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Smith High #2
Invisible
It's not easy being best friends with a celebrity. . .I'm invisible at my high school and I'm fine with it. It's kind of inevitable with a name like Jane Smith. But when the school newspaper staff insisted that I write a cover story, I decided to find out just how much scandal one geeky girl could uncover. Except I never expected to find myself starting a fist-fight, auditioning for the school's Romeo &Juliet musical, running away with a Romeo of my own, befriending the most popular girl in school, or trying to avoid one very cute photographer, who makes it impossible to to be invisible. . .Fans of Meg Cabot will find Marni's voice equally charming and endearing.--Julie Kagawa, "New York Times " bestselling author
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First published June 25, 2013
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About the author
Marni Bates
11 books388 followersMarni Bates' autobiography MARNI (part of HCI's Louder Than Words series) was on the New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age 2010 List. She then signed a five book deal with KTeen. Her first YA novel, AWKWARD, has been optioned by the Disney Channel as a made-for-TV movie and translated into several languages. Her latest YA novel DIAL EM FOR MURDER is with Merit Press.
In her free time she can be found reading romance novels, hiking, singing really loudly (and off-key) in public and watching copious amounts of television--strictly for artistic inspiration, of course.
In her free time she can be found reading romance novels, hiking, singing really loudly (and off-key) in public and watching copious amounts of television--strictly for artistic inspiration, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 2, 2013
First off: This book was the book that made my book OCD cry out in pain. (Why yes, my book OCD is a person.) Never before have I read a series out of order, even if it is only a companion book kind of series, where you don't need to have read the previous book in order to understand what is going on because each book focuses on a different character.
But with that being said, it wasn't that awful for my OCD to handle. After all, we find out the basics of what happens in the previous installment of this "series", Awkward—our main character's best friend Mackenzie becomes internet famous and that's all we need to know to follow Invisible. Because in Invisible, that's what Jane has to struggle with and her struggle is one of the main focuses of the story. After her best friend becomes famous through a YouTube video, her friendship changes. Suddenly her best friend and the rest of her group of friends isn't spending as much time with her anymore, she feels left out and pretty much invisible. After more than one "uninvisible" incident, Jane finds herself questioning how long she can actually stay invisible and if she even wants to.
While this was a cute little YA contemporary book, my biggest problem while reading Invisible was that I just couldn't connect with Jane, which made this reading experience a pretty "meh" one. I don't know what exactly it was, maybe it was because we didn't share the same interests, maybe I just read this book at the wrong time but me and Invisible just didn't click.
While I didn't dislike Jane, she just wasn't a character I was rooting for. I didn't care about what would happen with this school paper cover story she had to write, I didn't care about if she'd get together with creepy newspaper guy and I also didn't care about what would happen with her friends. But even though I did feel pretty indifferent about Jane, there were moments where I could relate to her. The whole way through the book, I kept asking myself why she just didn't talk to her friends about feeling left out and lonely. But then I had to think about myself and how good I am at using words when I should be telling people how I feel and I could understand why Jane wouldn't even be thinking about doing it or not doing it immediately. So the final scenes did hit home, which saved the overall reading experience for me... a little.
But all in all, this just wasn't what I was looking forward to. It might be a cute little YA contemporary that might appeal more to people new to the YA contemporary genre but considering there's nothing new to this kind of story, it felt like the "meh" version of something I've already read many times before. I do plan on checking out the third installment in the series, Notable, though, because I really liked Chelsea in Invisible, even if she was supposed to be the potrayal of the "mean girl" stereotype that we're supposed to hate but I kind of didn't?
But with that being said, it wasn't that awful for my OCD to handle. After all, we find out the basics of what happens in the previous installment of this "series", Awkward—our main character's best friend Mackenzie becomes internet famous and that's all we need to know to follow Invisible. Because in Invisible, that's what Jane has to struggle with and her struggle is one of the main focuses of the story. After her best friend becomes famous through a YouTube video, her friendship changes. Suddenly her best friend and the rest of her group of friends isn't spending as much time with her anymore, she feels left out and pretty much invisible. After more than one "uninvisible" incident, Jane finds herself questioning how long she can actually stay invisible and if she even wants to.
While this was a cute little YA contemporary book, my biggest problem while reading Invisible was that I just couldn't connect with Jane, which made this reading experience a pretty "meh" one. I don't know what exactly it was, maybe it was because we didn't share the same interests, maybe I just read this book at the wrong time but me and Invisible just didn't click.
While I didn't dislike Jane, she just wasn't a character I was rooting for. I didn't care about what would happen with this school paper cover story she had to write, I didn't care about if she'd get together with creepy newspaper guy and I also didn't care about what would happen with her friends. But even though I did feel pretty indifferent about Jane, there were moments where I could relate to her. The whole way through the book, I kept asking myself why she just didn't talk to her friends about feeling left out and lonely. But then I had to think about myself and how good I am at using words when I should be telling people how I feel and I could understand why Jane wouldn't even be thinking about doing it or not doing it immediately. So the final scenes did hit home, which saved the overall reading experience for me... a little.
But all in all, this just wasn't what I was looking forward to. It might be a cute little YA contemporary that might appeal more to people new to the YA contemporary genre but considering there's nothing new to this kind of story, it felt like the "meh" version of something I've already read many times before. I do plan on checking out the third installment in the series, Notable, though, because I really liked Chelsea in Invisible, even if she was supposed to be the potrayal of the "mean girl" stereotype that we're supposed to hate but I kind of didn't?
August 14, 2017
Eek! Definitely a fun and awesome book. I felt so sorry for Jane! Outing your best friends sexuality even accidentally is horrible! Beyond words horrible. It was super funny and i enjoyed it immensely. Even more than the first!
November 7, 2020
Okay knocked out book 2 and now I might even dive into the last two books just to see who else will find their high school love.
Invisible is the sequel to Awkward. I did like getting to see everyone from the previous book and the little repetition of some scenes from different POV's. Sometimes that works and other times it just annoys and frustrates me. It worked with this book because the characters themselves were different and did different things when it came to those scenes. So, yeah, I liked getting to see more background to what they did after certain situations.
In this book, we get to know Jane a bit better. She is known as the 'Grammar Girl' in her school newspaper club. Honestly, I love the nickname because I wouldn't use it cruelly like some people. No, I would probably worship Jane every day because people need grammar help. Even me.
Just like the previous book, this one has hints of romance and drama. It was all wrapped up pretty neatly into a bow which I liked. Even the little epilogue that gave you insight into the next book in the series. I didn't listen to that part because I just knew that I was going to hear the same thing once I dove into the actual book. So yeah, I'll wait till book 3 to get all of that.
In the end, it was a cute book and pretty easy to fly through.
Invisible is the sequel to Awkward. I did like getting to see everyone from the previous book and the little repetition of some scenes from different POV's. Sometimes that works and other times it just annoys and frustrates me. It worked with this book because the characters themselves were different and did different things when it came to those scenes. So, yeah, I liked getting to see more background to what they did after certain situations.
In this book, we get to know Jane a bit better. She is known as the 'Grammar Girl' in her school newspaper club. Honestly, I love the nickname because I wouldn't use it cruelly like some people. No, I would probably worship Jane every day because people need grammar help. Even me.
Just like the previous book, this one has hints of romance and drama. It was all wrapped up pretty neatly into a bow which I liked. Even the little epilogue that gave you insight into the next book in the series. I didn't listen to that part because I just knew that I was going to hear the same thing once I dove into the actual book. So yeah, I'll wait till book 3 to get all of that.
In the end, it was a cute book and pretty easy to fly through.
May 20, 2014
Okay, so I shouldn't have read this book first - but I did. It's second in the Smith High series and this darn thing is the reason for the crime I've committed. (I never read books out of order - except for reading Crossed before Matched but the librarian lied to me, okay !).
Now, this book made me go on an emotional rollercoaster. Annoyance at Miles, lust for Scott, frustration for Jane because she was letting everyone move on around her and treat her like rubbish. That's how you know the book its getting to you because you feel things !
And yea, okay. The cover looks corny; the book is CHEEZAY. But so what ? My friends picked up the cover, glancing at the yellow and the girl posing on it before shooting me a wary look and saying:"Oh heck naw, Sarah". I even had some year SEVENS chiding me. But you know: some cheesy books I can handle ! I can barely handle Princess Diaries anymore; that's where I draw the line. And I could handle this book ! The reason being because it didn't have Jane wining on every page. And because it is FUNNY. I lol-ed so much. It's a "goodread" hehe ;)
I just melted right into the page and became engrossed.
Sometimes you need a cheesy book in your life ! Have a break from intense books with swearing on every page and death and darkness. It's not good to dwell on those kind of things always.
4 stars ;D
Now I've got to get Awkward and put up with the cringy looks my friends keep casting at me.
Now, this book made me go on an emotional rollercoaster. Annoyance at Miles, lust for Scott, frustration for Jane because she was letting everyone move on around her and treat her like rubbish. That's how you know the book its getting to you because you feel things !
And yea, okay. The cover looks corny; the book is CHEEZAY. But so what ? My friends picked up the cover, glancing at the yellow and the girl posing on it before shooting me a wary look and saying:"Oh heck naw, Sarah". I even had some year SEVENS chiding me. But you know: some cheesy books I can handle ! I can barely handle Princess Diaries anymore; that's where I draw the line. And I could handle this book ! The reason being because it didn't have Jane wining on every page. And because it is FUNNY. I lol-ed so much. It's a "goodread" hehe ;)
I just melted right into the page and became engrossed.
Sometimes you need a cheesy book in your life ! Have a break from intense books with swearing on every page and death and darkness. It's not good to dwell on those kind of things always.
4 stars ;D
Now I've got to get Awkward and put up with the cringy looks my friends keep casting at me.
July 29, 2013
2.5 stars. I am disappointed. The first two books were so awesome! Throughout the whole book, I hated Mackenzie, Jane was nothing more than ordinary, I still don't know anything about scott except he is a good photographer/snark and this one lacked the humor of the previous books. I can rant a lot about the scenes I had problems with, but that would be rewriting most of the book, so I am not even attempting that. The only reason I could finish it is the superb writing of Ms. Bates that flows smoothly, character problems aside.
August 10, 2018
I loved this more the second time around, also. It was even funnier than I remembered. Definitely worth rereading.
June 22, 2013
When I read Marni Bates' Awkward last year, I fell in love with her characters. I had no idea that she had plans on writing companion novels to Awkward until I came across Invisible on NetGalley. I remember loving Awkward, so I knew I had to request a copy.
While Awkward told the story of Mackenzie, Invisible tells the story of Jane, Mack's best friend. After Mack became a YouTube star, Jane feels left out and no longer as close to her best friends as she was before. Because of that, she begins to feel insecure and lonely. All Jane wants is to have some attention on her and to stop being invisible. The opportunity comes in the form of a front-page article for her high school's paper, The Smithsonian. For that, Jane must write an epic story and she is accompanied by Scott, the cute but infuriating photographer. Although I felt like at times Jane overreacted, I did sympathize with her because I went through a similar phase while in school to. There were times when my friends would completely ignore me, make plans that did not involve me and to be honest, it hurt. I might not have acted the same way as Jane did, but I did feel very much the same emotions of despair and loneliness that she did. I enjoyed Jane as a main character. Although she was bitter at times, I loved her sarcastic and humorous voice throughout the story. At the beginning of the book, she was not very vocal about her feelings, but she learns to grow throughout the story and I appreciated her growth. Scott, the love interest in Invisible, was infuriating but at the same time completely loveable. I thought he made a great addition to this book and I liked how he helped Jane bring out her true feelings when it came to her friends into the open. I was also delightfully surprised by the role mean girl, Chelsea played in this book and Marni Bates has given me hope that she is not who she appears to be. I am looking forward to reading her story in Notable.
The blurb, in my opinion, is kind of misleading. Jane's article does not get published until the last quarter of the book and I don't feel like it was the main focus of the story, which is quite disappointing. The plot mostly focuses on the effect that Mack's popularity has on Jane and how she deals about this sudden change in her life. So, I did not feel like the publishing of Jane's article truly had much significance to the book. Regardless, Invisible was a highly entertaining book which provided some light fun. The romance was entirely too cute. Scott and Jane constantly bicker non-stop throughout the story and I personally thought it was a lot of fun to watch them. I loved how this instant-dislike they had for each other eventually grew into a liking for each other.
There isn't much more I can say about this book. Invisible is the perfect read for those of you looking for a short, sweet and cute story with likeable characters.
While Awkward told the story of Mackenzie, Invisible tells the story of Jane, Mack's best friend. After Mack became a YouTube star, Jane feels left out and no longer as close to her best friends as she was before. Because of that, she begins to feel insecure and lonely. All Jane wants is to have some attention on her and to stop being invisible. The opportunity comes in the form of a front-page article for her high school's paper, The Smithsonian. For that, Jane must write an epic story and she is accompanied by Scott, the cute but infuriating photographer. Although I felt like at times Jane overreacted, I did sympathize with her because I went through a similar phase while in school to. There were times when my friends would completely ignore me, make plans that did not involve me and to be honest, it hurt. I might not have acted the same way as Jane did, but I did feel very much the same emotions of despair and loneliness that she did. I enjoyed Jane as a main character. Although she was bitter at times, I loved her sarcastic and humorous voice throughout the story. At the beginning of the book, she was not very vocal about her feelings, but she learns to grow throughout the story and I appreciated her growth. Scott, the love interest in Invisible, was infuriating but at the same time completely loveable. I thought he made a great addition to this book and I liked how he helped Jane bring out her true feelings when it came to her friends into the open. I was also delightfully surprised by the role mean girl, Chelsea played in this book and Marni Bates has given me hope that she is not who she appears to be. I am looking forward to reading her story in Notable.
The blurb, in my opinion, is kind of misleading. Jane's article does not get published until the last quarter of the book and I don't feel like it was the main focus of the story, which is quite disappointing. The plot mostly focuses on the effect that Mack's popularity has on Jane and how she deals about this sudden change in her life. So, I did not feel like the publishing of Jane's article truly had much significance to the book. Regardless, Invisible was a highly entertaining book which provided some light fun. The romance was entirely too cute. Scott and Jane constantly bicker non-stop throughout the story and I personally thought it was a lot of fun to watch them. I loved how this instant-dislike they had for each other eventually grew into a liking for each other.
There isn't much more I can say about this book. Invisible is the perfect read for those of you looking for a short, sweet and cute story with likeable characters.
September 15, 2013
Some books have characters I immediately love. Those are the ones I prefer because I can genuinely care and root for a characters actions. And there are ones like this one where I immediately see flaws I find horrible.
There were so many times when I grew furious with Jane. Jane is the protagonist of Invisible by Marni Bates. She is weak. She never speaks out for herself. She judges others. She is crazy jealous of her two closest friends, Kenzie and Corey. Still, I admit expected her to be weak from the title. Still, I cannot root for her passivity and a narrow-minded attitude. I could accept her while she grew through her experiences. Just never agree with her.
There are some books, like Teen Idol by Meg Cabot, that are about speaking out for others. And there are ones, like this one, that are about speaking out for oneself. Both speaking out books are about realizing that no one is a reflected image. That judging others without moving through the image gives you a faulty view. I admire this message and I liked seeing it occurred in this novel.
I also liked how this book shared the different kinds of stamina owned by journalists and creative writers. Some people can be both but some, like Jane, can only be one.
I enjoyed the funny moments in this dramatic story. I regarded Scott as the best person in the story. The photographer, who admits his reporter drive (that can be aggravating occasionally), accepts diverging personalities and owns, the best characteristic, humor.
In all, Invisible is book that moves steadily. I am impressed by the message’s the author aimed to provide the reader and the chance she took with an unlikable narrator. Its enjoyable enough and I definitely appreciated Bate’s simple, engaging prose.
Originally posted at Unforgettable Books
There were so many times when I grew furious with Jane. Jane is the protagonist of Invisible by Marni Bates. She is weak. She never speaks out for herself. She judges others. She is crazy jealous of her two closest friends, Kenzie and Corey. Still, I admit expected her to be weak from the title. Still, I cannot root for her passivity and a narrow-minded attitude. I could accept her while she grew through her experiences. Just never agree with her.
There are some books, like Teen Idol by Meg Cabot, that are about speaking out for others. And there are ones, like this one, that are about speaking out for oneself. Both speaking out books are about realizing that no one is a reflected image. That judging others without moving through the image gives you a faulty view. I admire this message and I liked seeing it occurred in this novel.
I also liked how this book shared the different kinds of stamina owned by journalists and creative writers. Some people can be both but some, like Jane, can only be one.
I enjoyed the funny moments in this dramatic story. I regarded Scott as the best person in the story. The photographer, who admits his reporter drive (that can be aggravating occasionally), accepts diverging personalities and owns, the best characteristic, humor.
In all, Invisible is book that moves steadily. I am impressed by the message’s the author aimed to provide the reader and the chance she took with an unlikable narrator. Its enjoyable enough and I definitely appreciated Bate’s simple, engaging prose.
Originally posted at Unforgettable Books
July 22, 2013
Marni Bates once again had me up flipping pages late into the night with her new laugh out loud worthy novel, Invisible.....
Invisible tells the story of Jane Smith. Jane has never wanted to be anything other than invisible at her school. Jane's best friend Mackenzie recently became an overnight internet sensation and their other best friend Corey started dating a rock star. Leaving Jane feeling left behind. Invisible was okay with her best friends by her side but now Jane feels left out and no longer as connected with her best friends as she once was. Now she's thinking it might be better to get some attention after all and to stop being so invisible. Which results in Jane being assigned a front-page article for her high school's paper, The Smithsonian. For that, Jane must write a groundbreaking story on which she is accompanied by Scott, the cute newspaper photographer that she just so happens to resent.
I really liked Awkward, the first book in this series, and liked being able to get to continue the story here with Invisible while getting to know Jane better. I really liked Jane in this story. Even though she starts off a little reserved, her inner voice can actually be quite spunky and funny at times. Scott on the other hand is cute and infuriating but totally loveable. He really helps bring Jane out of her shell and they have great romantic chemistry. I was really surprised by Chelsea's role in the book and can't wait to read more about her in the upcoming book "Notable".
Invisible is fresh, young, and hilarious. It will have you wrapped up until you can't help but to know what happens next.
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review *
Invisible tells the story of Jane Smith. Jane has never wanted to be anything other than invisible at her school. Jane's best friend Mackenzie recently became an overnight internet sensation and their other best friend Corey started dating a rock star. Leaving Jane feeling left behind. Invisible was okay with her best friends by her side but now Jane feels left out and no longer as connected with her best friends as she once was. Now she's thinking it might be better to get some attention after all and to stop being so invisible. Which results in Jane being assigned a front-page article for her high school's paper, The Smithsonian. For that, Jane must write a groundbreaking story on which she is accompanied by Scott, the cute newspaper photographer that she just so happens to resent.
I really liked Awkward, the first book in this series, and liked being able to get to continue the story here with Invisible while getting to know Jane better. I really liked Jane in this story. Even though she starts off a little reserved, her inner voice can actually be quite spunky and funny at times. Scott on the other hand is cute and infuriating but totally loveable. He really helps bring Jane out of her shell and they have great romantic chemistry. I was really surprised by Chelsea's role in the book and can't wait to read more about her in the upcoming book "Notable".
Invisible is fresh, young, and hilarious. It will have you wrapped up until you can't help but to know what happens next.
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review *
March 24, 2016
not as funny as the first. but still funny enough- totes liked it. read in one sitting.
___________
As seen on blog.
Invisible, the companion sequel to Awkward tells us the story of Mackenzie's best-friend Jane. We were introduced to her back in Awkward. She works for the school paper and is feeling neglected by her friends and wants to feel like she is wanted. Soo, things get outta hand when one of her stories that she wrote for herself as she wants to be a journalist or columnist gets into the wrong hands and it gets published. It puts her relationship with Corey and Mack in jeopardy but she fixes it. She pours her insecurity or feelings of being left out when making amends and I really liked her during that whole scene. Jane has a potential suitor in the face of Scott who is a photographer for the paper and is put in charge of her when Jane gets the Cover Page feat. Scott makes Jane his portfolio subject and follows her around. There is that whole fake relationship thingy as well which was cute.
I really enjoyed this installment and well, i am glad I had the next book to read right after. Jane was bad-ass. I liked Isobel and Scott and Jane were freaking cute. I felt the depth of what Jane was feeling. I know that feeling of being left out. I loved all that subtext business. And oh yeah, remember Alex, well, he made an appearance in this book as well. And Chelsea. It was nice to see that side of her. Oh, I would have liked to see the photos Scott took but i know that would have been a clique but..
Teaser:
___________
As seen on blog.
Invisible, the companion sequel to Awkward tells us the story of Mackenzie's best-friend Jane. We were introduced to her back in Awkward. She works for the school paper and is feeling neglected by her friends and wants to feel like she is wanted. Soo, things get outta hand when one of her stories that she wrote for herself as she wants to be a journalist or columnist gets into the wrong hands and it gets published. It puts her relationship with Corey and Mack in jeopardy but she fixes it. She pours her insecurity or feelings of being left out when making amends and I really liked her during that whole scene. Jane has a potential suitor in the face of Scott who is a photographer for the paper and is put in charge of her when Jane gets the Cover Page feat. Scott makes Jane his portfolio subject and follows her around. There is that whole fake relationship thingy as well which was cute.
I really enjoyed this installment and well, i am glad I had the next book to read right after. Jane was bad-ass. I liked Isobel and Scott and Jane were freaking cute. I felt the depth of what Jane was feeling. I know that feeling of being left out. I loved all that subtext business. And oh yeah, remember Alex, well, he made an appearance in this book as well. And Chelsea. It was nice to see that side of her. Oh, I would have liked to see the photos Scott took but i know that would have been a clique but..
Teaser:
August 5, 2013
Invisible is one of those cheeky High School books that has no basis in reality but is still pretty fun to read. While I think the author did an excellent job trying to make her characters have layers of depth, I still had a hard time liking them. Jane herself is very self-centered, but her friends are just awful. Outside of their public displays of loyalty, I don't really get how any of them are friends. I especially resented how no one really had to change at the end, except for Jane to stop being a pushover. And while I wanted to like Scott, and I did for the most part, there were times where his behavior and comments he made we a little off putting. I get that he's suppose to be the hard hitting journalist type, but that doesn't give him the right to have no filter.
That being said, the book had an excellent story pace that kept me reading to see what happens. And while nothing was unexpected, it was still enjoyable. I thought it was the perfect tone for young to mid teens.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley but the opinions expressed here are my own.
That being said, the book had an excellent story pace that kept me reading to see what happens. And while nothing was unexpected, it was still enjoyable. I thought it was the perfect tone for young to mid teens.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley but the opinions expressed here are my own.
June 2, 2021
This time I didn’t even check spoilers on the first book of the series because I didn’t remember shit, I just knew I loved the first one and that I felt a connection with Kenzie and that it was realistic, so I just went to read this with trust in my heart, and it was worth it in a 90%. It wasn’t ultimately quirky nor a masterpiece, but it was an honest portrayal of what it feels to be invisible without being a dramatization of teenagehood made for mockery, nope, this was serious and such a good experience.
I CRIED.
The first time I cried was when Jane felt left out by her friends in the cafeteria, how she started noticing more how she was falling into a void where even among her safe people, she was lost and fearing she might disappear into thin air. I lost it too, every time Scott screwed with her vulnerabilities, I mean, I don’t know if it was fully the scenes and her feelings or just my period but damn, I cried four times like a waterfall was leaving my eyes non-stop.
AGAIN I FELT CONNECTED TO THE MAIN CHARACTER.
Why did I cry? Because I’ve been that girl, I’ve been the girl who’s too polite to say “hi, I think you’re forgetting about me”. I’ve been left behind unattended and ignored because my friends had relationships or other friendships that left me in the dark. I was afraid they might look at me like I was an attention seeker or something, so I’ve been in Jane’s shoes just trying to prove myself that I’m not an inconvenience to them and that I’m not forgotten, however, I know how hard that is. How painful it can be that the only place you feel visible in, starts to erase you without that place even noticing. I understood Jane.
HE’S A DICK.
In the beginning, I could see that perhaps this character had some potential. He had green eyes and was hurting over losing people in the war, so he was hurt, and we like a man with feelings; however, nothing was good besides that. He was ultimately a dick, not this honest balls-to-the-wall person, nope. Nothing complicated, he wasn’t this caring guy who just wanted Jane to show them who’s boss and that she’s more than fucking worth it. Nope, he was just a dick, a cruel and misleading dick with no depth nor caring nature in his body. Besides, we didn’t know him that well to even dare to want to care for him, he was just this lost satellite that kept wandering around Jane to annoy her or be cruel to her. So he is the main reason why I can’t give this book four stars, the fact Jane stays with him makes no sense.
I CRIED.
The first time I cried was when Jane felt left out by her friends in the cafeteria, how she started noticing more how she was falling into a void where even among her safe people, she was lost and fearing she might disappear into thin air. I lost it too, every time Scott screwed with her vulnerabilities, I mean, I don’t know if it was fully the scenes and her feelings or just my period but damn, I cried four times like a waterfall was leaving my eyes non-stop.
AGAIN I FELT CONNECTED TO THE MAIN CHARACTER.
Why did I cry? Because I’ve been that girl, I’ve been the girl who’s too polite to say “hi, I think you’re forgetting about me”. I’ve been left behind unattended and ignored because my friends had relationships or other friendships that left me in the dark. I was afraid they might look at me like I was an attention seeker or something, so I’ve been in Jane’s shoes just trying to prove myself that I’m not an inconvenience to them and that I’m not forgotten, however, I know how hard that is. How painful it can be that the only place you feel visible in, starts to erase you without that place even noticing. I understood Jane.
HE’S A DICK.
In the beginning, I could see that perhaps this character had some potential. He had green eyes and was hurting over losing people in the war, so he was hurt, and we like a man with feelings; however, nothing was good besides that. He was ultimately a dick, not this honest balls-to-the-wall person, nope. Nothing complicated, he wasn’t this caring guy who just wanted Jane to show them who’s boss and that she’s more than fucking worth it. Nope, he was just a dick, a cruel and misleading dick with no depth nor caring nature in his body. Besides, we didn’t know him that well to even dare to want to care for him, he was just this lost satellite that kept wandering around Jane to annoy her or be cruel to her. So he is the main reason why I can’t give this book four stars, the fact Jane stays with him makes no sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2019
I read the first book in this series a while back and it was good for some light reading. This one isn't quite so light and funny but it still is an easy read.
This book focuses on Jane Smith, who feels she is invisible to almost everyone, even her close friends. She's been stuck in a routine of doing what everyone else wants and never standing up for herself. She's always been in the shadow of older sister Elle and goes out of her way to try for things that have no connection with the sister. Which is how she ended up in a journalism class working on the newspaper. She's been there for three years and all she gets to do is copy edit the work of everyone else and now has been nicknamed Grammar Girl. Meanwhile Scott Fraser transfers into the high school and Jane was going to try to befriend him until he overhears Scott tell the paper's editor that Jane doesn't have what it takes to be a journalist. Jane is crushed to hear his pronouncement and he immediately becomes an enemy of sorts. After Jane asks to do something more substantial than copy editing, she's given the opportunity for a front page story and is thrown together with photographer Scott.
This book is far more angst-filled than its predecessor. Jane seems a bit spineless at times and that's kind of the point. She does start to grow a spine but it doesn't happen in the most ideal way. Her methods won't be practical in the long run. Scott's character is fairly one-dimensional. Even at the end we don't know much about him aside from his love for photography. Of course it turns out he's a better person than Jane thought at first. The friends who were mostly likable in the first book don't please so much here. Jane was left out so many times due to their thoughtlessness. And it wasn't just in some areas. It was like Jane was all but forgotten by most of her friends, but most especially her best friend.
I enjoyed reading this story but the turmoil experienced by Jane was frustrating especially when it seemed she was being closed out at times, even if it wasn't purposely. Overall a good read which I'd give 3.5 stars to if I could.
This book focuses on Jane Smith, who feels she is invisible to almost everyone, even her close friends. She's been stuck in a routine of doing what everyone else wants and never standing up for herself. She's always been in the shadow of older sister Elle and goes out of her way to try for things that have no connection with the sister. Which is how she ended up in a journalism class working on the newspaper. She's been there for three years and all she gets to do is copy edit the work of everyone else and now has been nicknamed Grammar Girl. Meanwhile Scott Fraser transfers into the high school and Jane was going to try to befriend him until he overhears Scott tell the paper's editor that Jane doesn't have what it takes to be a journalist. Jane is crushed to hear his pronouncement and he immediately becomes an enemy of sorts. After Jane asks to do something more substantial than copy editing, she's given the opportunity for a front page story and is thrown together with photographer Scott.
This book is far more angst-filled than its predecessor. Jane seems a bit spineless at times and that's kind of the point. She does start to grow a spine but it doesn't happen in the most ideal way. Her methods won't be practical in the long run. Scott's character is fairly one-dimensional. Even at the end we don't know much about him aside from his love for photography. Of course it turns out he's a better person than Jane thought at first. The friends who were mostly likable in the first book don't please so much here. Jane was left out so many times due to their thoughtlessness. And it wasn't just in some areas. It was like Jane was all but forgotten by most of her friends, but most especially her best friend.
I enjoyed reading this story but the turmoil experienced by Jane was frustrating especially when it seemed she was being closed out at times, even if it wasn't purposely. Overall a good read which I'd give 3.5 stars to if I could.
October 7, 2019
I liked Jane and I liked Scott. It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but once I did, the interactions with Jane and Scott and Mrs. Blake were a lot of fun. The cons were that the drama revolved around Jane's best friends being bad best friends. One of which was in a secret homosexual relationship with a rock star that gets accidentally outted. I wasn't thrilled with that plot device. Bad friends friends aren't fun to read about. I don't feel sympathy for them, since I'm just reading about them for the first time. Plus the homosexuality character AND plot device, goes against God's word, therefore I don't have a desire to read it. I kind of what to read "Awkward," even though I know that it's already been talked about in this book and I'm have a inkling of how it will play out. Oh and I liked Chelsea, so I want to read Marni's book "Noteable" too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, the only bad thing I could say was that it was pretty predictable, but it was fun. I enjoyed Jane and it was very telling in the fact that she needed to communicate with her friends and even stand up for herself. Its a good morale, especially for people who tend to say yes too often. I enjoy this kind of character more than the stuck up characters.
January 2, 2019
I liked the first book of this series and really enjoyed reading about the different perspectives. I liked how everyone had their very own worry and how they worked together to solve any problems in their relationship.
February 26, 2018
3,5stars
April 29, 2018
I love this book it give me a thought of what I can do about my life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
December 12, 2019This book is intersting it has a lot of drama this book is mostly for high school kids.
February 2, 2020
I loved the first book, but this one it was just okay. The main characters are fine but not memorables.
I just didn’t feel any connection with the story.
I just didn’t feel any connection with the story.
June 12, 2013
Jane Smith has managed to fly under the radar for her entire time in high school and she liked it that way because she still had the support of her truly awesome best friends. But than Cory started dating a famous lead singer and Kenzie became America's Most Awkward Girl AND got the guy. Now they never have any time for her and are always going places/doing things that they don't invite Jane along for. Not to mention they take her for granted any time the opportunity arises. This does nothing for her already non-existent self-esteem. Than she punches school bully Scott in the lunchroom and gets forcibly teamed up with Scott, a boy she can't stand (because of a perceived snub) for a front page article in the school newspaper that she never even wanted. All Jane wanted was for someone to let her add a fiction page into the paper - quietly! Now she's breaking rules, making changes and forcing everyone to actually look at her for once. But not everything that happens as a result is good and Jane ends up hurting the people she cares for most unintentionally. Can she fix things before she really does end up invisible and alone?
To be quite honest, if you have read the first book with Kenzie you may be kind of wary of this one like I was. And the synopsis is really misleading, because the blow-up with the article doesn't even happen until the last 25% or so of the book. The main focus is Jane learning to stand up for herself and assert her own needs to the other people in her life. Also, learning that we can't choose who we have romantic feelings for and that you shouldn't be a douchebag because of it (that last part is something she's REALLY slow at learning, but having Scott on the other end does nothing to help the point across!!!). Jane got on my nerves for a good majority of the book and that's putting it mildly and politely. She was one of the most milquetoast 'heroines' that I've read so far this year in the realm of YA. Yes, teens are not a species of perfection which is perfectly okay. But she has no self-respect, which kind of detracts from when she does something really awesome (like punching Scott in the face or...yeah can't think of anything else right now). The whole book is spent with her whining about how no one sees her and her friends are ditching her. Of course she does NOTHING about it until she blows up at Kenzie closer to the end of the book. Also, there's something borderline call-the-suicide-prevention-hotline about coming up with ways to die when you're bored, etc. It kind of creeped me out. I loved Isobel and honestly thought a book with a romance between her and the girl in the baking club would have been lots more interesting and majorly cute (Mabye I'm inferring something there, but that's what I saw anyways).
The romance with Scott wasn't swoonworthy at all. He spent most of the book acting like a complete manipulative, blackmailing douchebag to Jane (who spent the whole book being an a-hole to him cause she wanted to pretend she didn't like him). Scott crashes her first date, provides the pictures for the ruinous article and goes to a horrible family dinner at Jane's being her fake 'boyfriend.' All while doing his best to be an arrogant jerk and make her life a living Hell! And this is supposed to make me root for them as a couple? WTH??? Their whole dynamic is borderline abusive and after spending the whole book just wanting him to jump off a cliff and with the meanest interactions possible, they suddenly like like each other? A world of no! Just not a thing I could get behind. I did like Jane's crazy old lady, bookstore boss who wanted them to take a picture in the makeout section. She was hilarious. The real highlight character-wise for me though was the nice side of somewhat mean-girl Chelsea. At times she was a better person than Jane's supposed best friends. By the time the story broke, I had already started skimming through it because this book was boring me and making me cringe. Some may identify with this book and really like it. They may even find it somewhat funny and cute. I just really didn't and wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. Just re-read Awkward instead, it'll be a much more satisfying experience!
VERDICT: 2.25/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication is August 1st, 2013.*
To be quite honest, if you have read the first book with Kenzie you may be kind of wary of this one like I was. And the synopsis is really misleading, because the blow-up with the article doesn't even happen until the last 25% or so of the book. The main focus is Jane learning to stand up for herself and assert her own needs to the other people in her life. Also, learning that we can't choose who we have romantic feelings for and that you shouldn't be a douchebag because of it (that last part is something she's REALLY slow at learning, but having Scott on the other end does nothing to help the point across!!!). Jane got on my nerves for a good majority of the book and that's putting it mildly and politely. She was one of the most milquetoast 'heroines' that I've read so far this year in the realm of YA. Yes, teens are not a species of perfection which is perfectly okay. But she has no self-respect, which kind of detracts from when she does something really awesome (like punching Scott in the face or...yeah can't think of anything else right now). The whole book is spent with her whining about how no one sees her and her friends are ditching her. Of course she does NOTHING about it until she blows up at Kenzie closer to the end of the book. Also, there's something borderline call-the-suicide-prevention-hotline about coming up with ways to die when you're bored, etc. It kind of creeped me out. I loved Isobel and honestly thought a book with a romance between her and the girl in the baking club would have been lots more interesting and majorly cute (Mabye I'm inferring something there, but that's what I saw anyways).
The romance with Scott wasn't swoonworthy at all. He spent most of the book acting like a complete manipulative, blackmailing douchebag to Jane (who spent the whole book being an a-hole to him cause she wanted to pretend she didn't like him). Scott crashes her first date, provides the pictures for the ruinous article and goes to a horrible family dinner at Jane's being her fake 'boyfriend.' All while doing his best to be an arrogant jerk and make her life a living Hell! And this is supposed to make me root for them as a couple? WTH??? Their whole dynamic is borderline abusive and after spending the whole book just wanting him to jump off a cliff and with the meanest interactions possible, they suddenly like like each other? A world of no! Just not a thing I could get behind. I did like Jane's crazy old lady, bookstore boss who wanted them to take a picture in the makeout section. She was hilarious. The real highlight character-wise for me though was the nice side of somewhat mean-girl Chelsea. At times she was a better person than Jane's supposed best friends. By the time the story broke, I had already started skimming through it because this book was boring me and making me cringe. Some may identify with this book and really like it. They may even find it somewhat funny and cute. I just really didn't and wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. Just re-read Awkward instead, it'll be a much more satisfying experience!
VERDICT: 2.25/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication is August 1st, 2013.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2013
Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Invisible by Marni Bates is another installment in her young adult contemporary series Smith High. I've been meaning to read Awkward and as I started Invisible, I realized that maybe I should have taken the time to read the first book in the series. I'm not saying that this is a continuation of Mackenzie's misadventures from Awkward, but that Invisible does host a large number of spoilers for a reader unfamiliar with the series.
But all of that aside, Invisible was a fun book to read, especially now that summer is here. It is light enough to devour in a couple of sittings, but not too light so as to be considered just average. There are themes of friendship, courage, and finding your voice when you think you don't have one. Jane, the protagonist, shows us that sometimes we need to make things happen for ourselves, rather than wait for the world to settle into some semblance of what we want.
Invisible is a high school contemporary novel that features the usual high school characters (mean girls, hot guys, and the people trying to get to the top), which I will admit I'm a sucker for--so Bates's novel definitely won me over there. I like that even though Invisible starts out as your usual high school cliche, it ends with the protagonist having the last say.
The writing is fun, but at times immature. I noticed many instances where certain situations could have been avoided, but I also know that the actions taken by Jane are just a byproduct of her personality.
What I did enjoy was the little play on Jane's name and the theme of invisibility that occurred in Bates's novel. Jane is a mundane and common name, often forgotten and/or changed by characters who don't take the time to meet her. And even when characters do notice her, they give her nicknames that offer the opposite of Jane's own name: a chance to bring her out of obscurity.
What I found even more interesting is how for someone who is outwardly shy, Jane's narrative is very spunky. That being said, the people around her don't make it any easier to accept Jane's lack of motivation to stop being invisible. It makes the reader ask, how much is too much?
I will admit that the pacing was a little off for me. The events mentioned in the synopses don't occur until much later in the book, while most of the book focuses on Jane's inability to see herself as anything other than invisible. I think the greatest irony here is how someone who considers herself invisible has the power to be the most visible person in the room.
I loved Jane's nemesis. He is everything that she isn't, and in a way, I like that he is made this way. He is the catalyst for the change in her personality, and we see it in their interactions. In this, Bates is a genius because instead of having one grand moment where Jane comes out of her shell, we watch her gradually break free of her silence. These two characters are great together because they show each others' weakness--one can't seem to not be blunt, while the other skirts around her words.
Invisible is just one of those books that you begin reading and before you even know it, you're hooked. The characters work great together, Bates sets up the story well so that more books can be added to the series, and the dialogue is so witty and quick that the reader will be laughing along with the awkwardness that Jane sometimes adopts. She may appear weak and shy, but she's a powerhouse waiting to happen. After all, having so much build up inside has to count for something, right?
I would recommend Invisible to readers who are looking for a light contemporary read. If you want to laugh, feel the frustration of high school, and want a character who slowly learns to speak up for herself, then you might want to check this one out. Plus, I promise you that there is a very entertaining book store owner in this one.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Invisible by Marni Bates is another installment in her young adult contemporary series Smith High. I've been meaning to read Awkward and as I started Invisible, I realized that maybe I should have taken the time to read the first book in the series. I'm not saying that this is a continuation of Mackenzie's misadventures from Awkward, but that Invisible does host a large number of spoilers for a reader unfamiliar with the series.
But all of that aside, Invisible was a fun book to read, especially now that summer is here. It is light enough to devour in a couple of sittings, but not too light so as to be considered just average. There are themes of friendship, courage, and finding your voice when you think you don't have one. Jane, the protagonist, shows us that sometimes we need to make things happen for ourselves, rather than wait for the world to settle into some semblance of what we want.
Invisible is a high school contemporary novel that features the usual high school characters (mean girls, hot guys, and the people trying to get to the top), which I will admit I'm a sucker for--so Bates's novel definitely won me over there. I like that even though Invisible starts out as your usual high school cliche, it ends with the protagonist having the last say.
The writing is fun, but at times immature. I noticed many instances where certain situations could have been avoided, but I also know that the actions taken by Jane are just a byproduct of her personality.
What I did enjoy was the little play on Jane's name and the theme of invisibility that occurred in Bates's novel. Jane is a mundane and common name, often forgotten and/or changed by characters who don't take the time to meet her. And even when characters do notice her, they give her nicknames that offer the opposite of Jane's own name: a chance to bring her out of obscurity.
What I found even more interesting is how for someone who is outwardly shy, Jane's narrative is very spunky. That being said, the people around her don't make it any easier to accept Jane's lack of motivation to stop being invisible. It makes the reader ask, how much is too much?
I will admit that the pacing was a little off for me. The events mentioned in the synopses don't occur until much later in the book, while most of the book focuses on Jane's inability to see herself as anything other than invisible. I think the greatest irony here is how someone who considers herself invisible has the power to be the most visible person in the room.
I loved Jane's nemesis. He is everything that she isn't, and in a way, I like that he is made this way. He is the catalyst for the change in her personality, and we see it in their interactions. In this, Bates is a genius because instead of having one grand moment where Jane comes out of her shell, we watch her gradually break free of her silence. These two characters are great together because they show each others' weakness--one can't seem to not be blunt, while the other skirts around her words.
Invisible is just one of those books that you begin reading and before you even know it, you're hooked. The characters work great together, Bates sets up the story well so that more books can be added to the series, and the dialogue is so witty and quick that the reader will be laughing along with the awkwardness that Jane sometimes adopts. She may appear weak and shy, but she's a powerhouse waiting to happen. After all, having so much build up inside has to count for something, right?
I would recommend Invisible to readers who are looking for a light contemporary read. If you want to laugh, feel the frustration of high school, and want a character who slowly learns to speak up for herself, then you might want to check this one out. Plus, I promise you that there is a very entertaining book store owner in this one.
January 19, 2019
I think I was able to relate more to Jane than I was able to relate to Kenzie. It's not that I related more to Jane's personality but I could totally understand what her problem was with her friends and what she was going through.
In the beginning I was worried that I wasn't going to like Invisible as much as I had liked Awkward simply because Jane seemed really judgmental of Isobel (I'm pretty sure that was the girls name) and I generally can't stand characters who don't stand up for themselves. I was going to keep my distance with this character but the more I kept reading the more that I understood the situations that Jane was going through and why she didn't just speak up about her feelings. I can't believe that I'm saying this but, Kenzie, Logan, and Corey were really getting on my nerves by how much they all seemed to be ignoring Jane. For goodness's sake, Scott was being a better friend to Jane and she didn't even like him!
I was seriously shocked by the change in Chelsea, I didn't know what to expect from her but I actually ended up liking her in the end. it really says a lot about your friends when the person that you hate is being nicer and more supportive of you than your actual friends are.
Jane really changed throughout the book. At first she was just this shy girl who didn't want to speak up because she didn't want to hurt peoples feelings but by the end she no longer cared what anyone wanted to say and defended herself and got out her side of the story. I was so proud of Jane by the end of this book because she had really grown!
My favourite part, hands down was when she barged over to Corey's house and apologized to him and then just dove in on her friends. She pointed out to them exactly how horrible they had been to her and how it hadn't been fair and how they were treating her wrong. That was by far my favourite part.
The thing that I related to the most in the book was the relationship that Jane had with her friends and the way that she kept everything that she felt and wanted to say bottled inside. I mentioned this at the beginning but let me explain exactly why I could relate to that. I am currently in a position and have been in this position before with my friends. They just planned everything without me, I was never even asked if I wanted to go to places, everything was just arranged and everyone but me was going somewhere together. Except for me, all of my friends skype each other and talk to each other every day constantly and whenever we're actually together in a group, I might as well not be there because no one talks to me. Jane understood that, Jane felt what I was feeling. Jane was dealing with what I was dealing and she put into words what I couldn't and it felt so nice to find someone out there that was dealing with what I was dealing.
The speech that Jane gave to all of her friends at the end was really good to read because it's exactly what I want to say to my friends and even though I can't say that to my friends, it made me happy to see that a character in a book was doing what I couldn't. Plus, if I ever need a drama monologue, that speech is going to be it and I can assure you that I'm going to nail it.
I like Scott and the way that he got along with Jane. I mean, I found him a little creepy at first considering the fact that he kept following Jane around and everything but I grew to like him. It was so great that Jane got along with him so well and it was wonderful that she could be honest with him about everything. She didn't care if what she said hurt him or not, she just said it.
But basically, I really enjoyed the book and I loved the ending and I don't know about anyone else who has read it, but I would recommend it.
In the beginning I was worried that I wasn't going to like Invisible as much as I had liked Awkward simply because Jane seemed really judgmental of Isobel (I'm pretty sure that was the girls name) and I generally can't stand characters who don't stand up for themselves. I was going to keep my distance with this character but the more I kept reading the more that I understood the situations that Jane was going through and why she didn't just speak up about her feelings. I can't believe that I'm saying this but, Kenzie, Logan, and Corey were really getting on my nerves by how much they all seemed to be ignoring Jane. For goodness's sake, Scott was being a better friend to Jane and she didn't even like him!
I was seriously shocked by the change in Chelsea, I didn't know what to expect from her but I actually ended up liking her in the end. it really says a lot about your friends when the person that you hate is being nicer and more supportive of you than your actual friends are.
Jane really changed throughout the book. At first she was just this shy girl who didn't want to speak up because she didn't want to hurt peoples feelings but by the end she no longer cared what anyone wanted to say and defended herself and got out her side of the story. I was so proud of Jane by the end of this book because she had really grown!
My favourite part, hands down was when she barged over to Corey's house and apologized to him and then just dove in on her friends. She pointed out to them exactly how horrible they had been to her and how it hadn't been fair and how they were treating her wrong. That was by far my favourite part.
The thing that I related to the most in the book was the relationship that Jane had with her friends and the way that she kept everything that she felt and wanted to say bottled inside. I mentioned this at the beginning but let me explain exactly why I could relate to that. I am currently in a position and have been in this position before with my friends. They just planned everything without me, I was never even asked if I wanted to go to places, everything was just arranged and everyone but me was going somewhere together. Except for me, all of my friends skype each other and talk to each other every day constantly and whenever we're actually together in a group, I might as well not be there because no one talks to me. Jane understood that, Jane felt what I was feeling. Jane was dealing with what I was dealing and she put into words what I couldn't and it felt so nice to find someone out there that was dealing with what I was dealing.
The speech that Jane gave to all of her friends at the end was really good to read because it's exactly what I want to say to my friends and even though I can't say that to my friends, it made me happy to see that a character in a book was doing what I couldn't. Plus, if I ever need a drama monologue, that speech is going to be it and I can assure you that I'm going to nail it.
I like Scott and the way that he got along with Jane. I mean, I found him a little creepy at first considering the fact that he kept following Jane around and everything but I grew to like him. It was so great that Jane got along with him so well and it was wonderful that she could be honest with him about everything. She didn't care if what she said hurt him or not, she just said it.
But basically, I really enjoyed the book and I loved the ending and I don't know about anyone else who has read it, but I would recommend it.
June 6, 2013
I really enjoyed Marni Bates' first book set at Smith High, Awkward, and was really excited to jump back into this world and hang with its characters in Invisible. And while Invisible didn't wow me as much as its companion, I found it an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Invisible focuses on Jane Smith, one of the BFF's of Awkward's heroine Mackenzie. Mackenzie, her new popular boyfriend Logan, and her and Jane's other BFF, Corey, all play important roles in Invisible, but this book is Jane's time to shine. Quite, reserved, studious Jane is tired of living in Kenzie and Corey's shadows as they remain famous (Kenzie) and date rock-stars (Corey), and after an altercation against a bully and the chance to write a front page story for the school newspaper, Jane just may get her chance to stand out. But writing that front page story means being stuck with photographer Scott. Cute, infuriating, smug Scott. And when a story never meant to be made public is “accidentally” published, Jane gets more recognition than she ever wanted.
What I loved about Marni Bates' writing and storytelling style in Awkward, was how authentic and relatable it was. Bates does a fantastic job of crafting a high school setting that feels incredibly real, which is carried over in Invisible. I really enjoyed immersing myself back into the world of Smith High and all its awkward, funny, cringe-worthy, and been-there-totally-know-how-that-feels moments. The teenage dialogue is often spot-on and rarely feels contrived or forced. Yet, Invisible lacked the fresh, smart humor that Awkward was dripping in. Invisible definitely has its funny moments, but its humor just didn't sparkle or captivate like I hoped it would.
Bates explores some serious topics, like bullying; homophobia; and self-esteem issues, throughout Invisible, but I was disappointed in how these things are, for the most part, glossed over and given very little attention. Bates definitely sends out a positive message about acceptance and tolerance, but I think, overall, the book lacked real depth and was overly cutesy.
I really loved Jane in Awkward and liked her a lot in Invisible. Her shy, logical, always aiming to please and avoid confrontation personality is relatable, and it was fun seeing her break out of her shell throughout Invisible and really come into her own. There were definitely times though when I wanted to reach through the pages, shake her and scream “Stop letting people walk all over you! Stand up for yourself woman!”. Jane's love interest, Scott, was disappointing. He had his sweet moments, but he was mostly an arrogant jerk. One of the characters that surprised me in a good way was mean girl Chelsea. Bates gave Chelsea a lot of depth and development for a mean girl. I loved that, even though she is often bitchy and snobby, I totally get why characters are enamored with her. She isn't just all pretty clothes and a pretty face, and people aren't simply scared of her; she has an addicting charismatic charm, without ever resorting to being cheesy or out of character. I look forward to discovering more about Chelsea in Notable.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Invisible is a cute, fun read with a likable heroine and hip story. I really enjoy Marni Bates' entertaining and fresh writing style and storytelling, and always look forward to her next book. Invisible and its companion, Awkward, would make great summer reads!
Invisible focuses on Jane Smith, one of the BFF's of Awkward's heroine Mackenzie. Mackenzie, her new popular boyfriend Logan, and her and Jane's other BFF, Corey, all play important roles in Invisible, but this book is Jane's time to shine. Quite, reserved, studious Jane is tired of living in Kenzie and Corey's shadows as they remain famous (Kenzie) and date rock-stars (Corey), and after an altercation against a bully and the chance to write a front page story for the school newspaper, Jane just may get her chance to stand out. But writing that front page story means being stuck with photographer Scott. Cute, infuriating, smug Scott. And when a story never meant to be made public is “accidentally” published, Jane gets more recognition than she ever wanted.
What I loved about Marni Bates' writing and storytelling style in Awkward, was how authentic and relatable it was. Bates does a fantastic job of crafting a high school setting that feels incredibly real, which is carried over in Invisible. I really enjoyed immersing myself back into the world of Smith High and all its awkward, funny, cringe-worthy, and been-there-totally-know-how-that-feels moments. The teenage dialogue is often spot-on and rarely feels contrived or forced. Yet, Invisible lacked the fresh, smart humor that Awkward was dripping in. Invisible definitely has its funny moments, but its humor just didn't sparkle or captivate like I hoped it would.
Bates explores some serious topics, like bullying; homophobia; and self-esteem issues, throughout Invisible, but I was disappointed in how these things are, for the most part, glossed over and given very little attention. Bates definitely sends out a positive message about acceptance and tolerance, but I think, overall, the book lacked real depth and was overly cutesy.
I really loved Jane in Awkward and liked her a lot in Invisible. Her shy, logical, always aiming to please and avoid confrontation personality is relatable, and it was fun seeing her break out of her shell throughout Invisible and really come into her own. There were definitely times though when I wanted to reach through the pages, shake her and scream “Stop letting people walk all over you! Stand up for yourself woman!”. Jane's love interest, Scott, was disappointing. He had his sweet moments, but he was mostly an arrogant jerk. One of the characters that surprised me in a good way was mean girl Chelsea. Bates gave Chelsea a lot of depth and development for a mean girl. I loved that, even though she is often bitchy and snobby, I totally get why characters are enamored with her. She isn't just all pretty clothes and a pretty face, and people aren't simply scared of her; she has an addicting charismatic charm, without ever resorting to being cheesy or out of character. I look forward to discovering more about Chelsea in Notable.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Invisible is a cute, fun read with a likable heroine and hip story. I really enjoy Marni Bates' entertaining and fresh writing style and storytelling, and always look forward to her next book. Invisible and its companion, Awkward, would make great summer reads!
June 21, 2013
Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books
This was a Goodreads First Reads win for me, a huge thanks to Kensington Publishing!!! This book was such a fun read. I honestly don't think I laughed so much with a book as I did with Invisible. The cast of characters was fantastic. We follow Jane Smith in this book. She's an Invisible. Their school is divided into two basic groups. The Notables, they're the popular kids, the jocks, the cheerleaders you know the types. And then there's the Invisibles. Pretty much everyone else. The kids who feel like, if they just didn't show up one day...would anybody really notice? Jane is adorkable. Her constant snarky, sarcastic remarks both internally and actually spoken were so funny. And her awkwardness and insecurities were very endearing. I could really identify with her, she reminded me a lot of myself at that age.
The problem is, that even among her fellow Invisible friends, she's sort of being left behind. Kenzie went from Invisible to in the spotlight over night with an awkward incident that went on YouTube and is now dating a Notable. Corey is dating a rock star and the two are now running in different circles with Jane feeling a bit envious and resentful that they don't make time for her anymore. And very lonely.
Jane starts out as this quiet, shy, push over basically. She avoids confrontation like the plague. Finds it easier just to go with what people want or think she wants than to actually voice her opinion. But then it just takes one tiny spark and little by little she goes outside her comfort zone. Piece by piece she breaks down that wall she's built. She grows tremendously until one day she blows. Of course it's after she does something, though completely by accident, pretty horrible and she's lost everything. Then she's finally able to stand up for herself and speak her mind. It's pretty awesome.
Oh don't worry, for those of you whom are lovers of all things love and swoony, like myself :D, there's even a sweet little bit of romance along the way. And just a tiny little triangle. Sort of. It's like so minor that even those of you who don't like them will think it's no big deal. We have Miles the gorgeous drama club guy. He's sweet and nice and a total gentleman. And we have Scott, he's sort of the new guy at school. He's kind of full of himself and sarcastic and works on the school newspaper as a photographer with Jane. Which one does Jane end up with? Well you'll have to read to find out!
There's actually two other books that came out before this. Awkward which is Kenzie's story. I haven't read it yet but it's on my list to buy ASAP. Then there's Decked With Holly which is a spinoff featuring the band ReadySet, the rock star Corey's dating I mentioned above? That's their band. You don't need to read either of those books to understand Invisible at all. Marni was pretty happy when she found out I hadn't read either of the other two books before reading Invisible and that I loved it so much. Just confirmed that it can stand alone. Seriously only took me one book to turn into a Marni Bates fangirl. This book is fantastic and not only that she's SO SWEET! I highly, highly recommend this book if you're looking for something light that will also tickle your funny bone. You won't be disappointed. It's one of my top reads so far this year :)
This was a Goodreads First Reads win for me, a huge thanks to Kensington Publishing!!! This book was such a fun read. I honestly don't think I laughed so much with a book as I did with Invisible. The cast of characters was fantastic. We follow Jane Smith in this book. She's an Invisible. Their school is divided into two basic groups. The Notables, they're the popular kids, the jocks, the cheerleaders you know the types. And then there's the Invisibles. Pretty much everyone else. The kids who feel like, if they just didn't show up one day...would anybody really notice? Jane is adorkable. Her constant snarky, sarcastic remarks both internally and actually spoken were so funny. And her awkwardness and insecurities were very endearing. I could really identify with her, she reminded me a lot of myself at that age.
The problem is, that even among her fellow Invisible friends, she's sort of being left behind. Kenzie went from Invisible to in the spotlight over night with an awkward incident that went on YouTube and is now dating a Notable. Corey is dating a rock star and the two are now running in different circles with Jane feeling a bit envious and resentful that they don't make time for her anymore. And very lonely.
Jane starts out as this quiet, shy, push over basically. She avoids confrontation like the plague. Finds it easier just to go with what people want or think she wants than to actually voice her opinion. But then it just takes one tiny spark and little by little she goes outside her comfort zone. Piece by piece she breaks down that wall she's built. She grows tremendously until one day she blows. Of course it's after she does something, though completely by accident, pretty horrible and she's lost everything. Then she's finally able to stand up for herself and speak her mind. It's pretty awesome.
Oh don't worry, for those of you whom are lovers of all things love and swoony, like myself :D, there's even a sweet little bit of romance along the way. And just a tiny little triangle. Sort of. It's like so minor that even those of you who don't like them will think it's no big deal. We have Miles the gorgeous drama club guy. He's sweet and nice and a total gentleman. And we have Scott, he's sort of the new guy at school. He's kind of full of himself and sarcastic and works on the school newspaper as a photographer with Jane. Which one does Jane end up with? Well you'll have to read to find out!
There's actually two other books that came out before this. Awkward which is Kenzie's story. I haven't read it yet but it's on my list to buy ASAP. Then there's Decked With Holly which is a spinoff featuring the band ReadySet, the rock star Corey's dating I mentioned above? That's their band. You don't need to read either of those books to understand Invisible at all. Marni was pretty happy when she found out I hadn't read either of the other two books before reading Invisible and that I loved it so much. Just confirmed that it can stand alone. Seriously only took me one book to turn into a Marni Bates fangirl. This book is fantastic and not only that she's SO SWEET! I highly, highly recommend this book if you're looking for something light that will also tickle your funny bone. You won't be disappointed. It's one of my top reads so far this year :)
February 17, 2018
I'm pleasantly surprised that this book was good, considering its predecessor cannot boast the same. The writing was corny and juvenile as in "Awkward", but the storyline was much more interesting, despite the fact that in this one no one went on the Ellen Show. The plot was more entertaining, the characters were more fun to read about (other than Kenzie and Logan, who made me groan or roll my eyes every time their names showed up on a page) and I felt way more of a connection to the protagonist. I was way more emotionally invested reading this book. The story was also way more well-developed in this one. I felt for Jane and understood why she did certain things and why certain events occurred. I even cried for Jane at one point in the book when she was crying too. I also think the romance, though predictable, was a lot better than Kenzie and Logan's from the last book. Way more chemistry, a much better match as well. I also really enjoyed seeing another side of Chelsea. That was interesting.
My main issue with this book however, was that everything was so predictable. As soon as Scott's character was described, I knew that I mean, come on- "...together we watched my nemesis, Scott Fraser, walk over. All five feet eleven inches of rumpled hotness in black Converse sneakers (...) His green eyes were speckled with brown, and he made no attempt to hide his derision." And then the second Jane wrote that story about Corey and Tim in her notebook for "fun" or whatever reason she wrote it for (because I still don't understand quite why she did??) I knew that
And those who read "Awkward" will definitely notice some huge similarities
Despite this, this book was still really entertaining and though the first chapter or two were a bit slow, after that I practically didn't put it down until I finished reading it. It was interesting and entertaining and there was suspense! I stayed up late to finish this book. I sacrificed sleep. That says a lot!
My main issue with this book however, was that everything was so predictable. As soon as Scott's character was described, I knew that I mean, come on- "...together we watched my nemesis, Scott Fraser, walk over. All five feet eleven inches of rumpled hotness in black Converse sneakers (...) His green eyes were speckled with brown, and he made no attempt to hide his derision." And then the second Jane wrote that story about Corey and Tim in her notebook for "fun" or whatever reason she wrote it for (because I still don't understand quite why she did??) I knew that
And those who read "Awkward" will definitely notice some huge similarities
Despite this, this book was still really entertaining and though the first chapter or two were a bit slow, after that I practically didn't put it down until I finished reading it. It was interesting and entertaining and there was suspense! I stayed up late to finish this book. I sacrificed sleep. That says a lot!
July 7, 2013
This review first appeared on my blog, Read Books and Live Green
To start off this review, I just wanted to say that Marni Bates is hilarious! Her books can always put a smile on my face and I appreciate that!!! To get down to this book, I LOVED Invisible. The characters are funny, the situations are so far out of the realm of possibility, that it makes everything even more funny!
THE PREMISE
It's not easy being best friends with a celebrity. . .
I'm invisible at my high school and I'm fine with it. It's kind of inevitable with a name like Jane Smith. But when the school newspaper staff insisted that I write a cover story, I decided to find out just how much scandal one geeky girl could uncover.
Except I never expected to find myself starting a fist-fight, auditioning for the school's Romeo &Juliet musical, running away with a Romeo of my own, befriending the most popular girl in school, or trying to avoid one very cute photographer, who makes it impossible to to be invisible. . .
(Summary via Amazon)
THE PROS
1.) I loved Jane. She was quirky and fun! I loved getting to follow her story!!!
2.) Scott, the love interest, was so cute with JANE! I loved that he was a photographer!
3.) The book store and Mrs. Blake were sooooo funny! Mrs. Blake, was such a great character and I LOVED hearing about all of her adventures! ;)
4.) I loved seeing a different side to the "Notables". They were always portrayed as pure evil and getting to see them in a different light was a really nice touch! (I can't wait for the next book!!!!!)
5.) Jane was a flawed character and I really liked seeing all messed up situations she got herself into!
6.) I loved the concept for this story! It is so funny and so far out of the realm of possibility that it made it that much more of an enjoyable read!
7.) The ending was so cute and I just loved it!
8.) I LOVE Marni's style of writing! It's real and fits really well with her characters.
THE CONS
1.) I think that the summary on Goodreads gives to much away! So I'm going to suggest avoiding reading that one! The one from Amazon (Above this) is a better summary!
2.) I was not a big fan of Kenzie. I get that she had a lot on her plate, but she really was not a good friend to Jane and the fact that she didn't realize that was annoying.
OVERALL
This book has made me an even bigger fan of Marni Bates! I loved this story. Although there is no way that you can say that this is a real representation of high school, it still contained some valuable life lessons. So this was a pretty short review, but that was mostly because there were so many things about this book that I adored and I didn't want there to be any spoilers!!
WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YESSSS!!!
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES!!!
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: To lovers of humor! =]
WILL I RED THE NEXT BOOK: OF COURSE!
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR: YES!!!!!!
4.5 STARS
To start off this review, I just wanted to say that Marni Bates is hilarious! Her books can always put a smile on my face and I appreciate that!!! To get down to this book, I LOVED Invisible. The characters are funny, the situations are so far out of the realm of possibility, that it makes everything even more funny!
THE PREMISE
It's not easy being best friends with a celebrity. . .
I'm invisible at my high school and I'm fine with it. It's kind of inevitable with a name like Jane Smith. But when the school newspaper staff insisted that I write a cover story, I decided to find out just how much scandal one geeky girl could uncover.
Except I never expected to find myself starting a fist-fight, auditioning for the school's Romeo &Juliet musical, running away with a Romeo of my own, befriending the most popular girl in school, or trying to avoid one very cute photographer, who makes it impossible to to be invisible. . .
(Summary via Amazon)
THE PROS
1.) I loved Jane. She was quirky and fun! I loved getting to follow her story!!!
2.) Scott, the love interest, was so cute with JANE! I loved that he was a photographer!
3.) The book store and Mrs. Blake were sooooo funny! Mrs. Blake, was such a great character and I LOVED hearing about all of her adventures! ;)
4.) I loved seeing a different side to the "Notables". They were always portrayed as pure evil and getting to see them in a different light was a really nice touch! (I can't wait for the next book!!!!!)
5.) Jane was a flawed character and I really liked seeing all messed up situations she got herself into!
6.) I loved the concept for this story! It is so funny and so far out of the realm of possibility that it made it that much more of an enjoyable read!
7.) The ending was so cute and I just loved it!
8.) I LOVE Marni's style of writing! It's real and fits really well with her characters.
THE CONS
1.) I think that the summary on Goodreads gives to much away! So I'm going to suggest avoiding reading that one! The one from Amazon (Above this) is a better summary!
2.) I was not a big fan of Kenzie. I get that she had a lot on her plate, but she really was not a good friend to Jane and the fact that she didn't realize that was annoying.
OVERALL
This book has made me an even bigger fan of Marni Bates! I loved this story. Although there is no way that you can say that this is a real representation of high school, it still contained some valuable life lessons. So this was a pretty short review, but that was mostly because there were so many things about this book that I adored and I didn't want there to be any spoilers!!
WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YESSSS!!!
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES!!!
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: To lovers of humor! =]
WILL I RED THE NEXT BOOK: OF COURSE!
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR: YES!!!!!!
4.5 STARS
April 3, 2024
i am, after all, a teenage girl who refuses to pay attention in class
January 28, 2015
Invisible was pretty cute. This time we're following Mackenzie's best friend Jane. Jane is the ultimate pushover. She can't seem to say no to anybody and she certainly doesn't stand up for herself. Whenever she tries to, she just gets roped into some sticky situation that she has to navigate herself out of. The latest one is the front page story of her school's newspaper. Jane just wanted to propose an idea for a fiction section, but the staff adviser took her speaking up as wanting to write a story rather than just correcting grammar. Now, it's write an awesome story, or be stuck in Grammarville forever.
I liked Invisible, but it was way too predictable. The blurb mentions that Jane writes something that catches the attention of celebrities. Well, Jane only knows one set of celebrities, so obviously her article winds up being about the band ReadySet. And what secret is the band harboring? Tim is gay and dating Jane's best friend! Clearly that's the story that gets published (on accident) and it was just a matter of waiting for it to get out, and have Jane and Corey have a fight about it. While it was predictable, I did like how the story focused on Jane's friendships rather than the romance. Jane loves her friends, but they also treat her like she's invisible until she makes one mistake and it's the end of their friendship. I was proud of Jane for standing up to her friends, since that's usually harder to do than standing up against enemies or acquaintances.
The romance in Invisible was pretty good, too. When Jane is assigned the cover story, she's also going to need a great photograph to go with it, so Scott tags along wherever she goes. He's also working on his portfolio and decides Jane will be his subject. Of course, Jane is annoyed by all of this, so there's bickering. Then they somehow start fake dating! I love fake dating! Although there really wasn't enough page time spend on developing their real romantic feelings toward one another, since a lot of the story is mainly Jane finally standing up for herself as well as on her friendships.
In the end, I did like Invisible. It wasn't quite as cute and funny as Awkward, but it was still a fun, light read. I just wish there had been something surprising in it. I knew exactly how the story would go, and it just followed that path, so I felt like I just waiting for it to get to the happily ever after.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I liked Invisible, but it was way too predictable. The blurb mentions that Jane writes something that catches the attention of celebrities. Well, Jane only knows one set of celebrities, so obviously her article winds up being about the band ReadySet. And what secret is the band harboring? Tim is gay and dating Jane's best friend! Clearly that's the story that gets published (on accident) and it was just a matter of waiting for it to get out, and have Jane and Corey have a fight about it. While it was predictable, I did like how the story focused on Jane's friendships rather than the romance. Jane loves her friends, but they also treat her like she's invisible until she makes one mistake and it's the end of their friendship. I was proud of Jane for standing up to her friends, since that's usually harder to do than standing up against enemies or acquaintances.
The romance in Invisible was pretty good, too. When Jane is assigned the cover story, she's also going to need a great photograph to go with it, so Scott tags along wherever she goes. He's also working on his portfolio and decides Jane will be his subject. Of course, Jane is annoyed by all of this, so there's bickering. Then they somehow start fake dating! I love fake dating! Although there really wasn't enough page time spend on developing their real romantic feelings toward one another, since a lot of the story is mainly Jane finally standing up for herself as well as on her friendships.
In the end, I did like Invisible. It wasn't quite as cute and funny as Awkward, but it was still a fun, light read. I just wish there had been something surprising in it. I knew exactly how the story would go, and it just followed that path, so I felt like I just waiting for it to get to the happily ever after.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
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