What do you think?
Rate this book
Confidence: The Diary of an Invisible Girl
Comic-book-obsessed Barbara Jenkins' idea of an exciting night consists mostly of fan fiction and frozen pizza-that is, until one fated day during the start of the school year when she literally crashes into the queen of the AV Club. Barbara soon begins to explore life outside her comfort zone as she is thrust head first into a new world of costumes, conventions, and crushes, as well as a HUGE secret.
254 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2015
37 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Paige Lavoie
15 books367 followersPaige Lavoie is a Halloween-loving cinnamon roll who writes stories about misfits, monsters, and falling in love. Her affection for cozy autumn moments, charming protagonists, and all things cute and creepy reflects in the worlds she creates. When Paige isn’t writing, she can be found hunting for treasures at the local antique mall and sipping oat milk lattes under a lacey parasol as she hides from the sun in her home state of FL.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Read
May 20, 2015Confidence was written in a flurry of word sprints, coffee, and hystaria during my first NaNoWriMo in 2013! I put my whole heart into this story and fell in love with all of the characters in the process! I'm so proud of this diary of a wonderfully kooky invisible girl, and cannot wait to share the story with you on 6/9/15 :)
February 3, 2016
(Disclaimer here - the author generously provided me an advanced copy of this freaking delightful book)
There are so may things I want to say, but I'm still trying to digest the wonderfulness that is this book. Just...read it. Dooooo eeeeettt!
OK - here's a bit more substance... Read the full review here: http://www.thepeachmartini.com/?p=762
**I received an advanced copy to read.**
I am a geek girl. It was only recently that I felt I could openly admit that, or really felt comfortable calling myself that. This book...this delightful, darling, adorkable book could have been written by me, or by any of the other geek girls I know. Heck, even geek guys could relate to this, I'm sure.
Please read it - its light and fun, but not too fluffy. It's a good summertime read - just kick back with a beverage of your choice, maybe a slice of pizza, and enjoy. It touches on all the right things: friendship, love, pizza, relationships with parents, embracing your inner geek, and being true to yourself. I seriously laughed out loud several times...and maybe snorted a time or two. And I wanted for the work day to be over with so quickly so I could get home to read! (I did have to finish it early enough to night so it didn't interfere with The Hockey Game tonight (Go Hawks!))
And also, butts. Oh and glitter.
There are so may things I want to say, but I'm still trying to digest the wonderfulness that is this book. Just...read it. Dooooo eeeeettt!
OK - here's a bit more substance... Read the full review here: http://www.thepeachmartini.com/?p=762
**I received an advanced copy to read.**
I am a geek girl. It was only recently that I felt I could openly admit that, or really felt comfortable calling myself that. This book...this delightful, darling, adorkable book could have been written by me, or by any of the other geek girls I know. Heck, even geek guys could relate to this, I'm sure.
Please read it - its light and fun, but not too fluffy. It's a good summertime read - just kick back with a beverage of your choice, maybe a slice of pizza, and enjoy. It touches on all the right things: friendship, love, pizza, relationships with parents, embracing your inner geek, and being true to yourself. I seriously laughed out loud several times...and maybe snorted a time or two. And I wanted for the work day to be over with so quickly so I could get home to read! (I did have to finish it early enough to night so it didn't interfere with The Hockey Game tonight (Go Hawks!))
And also, butts. Oh and glitter.
June 23, 2015
Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book for review on my blog.
There is so much win in CONfidence: The Diary of an Invisible Girl. When I first started reading Paige Lavoie's debut novel it took me a minute to settle into the main character's voice. I completely forgot that I was reading a book written in diary form from the point of view of a tenth grader. It's been over a decade since I was in tenth grade so it took me a minute to remember where my mind was at that age, but once I did the amazingness of CONfidence began to unfold.
One thing is abundantly clear from page one: Paige Lavoie is, herself, a fangirl. Noone could write a book so rooted in the mindset of a fangirl unless they themselves have spent a significant amount of time geeking out or fangirling. I particularly enjoyed all of the subtle allusions to a vast number of fandoms scattered throughout the novel. I won't tell you what or where they are, but die-hard sci-fi fans will definitely feel a warmth of affection for Paige when they run across them.
Get full review here: http://thetipsyverse.com/?p=6974
There is so much win in CONfidence: The Diary of an Invisible Girl. When I first started reading Paige Lavoie's debut novel it took me a minute to settle into the main character's voice. I completely forgot that I was reading a book written in diary form from the point of view of a tenth grader. It's been over a decade since I was in tenth grade so it took me a minute to remember where my mind was at that age, but once I did the amazingness of CONfidence began to unfold.
One thing is abundantly clear from page one: Paige Lavoie is, herself, a fangirl. Noone could write a book so rooted in the mindset of a fangirl unless they themselves have spent a significant amount of time geeking out or fangirling. I particularly enjoyed all of the subtle allusions to a vast number of fandoms scattered throughout the novel. I won't tell you what or where they are, but die-hard sci-fi fans will definitely feel a warmth of affection for Paige when they run across them.
Get full review here: http://thetipsyverse.com/?p=6974
May 30, 2015
CONfidence is a teenage story of crushes, crazy antics with friends, drama, and a glimpse into all sorts of geeky worlds that had me fangirling over and over. Paige’s writing is lively-good, humorous and engaging. There’s an honesty and warmth to CONfidence that I thought gave it almost a homey sort of feeling. Like, more than curling up with a good book, reading this was like hanging out with a good friend. I was almost sorry to see it end, but hopefully Paige will have future novels for this fan to read.
June 22, 2015
After the first few pages I was hooked. Not only do Barb and teenage me share a passion for Code Red Mountain Dew, we both also had only generic soda at home. This book has taken me back to my awkward adolescence, from the “are they aren’t they” romances, haphazard attempts at social navigation, love triangles, and burgeoning lifelong passions.
The entire book is from the point of view of Barbara Jenkins (named after Barbara Gordon), who lives with her mom and has several girls who are friends, including Cassie, Bette, and Eloise. Barb frequently talks about her drawings, school, and various nerdery with her friends and her mother (aka it passes the Bechdel test).
The pages of Barb’s diary could have easily been ripped out of the many diaries I tried and failed to keep throughout my teen years. The voice, tone, emotion, and social interactions are not just authentic, they are nostalgia-inducing. Barb goes with the flow, like so many of us did in high school, all the while gaining confidence to be who she really is, and say what she really thinks.
I didn’t just exhale air quickly or internally LOL at this book. I actually laughed out loud. Sometimes I laughed because of butts. Sometimes I laughed because of cat dating website references (it really is a thing!). I even read pieces of dialogue to my fiance (who, like myself, is a writer) so he could also appreciate the humor.
Beyond just being funny, Paige has captured the essence of teenage experience. I sighed painfully as Barb magically turned a normal situation into an uncomfortably awkward one (think Michael from the Office). And, of course, I squeed (adult translation: squealed) due to the successful completion of a step toward romance!
The entire book is from the point of view of Barbara Jenkins (named after Barbara Gordon), who lives with her mom and has several girls who are friends, including Cassie, Bette, and Eloise. Barb frequently talks about her drawings, school, and various nerdery with her friends and her mother (aka it passes the Bechdel test).
The pages of Barb’s diary could have easily been ripped out of the many diaries I tried and failed to keep throughout my teen years. The voice, tone, emotion, and social interactions are not just authentic, they are nostalgia-inducing. Barb goes with the flow, like so many of us did in high school, all the while gaining confidence to be who she really is, and say what she really thinks.
I didn’t just exhale air quickly or internally LOL at this book. I actually laughed out loud. Sometimes I laughed because of butts. Sometimes I laughed because of cat dating website references (it really is a thing!). I even read pieces of dialogue to my fiance (who, like myself, is a writer) so he could also appreciate the humor.
Beyond just being funny, Paige has captured the essence of teenage experience. I sighed painfully as Barb magically turned a normal situation into an uncomfortably awkward one (think Michael from the Office). And, of course, I squeed (adult translation: squealed) due to the successful completion of a step toward romance!
May 24, 2015
I usually don't go for books that seem like they might fall into a YA or youth category, but I really enjoyed reading "Confidence: The diary of an invisible girl". The book was very easy to read and very quickly sucks you into the life of Barbra Jenkins. Like me you will probably stay up at night wondering "about that thing that happened to her in the book" and if it will be okay in the end. That was a major reason I could not put this book down, I immediately became super attached to the protagonist Barbra. Her problems she faces with confidence and social anxiety remind me SO much of my own experiences. I really enjoyed the setting around geekiness and nerddom. Small quips about random fandoms or nerd references will make you smile. I think if Barbra Jenkins went to my highschool, I would probably get in a super huge fight with Cassie to take her place as "bestest friend in the whole wide world". I don't know if the author has plans for a sequel... put I will totally pre-order if that happens. MORE BARBRA JENKINS!
May 22, 2015
CONfidence makes for a solid companion as you wait in line at a convention. It’s a fun, breezy bit of fiction that may conjure all sort of nostalgic feels and, as a potential added bonus, may inspire you to participate in NaNoWriMo (as CONfidence is the product of exactly that). If you’re planning on an excursion or two to the beach this upcoming summer, CONfidence may be an ideal book to bring along.
The full review is available here! http://www.thecareandfeedingofnerds.c...
The full review is available here! http://www.thecareandfeedingofnerds.c...
June 11, 2015
Amazing!!
Paige Lavoie has captured, in this book, the perfect balance of geekdom and teenaged girl. The main character's awkwardness reminds me of myself at that age. The writing was so much like familiar speech, like talking to my girls, that I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. I cannot wait for my girls to read this book! And I eagerly look forward to more books from this author.
Paige Lavoie has captured, in this book, the perfect balance of geekdom and teenaged girl. The main character's awkwardness reminds me of myself at that age. The writing was so much like familiar speech, like talking to my girls, that I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. I cannot wait for my girls to read this book! And I eagerly look forward to more books from this author.
June 29, 2015
I won this book from a Goodreads First Reads contest and thought it was a great first book from a new author. The narrative was fun and brought back all the good and bad stuff from high school. A very enjoyable easy read.
June 15, 2015
Once I started reading CONfidence I couldn't put it down. It was like having a conversation with my sister; fun, familiar, and full of nerdiness! Can't wait for her next book!
July 6, 2015
Cute and light read. I think this would be a great fit for the YA audience it's intended for; definitely put me in mind of what my journals sounded like in 10th grade!
July 10, 2018
Cute read for young or old
This was such a cute book about the life of being a geeky teenager and I loved it. I want popular but I wasn't geeky in high school either. I got along with all different types so I couldn't really relate to this book a whole lot. However it was so cute and I loved getting to know all of the characters and angst they went through. I picked this up just on a whim and to take a break from the murder mysteries I have been reading and so glad I did. Perfect book for young girls who feel invisible or like geeks.
This was such a cute book about the life of being a geeky teenager and I loved it. I want popular but I wasn't geeky in high school either. I got along with all different types so I couldn't really relate to this book a whole lot. However it was so cute and I loved getting to know all of the characters and angst they went through. I picked this up just on a whim and to take a break from the murder mysteries I have been reading and so glad I did. Perfect book for young girls who feel invisible or like geeks.
June 5, 2017
Barbara is witty and charming, I don't know how she could ever be invisible but isn't that the case with most people who feel out of place? If you've ever felt awkward around others or you're a fan of comics books, superheroes, cons, anything geek or your kids are into any of those things, this is a fun read that makes you feel like you're hanging out with friends the entire time. You don't want the good times to end, so you never stop turning the pages.
June 27, 2019
This book was a quick, highly enjoyable read! It was super predictable, and things were highly unbelievable as well, but I greatly enjoyed it!
January 17, 2020
Lots of crazy fun. Hoping fir a sequel.
April 27, 2020
This book was so charming! It took my back to my middle school and high school years in an instant. I loved all of the nerdy references throughout the book!
March 10, 2020
This was a really fun book. I enjoyed all of the characters and the diary style was refreshing. I’m giving it to my 13-year old. I think he might like a glimpse into the mind of a teenage girl.
July 3, 2015
Ik zag dit boek voorbij komen toen ik een youtube filmpje aan het kijken was van Paige Lavoie en ik besloot hem eens op te zoeken op Goodreads. Ik werd meteen nieuwsgierig toen ik had gelezen waar het boek over ging. Dus heb ik het op amazon gekocht en toen begon het wachten tot hij er zou zijn. Ik had geluk want het boek was al snel binnen.
Het verhaal is echt super leuk, een meisje dat eigenlijk heel geeky is maar geen vrienden heeft en daarom in haar eentje thuis de geek uithangt. Tot ze op een dag op botst tegen Cassie, zij zorgt ervoor dat het leven van Barbara voorgoed anders zal zijn.
Ik vond het gewoon super leuk om over een karakter te lezen wat zo herkenbaar is! Die heerlijk geniet van fanfiction en tumblr en Dr Who en al die andere dingen.
De personages:
Barbara is een heel onzeker meisje en dat merk je ook wel goed, ze weet vaak niet goed hoe ze moet handelen in een situatie met andere mensen. Ze wordt zenuwachtig en flapt er dingen uit waar ze zich later voor schaamt. Maar het is nergens vervelend omdat je met haar de reis doormaakt. Ze is niet irritant maar wel op onderzoek.
Cassie vond ik een ander verhaal, ik vond haar af en toe echt wel vervelend. Vooral als ze Barbara weer zo oneerlijk behandelde maar uiteindelijk kom je er ook achter waarom zij zich op een bepaalde manier gedraagt.
De rest van het groepje geeks is echt super leuk, je komt niet heel veel over ze te weten maar het zijn zeker geen platte karakters. Ze maken allemaal wel iets mee in het boek waardoor je ze wat beter leert kennen.
De Schrijfstijl:
Je vliegt echt door het boek heen, het is echt geschreven als een dagboek. Ik vloog door het boek heen, de karakters zijn leuker, de schrijfstijl is heerlijk en het verhaal is gewoon super leuk!
Eindoordeel:
Echt een super leuk boek! Ik raad alle geek girls aan om dit boek te lezen!
Het verhaal is echt super leuk, een meisje dat eigenlijk heel geeky is maar geen vrienden heeft en daarom in haar eentje thuis de geek uithangt. Tot ze op een dag op botst tegen Cassie, zij zorgt ervoor dat het leven van Barbara voorgoed anders zal zijn.
Ik vond het gewoon super leuk om over een karakter te lezen wat zo herkenbaar is! Die heerlijk geniet van fanfiction en tumblr en Dr Who en al die andere dingen.
De personages:
Barbara is een heel onzeker meisje en dat merk je ook wel goed, ze weet vaak niet goed hoe ze moet handelen in een situatie met andere mensen. Ze wordt zenuwachtig en flapt er dingen uit waar ze zich later voor schaamt. Maar het is nergens vervelend omdat je met haar de reis doormaakt. Ze is niet irritant maar wel op onderzoek.
Cassie vond ik een ander verhaal, ik vond haar af en toe echt wel vervelend. Vooral als ze Barbara weer zo oneerlijk behandelde maar uiteindelijk kom je er ook achter waarom zij zich op een bepaalde manier gedraagt.
De rest van het groepje geeks is echt super leuk, je komt niet heel veel over ze te weten maar het zijn zeker geen platte karakters. Ze maken allemaal wel iets mee in het boek waardoor je ze wat beter leert kennen.
De Schrijfstijl:
Je vliegt echt door het boek heen, het is echt geschreven als een dagboek. Ik vloog door het boek heen, de karakters zijn leuker, de schrijfstijl is heerlijk en het verhaal is gewoon super leuk!
Eindoordeel:
Echt een super leuk boek! Ik raad alle geek girls aan om dit boek te lezen!
January 14, 2016
This was a cute, short story about a geek girl in high school. I thought it was funny and that it discussed some issues that aren't normally discussed. Also, there was a DAVID TENNANT reference in it - it was connected to Doctor Who, of course, but his name was mentioned, so I, being the DT fangirl I am, was really happy. Also, there was a Nathan Fillion reference and lots of other geek references, and that fills my geek heart with joy.
The story itself was nice, there were some things that bothered me, but there wasn't any deal breakers, so it was a fun read.
The story itself was nice, there were some things that bothered me, but there wasn't any deal breakers, so it was a fun read.
March 5, 2016
I really loved this book! It's so quirky and down to earth. I loved how relateable and genuine Barbs was. I also liked the complexity and explanation of group friends dynamics. The geekery was such a bonus too. Life is hard growing up and gaining that confidence and its not really realized till other people foster a relationship with you. Yet when that happens simplicity becomes complex and communication is essential. Good read for the middle school, high school ages, in addition to adults! Paige, you rock!
July 10, 2015
This YA novel is perfect for young readers. As an adult who reads YA, it was a little too one dimensional. You can see a full review of the book on my blog. www.exquisitelygeek.com
August 17, 2015
Cute and fun. I wasn't sure how I would like the journal entries but it worked. I enjoyed all the characters and hope another book comes out to I can read more about them.
March 6, 2022
my number one comfort-book :))
Read
May 31, 2017rtc
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews