The She Code

She Code #1

by Chris Marie Green

"I suspected my friendship with Sheila was doomed on the night she blew my boyfriend...." Meet Mandy Halsey, fresh out of college and determined to go from being a receptionist at the assembly line comic book house where she works to being a real-live penciler by the end of the year. That's the plan, anyway. But life isn't cooperating. First, her job feels like a dead end. Second, her personal life isn't exactly on fire, either, especially since her best friend seems to be moving in on every guy who catches Mandy's eye. Is it just Mandy's imagination or has Sheila totally changed since graduation, becoming someone who's almost a stranger? No way, because the BFFs grew up with The She Code. See, girls have rules with each other, so surely the friend Mandy grew up with wouldn't ever break the Code-and break Mandy's heart at the same time... THE SHE CODE, a new adult/single girl/geek lit hybrid, is all about the bright side of angst-because there definitely is one! Featuring 35 sketches and comic panels by Billy Martinez of Neko Press Comics.

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary

274 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2013

About the author

Chris Marie Green, former school teacher turned full-time writer, gets out of the office by taking long trips to places such as Japan, Italy, and New Orleans. When she’s not causing international incidents, she enjoys yoga, movie-going and dabbling in firsthand research such as fencing, Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She also writes under the name Crystal Green and Christine Cody

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The She Code by Chris Marie Green

Rule 1: females stick together.
Mandy Halsey has a set of "relationship" codes. Each rule, or code, basically is about women and relationships and a bit of morality. More importantly, the rules here incorporate a piece of this friendship story and how they grow, fade, strengthen or dissolve over time.

Mandy, in her early 20’s, lives with a friend she's known since grade school. It's a time in their lives to party, have fun and discover what the world has to offer. But friendships change over time and Mandy is learning that life and relationships are not always easy.

This book was surprising full of relationship angst and a lot of maturity and growth on Mandy's part. I expected something more lighthearted given the rules outline, but I was impressed with how Mandy handles all the difficult situations thrown her way with dignity, humor and style. I enjoyed watching her come to terms with her different relationships and actually envied her poise getting through it all.

I received a copy of this book via NetGallery.

[Reads & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

*for more reviews check out www.readsandreviews.com

You know that feeling, the one you get when you finally, finally, read that book that’s been sitting on your shelf forever, the one that’s called out to you over and over again “Psst, read me!”? Yet, you passed it over for something glossier or more popular at the time. Then, one day you find yourself reaching for it, you turn to page one…and BAM! You’re suddenly completely enveloped in the world that the author created, laughing, crying, and nodding your head frantically at all the moments that are exactly on target.

World, meet The She Code, by Chris Marie Green. Green gifted me this delightful New Adult novel over 6 months ago and I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve just now read it. But, the joke’s on me because I’ve been ignoring one of the best books I’ve read in a while.

There’s nothing to dislike and everything to love about The She Code. This coming of age story about Mandy Halsey—new college grad, aspiring comic book artist, and woman scorned—is real and funny, and at times, heartbreaking. Green adeptly takes on all the important relationships of a 22-year-old’s life: parents, best friends, ex-boyfriends, potential boyfriends, and coworkers. There’s no sexy billionaire ready to sweep her off her feet, Mandy doesn't fall into that Mary Sue template where she works a high powered job during the day and builds houses for the homeless at night. There’s just the story of an amazing young woman who could easily be me or you.

Told from Mandy’s POV, the book opens at a company party where she has her first inkling that all is not right between her and her best friend. From there we learn about Mandy’s trust issues stemming from the double whammy of a cheating dad and cheating ex-boyfriend. We get a sometimes hilarious look at her passive-aggressive behavior, which has played a part in all her decisions, especially those she didn't make. We learn more about Shelia, who Mandy’s known since grade school but has changed since returning from her graduation trip, and not for the better. Most importantly, we meet Luka, Mandy’s alter ego, wolf/human/vampire, kickass star of the comic panels that are spread throughout the book.

The She Code is deceptively lighthearted with strong, well-rounded characters that author Green effortlessly brings to life. Through Mandy’s eyes (and ill-fated she code) we see how relationships, trust, and our choices are all interconnected and that once we understand that, we can finally appreciate who we are. It’s sort of like 250 pages of therapy, only cheaper. And funnier. Most importantly, we meet a young woman who finds herself reflected in her art—and those that really see her for who she really is.

[Britt Marczak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I really wanted to love this. Geeky, comic book girl? That had win written all over it.

But not really. :/

Bottom line, I didn't LOVE it, but I didn't HATE it, either. I just wasn't sure what to do with it. It was kind of a romance? But not really. And it wasn't a single girl pride book, either.

I related to the main character, Mandy, in spurts. I was continually annoyed by her lack of strength. Yes, she grew as a person. But it was like she couldn't make any decision, or have any self confidence, without someone holding her up and telling her what to do. Even when she knew that person wasn't good for her.

I did like how the comic panels added to the story, and how they got better as Mandy's talent got better in the story. The last 5%(?) was Mandy's spine straightening, which was nice to see. The rest felt like high school drama on continual repeat. I wasn't sure what I was rooting for, except for Mandy to please grow up and lose the drama in her life.

So, in the end, I was left with a "...okay." I did like that there was a hopeful note at the end, but I almost wish that had happened in the first 5% of the book, not the last. I want to read that story, not necessarily the one I read.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story, but it never quite lived up to its potential. Lots of geeky moments to squee over...I listened to the audio version, which was well done, but that meant I didn't get to see the graphic panels :( that might have bumped it up a half a star or so...maybe.

My biggest issue was with the heroine. She could be fun and geeky/quirky at times--I loved the fact that she wanted to draw and write graphic novels--but then she'd go all squirrelly on us. She was completely blind to things that should have been obvious, were actually obvious to everyone else. There were times when I thought she'd gotten a clue, but then she turned around and proved me wrong. She also let certain events from the past rule her present, and went a bit overboard. (Especially when we found out the details about those life-altering events and saw that for the most part they were one-offs. Granted--one caused her parents' divorce and her mother's depression, but when we find out that it was the one and only time it had happened? Seemed like total overreaction on mom's part...which apparently was status quo for mom, at least back then. One rejection of her work and she never writes again? Dramatic much? Though we could clearly see where Mandy got her "one chance and you're out" attitude from.)

Everything ends on an optimistic note, which was nice, but I would in no way classify this as a romance. Mandy spends more time moaning about people moving in on the guys she's crushing on/ attracted to/ used to date until he kissed someone else than going on dates or hanging out with guys in date-like settings. I was a bit bummed not to have seen more page time for the guy she's probably going to end up with--he was a fun character. I do have to say, though, that his "declaration" is absolutely adorable. It was definitely a highlight, and the part I will remember most.

Sooo...I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. It had some memorable bits and many cute and funny moments, but never quite lived up to its promise.

Rating: 3 stars / C

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this via a Goodreads giveaway.

I was intrigued by the premise because, let’s face it, nerd girls are not often used as heroines in their own right. There’s a lot going on in this book, so much so that for a long time, I wasn’t quite clear on what the primary story was and which were the subplots. That uncertainty was part of what kept me reading. I could have done without the fake-out regarding Mandy’s ex-boyfriend toward the end, but other than that, the storylines came together well. The meandering pace contributed to Mandy’s struggle to figure it all out. I’m sure not every twenty-something’s life is spiraling out of control, but I found it relatable.

However, the multiple storylines crowd the story so much that Green doesn’t have room to flesh some of them out. I loved Didi, Mandy’s new friend at Gaslight, but we barely saw her. For a story that focused so much on friendship, I would have loved to see Didi be a bigger part of it. In a similar vein, the conclusion to the boss taking interest in Mandy’s work seemed to be there just to wrap it up.

Overall, I liked the message that no matter how much you want to hold on to something, sometimes it’s better, though not easier, to let it go. You can’t grow if you’re held down, and that’s something many of us ‘new adults’ need to learn. I also appreciated that Mandy is allowed to be geeky without apologizing for it. The book featured comics by Billy Martinez of Neko Press Comics, which were a neat way to show Mandy’s professional and personal progress. The She Code was a fun, light read, perfect for summer reading in the sunshine.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy is a girl who is into comics and refers to her admission of pop culture as "going into geek mode." So, basically, she's a nerd. I like her!

The She Code mirrors the lives of wild wolves and the world is full of them. Just like when you were in school, work has their groups. Well, working for a company that publishes comics, you have your "all-male artist" (of course,) number crunchers, and female admin. Mandy is a receptionist. "Witness an art degree in action." "Women are still a minority in this industry, since comics have a rep for catering to boys and their toys." (19) So relatable!

You can't help but adore Mandy. She's quirky, funny, smart, and imaginative, but she's also shy, especially when it comes to boys. She's like a child whose idea of fun is watching TV in her jammies or playing video games. Too cool! But, just like the rest of us, she has fears and doubts. "Once I put the professional blue pencil to paper, I'd have to face the questions: What if I wasn't good enough? What if I couldn't get beyond run-of-the-mill and into something better?" (63) Ah, the struggle of an artist is all too real.

I also loved the comics in the book. I especially liked that her comic book character, Luka, inspired her to be brave. "Mandy Halsey, head in the clouds, stuck on so much fantasy in her life because reality killed." (175)

This is an engaging tribute to girl power! Witty, endearing, and inspires you to "do what you wanna do."

[Maryline M's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mandy Halsey is an easy to love, geeky wall flower. Or is she? It soon becomes obvious that there's more to her than being the sidekick of a flirty BFF or her interest in comic books.
I don't now very much about comic books but I loved it as a "setting" for this novel. It's a novel about boy trouble, but mostly about friendship. The fact that it wasn't yet another NY-based chick-lit made it so much more fun and unexpected.

The relationships in The She Code are also very realistic. The "groups" at work, the stereotypes, but most importantly: the BFF. Although Mandy and Sheila have been friends for so many years, Mandy can still see the faults in her BFF, even if she doesn't comment on them. She's forgiving and tolerant (maybe too much for her own good) no matter what, but she's still real.

Mandy is a wonderful main character. She goes through a lot, especially towards the end of the story, but she keeps true to herself. I'm not really a "BFF kinda girl", but Mandy sounds like the best BFF a girl could wish for.

Check out M's bookshelf for more! http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be

[Kelly Willcoxbrackeen]

Cute ending

I loved that this book was set in San Diego and I knew every place the author talked about. I loved Marco. The rest of the characters I really didn't care for but they were realistic. It seemed like a long dragged out story. The biggest disappointment was the lack of Marco. I am hoping for a second book that will be more of a romance novel and will let us see a romance and HEA between her and Marco. I would not recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a romance. This book is more of a character development novel about growing up and recognizing when it's time to forgive and when it's time to forget. It's not a book I'll read again. Keep on reading my fellow bookworms!

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. When I first started reading it I did not think it was going to appeal to me but I was wrong. Mandy is quirky and witty (loved her sense of humor) with a need for more self-confidence. That goal is slow going but, I think, she is reaching that goal towards the end of the book. I loved Marco and would have liked to have had more of him and Mandy together. I am grateful for receiving this book from the Goodreads Giveaway because it gave me the opportunity to read a book that I probably would not have read. I honestly liked it.

[Katarina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I love the cover, I love the premise, I liked the graphic art (so original),I love the code...

And yet I couldn't really get into it. I read the whole book, but I it didn't pull me in at all

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

not my favorite, the heroine pissed me off at times but I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who read this genre.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better then I thought it would be, not the best start to the book but it did get better. A good quick read.

[McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my typical read, but it was entertaining.