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Weird Girl
Cleo St. James is everything a girl could hope to be: beautiful, rich, intelligent, and strong. But by the time she's nine years old, she's also alone--ignored by her parents and shunned by her peers. Her only friends are two grown men, and the fact that one is a gangster and the other a thief provides enough insight into the forces that shape Cleo into the weird young woman that she becomes. Hilarious accidents lead to useful skills, and as Cleo grows up (too fast), her criminal tendencies lead her closer and closer to someone from her past--perhaps the only person in the world who truly understands her. With a sailor's vocabulary, a fine set of lock picks, and a few million in the bank, Cleo always gets what she wants. But when it comes to what she needs--a real connection with someone--it pays to have someone who knows her better than she knows herself.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
12 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 25, 2014
Mae McCall's, "Weird Girl," as you can probably tell by its name, is a book that is happy NOT to fit into a mold, or a particular genre. It manages to mix humor and lightheartedness, with a deeper, and ultimately very human, need to be understood and loved. Cleo is quite an original character -- and the writing allows the reader to really join her on the winding path of her life. The author gives us the ability to see through the eyes of a girl (then, woman) who spends so much of her own time as a spectator looking into others' lives, before realizing that she is missing her own. All she wants is to find where she belongs, and her purpose in life, but on her own terms.
Cleo is odd, brilliant, fiercely loyal, foul-mouthed, crafty, and strong-willed, but also secretly sentimental and vulnerable when no one is looking. It was hard to stop reading once I started, because the author managed to create a narrative that kept me involved and invested every step along the way. You're rooting for Cleo the whole time -- through every little drama and twist, most of which are laugh-out-loud funny, and some that are just a little sad.
Another perk for me, as a reader, was that the supporting characters were well developed, with distinctive personalities and habits of their own. I sometimes feel like authors forget that they need depth, too, and this was, happily, not the case here. I can see the supporting cast in my mind clearly, with all of their little ticks and traits. I don't mean necessarily that there are pages and pages of character description, but rather McCall knows how to translate her vision with precision, choosing her words wisely.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I felt such a kinship with the characters during and after reading it. Cleo feels like an old friend -- and I think, even weeks and months from now, I may stop and think, "I wonder what she's up to? Making mischief somewhere, I'm sure."
Cleo is odd, brilliant, fiercely loyal, foul-mouthed, crafty, and strong-willed, but also secretly sentimental and vulnerable when no one is looking. It was hard to stop reading once I started, because the author managed to create a narrative that kept me involved and invested every step along the way. You're rooting for Cleo the whole time -- through every little drama and twist, most of which are laugh-out-loud funny, and some that are just a little sad.
Another perk for me, as a reader, was that the supporting characters were well developed, with distinctive personalities and habits of their own. I sometimes feel like authors forget that they need depth, too, and this was, happily, not the case here. I can see the supporting cast in my mind clearly, with all of their little ticks and traits. I don't mean necessarily that there are pages and pages of character description, but rather McCall knows how to translate her vision with precision, choosing her words wisely.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I felt such a kinship with the characters during and after reading it. Cleo feels like an old friend -- and I think, even weeks and months from now, I may stop and think, "I wonder what she's up to? Making mischief somewhere, I'm sure."
February 10, 2016
This book was definitely not what I was expecting. The synopsis describes a story following Cleo, who is “beautiful, rich, intelligent, and strong…with a sailor’s vocabulary, a fine set of lock picks, and a few million in the bank, Cleo always gets what she wants”. TBH, I think I read this book because it was recommended. If it was just based on the synopsis, I probably would have passed. However, this book is much more interesting and has more depth than what could have imagined.
Cleo grew up with neglectful parents, simply because they are in their own intellectual world and forget that they have a child. Instead of protecting her by picking her up when she falls, they try protect her by teaching her observational methods so that she’ll observe something before she has a chance to trip over it. In a way, while they neglect her, they teach her to neglect the world around her by being focused on observing rather than participating — everything becomes a social experiment. Her childhood leads up to her being too intelligent, without any social/interpersonal awareness, making her “weird”.
The weirdness is not only her – A lot of this book is weird (get it? right?)- she finds herself in nonsensical situations and reacts to it in pretty strange ways but I think that’s what makes it fun. Yet, her reactions are exactly what you expect from her. Put a curious, too-intelligent girl in strange situations and see her come out on top.
You also see this deep seated need to connect to someone. Where her parents had each other, Cleo had no one. So it’s no surprise when she makes connections with totally inappropriate people, and also hunts down a person from her past who she does have a connection to.
Half of the book takes place while Cleo is still in high school. However, although it’s set in a high school and she’s young, the character is so mature and the situations she faces are a little older so you’re not reading “OMG! He’s soooo cute!! :P ;)”.
I thought it would be creepy when the reader is introduced to Jackson, while he’s a grown adult and she’s 10, and you realize, oh dear, they’re going to get together. Even more irksome is that he knows how intelligent she is and uses her as a pawn in his game – he grows fond of her (not in a creepy way) but almost a “I feel bad I’m using you so I’ll be nice and friendly so I don’t feel as bad” while you ultimately wonder if he views her as just a tool for his ultimate goal. This sort of attitude toward her made me feel a lot less creepy about the situation. So he disappears when he finally achieves his goal (thanks to her) and doesn’t reappear until she’s an adult and it’s because she’s looking for him. The romance doesn’t factor in until much much later in the story (because, um, age) and even then, when it starts creeping in and things begin changing – I still felt like he was hesitating and thought “Oh boy, just give in”.
I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Not much romance until really the last 10% of the story – but I loved this heroine and her quirks. I kept thinking, this author must have a degree in psychology. Then her next book is about a psychologist -- feeling validated!
On a side note: What got me chuckling was that Mae McCall (author) introduced a high school nemesis named Mae. Wonder what was going through the author’s mind there.
Cleo grew up with neglectful parents, simply because they are in their own intellectual world and forget that they have a child. Instead of protecting her by picking her up when she falls, they try protect her by teaching her observational methods so that she’ll observe something before she has a chance to trip over it. In a way, while they neglect her, they teach her to neglect the world around her by being focused on observing rather than participating — everything becomes a social experiment. Her childhood leads up to her being too intelligent, without any social/interpersonal awareness, making her “weird”.
The weirdness is not only her – A lot of this book is weird (get it? right?)- she finds herself in nonsensical situations and reacts to it in pretty strange ways but I think that’s what makes it fun. Yet, her reactions are exactly what you expect from her. Put a curious, too-intelligent girl in strange situations and see her come out on top.
You also see this deep seated need to connect to someone. Where her parents had each other, Cleo had no one. So it’s no surprise when she makes connections with totally inappropriate people, and also hunts down a person from her past who she does have a connection to.
Half of the book takes place while Cleo is still in high school. However, although it’s set in a high school and she’s young, the character is so mature and the situations she faces are a little older so you’re not reading “OMG! He’s soooo cute!! :P ;)”.
I thought it would be creepy when the reader is introduced to Jackson, while he’s a grown adult and she’s 10, and you realize, oh dear, they’re going to get together. Even more irksome is that he knows how intelligent she is and uses her as a pawn in his game – he grows fond of her (not in a creepy way) but almost a “I feel bad I’m using you so I’ll be nice and friendly so I don’t feel as bad” while you ultimately wonder if he views her as just a tool for his ultimate goal. This sort of attitude toward her made me feel a lot less creepy about the situation. So he disappears when he finally achieves his goal (thanks to her) and doesn’t reappear until she’s an adult and it’s because she’s looking for him. The romance doesn’t factor in until much much later in the story (because, um, age) and even then, when it starts creeping in and things begin changing – I still felt like he was hesitating and thought “Oh boy, just give in”.
I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Not much romance until really the last 10% of the story – but I loved this heroine and her quirks. I kept thinking, this author must have a degree in psychology. Then her next book is about a psychologist -- feeling validated!
On a side note: What got me chuckling was that Mae McCall (author) introduced a high school nemesis named Mae. Wonder what was going through the author’s mind there.
November 27, 2014
Delightfully quirky. Fresh. A nice detour from my usual.
If it wasn't so late I'd write a longer review... but that will have to wait till we moved past the holiday.
If it wasn't so late I'd write a longer review... but that will have to wait till we moved past the holiday.
August 3, 2019
My oh my this was such a wonderful story and certainly one of the most unique I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time. From the beginning I was hooked into the humorous illustration of a weird young girl who had the type of brilliance that most couldn't understand with no filter which made her a social pariah, yet this suited her just fine. I loved how capable she is of handling just about every situation she falls into despite not even being a decade old.
Her relationship with Jackson was endearing to witness, both as a child and as an adult. The transition in the type of relationship they have from her childhood to her adulthood is believable in that it didn't seem like an abrupt shift in feelings like so many often seem in these similar instances. Many authors tend to place a heavy awkwardness in these instances where there's such a huge age difference, especially if the hero and heroine are acquainted since childhood, but McCall does such a wonderful job of making it seem like a natural transition.
Her relationship with Jackson was endearing to witness, both as a child and as an adult. The transition in the type of relationship they have from her childhood to her adulthood is believable in that it didn't seem like an abrupt shift in feelings like so many often seem in these similar instances. Many authors tend to place a heavy awkwardness in these instances where there's such a huge age difference, especially if the hero and heroine are acquainted since childhood, but McCall does such a wonderful job of making it seem like a natural transition.
December 8, 2014
So this was an interesting story. I really, liked the h she was a great character, she is different and quirky but that's what I loved about her. This book was a bit different from the books that I usually read, but it was well done. The author does a good job pulling you into the story to find out more about Cleo the h. I would say the romance takes a bit of a back seat but it well worth reading. The end was a bit rushed but otherwise a great book.
March 5, 2015
Probably one of my favorite books ever. Manages to deal with heavy subjects like death and loneliness, but with such comical lightness that it never takes itself too seriously (and you shouldn't, either). The main characters are delightful, and clearly meant for each other. Vicarious living at its best (I seriously want to buy lock picks now)!
May 17, 2016
10 stars!!!!
This book was just amazing! It's not what you're expecting. It's better. Just read it. You won't be disappointed, I promise
This book was just amazing! It's not what you're expecting. It's better. Just read it. You won't be disappointed, I promise
October 31, 2017
This was such a surprising book. Throughout the book I kept asking myself what kind of book I was reading. It starts with the feel of a fairy tale. Cleo doesn’t get to talk to people that much, so there is a lot of narration, and a bit of jumping around in perspectives. It starts when she's a child, and she's so neglected and left to her imagination, it reinforced the fairy tale/fantasy Harry Potter/neglected hero storyline. But she is so smart -- she isn't a hero who bimbles into a destiny -- she simply doesn't have the socialization similar to anyone and doesn't like being bored.
This was so much fun to read because Cleo is so unique & “weird” there isn’t really a way to predict what will happen next, or how she will react.
I’m so glad I stumbled across this book, and look forward to reading more by stories by McCall in the hopes of finding something completely different and a little bizarre.
This was so much fun to read because Cleo is so unique & “weird” there isn’t really a way to predict what will happen next, or how she will react.
I’m so glad I stumbled across this book, and look forward to reading more by stories by McCall in the hopes of finding something completely different and a little bizarre.
January 8, 2020
I usually don't write many reviews......but man oh man! It feels like I just got off a roller coaster after riding it for hours on end. I don't even know how to describe this book besides, entertaining and definitely NOT BORING! The title is exactly what you get! Cleo is definitely weird and so is everyone around her! But it was a super easy read and so much fun, although I'm still not too sure what it is that I read. I will definitely look into more of her books. Great read!
December 23, 2019
Just a thought
This book was different from anything ive ever read really. It wasnt hardcore criminal activity. It was humorous, fun, playful and very weird. I had a fun time reading it, although it was clear the characters of this book wouldnt fit into what people may call normal society. They created a world of their own.
This book was different from anything ive ever read really. It wasnt hardcore criminal activity. It was humorous, fun, playful and very weird. I had a fun time reading it, although it was clear the characters of this book wouldnt fit into what people may call normal society. They created a world of their own.
December 2, 2017
Among my favorite books read this year
January 31, 2018
I loved this book.
So refreshing, so weird, so good.
So refreshing, so weird, so good.
June 3, 2015
I loved the first half (and a bit) of the book featuring Cleo when she was a kid.
Positives:
1. Intelligent, funny, no-nonsense, nerdy, UNIQUE, indifferent to societal norms, brave & courageous heroine.
2. She isn't some Poor Little Broken/Sad girl whose Ambition in Life is to Marry a Pyscho Billionaire
3. Most of the characters are well developed and interesting.
4. I loved Cleo's adventures (the comeuppance against her nemesis and enemies was hilarious).
-------------------------------
Negatives:
1. Cleo doesn't do anything INTERESTING with her life. She's super intelligent, has loads of cash - she could really help people, or have done something. I began to find her activities a tad dull, particularly the whole stealing and stuff.
Once Cleo finishes school her character isn't as interesting. She isn't into learning as much (other than how to break into homes). It's like she Parked Her Brain & Inquisitive Mind at The Alter of Romance.
2. Cleo turns into a typical teenager at one point by hate-crashing a random school at break-time, sitting with the popular kids during their lunch break, having casual $ex with A Popular Guy. I don't get how she managed to Suspend her Weirdness just so that she could have $ex? It doesn't sound plausible to her character.
I get why the author wanted to ensure Cleo has her first few $exual encounters with boys her own age (to avoid the romance being considered exploitive) but it was executed in such a way that it altered her character
3. Way too many plot-holes and way too far-fetched, e.g. how did the Headmistress have so much info and evidence against certain characters when she only befriended those characters AFTER THEIR incarnation into her school?? Loads more but I can't give away the plot, much of which (including Jackson's story) makes no sense.
4. Cleo $lut-shames girls but then goes about having casual $ex with random men - and that's different because...?
5. Why did Santo kidnap her and start taking off his clothes?? Was he a paedo? She doesn't explain.
6. Jackson's character and story wasn't well developed. He's way too much of a Tall, Dark, Handsome Player cliché (who has women swooning at his feet - of course). But other than that - he instantly finds Cleo interesting, but it's not a gradual development, and it isn't explained.
7. There was something odd about the romance - I liked that there was NO insta-lust but I also don't think it was executed well - it just lacked a certain oomph.
------------------------------------
Overall a highly enjoyable read.
Positives:
1. Intelligent, funny, no-nonsense, nerdy, UNIQUE, indifferent to societal norms, brave & courageous heroine.
2. She isn't some Poor Little Broken/Sad girl whose Ambition in Life is to Marry a Pyscho Billionaire
3. Most of the characters are well developed and interesting.
4. I loved Cleo's adventures (the comeuppance against her nemesis and enemies was hilarious).
-------------------------------
Negatives:
1. Cleo doesn't do anything INTERESTING with her life. She's super intelligent, has loads of cash - she could really help people, or have done something. I began to find her activities a tad dull, particularly the whole stealing and stuff.
Once Cleo finishes school her character isn't as interesting. She isn't into learning as much (other than how to break into homes). It's like she Parked Her Brain & Inquisitive Mind at The Alter of Romance.
2. Cleo turns into a typical teenager at one point by hate-crashing a random school at break-time, sitting with the popular kids during their lunch break, having casual $ex with A Popular Guy. I don't get how she managed to Suspend her Weirdness just so that she could have $ex? It doesn't sound plausible to her character.
I get why the author wanted to ensure Cleo has her first few $exual encounters with boys her own age (to avoid the romance being considered exploitive) but it was executed in such a way that it altered her character
3. Way too many plot-holes and way too far-fetched, e.g. how did the Headmistress have so much info and evidence against certain characters when she only befriended those characters AFTER THEIR incarnation into her school?? Loads more but I can't give away the plot, much of which (including Jackson's story) makes no sense.
4. Cleo $lut-shames girls but then goes about having casual $ex with random men - and that's different because...?
5. Why did Santo kidnap her and start taking off his clothes?? Was he a paedo? She doesn't explain.
6. Jackson's character and story wasn't well developed. He's way too much of a Tall, Dark, Handsome Player cliché (who has women swooning at his feet - of course). But other than that - he instantly finds Cleo interesting, but it's not a gradual development, and it isn't explained.
7. There was something odd about the romance - I liked that there was NO insta-lust but I also don't think it was executed well - it just lacked a certain oomph.
------------------------------------
Overall a highly enjoyable read.
September 12, 2021
Second read & review - Sept 12, 2021- 5🌟
I enjoyed this as much as I did the first time around and that surprised me because my last consecutive reads were duds some of which were rereads of books I'd previously loved and gushed insufferably & incessantly over/about. I was starting to wonder if maybe I was the problem (which we shouldn't rule out as the issue here, tbh), but anyway this was just what I needed. A nostalgic jumpstart of sorts with xters I enjoyed and an engaging uncustomary premise.
First read & review: Jan 28, 2018 - 5🌟
Abso-fucking-lutely LOVED this one. Cleo was a hell of an intriguing and fascinating character, if QUITE the oddball and incredibly eccentric. The interpersonal reactions were hilarious, the personal ruminations were also pretty fucking hilarious. I immensely enjoyed the unconventional premise and hodgepodge of weird characters, as well as the story's progression. I was determined not to be away from my Kindle for long so that I could take it all in, and luckily I was rid of my obligations for the day before diving in. If you're thinking about reading it, JUST DO ITT!
I enjoyed this as much as I did the first time around and that surprised me because my last consecutive reads were duds some of which were rereads of books I'd previously loved and gushed insufferably & incessantly over/about. I was starting to wonder if maybe I was the problem (which we shouldn't rule out as the issue here, tbh), but anyway this was just what I needed. A nostalgic jumpstart of sorts with xters I enjoyed and an engaging uncustomary premise.
First read & review: Jan 28, 2018 - 5🌟
Abso-fucking-lutely LOVED this one. Cleo was a hell of an intriguing and fascinating character, if QUITE the oddball and incredibly eccentric. The interpersonal reactions were hilarious, the personal ruminations were also pretty fucking hilarious. I immensely enjoyed the unconventional premise and hodgepodge of weird characters, as well as the story's progression. I was determined not to be away from my Kindle for long so that I could take it all in, and luckily I was rid of my obligations for the day before diving in. If you're thinking about reading it, JUST DO ITT!
January 7, 2015
Weird in a good way
Quite an adventurous romp with a plucky, conniving little princess who is not always likable, but always entertaining. Cleo goes from nerdy underdog to temptress smoothly and with grace. Yet, it's her genius that holds the biggest appeal. It makes for an exciting page turner. I highly recommend it.
Quite an adventurous romp with a plucky, conniving little princess who is not always likable, but always entertaining. Cleo goes from nerdy underdog to temptress smoothly and with grace. Yet, it's her genius that holds the biggest appeal. It makes for an exciting page turner. I highly recommend it.
December 30, 2014
Weird is the new black
Great read; a page-turner. Made me laugh out loud at times and also feel as awkward as some of the situations were. No heavy themes, just honest entertainment!
Great read; a page-turner. Made me laugh out loud at times and also feel as awkward as some of the situations were. No heavy themes, just honest entertainment!
November 27, 2014
Such a fun read! And, I have to admit that I have a MAJOR crush on Jackson....
March 5, 2015
loved it!!!
September 5, 2015
Outstanding
May 18, 2020
Re-read May 2020
3.5 stars
This book was so different from what I expected from the synopsis. It is much more interesting than I imagined - making it an exciting page turner.
3.5 stars
This book was so different from what I expected from the synopsis. It is much more interesting than I imagined - making it an exciting page turner.
November 30, 2014
2.5 stars...
June 22, 2015
Wonderful, quirky fantastic read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews