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Anatomy of a Misfit
This emotional, hilarious, devastating, and ultimately triumphant YA debut, based on actual events, recounts one girl’s rejection of her high school’s hierarchy—and her discovery of her true self in the face of tragedy.
Fall’s buzzed-about, in-house favorite.
Outside, Anika Dragomir is all lip gloss and blond hair—the third most popular girl in school. Inside, she’s a freak: a mix of dark thoughts, diabolical plots, and, if local chatter is to be believed, vampire DNA (after all, her father is Romanian). But she keeps it under wraps to maintain her social position. One step out of line and Becky Vilhauer, first most popular girl in school, will make her life hell. So when former loner Logan McDonough shows up one September hotter, smarter, and more mysterious than ever, Anika knows she can’t get involved. It would be insane to throw away her social safety for a nerd. So what if that nerd is now a black-leather-jacket-wearing dreamboat, and his loner status is clearly the result of his troubled home life? Who cares if the right girl could help him with all that, maybe even save him from it? Who needs him when Jared Kline, the bad boy every girl dreams of, is asking her on dates? Who?
Anatomy of a Misfit is Mean Girls meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Anika’s hilariously deadpan delivery will appeal to readers for its honesty and depth. The so-sad-it’s-funny high school setting will pull readers in, but when the story’s dark foreboding gradually takes over, the devastating penultimate tragedy hits like a punch to the gut. Readers will ride the highs and lows alongside funny, flawed Anika — from laughter to tears, and everything in between.
Fall’s buzzed-about, in-house favorite.
Outside, Anika Dragomir is all lip gloss and blond hair—the third most popular girl in school. Inside, she’s a freak: a mix of dark thoughts, diabolical plots, and, if local chatter is to be believed, vampire DNA (after all, her father is Romanian). But she keeps it under wraps to maintain her social position. One step out of line and Becky Vilhauer, first most popular girl in school, will make her life hell. So when former loner Logan McDonough shows up one September hotter, smarter, and more mysterious than ever, Anika knows she can’t get involved. It would be insane to throw away her social safety for a nerd. So what if that nerd is now a black-leather-jacket-wearing dreamboat, and his loner status is clearly the result of his troubled home life? Who cares if the right girl could help him with all that, maybe even save him from it? Who needs him when Jared Kline, the bad boy every girl dreams of, is asking her on dates? Who?
Anatomy of a Misfit is Mean Girls meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Anika’s hilariously deadpan delivery will appeal to readers for its honesty and depth. The so-sad-it’s-funny high school setting will pull readers in, but when the story’s dark foreboding gradually takes over, the devastating penultimate tragedy hits like a punch to the gut. Readers will ride the highs and lows alongside funny, flawed Anika — from laughter to tears, and everything in between.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2014
250 people are currently reading
13245 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Portes
10 books478 followersAndrea Portes is a bestselling American novelist.
Her novels include HICK, BURY THIS, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, and THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES. Portes is also the author of the upcoming LIBERTY book series and the upcoming HENRY & EVA book series. She also published the SUPER RAD graphic novel series for Dark Matter Comics.
Portes was raised in rural Nebraska, outside of Lincoln. She attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship and later received her MFA from University of California, San Diego. After graduation, Portes moved to the neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Portes published her debut novel HICK that was an instant bestseller. After the book's huge success, the movie adaptation of HICK went into production in 2011. The film, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis, and Blake Lively premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011.
Portes's second novel, BURY THIS, was published in January 2014 by Counterpoint Press's imprint Soft Skull Press to critical acclaim.
In 2012, she wrote SUPER RAD, a sci-fi series for Dark Matter Press.
Portes' third novel, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, was published in September 2014 by HarperCollins. In July 2014, the book was optioned in a pre-emptive deal by Paramount Pictures, with Allison Shearmur (THE HUNGER GAMES, CINDERELLA) producing.
In Winter 2015, Portes spy thriller series LIBERTY was bought in a three-book deal by HarperCollins. Twentieth Century Fox-Fox 2000 acquired the rights to LIBERTY and will be producing the series with Wyck Godfrey (TWILIGHT, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS).
Her fourth book, THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES will be out in May 2016 published by HarperCollins.
Portes also chose HarperCollins to publish HENRY & EVA AND THE CASTLE ON THE CLIFF, the first in a middle reader series of HENRY & EVA books. The second release in the series will be HENRY & EVA AND THE FAMOUS PEOPLE GHOSTS.
Portes is currently working on THEY WERE LIKE WOLVES, a work of literary fiction.
Her novels include HICK, BURY THIS, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, and THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES. Portes is also the author of the upcoming LIBERTY book series and the upcoming HENRY & EVA book series. She also published the SUPER RAD graphic novel series for Dark Matter Comics.
Portes was raised in rural Nebraska, outside of Lincoln. She attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship and later received her MFA from University of California, San Diego. After graduation, Portes moved to the neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Portes published her debut novel HICK that was an instant bestseller. After the book's huge success, the movie adaptation of HICK went into production in 2011. The film, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis, and Blake Lively premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011.
Portes's second novel, BURY THIS, was published in January 2014 by Counterpoint Press's imprint Soft Skull Press to critical acclaim.
In 2012, she wrote SUPER RAD, a sci-fi series for Dark Matter Press.
Portes' third novel, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, was published in September 2014 by HarperCollins. In July 2014, the book was optioned in a pre-emptive deal by Paramount Pictures, with Allison Shearmur (THE HUNGER GAMES, CINDERELLA) producing.
In Winter 2015, Portes spy thriller series LIBERTY was bought in a three-book deal by HarperCollins. Twentieth Century Fox-Fox 2000 acquired the rights to LIBERTY and will be producing the series with Wyck Godfrey (TWILIGHT, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS).
Her fourth book, THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES will be out in May 2016 published by HarperCollins.
Portes also chose HarperCollins to publish HENRY & EVA AND THE CASTLE ON THE CLIFF, the first in a middle reader series of HENRY & EVA books. The second release in the series will be HENRY & EVA AND THE FAMOUS PEOPLE GHOSTS.
Portes is currently working on THEY WERE LIKE WOLVES, a work of literary fiction.
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August 24, 2014
I thought I was prepared.
I'd seen many friends pick this up and then lay it down after 15 pages or so, saying this just really wasn't for them. But I've been the odd one out before, so maybe this could end up working for me! So I finally started my own copy of Anatomy of a Misfit and... well. Let's say my friends weren't wrong. The really sad thing about Anatomy of a Misfit is that it's really trying to prove a (good) point. But there are so many things that contradict that message that it just doesn't work.
The major problem with Anatomy of a Misfit is its message. there are so many things, phrases scattered throughout the text that are just completely on the other side of my beliefs. Not that there's anything wrong with that, usually: I love it when books make me think. Sadly, Anatomy of a Misfit mostly made me bang my head against the wall. I can't really explain it well, so here are some quotes.
Basically, for this "review" (which will basically be quotes and me ranting away) I just started at page one and flipped through until I found something I think offensive/"wrong" (for a lack of a better word). Believe me when I say I did not have to wait long, as there's something like that quite literally every other page. But first, introductions:
Aw, isn't that nice? Slut-shaming basically on page one, and of one's best friend too. Makes me wonder if they're even really best friends at all, but okay... We get more about Shelli!
Because of course Shelli can't just enjoy sex while also being a normal and rational human being. The thought alone! Show of hands, how many of you would take that as a compliment? (And even if she did, so what? Because of course a date to prom is the most important thing and also of course impossible to get if you *gasp* like sex.) Let alone the implication that having a "big pussy" of course means that you have loads of sex. (Which is, of course, baaad.) I mean, it's not like some of that is just genetics and all.
Then we get family introductions. Anika loves her sisters very much....
... Or maybe not. Later, she describes them as "sluts". Then wonders why they don't like her. I wonder why?!
Anika also things she's hideous. She once literally describes herself as "hideous". A short description of our MC:
Because blond hair, blue eyes, pale skin and pronounced cheekbones are the definition of ugly. And also not over-used as a description at all.
So, if Anika's so "hideous", I truly wonder why half of the male population seems to be interested in her. Including the most lusted-after boy of the school, of course.
Oh, and one of the love interests literally calls her "beautiful".
One thing you need to know about this book: all characters are stereotypes. They're all charicatures of themselves. We have our main character, Anika Dragomir, whose father is Romanian. Of course this means that he looks "like a vampire" and spends half of his time living in a castle-like house. Hmm.
Then we have her mother. She is described as "the only decent person in [the] house". So that's fine, yeah? Except she remarried, which means Anika now has a stepdad.
Yes, let's continue this cliché that all stepparents are awful human beings you should hate.
Because marrying for love? Who even DOES that anymore?! (And even if she only married him for money, you're one of those kids who needed a home. You know, you can be thankful for at least having somewhere to live because of this guy.)
And then there's the best friend's family. Meet Shelli's mom:
Because, y'know, that's ALL that Christianity is about. If you're not constantly preaching about your belief and hating gay people, you're a BAD Christian. Hey, guess what? I know plenty of Christian people that a) have nothing against gay people, b) never talk about the "real meaning" of certain holidays, and also c) I've never had a conversation about Jesus or God with, despite having talked many times.
But Shelli's mother really is just an EXTREME Christian, you know? Example:
Really!? I mean, really!?
Also, this is said about Shelli:
Make of that what you will.
Lastly, there is the main (from what I could tell, anyway) love interest. You don't really need to know much about him, except that he's a "total nerd" with a moped. Therefore Anika and Logan's relationship must remain secret because omg what if the Queen Bee finds out!?! She would totally cast Anika out of the popular circle.
Basically all you need to know about Logan is explained in the following quote. Know that at the time, he and Anika have had a grand total of three conversations, of which two were about two sentences long, and he just gave her a ride home.
What a gentleman!
NO. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. There is so much wrong with that sentence. If he weren't the sort-of-cute possible love interest this would be called sexual assault. Let that sink in. He and Anika are practically strangers to each other, aside from an obvious crush on Logan's side. If some random guy I vaguely knew would give me a ride home and then say that I would be fucking scared. I would also kick him in a certain region and then flee into my house. Nothing about that quote is even remotely okay. I cannot emphasize enough that this. Is. WRONG.
But of course, Anika lets him kiss her and then says she did indeed like it, after which they become a couple. What a message to send out to kids reading this.
Another thing I didn't like about Anatomy of a Misfit (though nothing tops the quote above) was the conversations. Or rather the words used. An example:
Nothing gets me going like using "gay" as a description for anything that isn't a) a homosexual or b) meant as "merry" or "happy" (granted, the latter definition is a bit old-fashioned, but hey, you never know.). Using "gay" as an insult? No thanks.
The book, by the way, is written in a style that just isn't for me. This is different per person, though, but know that words like "kinda", "gotta" and "woulda" are used not just in conversation, but in the general narration as well.
Now we get to the really sad part: this book tried to make a point. It really did. This point is introduced in the form of a black girl who starts working at the same place as Anika. Now, Anatomy of a Misfit meant to make a point about racism and how ridiculous it is. Unfortunately, the point is exaggerated: there are some conversations with Anika's boss that are just plain ridiculous and exaggerated to a point that they're unbelievable. I mean, I appreciate what Anatomy of a Misfit is trying to do here, I really do. But you can't put down women, LGBT+ people and Christians and then try to make a point about stereotyping and how ridiculous it is. I'm sorry, but that just doesn't work.
There's more, but honestly, I'm too tired to go on and this review is way too long already. In TL;DR terms I would say that nothing about this book I liked, which is why I DNF'ed at 40%. I tried to go on, but I really couldn't take it anymore. This book and I did just not get along.
*By the way, I'm not trying to offend anyone here or something. I know I can be snarky at times, but that's just me. If you did enjoy this, great! Life's too short to read books you don't enjoy anyway. To each their own :) *
~Thank you Harper Children's for the review copy.~
I'd seen many friends pick this up and then lay it down after 15 pages or so, saying this just really wasn't for them. But I've been the odd one out before, so maybe this could end up working for me! So I finally started my own copy of Anatomy of a Misfit and... well. Let's say my friends weren't wrong. The really sad thing about Anatomy of a Misfit is that it's really trying to prove a (good) point. But there are so many things that contradict that message that it just doesn't work.
The major problem with Anatomy of a Misfit is its message. there are so many things, phrases scattered throughout the text that are just completely on the other side of my beliefs. Not that there's anything wrong with that, usually: I love it when books make me think. Sadly, Anatomy of a Misfit mostly made me bang my head against the wall. I can't really explain it well, so here are some quotes.
Basically, for this "review" (which will basically be quotes and me ranting away) I just started at page one and flipped through until I found something I think offensive/"wrong" (for a lack of a better word). Believe me when I say I did not have to wait long, as there's something like that quite literally every other page. But first, introductions:
Between number one and number two is Shelli Schroeder. Number two. She's my best friend even though she's kind of a slut.
Aw, isn't that nice? Slut-shaming basically on page one, and of one's best friend too. Makes me wonder if they're even really best friends at all, but okay... We get more about Shelli!
One time she told me Rusty Beck told her "she has the biggest pussy I've ever fucked." Yup. Try to unhear that. Nosiree, you cannot. By the way, she told me this like it was a compliment. I didn't have the heart to tell her I'm pretty sure that wasn't going to get her a date to the prom.
Because of course Shelli can't just enjoy sex while also being a normal and rational human being. The thought alone! Show of hands, how many of you would take that as a compliment? (And even if she did, so what? Because of course a date to prom is the most important thing and also of course impossible to get if you *gasp* like sex.) Let alone the implication that having a "big pussy" of course means that you have loads of sex. (Which is, of course, baaad.) I mean, it's not like some of that is just genetics and all.
Then we get family introductions. Anika loves her sisters very much....
By the time I get home my stupid sisters are already locked in their room listening to the Stones and talking on the phone to more guys who don't like them.
... Or maybe not. Later, she describes them as "sluts". Then wonders why they don't like her. I wonder why?!
Anika also things she's hideous. She once literally describes herself as "hideous". A short description of our MC:
[...] there is blond hair, blue eyes, pale skin. [...] I have a boy jaw, like a square jaw, and cheekbones you could cut yourself on.
Because blond hair, blue eyes, pale skin and pronounced cheekbones are the definition of ugly. And also not over-used as a description at all.
So, if Anika's so "hideous", I truly wonder why half of the male population seems to be interested in her. Including the most lusted-after boy of the school, of course.
Oh, and one of the love interests literally calls her "beautiful".
One thing you need to know about this book: all characters are stereotypes. They're all charicatures of themselves. We have our main character, Anika Dragomir, whose father is Romanian. Of course this means that he looks "like a vampire" and spends half of his time living in a castle-like house. Hmm.
Then we have her mother. She is described as "the only decent person in [the] house". So that's fine, yeah? Except she remarried, which means Anika now has a stepdad.
The guy she got is six foot three, three hundred pounds [...] He never talks to us, except in grunts, and then goes straight to his room after dinner, to lie on his water bed and watch Weel of Fortune. [...] my stepdad is an ogre.
Yes, let's continue this cliché that all stepparents are awful human beings you should hate.
I'm sure she married this guy so her kids would have a home and all [...]
Because marrying for love? Who even DOES that anymore?! (And even if she only married him for money, you're one of those kids who needed a home. You know, you can be thankful for at least having somewhere to live because of this guy.)
And then there's the best friend's family. Meet Shelli's mom:
Shelli's mom is a real freak. Like, she's a total Christian and is always talking about what would Jesus do, and the real meaning of Christmas, and how to hate gay people.
Because, y'know, that's ALL that Christianity is about. If you're not constantly preaching about your belief and hating gay people, you're a BAD Christian. Hey, guess what? I know plenty of Christian people that a) have nothing against gay people, b) never talk about the "real meaning" of certain holidays, and also c) I've never had a conversation about Jesus or God with, despite having talked many times.
But Shelli's mother really is just an EXTREME Christian, you know? Example:
Her mom makes her burn her hair after she gets a haircut, so no one tries to cast a spell on her.
Really!? I mean, really!?
Also, this is said about Shelli:
Or maybe she can't add. She is a Christian. I don't think they believe in math.
Make of that what you will.
Lastly, there is the main (from what I could tell, anyway) love interest. You don't really need to know much about him, except that he's a "total nerd" with a moped. Therefore Anika and Logan's relationship must remain secret because omg what if the Queen Bee finds out!?! She would totally cast Anika out of the popular circle.
Basically all you need to know about Logan is explained in the following quote. Know that at the time, he and Anika have had a grand total of three conversations, of which two were about two sentences long, and he just gave her a ride home.
"I'm gonna kiss you now and you're gonna like it."
What a gentleman!
NO. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. There is so much wrong with that sentence. If he weren't the sort-of-cute possible love interest this would be called sexual assault. Let that sink in. He and Anika are practically strangers to each other, aside from an obvious crush on Logan's side. If some random guy I vaguely knew would give me a ride home and then say that I would be fucking scared. I would also kick him in a certain region and then flee into my house. Nothing about that quote is even remotely okay. I cannot emphasize enough that this. Is. WRONG.
But of course, Anika lets him kiss her and then says she did indeed like it, after which they become a couple. What a message to send out to kids reading this.
Another thing I didn't like about Anatomy of a Misfit (though nothing tops the quote above) was the conversations. Or rather the words used. An example:
"This October issue is so gay. All it is is back-to-school and Halloween parties. Again."
Nothing gets me going like using "gay" as a description for anything that isn't a) a homosexual or b) meant as "merry" or "happy" (granted, the latter definition is a bit old-fashioned, but hey, you never know.). Using "gay" as an insult? No thanks.
The book, by the way, is written in a style that just isn't for me. This is different per person, though, but know that words like "kinda", "gotta" and "woulda" are used not just in conversation, but in the general narration as well.
Now we get to the really sad part: this book tried to make a point. It really did. This point is introduced in the form of a black girl who starts working at the same place as Anika. Now, Anatomy of a Misfit meant to make a point about racism and how ridiculous it is. Unfortunately, the point is exaggerated: there are some conversations with Anika's boss that are just plain ridiculous and exaggerated to a point that they're unbelievable. I mean, I appreciate what Anatomy of a Misfit is trying to do here, I really do. But you can't put down women, LGBT+ people and Christians and then try to make a point about stereotyping and how ridiculous it is. I'm sorry, but that just doesn't work.
There's more, but honestly, I'm too tired to go on and this review is way too long already. In TL;DR terms I would say that nothing about this book I liked, which is why I DNF'ed at 40%. I tried to go on, but I really couldn't take it anymore. This book and I did just not get along.
*By the way, I'm not trying to offend anyone here or something. I know I can be snarky at times, but that's just me. If you did enjoy this, great! Life's too short to read books you don't enjoy anyway. To each their own :) *
~Thank you Harper Children's for the review copy.~
July 6, 2014
ANATOMY OF A MISFIT is what happens when your favorite Sara Zarr book and the movie HEATHERS get drunk and make a baby. By turns snort-into-your-palm funny and arrow-to-the heart observant, this book is ultimately a bust-your-soul-to-smithereens look at what it means to care too much about the opinions of all the wrong people. Adult novelist Andrea Portes gives a masterclass in what "voice" is, and does so here with her camera's POV firmly set at the Young Adult audience. This is YA at its best: not just a "then this happens" story featuring a teenaged protagonist. This is literature—there is a joy and a loveliness about the way the words come together and spark on the page to reveal character and plot that makes this book a virtuosic thrill ride. Welcome to YA, Ms. Portes. We are lucky to have you.
July 6, 2017
Lately, I’ve been coming across this particular type of character development and I find myself liking it- character is really unlikeable, so unlikeable I imagined giving her a little knuckle blow in the head. She’s mean and offensive, my eyes hurt from excessive rolling at her judgmental thoughts and words. She’s friends with the most popular girl in school even though she hates her like poison and she’s best friends with the second most popular girl even though she slut shames her fifty percent of her narrative. That’s Anika Dragomir and no she isn’t a vampire even though her dad is Romanian. A vampire is probably more likable.
What I like about Anika though is how she admits her flaws and even succumbs to them often. But even though she clearly knows who she is, she also knows what she needs for self-preservation. As she juggles her different persona, she also tries to make amends by doing what she thinks is good for other people even though they may sound stupid to others. She won’t probably magically transform into a goody two shoes because she’s good and evil (but probably more evil) combined. By getting to know her, the reader gets to understand the Anatomy of a Misfit. I also have to say, she’s hilarious.
“I mean if there was any justice in the world, you wouldn’t even have to go to school during your period. You’d just stay home for five days and eat chocolate and cry.” Lol!
Anika’s character is I think what I liked best in the story and if the plot was a bit more clear-cut and focused on addressing her inner conflicts- to be who she wants to be versus to be someone accepted, I think I would have loved the book. But instead the plot tried to be so many things at once that it became too overwhelming. The conflicts have become quite too heavy and even the love triangle which I thought worked so well to challenge Anika’s inner conflict has turned into something too complicated, even tragic. I couldn’t reconcile this tragedy with the entire concept of the story. I just find it unnecessary.
I did enjoy most of the book though and despite my complaints, I still think it’s a compelling and gripping read. In fact except for the rest room and snack breaks, I read it in one sitting and even though I wasn’t too happy about the entire plot, I would still recommend the book for its relevant messages and themes.
What I like about Anika though is how she admits her flaws and even succumbs to them often. But even though she clearly knows who she is, she also knows what she needs for self-preservation. As she juggles her different persona, she also tries to make amends by doing what she thinks is good for other people even though they may sound stupid to others. She won’t probably magically transform into a goody two shoes because she’s good and evil (but probably more evil) combined. By getting to know her, the reader gets to understand the Anatomy of a Misfit. I also have to say, she’s hilarious.
“I mean if there was any justice in the world, you wouldn’t even have to go to school during your period. You’d just stay home for five days and eat chocolate and cry.” Lol!
Anika’s character is I think what I liked best in the story and if the plot was a bit more clear-cut and focused on addressing her inner conflicts- to be who she wants to be versus to be someone accepted, I think I would have loved the book. But instead the plot tried to be so many things at once that it became too overwhelming. The conflicts have become quite too heavy and even the love triangle which I thought worked so well to challenge Anika’s inner conflict has turned into something too complicated, even tragic. I couldn’t reconcile this tragedy with the entire concept of the story. I just find it unnecessary.
I did enjoy most of the book though and despite my complaints, I still think it’s a compelling and gripping read. In fact except for the rest room and snack breaks, I read it in one sitting and even though I wasn’t too happy about the entire plot, I would still recommend the book for its relevant messages and themes.
December 3, 2014
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Who here is tired of people using Mean Girls .gifs in their book reviews?
Well, tough shit ‘cause I’m gonna use a bunch of them.
Anika Dragomir is the third most popular girl in high school. Think of her as Gretchen Wieners . . . .
True Mean Girls fans are probably screaming that Karen Smith was probably the third most popular girl in school or something of the sort. Have no fear, Anika’s best friend Shelli is the Karen Smith of this story. She’s not stupid, but she’s totally a slut . . .
Ahhhh, don’t get so worked up Shelli. You own it and are delightful.
Both Anika and Shelli fear the wrath of one Becky Vilhauer – the HBIC who will ruin their high school years with vicious rumors should they ever dare to cross her . . .
Seriously. Becky makes Regina George look sweet.
On the outside Anika’s life looks pretty great:
“On the outside I look like vanilla pudding so nobody knows that on the inside I am spider soup.”
Which really means she is your average teenaged girl. She worries about not looking right, not dressing right, not living in a nice enough house, not having a nice enough family, and really not having nice enough friends (when you spend your days in fear of someone who calls you the “immigrant” because you happen to have a Romanian father, that isn’t hard to do).
When former loser Logan McDonough moves back to town and (as far as Anika is concerned) has morphed from geek to chic, she’s torn between protecting her status and maybe taking a chance with this loner . . .
I know, right? Social suicide.
Anika also finds herself as the target ofAaron Samuels Jared Kline’s attention.
“I’m not standing in line to defile myself with him like all these other girls . . . but . . . I don’t mind looking at him. It’s kind of like seeing Jesus in a tortilla or something.”
But is Jared legit, or does he just want Anika to be another notch on his bedpost? And what’s the real story with Logan? Is he as dreamy as he seems to be, or is he hiding deeper, darker secrets???
This little book sure wasn’t what I was expecting. Actually, I wasn’t expecting anything at all. None of my Goodreads friends have read it yet, I don’t even know how it ended up on my to-read list, and I really don’t recall requesting it from the library. But one day I booted up the old Kindle and there it was. I’m so glad I gave it a shot. Obviously I’m kind of a Mean Girls’ superfan, so I would have been perfectly content with a fun bit of fluff. And I wasn’t disappointed with Anika – her voice was brilliant, she was hilarious and she cracked up up. I had no idea this book would get deep and touch on actual issues, though.
“You get one chance. You get to do this thing one time and you don’t even know when it goes from swirling forward and around and around in circles to just a plain cold stop and nothing more. This moment here. This is all you get. Before you are part of the sky.”
What a surprise . . . and it was written so well. Highly recommended to all young adults – be they a Regina George or a Mathlete or a Janis Ian. Can we get some love for all the Janis Ians?
Girls like you kick ass . . .
Amiright?
Who here is tired of people using Mean Girls .gifs in their book reviews?
Well, tough shit ‘cause I’m gonna use a bunch of them.
Anika Dragomir is the third most popular girl in high school. Think of her as Gretchen Wieners . . . .
True Mean Girls fans are probably screaming that Karen Smith was probably the third most popular girl in school or something of the sort. Have no fear, Anika’s best friend Shelli is the Karen Smith of this story. She’s not stupid, but she’s totally a slut . . .
Ahhhh, don’t get so worked up Shelli. You own it and are delightful.
Both Anika and Shelli fear the wrath of one Becky Vilhauer – the HBIC who will ruin their high school years with vicious rumors should they ever dare to cross her . . .
Seriously. Becky makes Regina George look sweet.
On the outside Anika’s life looks pretty great:
“On the outside I look like vanilla pudding so nobody knows that on the inside I am spider soup.”
Which really means she is your average teenaged girl. She worries about not looking right, not dressing right, not living in a nice enough house, not having a nice enough family, and really not having nice enough friends (when you spend your days in fear of someone who calls you the “immigrant” because you happen to have a Romanian father, that isn’t hard to do).
When former loser Logan McDonough moves back to town and (as far as Anika is concerned) has morphed from geek to chic, she’s torn between protecting her status and maybe taking a chance with this loner . . .
I know, right? Social suicide.
Anika also finds herself as the target of
“I’m not standing in line to defile myself with him like all these other girls . . . but . . . I don’t mind looking at him. It’s kind of like seeing Jesus in a tortilla or something.”
But is Jared legit, or does he just want Anika to be another notch on his bedpost? And what’s the real story with Logan? Is he as dreamy as he seems to be, or is he hiding deeper, darker secrets???
This little book sure wasn’t what I was expecting. Actually, I wasn’t expecting anything at all. None of my Goodreads friends have read it yet, I don’t even know how it ended up on my to-read list, and I really don’t recall requesting it from the library. But one day I booted up the old Kindle and there it was. I’m so glad I gave it a shot. Obviously I’m kind of a Mean Girls’ superfan, so I would have been perfectly content with a fun bit of fluff. And I wasn’t disappointed with Anika – her voice was brilliant, she was hilarious and she cracked up up. I had no idea this book would get deep and touch on actual issues, though.
“You get one chance. You get to do this thing one time and you don’t even know when it goes from swirling forward and around and around in circles to just a plain cold stop and nothing more. This moment here. This is all you get. Before you are part of the sky.”
What a surprise . . . and it was written so well. Highly recommended to all young adults – be they a Regina George or a Mathlete or a Janis Ian. Can we get some love for all the Janis Ians?
Girls like you kick ass . . .
Amiright?
July 13, 2022
time is such a gift.
for example, i hated this book when i read it, and now 7 years have passed and i don't remember it at all.
lucky me!
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
for example, i hated this book when i read it, and now 7 years have passed and i don't remember it at all.
lucky me!
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
May 14, 2017
I really wanted to like this book but it felt flat.
January 15, 2015
4.5 stars. This is not a book for everybody. This is a not a book you will enjoy if slurs and slut-shaming ruin a book for you. To love this book, you need to be the type who can read a book about people as they are and not as you want them to be. It struck me hard so many times while I was reading how many bloggers I knew would despise this book from early on, and I knew I'd find a bunch of reviews hating on it, and obviously, to each his or her own.
But I loved this book. I loved the snarky, irreverent, different MC, and everything she conveyed about being the child of an immigrant from a country whose culture people don't know much about. I loved the layered secondary characters, and that (almost) everyone was moral shades of gray. I loved how much the book made me laugh out loud. And though the ending was a bit moralizing, I thought it was in a solid, genuine way that I loved too.
I don't want to say too much more about it because it's the kind of book you can really spoil, but I do wish the proportions of the book had been done a little differently - a lot of time is spent on relationships and subplot that don't ultimately have much to do with the climax, and I would've loved for more dedication to the time spent between Anika and Logan. But still, I loved this book, and I really hope it does find its readership.
But I loved this book. I loved the snarky, irreverent, different MC, and everything she conveyed about being the child of an immigrant from a country whose culture people don't know much about. I loved the layered secondary characters, and that (almost) everyone was moral shades of gray. I loved how much the book made me laugh out loud. And though the ending was a bit moralizing, I thought it was in a solid, genuine way that I loved too.
I don't want to say too much more about it because it's the kind of book you can really spoil, but I do wish the proportions of the book had been done a little differently - a lot of time is spent on relationships and subplot that don't ultimately have much to do with the climax, and I would've loved for more dedication to the time spent between Anika and Logan. But still, I loved this book, and I really hope it does find its readership.
February 15, 2015
Filipino readers! I'm giving away a copy of this on the blog! Come check it out!
First of all, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. As your friendly neighborhood book blogger, I would like to suggest the best way to maximize the next 24 hours as much as possible: buy cake or a box of chocolates, a glass of wine, maybe even some delicious foie gras, and curl up with a book to read for the rest of the day.
And please, for the love of god and all things holy, let it be this book.
My friends, I am not a fan of the contemporary genre at all. I am willing to admit even that it is what I read the least, as my shelves are full of fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal stuff. However, it is without a doubt that many of my best reads were contemporaries, and this was one of the them. I started this book with doubts and worries, and finished it with tears in my eyes, a pang of pain in my heart, and a soul enriched.
Anika Dragomir is probably the most real and honest-sounding contemporary heroine I've read yet. The way she was written, the way she narrated her story in her own words, was simply magical in a really realistic sense. She's far from being the perfect teen; in fact, she has so many flaws like you wouldn't believe - she's judgemental, she can be mean, she cares a lot about what other people think, she says a lot of awful things that would make you want to cringe, and yet, she also makes you realize many of these are actually brought about because of her environment and the time she lived in, a time in which people were way too conservative, too racist, too wary of each other. She called her best friend a "slut" for sleeping around, her sister the same thing for talking to boys all day and all night. Awful words that made me worry at first, but taking into consideration the historical context (set in the 1960s-1970s), I understood, in a way.
She's all of these things, but at the same time, she's also not. That's how complex she was - because despite wanting to conform, deep inside, she fights against it at the same time, making it an even more fulfilling experience as she finds her own place and her own voice through her snarky, humorous, and honest-to-goodness narration. She worries about what other people say, she goes against her gut for the simple fact that maybe the school's social hierarchy won't like it, but, when no one is looking, when she's sure of herself, she hops on the bike of the school's outcast, she helps the black girl who everyone else was being nasty to, she undoes the evil acts of Becky - small acts of kindness that make you see her real colors, the true Anika she's afraid of revealing in a town full of bigots, sexists, and abusers.
Plus, did I mention how amusing her narration is? Every 2 pages I would be laughing for a full minute. The writing here is so full of her personality and her spunk and her wit. Never have I read a contemporary with such a heroine whose persona truly jumped from the pages. For example, when she describes the Queen Bee of her school who's definitely evil incarnate, this is what she says:
There have been some concerns over the romance here. There are two "love interests", but truthfully, I never saw it as love triangle. For me, there really wasn't any real romance, because these two boys were simply a part of Anika's story growing up. Through them, she realizes the consequences of following the trend and of what is deemed "acceptable" and the beauty of following your heart. Through them, she matures and discovers her worth.
And that, my friends, is one of the many reasons that made this book so beautiful to me.
For me, this isn't just a contemporary coming-of-age book where the heroine or the hero sees the beauty of life after trials and tribulations. This is a book in which even after trials and tribulations, reality is still so shitty and bad things continue to happen at the wrong time to the wrong people, and yet, at the same time, this grittiness makes the good things in life shine even more. Anika finds out so many things about herself, about her friendships with the people that matter, about her family, and about the world, that the values she brings and instills continue to flow through you and inspire you.
While at the same time being so bloody funny and, let me reiterate, honest. So, so honest.
Seriously, guys? BUY THIS BOOK. You cannot not buy and read this book. I may not have read many contemporaries, but I read damn good ones, and this one pretty much topples them all.
First of all, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. As your friendly neighborhood book blogger, I would like to suggest the best way to maximize the next 24 hours as much as possible: buy cake or a box of chocolates, a glass of wine, maybe even some delicious foie gras, and curl up with a book to read for the rest of the day.
And please, for the love of god and all things holy, let it be this book.
My friends, I am not a fan of the contemporary genre at all. I am willing to admit even that it is what I read the least, as my shelves are full of fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal stuff. However, it is without a doubt that many of my best reads were contemporaries, and this was one of the them. I started this book with doubts and worries, and finished it with tears in my eyes, a pang of pain in my heart, and a soul enriched.
Anika Dragomir is probably the most real and honest-sounding contemporary heroine I've read yet. The way she was written, the way she narrated her story in her own words, was simply magical in a really realistic sense. She's far from being the perfect teen; in fact, she has so many flaws like you wouldn't believe - she's judgemental, she can be mean, she cares a lot about what other people think, she says a lot of awful things that would make you want to cringe, and yet, she also makes you realize many of these are actually brought about because of her environment and the time she lived in, a time in which people were way too conservative, too racist, too wary of each other. She called her best friend a "slut" for sleeping around, her sister the same thing for talking to boys all day and all night. Awful words that made me worry at first, but taking into consideration the historical context (set in the 1960s-1970s), I understood, in a way.
She's all of these things, but at the same time, she's also not. That's how complex she was - because despite wanting to conform, deep inside, she fights against it at the same time, making it an even more fulfilling experience as she finds her own place and her own voice through her snarky, humorous, and honest-to-goodness narration. She worries about what other people say, she goes against her gut for the simple fact that maybe the school's social hierarchy won't like it, but, when no one is looking, when she's sure of herself, she hops on the bike of the school's outcast, she helps the black girl who everyone else was being nasty to, she undoes the evil acts of Becky - small acts of kindness that make you see her real colors, the true Anika she's afraid of revealing in a town full of bigots, sexists, and abusers.
Plus, did I mention how amusing her narration is? Every 2 pages I would be laughing for a full minute. The writing here is so full of her personality and her spunk and her wit. Never have I read a contemporary with such a heroine whose persona truly jumped from the pages. For example, when she describes the Queen Bee of her school who's definitely evil incarnate, this is what she says:
The weird thing is... it's not like you can point to anything that made her that way. It's not like her dad's a criminal or her mom's a crack addict or she was raised in an orphanage or something. That would actually explain her demonic powers. It's just like she was born, she did a few print ads for the Penny's catalog, and abracadabra-BEELZEBUB!
There have been some concerns over the romance here. There are two "love interests", but truthfully, I never saw it as love triangle. For me, there really wasn't any real romance, because these two boys were simply a part of Anika's story growing up. Through them, she realizes the consequences of following the trend and of what is deemed "acceptable" and the beauty of following your heart. Through them, she matures and discovers her worth.
And that, my friends, is one of the many reasons that made this book so beautiful to me.
For me, this isn't just a contemporary coming-of-age book where the heroine or the hero sees the beauty of life after trials and tribulations. This is a book in which even after trials and tribulations, reality is still so shitty and bad things continue to happen at the wrong time to the wrong people, and yet, at the same time, this grittiness makes the good things in life shine even more. Anika finds out so many things about herself, about her friendships with the people that matter, about her family, and about the world, that the values she brings and instills continue to flow through you and inspire you.
While at the same time being so bloody funny and, let me reiterate, honest. So, so honest.
Seriously, guys? BUY THIS BOOK. You cannot not buy and read this book. I may not have read many contemporaries, but I read damn good ones, and this one pretty much topples them all.
November 25, 2017
'I don't know how to act around anybody.'
I feel like this is one of those books that leaves you a little speechless after finishing.
There were many things that I didn't necessarily like about this book and I found the characters a very strange set of creations.
I saw little correlation between the different events that took place and I just couldn't help thinking what the point of this book was (which isn't necessarily a bad thing; some crazy, chaotic books are fun to read).
To this day, I'm not sure what to think about it. I think a re-read might be in order.
Now, I could list a number of reasons as to why this book has a three star rating, but there are plenty of other reviews out there (I recommend reading Cait's (A Paper Fury) for a more analytical response, which I thoroughly agree with), but I feel like keeping this review short and sweet.
Now, although I felt very little connection to the characters and felt strong distaste towards Anika's actions and wording at times, it was for the most part, a very enjoyable, light hearted read.
You fly through this book, and it doesn't feel like a burden to read.
So, this might be the relief you're looking for after a heavy classic or fantasy.
But, then again, keep in mind that despite the colorful cover and my slightly inaccurate wording, 'enjoyable, lighthearted' - this book is not all sunshine and rainbows.
There was a moment in this book that was very, very contradicting to the overall, previous atmosphere.
Hmm, it was definitely a plot twist, to say the least.
It was a very interesting read, which was not necessarily a let down; although I can't deny... it wasn't a great book.
Its something I wouldn't recommend, but also wouldn't strictly discourage you from reading it.
Keep in mind that the wording isn't always 'pristine' and there's swearing and some very offensive insults towards girls, as well as drinking.
Just in case, you're wondering if this book is what you're looking for.
I feel like this is one of those books that leaves you a little speechless after finishing.
There were many things that I didn't necessarily like about this book and I found the characters a very strange set of creations.
I saw little correlation between the different events that took place and I just couldn't help thinking what the point of this book was (which isn't necessarily a bad thing; some crazy, chaotic books are fun to read).
To this day, I'm not sure what to think about it. I think a re-read might be in order.
Now, I could list a number of reasons as to why this book has a three star rating, but there are plenty of other reviews out there (I recommend reading Cait's (A Paper Fury) for a more analytical response, which I thoroughly agree with), but I feel like keeping this review short and sweet.
Now, although I felt very little connection to the characters and felt strong distaste towards Anika's actions and wording at times, it was for the most part, a very enjoyable, light hearted read.
You fly through this book, and it doesn't feel like a burden to read.
So, this might be the relief you're looking for after a heavy classic or fantasy.
But, then again, keep in mind that despite the colorful cover and my slightly inaccurate wording, 'enjoyable, lighthearted' - this book is not all sunshine and rainbows.
There was a moment in this book that was very, very contradicting to the overall, previous atmosphere.
Hmm, it was definitely a plot twist, to say the least.
It was a very interesting read, which was not necessarily a let down; although I can't deny... it wasn't a great book.
Its something I wouldn't recommend, but also wouldn't strictly discourage you from reading it.
Keep in mind that the wording isn't always 'pristine' and there's swearing and some very offensive insults towards girls, as well as drinking.
Just in case, you're wondering if this book is what you're looking for.
February 2, 2015
I just.. couldn't... read it anymore.
What a waste. My excitement and enthusiasm is just useless. And I got disappointed.. BIG TIME. The blurb said that it was Mean Girls meets The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and in the first few chapters it's more on the Mean Girls part.. which is kind of annoying to read. The main protagonist did nothing but complain and swear unnecessarily. Seriously, there's a lot F bomb dropped here and it's just useless. What are they for?! It just turned me off and made me more annoyed by the book. I was kind of surprised, actually, because this book has a lot of swearing, slut shaming and sexual languages that is SERIOUSLY NOT NEEDED. I don't understand why the author wants her main character to go on a effin' spree every paragraph.
And then there's the message of the novel which I don't get because the book has a lot to say and there wasn't a point that was completely explained. It's like she has this one thought but OH! she thought of another one, so she just abandoned the last one. The characters wasn't that great either. I didn't connect to any of them and they came off as bland to me. AND FREAKISHLY ANNOYING. Anika says things like this.
UGH. I CANNOT EVEN. Slut shaming, Christian shaming (can you believe this) and yeah, gays weren't exempted. The author touched that too. I'm sorry, but half of Anika's monologue here is offensive. I was too angry to continue.
Oh and there's a love triangle! AND I DON'T CARE ABOUT IT. Because the guy#1 can't stop saying 'like'. Like, yes omg he's a guy but like, he cannot stop it, like, it's his favorite word or something. And he says things like this:
The guy#2... ugggghhh. Snoozefest.
Lastly, YES I DID READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE and I felt sad about that. But my annoyance just overpowered my sadness so I got over my sadness immediately.
More of my reviews HERE.
What a waste. My excitement and enthusiasm is just useless. And I got disappointed.. BIG TIME. The blurb said that it was Mean Girls meets The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and in the first few chapters it's more on the Mean Girls part.. which is kind of annoying to read. The main protagonist did nothing but complain and swear unnecessarily. Seriously, there's a lot F bomb dropped here and it's just useless. What are they for?! It just turned me off and made me more annoyed by the book. I was kind of surprised, actually, because this book has a lot of swearing, slut shaming and sexual languages that is SERIOUSLY NOT NEEDED. I don't understand why the author wants her main character to go on a effin' spree every paragraph.
And then there's the message of the novel which I don't get because the book has a lot to say and there wasn't a point that was completely explained. It's like she has this one thought but OH! she thought of another one, so she just abandoned the last one. The characters wasn't that great either. I didn't connect to any of them and they came off as bland to me. AND FREAKISHLY ANNOYING. Anika says things like this.
"Or maybe she can't add. She is a Christian. I don't think they believe in math."
UGH. I CANNOT EVEN. Slut shaming, Christian shaming (can you believe this) and yeah, gays weren't exempted. The author touched that too. I'm sorry, but half of Anika's monologue here is offensive. I was too angry to continue.
Oh and there's a love triangle! AND I DON'T CARE ABOUT IT. Because the guy#1 can't stop saying 'like'. Like, yes omg he's a guy but like, he cannot stop it, like, it's his favorite word or something. And he says things like this:
"I'm gonna kiss you now and you're gonna like it."
The guy#2... ugggghhh. Snoozefest.
Lastly, YES I DID READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE and I felt sad about that. But my annoyance just overpowered my sadness so I got over my sadness immediately.
More of my reviews HERE.
February 28, 2015
*First I would like to thank Andye from http://www.readingteen.net/ for letting me review her books!*
I finished this book a couple days ago and I have yet to figure out what the plot of this book was. So I'm gonna go ahead and say that it is safe to assume there was none. Nada. Zip.
You have your main character Anika (which is pronounced Ann-ika, just like it's spelled. I thought for the longest time it was pronounced Uh-kneeka....don't judge), who is the third most popular girl at Pound High. The first most popular is Becky, Anika's not so friend. Anika has to go with whatever Becky does which pissed me off so much, Anika had no backbone. Becky was terrible, terrible. She started a rumor this one girl was pregnant when she wasn't and she taunted her in front of everyone, but did Anika stand up? Nope. She stood there and let it happen. Albeit, later she tried to right it, but there are other instances of Anika's lack of moral sense of right and wrong. So if it wasn't clear, I did not like Anika. She was a bad cup of tea. And that's serious.
I was not a fan of this story's writing. Granted, there were a couple times when I laughed out loud, but it was the dialogue (my favorite part, so yeah, I'm gonna be picky) I had the most problems with. I felt like all of the characters had the same way of speaking. There was no way to differentiate the characters based on their speaking habits, everyone said the same stuff. And like. Ugh. There was like not a moment like when like they didn't say like like every other word like how annoyed are you at this sentence like imagine like a whole book like that.
The romance aspect. Was there any, really? I mean, yes, there was, but there was nothing to build it up and we didn't actually get to read moments in which the characters were really together and learn about their relationship. And I like me some romance in my books, all that teenage angst and tension, I'm a fan. This did not deliver in that department. (Gosh I feel terrible, I don't mean to rip on this book so badly)
Then came the ending that you could totally foresee, but left you questioning how the book built up to that. Where did that come from? I'd tell you, but I don't know.
All in all, Anatomy of a Misfit was a really quick and easy read, but not a wholly enjoyable one at that.
Happy Reading!!!.....something else?
Violence: Some hitting with an oar (questionable, I know) and some abuse
Profanity: Freely talked about sex and some kissing, but none that we really get to witness
Language: Lots of swearing, F bombs included
I finished this book a couple days ago and I have yet to figure out what the plot of this book was. So I'm gonna go ahead and say that it is safe to assume there was none. Nada. Zip.
You have your main character Anika (which is pronounced Ann-ika, just like it's spelled. I thought for the longest time it was pronounced Uh-kneeka....don't judge), who is the third most popular girl at Pound High. The first most popular is Becky, Anika's not so friend. Anika has to go with whatever Becky does which pissed me off so much, Anika had no backbone. Becky was terrible, terrible. She started a rumor this one girl was pregnant when she wasn't and she taunted her in front of everyone, but did Anika stand up? Nope. She stood there and let it happen. Albeit, later she tried to right it, but there are other instances of Anika's lack of moral sense of right and wrong. So if it wasn't clear, I did not like Anika. She was a bad cup of tea. And that's serious.
I was not a fan of this story's writing. Granted, there were a couple times when I laughed out loud, but it was the dialogue (my favorite part, so yeah, I'm gonna be picky) I had the most problems with. I felt like all of the characters had the same way of speaking. There was no way to differentiate the characters based on their speaking habits, everyone said the same stuff. And like. Ugh. There was like not a moment like when like they didn't say like like every other word like how annoyed are you at this sentence like imagine like a whole book like that.
The romance aspect. Was there any, really? I mean, yes, there was, but there was nothing to build it up and we didn't actually get to read moments in which the characters were really together and learn about their relationship. And I like me some romance in my books, all that teenage angst and tension, I'm a fan. This did not deliver in that department. (Gosh I feel terrible, I don't mean to rip on this book so badly)
Then came the ending that you could totally foresee, but left you questioning how the book built up to that. Where did that come from? I'd tell you, but I don't know.
All in all, Anatomy of a Misfit was a really quick and easy read, but not a wholly enjoyable one at that.
Happy Reading!!!.....something else?
Violence: Some hitting with an oar (questionable, I know) and some abuse
Profanity: Freely talked about sex and some kissing, but none that we really get to witness
Language: Lots of swearing, F bombs included
July 19, 2015
4.5 stars
Ok, I really didn't think I was going to give this book such a high rating, but it completely redeemed itself. I'm still put off by the slut-shaming & using the term "gay" as an insult, but everything else was done really well. This book was described by someone as mean girls meets the perks of being a wallflower, and I literally could not come up with a better description. This was pretty fantastic & it definitely surprised me. Also, Anika's character development throughout this book is top notch, and I love how much she grew as a person by the end.
Ok, I really didn't think I was going to give this book such a high rating, but it completely redeemed itself. I'm still put off by the slut-shaming & using the term "gay" as an insult, but everything else was done really well. This book was described by someone as mean girls meets the perks of being a wallflower, and I literally could not come up with a better description. This was pretty fantastic & it definitely surprised me. Also, Anika's character development throughout this book is top notch, and I love how much she grew as a person by the end.
June 5, 2014
Witty, honest and utterly heartbreaking.
September 4, 2014
I'm a terrible book reviewer... especially when I really loved the book.
You know that feeling when you love a story so much you've got nothing to say but "That was so good", "Brilliant" or "Holy Shit!!!!".
This is one of those moments... I'm not a very technical book reviewer, I'm more an emotional one. I oftentimes rate a book based on what it made me feel or how I did relate to the characters but I also sometimes rate it based on how it was written or narrated. I can distinguised a good prose from a bad one but I don't pretend to be an expert on the technicalities of writing... Anyways. I'm telling you this because II thinkrated this book on neither of the two.. explanations?
I have none. I just liked it!
See? I'm a terrible book reviewer... or maybe I'm just lazy.
You know that feeling when you love a story so much you've got nothing to say but "That was so good", "Brilliant" or "Holy Shit!!!!".
This is one of those moments... I'm not a very technical book reviewer, I'm more an emotional one. I oftentimes rate a book based on what it made me feel or how I did relate to the characters but I also sometimes rate it based on how it was written or narrated. I can distinguised a good prose from a bad one but I don't pretend to be an expert on the technicalities of writing... Anyways. I'm telling you this because I
I have none. I just liked it!
See? I'm a terrible book reviewer... or maybe I'm just lazy.
December 5, 2015
"Ah, tatlım, o dönem o insanların çoğu aptaldı. Koyun gibi, sürünün peşine takılmışlardı. Bunu sakın unutma. Tek bir yöne doğru giden bir kalabalık gördüğünde kendine bir iyilik yap ve diğer tarafa git."
İtirafımla başlayayım. Kitap ilgimi çekmişti ancak internette imzalı olarak satıldığını görmeseydim yakın zamanda başlayacağımı sanmıyorum. Kitabın arka kapağına baktığınızda pek de özgün bir konu görmüyorsunuz ancak anlatım şekli ilgi çekici.
Anika melez bir çocuk, annesi, üvey babası ve yanlış hatırlamıyorsam 4 kardeşiyle beraber yaşıyor. Başka insanların ne düşündüğü, sosyal statü problemleri gibi şeyler geçiyor kitapta.
Başta kitabın bir stratejisi olduğunu düşünmüştüm. Hayatımızda çok fazla karşılaştığımız ama anormal olmasına rağmen normalleştirerek dikkat etmediğimiz sorunlar vardır. Bunların en çok karşılaştığımız hali sosyal statü ve popülarite. Kitapta bunları olabildiğince gözler önüne sererek rahatsız ediciliklerin farkına varılması sağlanmaya çalışılmıştır diye düşündüm hep. Böyle böyle kitabın sonuna kadar bekledim. Ah, bir de kitap çok kolay okunuyordu ve ben de bir şeyler okumak istiyordum. Bir noktada bu farkına varmadığımız rahatsız edici durumların fark ettirilmesi mantığı bana son derece olabilir gibi geliyordu. Hala da öyle geliyor aslında. Ancak kitabın sonundan sonra belki de yazarın öyle bir amacı yoktu gerçekten yazmayı amaçladığı sadece buydu diye de düşünmeden edemiyorum.
Kitapta hoşuma gitmeyen yerler olmadı değil. Bazı aile ilişkileri içerisinde o bölüm bitirilirken okuduğumuz cümleler vardı ki çok hoştular bence. Belki de yazar bir kitapta çok fazla rahatsız ediliciğini fark etmemiz gereken toplumsal sorundan bahsettiği için olaylar karışmış olabilir. Sadece birini ele alsaydı belki de daha anlamlı olurdu.
İtirafımla başlayayım. Kitap ilgimi çekmişti ancak internette imzalı olarak satıldığını görmeseydim yakın zamanda başlayacağımı sanmıyorum. Kitabın arka kapağına baktığınızda pek de özgün bir konu görmüyorsunuz ancak anlatım şekli ilgi çekici.
Anika melez bir çocuk, annesi, üvey babası ve yanlış hatırlamıyorsam 4 kardeşiyle beraber yaşıyor. Başka insanların ne düşündüğü, sosyal statü problemleri gibi şeyler geçiyor kitapta.
Başta kitabın bir stratejisi olduğunu düşünmüştüm. Hayatımızda çok fazla karşılaştığımız ama anormal olmasına rağmen normalleştirerek dikkat etmediğimiz sorunlar vardır. Bunların en çok karşılaştığımız hali sosyal statü ve popülarite. Kitapta bunları olabildiğince gözler önüne sererek rahatsız ediciliklerin farkına varılması sağlanmaya çalışılmıştır diye düşündüm hep. Böyle böyle kitabın sonuna kadar bekledim. Ah, bir de kitap çok kolay okunuyordu ve ben de bir şeyler okumak istiyordum. Bir noktada bu farkına varmadığımız rahatsız edici durumların fark ettirilmesi mantığı bana son derece olabilir gibi geliyordu. Hala da öyle geliyor aslında. Ancak kitabın sonundan sonra belki de yazarın öyle bir amacı yoktu gerçekten yazmayı amaçladığı sadece buydu diye de düşünmeden edemiyorum.
Kitapta hoşuma gitmeyen yerler olmadı değil. Bazı aile ilişkileri içerisinde o bölüm bitirilirken okuduğumuz cümleler vardı ki çok hoştular bence. Belki de yazar bir kitapta çok fazla rahatsız ediliciğini fark etmemiz gereken toplumsal sorundan bahsettiği için olaylar karışmış olabilir. Sadece birini ele alsaydı belki de daha anlamlı olurdu.
August 13, 2014
What a read! Anatomy of a Misfit is filled with sarcasm, humor, and a whole lot of spunk. This is one of those books where you hear the voice of the story perfectly in your head. Sarcasm included. You’re taken on an emotional roller coaster as you work your way through the pages. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re in compete and utter shock! I never really knew what was coming, but the short chapters that seemed like a “fast forward” was a hint that told me something was coming.
I felt like this depicted high school perfectly in a way. There will always be that popular girl who needs the attention 24/7. Her sidekicks who will struggle to find their own voices, but one who will help lead the other one to do so. The popular boy with the older brother everyone loves. And the guy who went through a complete makeover over the summer but is still considered the nerd. It’s the circle of life in the high school food chain.
But this isn’t just a quirky read about the woes of a high school girl. This book is so much more. It has so much depth, that at times, I needed to put the book down and take a deep breath before continuing on. Be sure to take a deep breath because the ending will knock it right out of you and leave you stumbling over your own emotions. Man! What a punch to the gut, not only to me as a reader, but to Anika, the voice of the story. So much heaviness, but the reality is…it happens. It’s a good reminder that you never know what the person next to you is going through.
I truly enjoyed this unique read and will certainly be purchasing a copy for my own bookshelves. Yes, it’s a heavy read, but it’s a pleasant reminder to use your own voice and to not worry about what other people are thinking about you. Follow your heart or else it might be too late.
I felt like this depicted high school perfectly in a way. There will always be that popular girl who needs the attention 24/7. Her sidekicks who will struggle to find their own voices, but one who will help lead the other one to do so. The popular boy with the older brother everyone loves. And the guy who went through a complete makeover over the summer but is still considered the nerd. It’s the circle of life in the high school food chain.
But this isn’t just a quirky read about the woes of a high school girl. This book is so much more. It has so much depth, that at times, I needed to put the book down and take a deep breath before continuing on. Be sure to take a deep breath because the ending will knock it right out of you and leave you stumbling over your own emotions. Man! What a punch to the gut, not only to me as a reader, but to Anika, the voice of the story. So much heaviness, but the reality is…it happens. It’s a good reminder that you never know what the person next to you is going through.
I truly enjoyed this unique read and will certainly be purchasing a copy for my own bookshelves. Yes, it’s a heavy read, but it’s a pleasant reminder to use your own voice and to not worry about what other people are thinking about you. Follow your heart or else it might be too late.
November 1, 2014
What on earth did I just read?
I picked this one up solely because it was the "Big Library Read" on the digital library catalog, so why not grab something a little extra, especially if its recommended enough to be something offered to anyone who wants it. I've since found that it's one of the hotter reads of the year, got a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, and is pretty well-regarded.
And I have no idea why.
This story follows two teens in Nebraska. There's a hot boy, a mean girl clique, and an eventual love triangle that goes a little haywire along the way. Meanwhile, we get some b-plots about theft, racism runaways, bullying, sex, and even some incoherent, barely-justified violence, all to an end where our terrible, horrible, no good very bad protagonist (who is actually the hero of the story by default of being only marginally better than the borderline evil people she's forced to be associated with) is lauded for hijacking a specific event to get verbal revenge.
Man, what?
I wanted this to be satire, or at least satirical, where then I could simply say it missed the mark. As this is apparently intended to be taken somewhat seriously, complete with a note that says it's based on the author's ninth grade year, I am either woefully out of touch with what goes on in the world or maybe, just maybe, this is a little off-center.
Either way, I can't find a single thing redeeming about this that I would be comfortable recommending. It's not obviously tongue-in-cheek enough to work in that direction, and there are no lessons to be learned from the actions of those in the story. It's just a miserable failure that I somehow convinced myself to read all the way through. I don't know why this exists or why it's gotten the accolades it has. I strongly recommend avoiding it at all costs.
I picked this one up solely because it was the "Big Library Read" on the digital library catalog, so why not grab something a little extra, especially if its recommended enough to be something offered to anyone who wants it. I've since found that it's one of the hotter reads of the year, got a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, and is pretty well-regarded.
And I have no idea why.
This story follows two teens in Nebraska. There's a hot boy, a mean girl clique, and an eventual love triangle that goes a little haywire along the way. Meanwhile, we get some b-plots about theft, racism runaways, bullying, sex, and even some incoherent, barely-justified violence, all to an end where our terrible, horrible, no good very bad protagonist (who is actually the hero of the story by default of being only marginally better than the borderline evil people she's forced to be associated with) is lauded for hijacking a specific event to get verbal revenge.
Man, what?
I wanted this to be satire, or at least satirical, where then I could simply say it missed the mark. As this is apparently intended to be taken somewhat seriously, complete with a note that says it's based on the author's ninth grade year, I am either woefully out of touch with what goes on in the world or maybe, just maybe, this is a little off-center.
Either way, I can't find a single thing redeeming about this that I would be comfortable recommending. It's not obviously tongue-in-cheek enough to work in that direction, and there are no lessons to be learned from the actions of those in the story. It's just a miserable failure that I somehow convinced myself to read all the way through. I don't know why this exists or why it's gotten the accolades it has. I strongly recommend avoiding it at all costs.
January 16, 2015
2.5 Stars
This wasn't a bad book but it wasn't also a good enough book. The writing wasn't good enough, the chatacters weren't well rounded enough and the plot wasn't well crafted enough.
...
Mean Girls meets The Perks of being a Wallflower? Now if that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what would.
This wasn't a bad book but it wasn't also a good enough book. The writing wasn't good enough, the chatacters weren't well rounded enough and the plot wasn't well crafted enough.
...
Mean Girls meets The Perks of being a Wallflower? Now if that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what would.
February 24, 2019
UPDATE: This was slightly based on a true story?!? Thanks, now I’m even more destroyed. Impressed, yes, but also... destroyed.
Here is the most accurate review I can come up with at the moment: 😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😂😂😂😂😂, and then all of a sudden, BOOM. FEELS.
Here is the most accurate review I can come up with at the moment: 😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😂😂😂😂😂, and then all of a sudden, BOOM. FEELS.
August 25, 2014
I must admit that I was a little skeptical when first approaching this book. When I initially read the blurb, I thought it would just be another clichéd love story/triangle. Instead, I found a brutally honest depiction of bigotry, abuse and bullying that will stay with me for days.
Anatomy of a Misfit is a contemporary YA novel that follows ninth grader Anika Dragomir (Dragomir? Vampire Academy anyone?) as she struggles to maintain her ‘third most popular’ social standing in a Mean Girls-esque high school setting where rumours and bullying can make or break a person. Immediately branded as an outsider for her Romanian descent, Anika must stick to her manipulative ‘first most popular’ friend Becky Vilhauer in an effort to avoid becoming an eternal social pariah. Enter loner and newly turned hottie Logan McDonough with his unique views of the world and suddenly the life Anika has grown used to, doesn’t seem so great after all. What should Anika do? Follow her heart and beliefs, or follow the crowd?
I loved Anika and her quirky personality. She was sarcastic, hilarious and unashamedly honest. Her various diabolical plots were incredibly entertaining as she struggled with her desire to do right even with the looming threat of unpopularity. Logan was harder to like. He made these incredibly sweet gestures of romance to Anika but his underlying anger issues at times (and in one particular scene) were quite frightening. Hats off to Porters for this realistic portrayal.
Honestly, I wouldn’t really call it a black and white love story. The relationship itself is pushed to the side when acknowledging the bigger issues portrayed in this novel. I liked this about it though and found it refreshingly realistic that Anika’s entire life didn’t revolve around Logan.
One thing I have to say is that I did NOT see that ending coming. I mean I know the blurb itself boasts a ‘devastating penultimate tragedy’ but it definitely came out of nowhere. I won’t spoil it for you, but I recommend chocolate, or tissues.
This book had me laughing to myself on the train (to the dismay of the very cute boy I may have scared half to death) and close to tears (damn you, Andrea Portes). ‘Anatomy of A Misfit’ was a wonderful and at times incredibly daring book that honestly tackled important problems without trivializing them.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good and surprising read. Portes does a wonderful job at realistically portraying not only the incredible difficulties of surviving high school, but of the ingrained and often overlooked problems within society as a whole. Don’t be fooled. This is not simply a love story; it’s a candid portrayal of a young girl coming to terms with not only the underlying prejudices of society, but with herself.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for providing a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
My guest review for thoughtsbyj can also be found here: http://www.thoughtsbyj.com/arc-review...
Anatomy of a Misfit is a contemporary YA novel that follows ninth grader Anika Dragomir (Dragomir? Vampire Academy anyone?) as she struggles to maintain her ‘third most popular’ social standing in a Mean Girls-esque high school setting where rumours and bullying can make or break a person. Immediately branded as an outsider for her Romanian descent, Anika must stick to her manipulative ‘first most popular’ friend Becky Vilhauer in an effort to avoid becoming an eternal social pariah. Enter loner and newly turned hottie Logan McDonough with his unique views of the world and suddenly the life Anika has grown used to, doesn’t seem so great after all. What should Anika do? Follow her heart and beliefs, or follow the crowd?
I loved Anika and her quirky personality. She was sarcastic, hilarious and unashamedly honest. Her various diabolical plots were incredibly entertaining as she struggled with her desire to do right even with the looming threat of unpopularity. Logan was harder to like. He made these incredibly sweet gestures of romance to Anika but his underlying anger issues at times (and in one particular scene) were quite frightening. Hats off to Porters for this realistic portrayal.
Honestly, I wouldn’t really call it a black and white love story. The relationship itself is pushed to the side when acknowledging the bigger issues portrayed in this novel. I liked this about it though and found it refreshingly realistic that Anika’s entire life didn’t revolve around Logan.
One thing I have to say is that I did NOT see that ending coming. I mean I know the blurb itself boasts a ‘devastating penultimate tragedy’ but it definitely came out of nowhere. I won’t spoil it for you, but I recommend chocolate, or tissues.
This book had me laughing to myself on the train (to the dismay of the very cute boy I may have scared half to death) and close to tears (damn you, Andrea Portes). ‘Anatomy of A Misfit’ was a wonderful and at times incredibly daring book that honestly tackled important problems without trivializing them.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good and surprising read. Portes does a wonderful job at realistically portraying not only the incredible difficulties of surviving high school, but of the ingrained and often overlooked problems within society as a whole. Don’t be fooled. This is not simply a love story; it’s a candid portrayal of a young girl coming to terms with not only the underlying prejudices of society, but with herself.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for providing a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
My guest review for thoughtsbyj can also be found here: http://www.thoughtsbyj.com/arc-review...
May 9, 2018
Unfortunately I could not even finish this book. I had a lot of problems with it on the few pages I read and honestly I did not see this book getting better.
to list some of the problems I had with the book:
the author's writing.
the youthful tone of the book.
the girl on girl hate.
the protagonist of the book.
all the minor characters I read about.
the actions and speeches of the protagonist.
I did not like this book at all and I do not recommend it.
to list some of the problems I had with the book:
the author's writing.
the youthful tone of the book.
the girl on girl hate.
the protagonist of the book.
all the minor characters I read about.
the actions and speeches of the protagonist.
I did not like this book at all and I do not recommend it.
February 10, 2015
Ok I'm not sure why this book is so popular. I was so excited to read it since I've been hooked on contemporary romance for the past few months and when I came across this book, I flipped head over heels. The summary had me going like "Damn! This sounds amazing!" So I went and bought it and read it... I am regretting it 110%. By the time I finished, the book had me going like "Damn! That sucked major butt!" The concept is pretty good but... That's about it. I give this book 2 stars for... Well... Concept? I guess? If this book wasn't at all what you expected, I suggest you go pick up a Huntley Fitzpatrick or Jenny Han book. Please. It'll help you get over the fact that this book disappointed you. Now if you end up loving Anatomy of a Misfit, my sincerest apologies for insulting a dear novel but otherwise.... I rest my case.
February 14, 2017
2.5 stars!
September 3, 2014
Expectation of Mean Girls meets Perks of Being a Wallflower:
October 3, 2004
Dear friend,
I am writing to you because you listen and you understand and you didn’t laugh when I forgot to wear pink last Wednesday. I just need to know that someone else feels like this. I keep all of these secrets and I think it’s tearing me apart. Regina’s especially.
Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t even notice me. God, I just want her to notice me.
Last week she told me ‘fetch’ wasn’t going to happen. My heart broke into a million pieces.
I even made her a mixtape. It had Milkshake by Kelis on it (twice). I never got anything in return. None for me I guess.
Love always,
Gretchen Wieners
.....Reality:
"One time she told me Rusty Beck told her "she has the biggest pussy I've ever fucked." Yup. Try to unhear that. Nosiree, you cannot. By the way, she told me this like it was a compliment. I didn't have the heart to tell her I'm pretty sure that wasn't going to get her a date to the prom."
Excuse me? This girl is not redeemable. She does horrible things, bitches about all of the people around her and generally blames all of her problems on someone else. She hates pretty much everyone--rags on her Romanian father for being a 'Vampire', but takes offence when she's called 'immigrant' and takes an out of character stance against racism against one of her co-workers. She calls herself 'spider stew' inside, but I get the feeling the author intended me to start liking her at one point. Which I didn't.
After stewing in it for a while I can see that the author is deliberately writing her in this 'mean girl' tone, but I literally did not empathise with her character in any part of this book.
All of the male/father figures are caricatures with no variety, and the only mother shown in a good light is the one who stays at home, re-marries only (in the eyes of the protagonist) to provide for her children and (here's my favourite) cooks huge breakfasts no matter what. Wow.
Not a fan of the ending either, didn't really resolve any of the characters struggles or reveal the meaning behind the story...just threw in something new with a far more cliche mean girl take down than Mean Girls itself.
October 3, 2004
Dear friend,
I am writing to you because you listen and you understand and you didn’t laugh when I forgot to wear pink last Wednesday. I just need to know that someone else feels like this. I keep all of these secrets and I think it’s tearing me apart. Regina’s especially.
Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t even notice me. God, I just want her to notice me.
Last week she told me ‘fetch’ wasn’t going to happen. My heart broke into a million pieces.
I even made her a mixtape. It had Milkshake by Kelis on it (twice). I never got anything in return. None for me I guess.
Love always,
Gretchen Wieners
.....Reality:
"One time she told me Rusty Beck told her "she has the biggest pussy I've ever fucked." Yup. Try to unhear that. Nosiree, you cannot. By the way, she told me this like it was a compliment. I didn't have the heart to tell her I'm pretty sure that wasn't going to get her a date to the prom."
Excuse me? This girl is not redeemable. She does horrible things, bitches about all of the people around her and generally blames all of her problems on someone else. She hates pretty much everyone--rags on her Romanian father for being a 'Vampire', but takes offence when she's called 'immigrant' and takes an out of character stance against racism against one of her co-workers. She calls herself 'spider stew' inside, but I get the feeling the author intended me to start liking her at one point. Which I didn't.
After stewing in it for a while I can see that the author is deliberately writing her in this 'mean girl' tone, but I literally did not empathise with her character in any part of this book.
All of the male/father figures are caricatures with no variety, and the only mother shown in a good light is the one who stays at home, re-marries only (in the eyes of the protagonist) to provide for her children and (here's my favourite) cooks huge breakfasts no matter what. Wow.
Not a fan of the ending either, didn't really resolve any of the characters struggles or reveal the meaning behind the story...just threw in something new with a far more cliche mean girl take down than Mean Girls itself.
July 3, 2016
Honestly, 90% into the book I was so sure that I was gonna rate this 3 stars because as much as I thought the character voice was so real and strong, I wasn't fond of the prose and the love triangle. But then those last few chapters caught me off guard, raised the hairs on my arms, and broke my heart to pieces. I knew I had to give it another star for that alone.
February 7, 2016
Wow. This was one hell of a book. And that’s a pretty good achievement, considering I was tempted to DNF after about ten pages ...
Anika Dragomir is the third most popular girl in school, behind her best friend Shelli and her best frenemy Becky. On the outside, she’s all lip gloss, boobs and blonde hair, but inside, she’s spider stew. Constantly working hard to maintain her social position, she’s fully aware that if she shows one iota of interest to Logan McDonough, who has just come back from the summer break transformed from a loser to a hot fit guy, Becky will take her down to Chinatown. But who needs Logan anyway, when supercool and socially acceptable Jared Kline is asking her out on dates?
So yeah, at around page ten I was seriously contemplating giving this book up. I’d read Anika Dragomir’s internal dialogue for all of five minutes and already I despised her. She speaks like a mallrat, she’s ridiculously judgemental and she slut-shames the girl who’s supposed to be her best friend. Jesus, I thought, I don’t think I can stomach another 300-odd pages of this horrible girl.
But I plugged on. I’m not entirely sure why - maybe there was something in the narrative that hinted to hidden depths in Anika’s personality, or maybe it was just to see where the plot was going, but I plugged on and bloody hell, I’m so glad I did. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. Just when I start wondering if I’ve read so many books in my life that none will truly push my buttons again, a book like this comes along and I realise that yes, I have the capacity to be emotionally affected in as many ways as there are authors in the world.
So, first I want to talk about Anika. She’s not a pleasant girl. She’s snarky, foul-mouthed, irreverent, casually bigoted and judgemental. But she’s also funny, loyal to the people she loves and grudgingly kind.
I’ve read a few reviews from readers who gave this book up because they hated Anika so much, and while obviously other people’s opinions are totally valid, I do wonder whether some people picked this book up thinking they were going to get a hero rather than a protagonist. Where a hero is always the good guy, the protagonist has mixed motives. They have flaws, sometimes lots of them. They’re REAL.
Anika is a protagonist. She’s not like ... (racks brains for an example of a hero) ... I dunno, maybe Clary from TMI. Clary is self-sacrificing, loyal, brave, pure - a true hero.
Anika is not a hero. She’s having a thing with Logan and hides it from everyone because she’s terrified (with some justification, admittedly) of what everyone (Becky) will think. She’s utterly incapable of being true to herself in this regard, and yet at other times she shows flashes of humanity that took my breath away. This book was sold to me as a version of Mean Girls, but really it’s a lot more than that. And I LOVED Mean Girls.
Spoiler Alert
One of the things I loved most about this book, was this scene right at the end, where Anika calls Becky out on her Mean Girl ways and everyone applauds and Becky scuttles off, shamed and (hopefully) repentant. It was incredibly emotional and the whole scene had such a John Hughes feel to it, totally in keeping with the time the book was set in. I could completely imagine Molly Ringwald up there on the podium as Anika and like Shannon Doherty or someone as Becky.
The plot is a love triangle mixed in with Anika’s attempts to reconcile her twisted insides with what she thinks she ought to be like and what everyone else expects her to be. The only thing I wanted to see more of was Anika’s relationship with Logan - he was such a sweetheart - but I could see why some aspects were skated over - Anika is so terrified that people will find out, that she can barely even admit her feelings to herself.
I’ve read reviews from other readers and it would seem that Anatomy of a Misfit is a Marmite book - you’ll love it or hate it. I’d recommend anyone going in to bear in mind from page one that Anika isn’t a hero and maybe you'll enjoy it too.
Anika Dragomir is the third most popular girl in school, behind her best friend Shelli and her best frenemy Becky. On the outside, she’s all lip gloss, boobs and blonde hair, but inside, she’s spider stew. Constantly working hard to maintain her social position, she’s fully aware that if she shows one iota of interest to Logan McDonough, who has just come back from the summer break transformed from a loser to a hot fit guy, Becky will take her down to Chinatown. But who needs Logan anyway, when supercool and socially acceptable Jared Kline is asking her out on dates?
So yeah, at around page ten I was seriously contemplating giving this book up. I’d read Anika Dragomir’s internal dialogue for all of five minutes and already I despised her. She speaks like a mallrat, she’s ridiculously judgemental and she slut-shames the girl who’s supposed to be her best friend. Jesus, I thought, I don’t think I can stomach another 300-odd pages of this horrible girl.
But I plugged on. I’m not entirely sure why - maybe there was something in the narrative that hinted to hidden depths in Anika’s personality, or maybe it was just to see where the plot was going, but I plugged on and bloody hell, I’m so glad I did. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. Just when I start wondering if I’ve read so many books in my life that none will truly push my buttons again, a book like this comes along and I realise that yes, I have the capacity to be emotionally affected in as many ways as there are authors in the world.
So, first I want to talk about Anika. She’s not a pleasant girl. She’s snarky, foul-mouthed, irreverent, casually bigoted and judgemental. But she’s also funny, loyal to the people she loves and grudgingly kind.
I’ve read a few reviews from readers who gave this book up because they hated Anika so much, and while obviously other people’s opinions are totally valid, I do wonder whether some people picked this book up thinking they were going to get a hero rather than a protagonist. Where a hero is always the good guy, the protagonist has mixed motives. They have flaws, sometimes lots of them. They’re REAL.
Anika is a protagonist. She’s not like ... (racks brains for an example of a hero) ... I dunno, maybe Clary from TMI. Clary is self-sacrificing, loyal, brave, pure - a true hero.
Anika is not a hero. She’s having a thing with Logan and hides it from everyone because she’s terrified (with some justification, admittedly) of what everyone (Becky) will think. She’s utterly incapable of being true to herself in this regard, and yet at other times she shows flashes of humanity that took my breath away. This book was sold to me as a version of Mean Girls, but really it’s a lot more than that. And I LOVED Mean Girls.
Spoiler Alert
One of the things I loved most about this book, was this scene right at the end, where Anika calls Becky out on her Mean Girl ways and everyone applauds and Becky scuttles off, shamed and (hopefully) repentant. It was incredibly emotional and the whole scene had such a John Hughes feel to it, totally in keeping with the time the book was set in. I could completely imagine Molly Ringwald up there on the podium as Anika and like Shannon Doherty or someone as Becky.
The plot is a love triangle mixed in with Anika’s attempts to reconcile her twisted insides with what she thinks she ought to be like and what everyone else expects her to be. The only thing I wanted to see more of was Anika’s relationship with Logan - he was such a sweetheart - but I could see why some aspects were skated over - Anika is so terrified that people will find out, that she can barely even admit her feelings to herself.
I’ve read reviews from other readers and it would seem that Anatomy of a Misfit is a Marmite book - you’ll love it or hate it. I’d recommend anyone going in to bear in mind from page one that Anika isn’t a hero and maybe you'll enjoy it too.
July 1, 2015
Well what the hell. I never saw that coming. I was laughing my face off for about 3/4 of the book and then, surprise! I get it that something would happen due to the fact that there were chapters that seemed like a flashback or something, but what happened was far from my suspicions. Really. Call me stupid or something, but not once had I thought that it will end the way it did. And to top it all, was the author's note. This book is quite depressing. Gaaaah. The story was very light at first, or atleast I thought it was. Anika Dragomir's voice was really hilarious that I can't stop myself from reading it. It was very entertaining at first. Her relationship with her mom, her way of saving, or atleast trying to save those poor victims of Becky, who was her friend (sort of) and #1 most popular girl in school, the mysterious and brooding Logan whom she was in love with, the overrated Jared Klein, her friendship with Shelli with the Christian mom, her work with Mr.Baum. It seemed pretty normal. (Is this non-fiction?) But the ending. God. The ending. It's a bit like Me, and Earl, and the Dying Girl. Everything was funny, till it's not.
Don't be fooled by the beginning chapters of this book. It has pretty heavy stuff in it. I can't decide if I loved it or if I hated it.
Don't be fooled by the beginning chapters of this book. It has pretty heavy stuff in it. I can't decide if I loved it or if I hated it.
January 6, 2017
The painfully beautiful ending won me over (until about 90% in I had too many problems with the plot, love triangle etc. and thought that it would be getting a 2 star rating). That is what I'll be remembering this book for.
July 10, 2016
Oh mamma, non so da dove partire.
Prima cosa di tutto, secondo me la quarta di copertina è TOTALMENTE FUORVIANTE. La trama secondo me non doveva essere spiegata in questo modo perchè fa capire qualcosa di totalmente diverso rispetto a quello che il libro in realtà è.
E ora addentriamoci nei meandri del vuoto totale. Sì, perchè per me questo libro è stato il vuoto. Nessuna emozione. Nulla. Non pervenuta. Adios.
La protagonista, Anika è una insulsa inetta. Non mi è piaciuto il suo atteggiamento, il suo modo di essere vigliacca e banderuola. Non ho apprezzato il modo in cui si descrive, perchè non è assolutamente reale! Per tutto il libro dice di essere uno stufato di ragni o una cosa del genere, malvagia, ma in realtà dimostra di esser generosa e buona quando vuole.. oltre che patologicamente indecisa.
Non mi addentro nemmeno dentro il triangolo amoroso (o quella specie di triangolo) che si viene a creare, perchè l'ho trovato assurdo. Non tanto per Logan che, poverino, mi è piaciuto tanto come personaggio, ma per quell'idiota di Jared che cade ai piedi di Anika dopo dieci secondi netti. E lei lo stesso. E lo stesso, in realtà, succede anche con Logan. NO INSTA-LOVE, VE PREGO.
Al finale non mi ci avvicino nemmeno. Assurdo. Assurdo.
Passiamo invece allo stile di scrittura. Sarebbe stato anche carino, ma l'ho trovato troppo infantile. Sarà che i miei 15 anni sono passati da un pezzo.
Detto ciò no, io non lo consiglio, ma a molti è piaciuto quindi magari sono io!
Prima cosa di tutto, secondo me la quarta di copertina è TOTALMENTE FUORVIANTE. La trama secondo me non doveva essere spiegata in questo modo perchè fa capire qualcosa di totalmente diverso rispetto a quello che il libro in realtà è.
E ora addentriamoci nei meandri del vuoto totale. Sì, perchè per me questo libro è stato il vuoto. Nessuna emozione. Nulla. Non pervenuta. Adios.
La protagonista, Anika è una insulsa inetta. Non mi è piaciuto il suo atteggiamento, il suo modo di essere vigliacca e banderuola. Non ho apprezzato il modo in cui si descrive, perchè non è assolutamente reale! Per tutto il libro dice di essere uno stufato di ragni o una cosa del genere, malvagia, ma in realtà dimostra di esser generosa e buona quando vuole.. oltre che patologicamente indecisa.
Non mi addentro nemmeno dentro il triangolo amoroso (o quella specie di triangolo) che si viene a creare, perchè l'ho trovato assurdo. Non tanto per Logan che, poverino, mi è piaciuto tanto come personaggio, ma per quell'idiota di Jared che cade ai piedi di Anika dopo dieci secondi netti. E lei lo stesso. E lo stesso, in realtà, succede anche con Logan. NO INSTA-LOVE, VE PREGO.
Al finale non mi ci avvicino nemmeno. Assurdo. Assurdo.
Passiamo invece allo stile di scrittura. Sarebbe stato anche carino, ma l'ho trovato troppo infantile. Sarà che i miei 15 anni sono passati da un pezzo.
Detto ciò no, io non lo consiglio, ma a molti è piaciuto quindi magari sono io!
May 15, 2016
“You could waste your whole life worrying, you know that?”
AWKWARD CONFESSION: I didn't knew this book was passed in the past until I've finished reading it. Which, to my pleasure, explained some of the references and problems in the book.
Anatomy of a Misfit was such a fun read. Anika is such an inspirational character. You may not think like me, but I watched her as not only the scared and useless girl she thought of herself: Anika is strong and selfless - and you'll find that with each turn of page.
The plot was okay and the writing was okay too - nothing out of the special, to be honest. Although, the end was heartbreaking and totally unexpected. It hit us like a strike. But perhaps, it was what Anika really needed; A true lesson that would stay with her for the rest of her life. We all need them at some point, don't we?
I don't think there's much more to say about this book. If you're looking for a fun read, with the 90's vibe and a sacrastic hoe, you've got yourself the right book.
AWKWARD CONFESSION: I didn't knew this book was passed in the past until I've finished reading it. Which, to my pleasure, explained some of the references and problems in the book.
Anatomy of a Misfit was such a fun read. Anika is such an inspirational character. You may not think like me, but I watched her as not only the scared and useless girl she thought of herself: Anika is strong and selfless - and you'll find that with each turn of page.
The plot was okay and the writing was okay too - nothing out of the special, to be honest. Although, the end was heartbreaking and totally unexpected. It hit us like a strike. But perhaps, it was what Anika really needed; A true lesson that would stay with her for the rest of her life. We all need them at some point, don't we?
I don't think there's much more to say about this book. If you're looking for a fun read, with the 90's vibe and a sacrastic hoe, you've got yourself the right book.
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