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Boywatching
The annual joint school dance (aka the Snog Fest) is looming, and Chloe and her three best friends are determined not to repeat last year's disaster, which led to Year 9's top Mean Girl, Maggie, humiliating them online as a pack of sad losers. First they need to figure out just what's going with the utterly incomprehensible yet strangely attractive St Thomas's boys - and so the science of BoyWatching is born...
- GenresYoung Adult
384 pages, ebook
First published June 4, 2015
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65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 5, 2015
Book Review: Boywatching by Chloe Bennet Chloe Bennet’s Boywatching is a charming, touching and often hilarious young adult story about the friendship of four teenage girls and their boy watching project. The highly entertaining characters and conversational style storytelling had me engaged from start to finish. The novel is narrated by the protagonist, Chloe Bennet, an intelligent, witty and sarcastic teenager who loves literature, especially Jane Austen. She has three best friends, Amy, Gemma, and Sally and the four of them create a boy watching spreadsheet and award points based on predetermined positive and negative attributes of the boys they meet. The concept began after the girls had a frustrating and disappointing experience at their annual school dance, or as the students call it, Snog Fest.The girls aren’t all about boy watching. They have their own band called Overgrown Throttle and the Tempted Obscurity, OTTO, and they have typical teenage problems. They have annoying siblings and they obsess over their hair, makeup and wardrobe. This novel is more than a story about boy watching. It also weaves in layers about dysfunctional families, alcoholism and bullying. They have broken families; Chloe hates her stepfather, Gemma hasn’t seen her mother in eight years and Sally’s mother is an alcoholic. The four girls are victims of cyber bullying when their classmate Maggie posted seven candid photos on a Facebook page called Snog Fest – the Losers. Maggie is constantly humiliating Chloe, which causes her anxiety at the thought of bumping into her. Chloe Bennet blends social issues with humorous moments in a delightfully balanced fashion. It was refreshing to not feel overwhelmed by potentially poignant scenes that some writers use to create sensationalism. I felt the pain and anxiety whenever Chloe had to reluctantly deal with her brother or had to confront her bully and whenever Sally’s mother’s alcoholism made her absent in Sally’s day-to-day life. Those moments weren’t so anxiety provoking that it was unbearable to read, but the reader still sensed the affects it had on Chloe and Sally.There were many laugh out loud moments throughout the novel. Some of the incidences were hilarious, not just because of Chloe’s comments or actions, but because it reminded me of similar teenage moments of my own. One day at the park, Chloe slid in a huge pile of dog poop just as a cute boy was approaching. On another day, she tried to dye her hair herself only to endure school with orange hair. I felt devastated as a teen whenever I suffered through similar embarrassing situations, but now reading it as adult, I found it hysterical. If Chloe wasn’t doing something funny, she was saying something funny. She’s the queen of clichés and took pride in the fact that she can use three clichés in the same sentence. She commented that one of her friends was on cloud nine and she immediately started to wonder what was wrong with clouds one through eight. The novel is full of Chloe’s funny observations and opinions. Although I found the novel entertaining, there were writing issues that prevented me from rating this novel higher than three stars. There were times when I wasn’t sure of the girls’ ages because sometimes they sounded younger than high school teenagers. Pacing was an issue since time advanced too quickly during certain sections and too slowly at others. There were moments when it felt like a couple of weeks or months had passed, but it was actually an entire school year. The ending was unrealistic and too easily resolved, which left me feeling a little disappointed because I thought it was a cop-out. I’d recommend this book to YA fans who want an entertaining, light, humorous read without any complexity. Jenny's Book Bag Boywatching review.
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April 10, 2015I was reading an e-galley and in the end the poor ebook formatting got to me - for some reason any word with "fi" or "fl" was missing those two vital letters! Plus I just couldn't get properly into it. There were some gems in the narration (the one about idiots who can't spell: Know your enemy... or rather, no you're enemy. Hah!) but personally it just wasn't my cup of tea - I do enjoy books for all ages but every so often I'll stumble across one that reads a bit too young and I'm unprepared - I requested this as it was marketed as YA, but the main characters were only 13 or 14. Had it been a paperback I was reading, without the errors in typing, I probably would have skimmed through to the end, but I have a much shorter attention span when it comes to ebooks and since I couldn't really flick forward, I sadly had to put this aside. So many books, so little time!
If I see it in the library I will borrow it, but for now it's off the reading list.
If I see it in the library I will borrow it, but for now it's off the reading list.
April 5, 2015
It’s a universally acknowledged fact that your teenage years are hard. HARD. H.A.R.D. Hard. They’re the years you spend obsessing over that boy in your chemistry class who isn’t aware of your existence. They’re the years of laughter, of tears, of sun-filled days, of being able to scream at your parents and not feel too bad about it, of losing friends and discovering new ones, of looking at the beautiful people and imagining what life would be like if you became one of them.
But most of all, your teenage years are an incredible period in your life when you start that journey towards figuring out who you are. They’re the start of a long, twisted, often senseless path which is frustrating and annoying and horrible but is the only time in your life when you can get away with things you'll never be able to get away with again.
This book reminded me of what it’s like to be at that age again. It reminded me of what it’s like to be at a stage in your life when friends are everything and your parents understand nothing and boys are a problem you just can’t work out.
We’re introduced to 14 year old Chloe, avid lover of literature, Jane Austen and a particular boy called Mark. Following a particularly unpleasant encounter with boys from the neighbouring school at an event called the Snog Fest, with the help of her three best friends, Gemma, Sally and Amy, she begins an experiment called ‘Boy Watching.’ This experiment consist of Chloe and her friends awarding points to every boy they come across based on the boy’s availability, danceability, bum, hair, hips, humour and intelligence, to name a few.
Being inside Chloe’s head took me on a hilarious and fascinating journey. We see her try to figure out how to make sense of the world she lives in, how to deal with bullies and how to deal with friendship dramas. These are relatable concepts and Ms Bennet does an excellent job of portraying them.
Having said that, I did have some issues with the book. First things first: the length. This book way just waaaaaaayyy too long. By the time I’d read 70% of the book my attention had begun to fade and I was yawning incessantly. I also felt that the ending was rushed, leaving us at a cliffhanger which supposedly picks up and continues on to the next book. Now, I have no problem with cliffhangers. I do have a problem with books which build and build and build to a climax which is dealt with very quickly. It’s almost like seeing the most incredible chocolate cookie and then finding that you’ve snaffled it all in one bite.
I should mention here: Chloe isn’t perfect; she’s stubborn, she can be arrogant and jealous and she thinks that the world revolves around her.
But those are the things which make the book so great; she’s HUMAN. How many of us haven’t been jealous of our friends’ accomplishments even while we say congratulations and act happy for them? How many of us haven’t thought ourselves superior to everyone else? Chloe’s introspectiveness and her insightful musings into male/female behaviour make her a delight to read. And, yes, there were some times when I rolled my eyes and wanted to thump her around the head for being so self-centered but those were also the things I also wanted to congratulate Ms Bennet for. She’s created a spunky, confident, sometimes frustrating heroine who reminded me of the agonies of being 14 years old and wanting things and not being able to have them – and for that, I say congratulations.
But most of all, your teenage years are an incredible period in your life when you start that journey towards figuring out who you are. They’re the start of a long, twisted, often senseless path which is frustrating and annoying and horrible but is the only time in your life when you can get away with things you'll never be able to get away with again.
This book reminded me of what it’s like to be at that age again. It reminded me of what it’s like to be at a stage in your life when friends are everything and your parents understand nothing and boys are a problem you just can’t work out.
We’re introduced to 14 year old Chloe, avid lover of literature, Jane Austen and a particular boy called Mark. Following a particularly unpleasant encounter with boys from the neighbouring school at an event called the Snog Fest, with the help of her three best friends, Gemma, Sally and Amy, she begins an experiment called ‘Boy Watching.’ This experiment consist of Chloe and her friends awarding points to every boy they come across based on the boy’s availability, danceability, bum, hair, hips, humour and intelligence, to name a few.
Being inside Chloe’s head took me on a hilarious and fascinating journey. We see her try to figure out how to make sense of the world she lives in, how to deal with bullies and how to deal with friendship dramas. These are relatable concepts and Ms Bennet does an excellent job of portraying them.
Having said that, I did have some issues with the book. First things first: the length. This book way just waaaaaaayyy too long. By the time I’d read 70% of the book my attention had begun to fade and I was yawning incessantly. I also felt that the ending was rushed, leaving us at a cliffhanger which supposedly picks up and continues on to the next book. Now, I have no problem with cliffhangers. I do have a problem with books which build and build and build to a climax which is dealt with very quickly. It’s almost like seeing the most incredible chocolate cookie and then finding that you’ve snaffled it all in one bite.
I should mention here: Chloe isn’t perfect; she’s stubborn, she can be arrogant and jealous and she thinks that the world revolves around her.
But those are the things which make the book so great; she’s HUMAN. How many of us haven’t been jealous of our friends’ accomplishments even while we say congratulations and act happy for them? How many of us haven’t thought ourselves superior to everyone else? Chloe’s introspectiveness and her insightful musings into male/female behaviour make her a delight to read. And, yes, there were some times when I rolled my eyes and wanted to thump her around the head for being so self-centered but those were also the things I also wanted to congratulate Ms Bennet for. She’s created a spunky, confident, sometimes frustrating heroine who reminded me of the agonies of being 14 years old and wanting things and not being able to have them – and for that, I say congratulations.
April 22, 2015
14- year-old Chloe Bennet and her three friends are by no means popular girls. When the annual joint school dance turns out to be a huge disaster for the four of them, they decide that the next dance has to be perfect. No more online humiliation or boys making them feel worthless. In order to achieve their goal, they first have to figure out the very attractive yet totally incomprehensible St Thomas’ boys. And so the science of Boywatching is born!
After reading the first couple of pages I already liked Chloe. She’s a sassy, funny 14-year-old who’s also extremely clumsy and therefore has a lot of bad luck. From page 1 she knows what she wants and is determined to get it (or rather him) even though she has no clue how to go about that. Her friends are equally quirky. They have also set their sights on a boy and together with Chloe they try their hardest to get noticed by them. This results in a lot of awkward, hilarious and sometimes exciting situations.
I also loved the science of Boywatching. It consists of Chloe and her friends awarding points to every boy they come across based on his availability, niceness, fitness, intelligence, kindness, humour etc. This, of course, makes every encounter with every boy that bit more awkward and that much more funny.
The only issue I had with this book was that it was maybe a bit too long for my liking. There was a point at which I grew a little bit tired of reading about how boring school life is and I was ready for it to be over. Luckily, the pace picked up again and before I knew it I had finished the story. I won’t spoil the ending, but I think it is a good one.
All in all I very much enjoyed Boywatching. The story is written from Chloe Bennet’s point of view, and because of her sassy attitude this is a very fun read. Bonus: a sequel is on its way!
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After reading the first couple of pages I already liked Chloe. She’s a sassy, funny 14-year-old who’s also extremely clumsy and therefore has a lot of bad luck. From page 1 she knows what she wants and is determined to get it (or rather him) even though she has no clue how to go about that. Her friends are equally quirky. They have also set their sights on a boy and together with Chloe they try their hardest to get noticed by them. This results in a lot of awkward, hilarious and sometimes exciting situations.
I also loved the science of Boywatching. It consists of Chloe and her friends awarding points to every boy they come across based on his availability, niceness, fitness, intelligence, kindness, humour etc. This, of course, makes every encounter with every boy that bit more awkward and that much more funny.
The only issue I had with this book was that it was maybe a bit too long for my liking. There was a point at which I grew a little bit tired of reading about how boring school life is and I was ready for it to be over. Luckily, the pace picked up again and before I knew it I had finished the story. I won’t spoil the ending, but I think it is a good one.
All in all I very much enjoyed Boywatching. The story is written from Chloe Bennet’s point of view, and because of her sassy attitude this is a very fun read. Bonus: a sequel is on its way!
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2015
Our review originally posted at http://www.literaryweek.com
Boywatching is the debut novel from Chloe Bennet (though Chloe Bennet is secretly the pen name for established publisher and editor Val Hudson!) and is a perfectly good teen read. The book centres on Chloe, who is 14 years old, and her group of friends as they experience those oh so tough teenage years! The storyline is typical of books in this genre, but has some issues. The storyline at times feels dragged out, and a little jerky, and we wonder if the plot could be streamlined to be slightly more concise. There is a feeling as you heard towards the end of the book that it could well have done with being over about fifty pages before it actually is. Probably the biggest selling point of BoyWatching is Chloe herself (we wonder how much the character is based on the authors teenage self!) who has an attitude to boys that many teenage girls will be able to relate too. Chloe is well established early on in the book, and the reader is almost immediately drawn towards her. The story is told from her perspective, and from her point of view, something that works well. The supporting characters are good, but could do with a little more personality in places, often living up to stereotypes you might associate with the teen drama. Overall, BoyWatching is a fun read that will please most teenage girls. Will it be a bestseller and win hundreds of awards, no, but it isn’t trying to be that – we give it three stars.
We received a free copy of this book for review.
Boywatching is the debut novel from Chloe Bennet (though Chloe Bennet is secretly the pen name for established publisher and editor Val Hudson!) and is a perfectly good teen read. The book centres on Chloe, who is 14 years old, and her group of friends as they experience those oh so tough teenage years! The storyline is typical of books in this genre, but has some issues. The storyline at times feels dragged out, and a little jerky, and we wonder if the plot could be streamlined to be slightly more concise. There is a feeling as you heard towards the end of the book that it could well have done with being over about fifty pages before it actually is. Probably the biggest selling point of BoyWatching is Chloe herself (we wonder how much the character is based on the authors teenage self!) who has an attitude to boys that many teenage girls will be able to relate too. Chloe is well established early on in the book, and the reader is almost immediately drawn towards her. The story is told from her perspective, and from her point of view, something that works well. The supporting characters are good, but could do with a little more personality in places, often living up to stereotypes you might associate with the teen drama. Overall, BoyWatching is a fun read that will please most teenage girls. Will it be a bestseller and win hundreds of awards, no, but it isn’t trying to be that – we give it three stars.
We received a free copy of this book for review.
August 11, 2015
Boywatching is a kind of light-hearted escape read, it’s entertaining and had some laugh aloud moments (like what not to order in a café) – in short it’s fun.
But it’s not a short book. And therein lies my problem, yes I enjoyed Boywatching but I think I would have probably enjoyed it more if it didn’t feel so long. It’s nearly 400 pages and if I’m brutal I don’t think it needs to be, because not that much happens in the story. This book is about the day to day existence of Chloe and her friends, their boywatching experiment. It’s fine. I was happy to read about their exploits but maybe not for quite so many pages.
If you connect with Chloe and her narration I think you’ll probably be less fussed about the length of the book and just enjoy yourself. As protagonists go I didn’t mind her but she wasn’t my favourite character in the book. I still would recommend Boywatching because I did enjoy it, it just drags (in my opinion) towards the middle but the end is nice.
There is a sequel but I’m waiting on finding out the page count before I decide if I want to read it.
But it’s not a short book. And therein lies my problem, yes I enjoyed Boywatching but I think I would have probably enjoyed it more if it didn’t feel so long. It’s nearly 400 pages and if I’m brutal I don’t think it needs to be, because not that much happens in the story. This book is about the day to day existence of Chloe and her friends, their boywatching experiment. It’s fine. I was happy to read about their exploits but maybe not for quite so many pages.
If you connect with Chloe and her narration I think you’ll probably be less fussed about the length of the book and just enjoy yourself. As protagonists go I didn’t mind her but she wasn’t my favourite character in the book. I still would recommend Boywatching because I did enjoy it, it just drags (in my opinion) towards the middle but the end is nice.
There is a sequel but I’m waiting on finding out the page count before I decide if I want to read it.
June 29, 2015
Rated 3.5 stars.
I can identify myself a lot with this book. I understand how hard teenager years can be, and how difficult it is to make a choice that can, and will most likely affect us for the rest of our lives. Teen years are filled with joy, and sadness. Anger and understading. Love and hate. But at the end of the day we all go through it. It would be great if life was like a book, that’s why the end dissapointed me. It was completly expected and a tiny bit cliché, it could have been a greater piece of writing,if it would have had a more realistic ending. I loved Chloe from the very begining, she’s alot like me, I loved her character’s personality. She is a determined young woman who knows what she wants and is willing to get it, even if the whole world is against her, and even if she has the worst luck. However I did find this book inspiring, and enjoyed the plot of the story. I do recommend this book, so go buy it, it’s worth Reading!
I can identify myself a lot with this book. I understand how hard teenager years can be, and how difficult it is to make a choice that can, and will most likely affect us for the rest of our lives. Teen years are filled with joy, and sadness. Anger and understading. Love and hate. But at the end of the day we all go through it. It would be great if life was like a book, that’s why the end dissapointed me. It was completly expected and a tiny bit cliché, it could have been a greater piece of writing,if it would have had a more realistic ending. I loved Chloe from the very begining, she’s alot like me, I loved her character’s personality. She is a determined young woman who knows what she wants and is willing to get it, even if the whole world is against her, and even if she has the worst luck. However I did find this book inspiring, and enjoyed the plot of the story. I do recommend this book, so go buy it, it’s worth Reading!
May 10, 2015
Thanks NetGalley!
This book is modern day Pride and Prejudice meets Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging.
The main character was my age and I found her situation super relatable and humorous. She's growing up and really wants a hot date to a dance. So, she and her friends make this excel chart thing. Kawaii
I thought that it was really cute how Chloe and her friends have this band. Each of these friends are completely different, yet they somehow remain friends. They all have different tastes in "men" and it's really funny.
I love the UK setting. But, that means there will be lingo that I don't understand. THERE WAS SO MUCH LINGO! There was also typos...
This book is modern day Pride and Prejudice meets Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging.
The main character was my age and I found her situation super relatable and humorous. She's growing up and really wants a hot date to a dance. So, she and her friends make this excel chart thing. Kawaii
I thought that it was really cute how Chloe and her friends have this band. Each of these friends are completely different, yet they somehow remain friends. They all have different tastes in "men" and it's really funny.
I love the UK setting. But, that means there will be lingo that I don't understand. THERE WAS SO MUCH LINGO! There was also typos...
Bloddy hell!I swear, that's what the author wrote
June 8, 2015
Boy Watching has an interesting summary and plot and I was really curious about the book and the story. It disapointed a bit. It wasn't bad and okay, but i don't know. I've missed things in the book and it was a bit childish. I'm not really an YA. Maybe YA's like it better.
Not that the book was bad. I like the end, but it was a bit cliché and expected. Some of the chapters are a bit boring or weird. Or maybe Chloe was a bit weird.
I like Chloe as a main character, she was nice and sweet.
Not that the book was bad. I like the end, but it was a bit cliché and expected. Some of the chapters are a bit boring or weird. Or maybe Chloe was a bit weird.
I like Chloe as a main character, she was nice and sweet.
June 2, 2018
I picked up this book because the bright cover caught my eye, but i don’t think i was ready for what it was about.
Chloe Bennet and her friends, who are obsessed with boys, take boy watching very seriously, and i honestly don’t think that i have related to anything more. From the language used to the scenarios throughout, i was instantly reminded of year 7 when all us girls cared about was being in a relationship. It was funny and really quite accurate. i throughly enjoyed it and i would definitely read it again as well as the rest of the books in the series.
Chloe Bennet and her friends, who are obsessed with boys, take boy watching very seriously, and i honestly don’t think that i have related to anything more. From the language used to the scenarios throughout, i was instantly reminded of year 7 when all us girls cared about was being in a relationship. It was funny and really quite accurate. i throughly enjoyed it and i would definitely read it again as well as the rest of the books in the series.
July 15, 2018
I went in with high expectations. It wasn’t terrible , but it was just a bit disappointing. Next to nothing happened , and the author could have told the almost exact same story with at least 50 pages less. I really didn’t think it needed as many pages as it did as it made the story drone on and feel like it was never- ending , yet the ending seemed to cut off really quickly! However - it wasn’t all bad and the characters were very relatable.
April 9, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
I genuinely enjoyed it when I was in high school, so I'm kind of biased as I'm writing this review.
The book caters towards those who wants a light-hearted read, enjoys reading mc getting into awkward situations, and can relate-somewhat-to being a geek/socially awkward person. I thought the book was fun, had a good time re-reading it too.
I genuinely enjoyed it when I was in high school, so I'm kind of biased as I'm writing this review.
The book caters towards those who wants a light-hearted read, enjoys reading mc getting into awkward situations, and can relate-somewhat-to being a geek/socially awkward person. I thought the book was fun, had a good time re-reading it too.
November 25, 2018
This book started of with really good potential but I soon tired of the amount of times Chloe said “I think that’s what I mean” or other phrases along those lines. But I did enjoy the plot and overall story. I also like the ending, very sweet.
November 21, 2023
this book was gifted to me by someone. it wouldn't be something that i picked up but i enjoyed it in a weird wayy. it was a nice break from what i normally read but it wouldn't be the first thing i would recommend thoughh
July 23, 2018
Boywatching is aimed at about 12 year old girls, and although it was funny, there wasn't much depth involved. I enjoyed reading it for the laugh, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone our age.
Read
May 31, 2020DNF.
July 16, 2021
Really enjoyed the character's personality and journey.
July 11, 2024
The plot is a LITTLE BIT predictable and the author uses a lot of brackets... Other than that it is a pretty enjoyable book
January 10, 2026
boywatching got me reminded of my hs friends where they talked abt boys all the time while my gay ass is just sitting in the corner
November 17, 2023
worst book ever...
July 13, 2015
Oh I wanted to find Boywatching a snarky, amusing and engaging story that filled my requirements for a light and funny tale. But it didn't. It had all of the boxes ticked, but it just never got off the ground and soared.
The story of four friends who go to a British all-girls' school, they decide to approach the acquiring of boyfriends by using science. Keeping all of their data in a notebook, the girls observe the boys from St. Thomas, the brother school to Queen Mary's (where the girls attend) in different locales, from outside their school gates, to parties, to the soccer pitch. Any and all useful information is gathered and detailed so the girls can later review it and use it to try and determine quality.
When they are not having band practice, they are trying to avoid the resident mean girl, walk Albert the terrier, learn how to be good friends, and avoid klutzy maneuvers in front of the BIG CRUSH.
A straightforward book, the character types are typical and there's not a lot of depth or new ground covered. The ending is obvious from the get-go. There's a side story involving one of the mains, and it is a pleasant diversion that is actually more interesting than the rest of the tale. And the use of the main character's name as the pseudonym of the real author? Why?
Boywatching by Chloe Bennet was published today, June 4, 2015, by Orchard Books. A free copy of this book was given to Ink and Page in return for an honest review. Big thanks to the Publisher, the Author and NetGalley.
Rating: 2.5
Genre: Young Adult Fiction Contemporary Romance
Ages: 12 and up
The story of four friends who go to a British all-girls' school, they decide to approach the acquiring of boyfriends by using science. Keeping all of their data in a notebook, the girls observe the boys from St. Thomas, the brother school to Queen Mary's (where the girls attend) in different locales, from outside their school gates, to parties, to the soccer pitch. Any and all useful information is gathered and detailed so the girls can later review it and use it to try and determine quality.
When they are not having band practice, they are trying to avoid the resident mean girl, walk Albert the terrier, learn how to be good friends, and avoid klutzy maneuvers in front of the BIG CRUSH.
A straightforward book, the character types are typical and there's not a lot of depth or new ground covered. The ending is obvious from the get-go. There's a side story involving one of the mains, and it is a pleasant diversion that is actually more interesting than the rest of the tale. And the use of the main character's name as the pseudonym of the real author? Why?
Boywatching by Chloe Bennet was published today, June 4, 2015, by Orchard Books. A free copy of this book was given to Ink and Page in return for an honest review. Big thanks to the Publisher, the Author and NetGalley.
Rating: 2.5
Genre: Young Adult Fiction Contemporary Romance
Ages: 12 and up
May 31, 2015
This review appears in full on What Am I Reading?
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rate: 1/DNF
My rating isn't reflective of the quality of Boywatching but instead highlights my inability to sink into the book's world and enjoy the tale.
Reasons Why I Couldn't Get Into Boywatching
1. Chloe, the narrator and the protagonist, sounded more like a middle schooler than a high schooler. This made all of her "problems" sound extra trivial.
2. I couldn't establish a clear timeline. I think the story goes: there's a school event, Chloe and her friends are humiliated at the event, and then decide that they are going to change their approach so they aren't humiliated next year. But I'm not too sure. I think the sequence of events are supposed to be weeks and months apart that they seemed more like hours and days apart. I just couldn't figure out what was going on.
3. (I'm going to preface this next point by reiterating that I read an e-ARC of this story and the following error might not be present in the final version of the book.) Every "fl" and "fi" was missing. It didn't matter if the letter combinations came at the beginning, middle or end of a word, but they were all missing. For example, fly became y, stiffly became stify, and benefit became benet. Not only could these errors be annoying at times, but they also made reading difficult at times.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rate: 1/DNF
My rating isn't reflective of the quality of Boywatching but instead highlights my inability to sink into the book's world and enjoy the tale.
Reasons Why I Couldn't Get Into Boywatching
1. Chloe, the narrator and the protagonist, sounded more like a middle schooler than a high schooler. This made all of her "problems" sound extra trivial.
2. I couldn't establish a clear timeline. I think the story goes: there's a school event, Chloe and her friends are humiliated at the event, and then decide that they are going to change their approach so they aren't humiliated next year. But I'm not too sure. I think the sequence of events are supposed to be weeks and months apart that they seemed more like hours and days apart. I just couldn't figure out what was going on.
3. (I'm going to preface this next point by reiterating that I read an e-ARC of this story and the following error might not be present in the final version of the book.) Every "fl" and "fi" was missing. It didn't matter if the letter combinations came at the beginning, middle or end of a word, but they were all missing. For example, fly became y, stiffly became stify, and benefit became benet. Not only could these errors be annoying at times, but they also made reading difficult at times.
March 29, 2016
This book was a bit of a tough one for me to get through.
While I found the four girls likable enough I didn't really relate to any of them and the characters ages really got me from the start, I just found it hard to take some things seriously. I did enjoy the way the book was written, it was very witty and I enjoyed that part of the book.
I didn't really like that we heard so much about Sally and Amy but never really heard anything from Gemma. I would have liked to see something from her in there.
I did quite like Chloe, she was quite a sweet character, if a bit of a clutz.
Towards the end of the book things started to get worse as I read on. At a few points I wasn't really interested in finishing. But I pursued on, and as I did I noticed that there was heaps of tension between the four girls and that seemed to annoy me a bit. I am sure that will come up in the next book but it infuriated me how Chloe and the other girls pretended there was nothing wrong.
And then that ending. It just made me laugh because it was so incredibly unrealistic. While everything that happened to Chloe the rest of the book was quite reasonable, that last page was actually painful to read I just sort of cringed-laughed as I finished.
I probably won't be going back to read the second book. I would recommend this for a younger reading group rather than a young adult audience as I didn't particularly enjoy the characters because of their age and maturity.
While I found the four girls likable enough I didn't really relate to any of them and the characters ages really got me from the start, I just found it hard to take some things seriously. I did enjoy the way the book was written, it was very witty and I enjoyed that part of the book.
I didn't really like that we heard so much about Sally and Amy but never really heard anything from Gemma. I would have liked to see something from her in there.
I did quite like Chloe, she was quite a sweet character, if a bit of a clutz.
Towards the end of the book things started to get worse as I read on. At a few points I wasn't really interested in finishing. But I pursued on, and as I did I noticed that there was heaps of tension between the four girls and that seemed to annoy me a bit. I am sure that will come up in the next book but it infuriated me how Chloe and the other girls pretended there was nothing wrong.
And then that ending. It just made me laugh because it was so incredibly unrealistic. While everything that happened to Chloe the rest of the book was quite reasonable, that last page was actually painful to read I just sort of cringed-laughed as I finished.
I probably won't be going back to read the second book. I would recommend this for a younger reading group rather than a young adult audience as I didn't particularly enjoy the characters because of their age and maturity.
October 30, 2015
I got this book for free on Netgalley for review, but it doesn't change my opinion on the novel whatsoever.
BoyWatching by Chloe Bennet is a light-hearted read about Chloe and her friends. I couldn't really say that they did much, because to be honest they didn't.
I didn't really like this novel. I felt like it was trying to be super intellectual and hilarious at the same time. Sometimes it was funny, but others it really seemed to be going nowhere.
I wasn't able to finish this book as it was really long, but you could read 80 pages and get no where, as it was so winding and didn't really have a plot. There didn't seem to have an end goal, which makes sense seeing as it was a memoir of sorts, but I still don't think that it really hinted to anything at all towards the end, and so there was nothing that was really keeping me enticed.
I did enjoy the narration and in some cases I did connect with Chloe (I won't digress into those particular moments so as to save you from spoilers) she was funny and quite dramatic and she seemed a lot more 3D then. I liked that she was quite passionate the majority of the time but I really didn't understand how half the time she got along with her friends, they seemed pretty annoying and bratty.
I did expect more from this read so I am kind of disappointed.
BoyWatching by Chloe Bennet is a light-hearted read about Chloe and her friends. I couldn't really say that they did much, because to be honest they didn't.
I didn't really like this novel. I felt like it was trying to be super intellectual and hilarious at the same time. Sometimes it was funny, but others it really seemed to be going nowhere.
I wasn't able to finish this book as it was really long, but you could read 80 pages and get no where, as it was so winding and didn't really have a plot. There didn't seem to have an end goal, which makes sense seeing as it was a memoir of sorts, but I still don't think that it really hinted to anything at all towards the end, and so there was nothing that was really keeping me enticed.
I did enjoy the narration and in some cases I did connect with Chloe (I won't digress into those particular moments so as to save you from spoilers) she was funny and quite dramatic and she seemed a lot more 3D then. I liked that she was quite passionate the majority of the time but I really didn't understand how half the time she got along with her friends, they seemed pretty annoying and bratty.
I did expect more from this read so I am kind of disappointed.
February 17, 2016
Chloe and her friends are caught up in tons of teen drama in this hilarious book. They are trying to navigate the halls of their school with mean girls who want to torment them and teachers who want to make their lives hell. Chloe uses her wit to help her friends in their quest to learn about the opposite sex, boys. None of these girls have had good experiences with boys in the past so they are quite anxious to study up on the subject before their school's annual co-ed dance.
I found 50% of this book hilarious and then I found myself wanting to murder know-it-all Chloe. Her high and mighty attitude just started to rub me the wrong way after awhile. And I didn't have any real reason to feel sympathetic toward her character for acting the way she does. Yes her home life is not ideal but it's way better than her friend Gemma's. The author seemed to try to give her characteristics from Austen's Emma and Elizabeth. Unfortunately she did not give her any of the endearing qualities that made them such beloved characters. Also I was not thrilled at how the story tied itself together super quickly at the end.
I found 50% of this book hilarious and then I found myself wanting to murder know-it-all Chloe. Her high and mighty attitude just started to rub me the wrong way after awhile. And I didn't have any real reason to feel sympathetic toward her character for acting the way she does. Yes her home life is not ideal but it's way better than her friend Gemma's. The author seemed to try to give her characteristics from Austen's Emma and Elizabeth. Unfortunately she did not give her any of the endearing qualities that made them such beloved characters. Also I was not thrilled at how the story tied itself together super quickly at the end.
August 6, 2015
A light and fluffy teen read, Hudson/ Bennet promises the science behind the title but it's really the subjective, opinions of some high schoolers - who, in all honesty were really difficult to relate to. The whole message of this book is basically BOYS ARE HARD TO UNDERSTAND. There's nothing new to the genre from this book, and it drags on quite a bit pairing the girls off with the St. Thomas' boys and getting Chloe into irrelevant adventures.
The writing style, a messy train of thought is kind of comparable to the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison, but fell flat for me, because Chloe and her friends and boy acquaintances were so lifeless: almost as though someone had described everything about her, rather than letting me get to know her like a real person. She and her friends were caricatures of actual people. I did have a giggle at the bathroom humour and the creative descriptions of family, but there was not much fun to be had out of Boywatching for me.
I received this galley courtesy of Netgalley and Hachette Children's Books. All opinions my own.
The writing style, a messy train of thought is kind of comparable to the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison, but fell flat for me, because Chloe and her friends and boy acquaintances were so lifeless: almost as though someone had described everything about her, rather than letting me get to know her like a real person. She and her friends were caricatures of actual people. I did have a giggle at the bathroom humour and the creative descriptions of family, but there was not much fun to be had out of Boywatching for me.
I received this galley courtesy of Netgalley and Hachette Children's Books. All opinions my own.
dnf
June 8, 2015I received this book on Netgalley.
I have a great love for the Young Adult genre. Over the past few years I have read hundreds of titles and I am often pleasantly surprised by the creativity and depth that come out of the genre.
Unfortunately, Boywatching lacks both creativity and depth. In fact, it has very little to recommend it. In many ways it feels as though it was written by a fifteen year old. The writing is significantly below what it should be. There is writing for your audience and then there is simply writing childishly. Boywatching is unfortunately an example of the latter. I couldn't bring myself to keep reading after 20% of the book and it has been a week and I honestly can barely remember a thing about the story. Add to this the fact that the ebook formatting was a mess and it was just impossible to get through.
I have a great love for the Young Adult genre. Over the past few years I have read hundreds of titles and I am often pleasantly surprised by the creativity and depth that come out of the genre.
Unfortunately, Boywatching lacks both creativity and depth. In fact, it has very little to recommend it. In many ways it feels as though it was written by a fifteen year old. The writing is significantly below what it should be. There is writing for your audience and then there is simply writing childishly. Boywatching is unfortunately an example of the latter. I couldn't bring myself to keep reading after 20% of the book and it has been a week and I honestly can barely remember a thing about the story. Add to this the fact that the ebook formatting was a mess and it was just impossible to get through.
January 6, 2016
One thing that I need to address is that crucial letters are missing in some words leaving us with 'st' and 'nd' which left me confused most of the time because I couldn't form a coherent sentence.
You would have thought that I being in year 11 at a girls school everything would be fairly relatable but sadly it's not. All the characters were too naive, some were plain annoying and I would have thought things would get better when the plot begins to devlop however I was proved wrong. I am actually surprised that I finished this book considering how much I didn't enjoy it. I was just so done with this book.
March 29, 2015
After being humiliated by the school bully, Queen Bee Maggie, at the Snog Fest Chloe, Gemma, Amy, and Sally decide to take matters into their own hands. This year, they will find dates to the Snog Fest before QBM can do anything to stop it. Chloe devises a scientific method, complete with spreadsheets, to calculate which boys from the neighboring school the girls are compatible with. Putting their plan into action involves taking some calculated risks which seem to pay off for everyone but Chloe when the QB herself sets her sights on the boy of Chloe's dreams.
Every once in a while, I come across a gem that makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. This book is delightfully heartfelt and entertaining!
Every once in a while, I come across a gem that makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. This book is delightfully heartfelt and entertaining!
August 24, 2015
When I read the synopsis of this book, I expected it to be similar to Louise Rennison and other British contemporary authors, and I was exactly right. I liked this book, but this didn't have anything new that I haven't seen before. The main thing I disliked with this book is that the girls in this book are supposed to be the same age as me, but they just seemed so immature! Maybe I'm just mature for my age, but I definitely wouldn't do half the stupid things they did in this book. I also found it a bit weird that the protagonist in this book had the same surname as the author.
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