... and to find "home."
“I suddenly realize that it doesn't matter how far I go, or how lost I am, or how lonely I feel. I fit in here. I always will.
That's how I know I'm home.”
I can't recommend this series enough! If you're looking for a lighthearted, insanely funny and entertaining story, READ THIS SERIES! This group of characters is exceptional. One of my very favorite group of characters in any story. They're all so different, each personality so unique, each dialect so incredibly distinguishable. I love the amount of effort Holly Smale must have put into writing these characters, bringing each to life separately and causing us to fall in love time and time again. I'm so ready to read Picture Perfect !! :)
Audiobook Impressions:
Katey Sobey IS Harriet Manners! But it doesn't stop there. She's also Wilbur, Annabel, Nat, and so many others! Katey blows my mind how she brings each and every one of these characters to life. I'm so happy that she continues to narrate each book in this series. I don't think I could ever listen to an audiobook in this series that wasn't narrated by her. Also I don't think I could actually read a book in this series without having Katey's voices in my head. I will continue with this series on audio as long as Katey Sobey continues to narrate. She's pure perfection.
(Thanks to Harper Audio for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
December 23, 2018
Ik heb heel lang over dit boek gedaan, omdat ik merkte dat ik dit boek niet met plezier oppakte, als ik in het boek las, vond ik het wel leuk, maar lezen deed ik even niet met plezier. Vandaar mijn 3 sterren, want voor mijn gevoel ben ik te oud voor deze serie.
January 15, 2018
3.5 stars!!!
Although the premise didn't change from the first book, and neither did the writing, and neither did the characters who stayed true to their portrayal, I actually ended up enjoying this book more than the first instalment of the series. It was just more engaging.
I loved the descriptions of Tokyo -- Japan being a country I've been dying to visit for years now. And I really enjoyed the introduction of new characters in this one. The shoots were fun to read about, although again, quite unrealistic a) for her to have messed up so drastically during each shoot, even if someone was indeed trying to sabotage her and b) in her being the face of the campaign when she has no experience whatsoever. But I find that there comes a point as a reader when you come to face with the fact that you need to lower your expectations for particular authors, and once you do, you end up enjoying your reading experience much more. Evidently, the fact that this is the reason why I had fun reading the book means I could never give these books more than 3.5 stars, but as long as I'm enjoying myself, I don't think it matters too much, and I am enjoying myself, clichés, unrealistic character portrayals, goofy plots and all.
Although the premise didn't change from the first book, and neither did the writing, and neither did the characters who stayed true to their portrayal, I actually ended up enjoying this book more than the first instalment of the series. It was just more engaging.
I loved the descriptions of Tokyo -- Japan being a country I've been dying to visit for years now. And I really enjoyed the introduction of new characters in this one. The shoots were fun to read about, although again, quite unrealistic a) for her to have messed up so drastically during each shoot, even if someone was indeed trying to sabotage her and b) in her being the face of the campaign when she has no experience whatsoever. But I find that there comes a point as a reader when you come to face with the fact that you need to lower your expectations for particular authors, and once you do, you end up enjoying your reading experience much more. Evidently, the fact that this is the reason why I had fun reading the book means I could never give these books more than 3.5 stars, but as long as I'm enjoying myself, I don't think it matters too much, and I am enjoying myself, clichés, unrealistic character portrayals, goofy plots and all.
June 6, 2017
I love Harriet Manners! I mean, how can you not? She's a bit clumsy, a lot insecure, fabulously geeky, and all around awesome! Her adventures never fail to make me grin. And her knowledge of all things random is the BEST. I love how she spouts off all these odd facts to everyone around her. Yet it's not just her intelligence that endears her to me, it's how she learns and grows through the story. She has much to learn about life and much to enjoy at the same time! And she is constantly working her way through the myriad of characters surrounding her, some becoming the best of friends and some not so much, especially in this book. I'm not sure whether Japan was really ready for Harriet, nor that she was ready for it, but there she goes anyway. Through everything that happens, she never loses her inherent "Harriet-ness", for which I am grateful! I love her to pieces, faults and all, and cannot wait to read about more of her adventures in the next few books. Harriet Manners for the win! :)
May 17, 2017
I wasn't sure about this one at the start and have to admit I got a little frustrated that nothing was going right for Harriet. Then you find out why and I wasn't that frustrated anymore. I didn't see it coming what one of her house mates where doing and glad it got sorted. I loved the part at the end when Nick found Harriet crying on the footpath and the truth all came out about everything. I'm so glad Harriet and Nick got back together, yay
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2013
Just as funny, warm-hearted and light as the first GEEK GIRL book, MODEL MISFIT is a totally delightful read. Harriet's a narrator that it's impossible not to warm to, and this story is so much fun that I actually caught myself wanting to be a model (for a second or two, before I realised that this was MADNESS).
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