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Mean Girl
Corby Mackentile is a fifteen-year-old girl who attends a private school. She has been bullied because of her weight since she was twelve, especially by the most popular girls. Her parents—her mother is a TV anchor and her father is a Buddhist who owns a butcher shop—are too busy with their own problems to pay attention to their only daughter. Corby has a crush on one of the most popular boys in school. He makes fun of her once, but then unexpectedly apologizes. From that moment, her situation with three of the popular girls becomes worse. Then, one day, one of the girls who had bullied Corby comes to the butcher shop where Corby works for her father after school. Again, the girl teases Corby about her weight, but this time everything is different.
- GenresThriller
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2015
218 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Natasha A. Salnikova
24 books62 followersWriting was Natasha A. Salnikova's passion since she was fourteen. She worked as a writer and a host on various TV shows and published two books in Russia. Her early obsession with psychology naturally lead her to write psychological thrillers. Natasha enjoys researching different psychological disorders for her books. She's also an author of supernatural thrillers and science fiction novels. She's a huge pet lover, yoga practitioner, vegetarian, and immature photographer. She currently lives in sunny Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 1, 2018
The plot is generic, the writing is basic and very easy to follow, maybe too easy. The whole thing is a mess, characters were so unlikable, all of them including Corby.
The “mean girls” were just ridiculous, their insults are on the first grade level and their vocabulary consists of words like “box of meat, pack of meat, meat meat meat, bitch bitch bitch”. Unfortunately real life bullies are way worse than that which makes this book totally none relatable and utterly unbelievable. I was never bullied but I always feel a special kind of heightened empathy for those who were and those kind of stories make me feel awful inside but this book didn’t make me feel sad or angry or upset. It just didn’t make me feel anything.
Still, i would like to thank the publisher for sending a copy of the book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The “mean girls” were just ridiculous, their insults are on the first grade level and their vocabulary consists of words like “box of meat, pack of meat, meat meat meat, bitch bitch bitch”. Unfortunately real life bullies are way worse than that which makes this book totally none relatable and utterly unbelievable. I was never bullied but I always feel a special kind of heightened empathy for those who were and those kind of stories make me feel awful inside but this book didn’t make me feel sad or angry or upset. It just didn’t make me feel anything.
Still, i would like to thank the publisher for sending a copy of the book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 20, 2016
I only review a book when it is either so bad or so good I have to share. This book was probably the worst. To say this book is disturbing would be an understatement (and I am no stranger to twisted psychological fiction). I had to put it down several times, and take a break, so it took me longer than normal to finish it. Additionally, it was written very oddly, I'm not sure if it was intentionally done this was to make the book seem creepy or if that is just this author's style but it just didn't flow. Obviously this book took place in present day because of the use of cell phones and selfies but the narration and dialogue seemed so formal as if it was in the past.
This started off okay for me, but it just got so disturbing and far-fetched. I think it became less about bullying and more just about pushing the bar to see how far the author could take it. There wasn't a likeable character in the entire book - her entire school and parents were terrible, and to be honest I couldn't even sympathize with Corby herself. But probably the worst part was the fact that, just like a trainwreck, I couldn't stop reading. I even kept telling my husband (who is not a reader), "Guess what else just happened in this awful book?" But I really do wish I hadn't read it!
This started off okay for me, but it just got so disturbing and far-fetched. I think it became less about bullying and more just about pushing the bar to see how far the author could take it. There wasn't a likeable character in the entire book - her entire school and parents were terrible, and to be honest I couldn't even sympathize with Corby herself. But probably the worst part was the fact that, just like a trainwreck, I couldn't stop reading. I even kept telling my husband (who is not a reader), "Guess what else just happened in this awful book?" But I really do wish I hadn't read it!
April 22, 2018
I really wanted to like this book as bullying is an ever-increasing problem in schools, but it was just too weird and not terribly realistic--kind of like a bad Lifetime movie. Corby goes to private school and is overweight so she is taunted and bullied every day by the popular girls. And yes, she gets revenge in the worst way imaginable. The writing was odd; I think this can be attributed to it having been translated from the original language, but it seemed to distance the reader from the characters and there was no one at all likable in the book. All the adults--from parents to teachers and administrators were portrayed as idiots and the teens were barely believable because their personalities seemed to change every moment. I found myself saying, "huh?" way too often.
I do love a good psychological thriller, but this one--while gruesome and gory--did have a premise but it was just too unbelievable for me. I can usually suspend disbelief but not this time.
I do love a good psychological thriller, but this one--while gruesome and gory--did have a premise but it was just too unbelievable for me. I can usually suspend disbelief but not this time.
April 23, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for granting me access to this, but it is a tough book to review.
The story focuses on Corby, a young girl who is bullied and who ends up taking control of events in a most unorthodox way.
Throughout the story you feel some sympathy with Corby for her situation. However, the initial action that prompts her behaviour is a little flimsy in construction. Nobody seems to know what’s going on, her parents ignore her and the way the bullying is described is rather juvenile. Girls can be much more vicious, and I feel this makes her behaviour hard to understand.
Once we reach a certain point it becomes so far-fetched I continued reading just to see how bad it got. The answer...pretty bad.
The story focuses on Corby, a young girl who is bullied and who ends up taking control of events in a most unorthodox way.
Throughout the story you feel some sympathy with Corby for her situation. However, the initial action that prompts her behaviour is a little flimsy in construction. Nobody seems to know what’s going on, her parents ignore her and the way the bullying is described is rather juvenile. Girls can be much more vicious, and I feel this makes her behaviour hard to understand.
Once we reach a certain point it becomes so far-fetched I continued reading just to see how bad it got. The answer...pretty bad.
April 19, 2018
This book was hard for me to read as a person who was bullied because of weight while in high school. I found myself putting the book down but immediately picking it back up because I needed to know what happened next. I will not give spoilers but instead say this...the author wrote this book as if she had led my life at that age...All the thoughts, insecurities and dark thoughts. I would gladly recommend this book and give it a solid 4.5 stars
April 1, 2018
This ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Bullying is a topic many authors try to tackle, usually ending up with the bullied overcoming their tormentors. But, as many people have experienced, that is not always the result in real life. Natasha A. Salnikova, on the other hand, produces an alternative solution, a solution that is almost too horrific to imagine.
Fifteen-year-old Corby Mackentile is the stereotypical victim for private school bullies; she is quiet, intelligent and overweight. Whilst mostly humiliating Corby because of her size, the bullies also use her own parents against her. Corby’s mother is a Boston TV Anchor and her father is a vegetarian Buddhist who also happens to own a butcher’s shop.
The butcher’s shop is a haven for Corby; she can escape there after school and not be intimidated by anyone. But when one of the horrible girls from school turns up at the shop after hours, a terrible accident occurs, which gives Corby a new solution to her bullying problem.
It is initially hard to get into the novel Mean Girl; the third person narrative distances the reader from the main character. Although many people may be able to relate to Corby’s situation, the incident in the shop changes her beyond recognition. In order to hide events from her parents, she becomes mean, rude and altogether an unpleasant person.
Until the feeble plot twist at the end of the novel, it is impossible to care much about what happens to Corby. Bullying is a terrible thing to experience but the way Corby deals with it is beyond tolerable.
Mean Girl is advertised as a psychological thriller; however, it appears to be lacking the thrilling aspect. Some may place the book in the horror genre but “horrifying” would be more appropriate. With some scenes containing gruesome details, it is overall not a very pleasant story to read.
Bullying is a topic many authors try to tackle, usually ending up with the bullied overcoming their tormentors. But, as many people have experienced, that is not always the result in real life. Natasha A. Salnikova, on the other hand, produces an alternative solution, a solution that is almost too horrific to imagine.
Fifteen-year-old Corby Mackentile is the stereotypical victim for private school bullies; she is quiet, intelligent and overweight. Whilst mostly humiliating Corby because of her size, the bullies also use her own parents against her. Corby’s mother is a Boston TV Anchor and her father is a vegetarian Buddhist who also happens to own a butcher’s shop.
The butcher’s shop is a haven for Corby; she can escape there after school and not be intimidated by anyone. But when one of the horrible girls from school turns up at the shop after hours, a terrible accident occurs, which gives Corby a new solution to her bullying problem.
It is initially hard to get into the novel Mean Girl; the third person narrative distances the reader from the main character. Although many people may be able to relate to Corby’s situation, the incident in the shop changes her beyond recognition. In order to hide events from her parents, she becomes mean, rude and altogether an unpleasant person.
Until the feeble plot twist at the end of the novel, it is impossible to care much about what happens to Corby. Bullying is a terrible thing to experience but the way Corby deals with it is beyond tolerable.
Mean Girl is advertised as a psychological thriller; however, it appears to be lacking the thrilling aspect. Some may place the book in the horror genre but “horrifying” would be more appropriate. With some scenes containing gruesome details, it is overall not a very pleasant story to read.
April 14, 2018
Good concept - poorly executed. Writing style is either very poor or just not for me - entire chapters seem like a run-on sentence with no real point or value to the story. It feels like the author was trying to hit a word count. Was neither horror nor suspense was really more of an essay written about a fat kid who gets bullied and kills a few of her tormentors. All the conversations seem odd - no real person talks like the author describes. I wished it was written better because there are some good concepts and the makings of a good story - but even the twists and turns at the end are drab and unexciting. I read the entire thing simply to see if it could have some redeeming value...it didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2015
Bullying is not taken as seriously in our society as it should be. This book epitomizes that. I was a bullied a few times in middle school but not to the extent in this novel. It is sad to know that this is taking place nowadays. That being said... This was a very good book. The 1st half was absolutely brilliant. We delve into the personality of the main character Corby and witness everything from her perspective. She takes a dark turn but we understand why. This book kind of reminded me of the movie Heathers but without the comedy aspect. The 2nd half started to get a bit farfetched for me but I still found it to be a solid read.
December 2, 2015
Wow
I started this book because it was about bullying and thought it would be interesting to see the authors take on bullying. When I began reading it got so that I would have to put the book down-stop reading what I didn't want to read. Then it would almost call me no I didn't want to read more--yet I needed to know what happened next. Such was my life with this work of fiction. I would read a chapter or two and then need a break since I found it difficult at times to read...really difficult. It had me hooked though and I HAD to continue even if I didn't want to. I HAD to see what happened. And so it continued to the end and all I can say it WOW.
I started this book because it was about bullying and thought it would be interesting to see the authors take on bullying. When I began reading it got so that I would have to put the book down-stop reading what I didn't want to read. Then it would almost call me no I didn't want to read more--yet I needed to know what happened next. Such was my life with this work of fiction. I would read a chapter or two and then need a break since I found it difficult at times to read...really difficult. It had me hooked though and I HAD to continue even if I didn't want to. I HAD to see what happened. And so it continued to the end and all I can say it WOW.
April 21, 2018
I tried, but it was like one of those straight-to-DVD horror movies which just suck. I think tackling bullying is really important, I mean who hasn't had a rough ride at some point from one bratty kid or another? And why should that be an accepted part of growing up? And if you've ever been truly affected by bullying, you'll know that it is utterly disgusting and deserves more coverage in the book world to change how we treat others. But this book isn't, in my opinion, the way to go about spreading positive messages about how to overcome this.
For me, Mean Girl shows bullying on a really superficial level. The nasty girls use unoriginal, overused "insults" repeatedly, and whilst this is definitely enough to wear at someone, this just doesn't portray the real magnitude of bullying at all. The author had the perfect platform here to really showcase how utterly devastating bullying can be, how psychologically damaging and draining it is for a person to have to work through. And she just didn't take that opportunity. Equally, the ways in which Corby decides to defeat her bullies are just not realistic. I'm sure lots of young people will pick this book up hoping to relate to Corby and see how she moves past her struggles, and I think the outcome is disappointing and not at all the kind of motivator these readers will be reaching for.
The main explanation for this has to be that the writing style in this book is just weird. I think the author genuinely tried to tackle important issues, but the execution caused the key messages to be lost. The writing is choppy, sometimes doesn't add to the story, and can be quite obtuse and blunt. I get that these kinds of (allegedly) psychological thrillers can sometimes benefit from a disjointed narrative, but this is utterly emotionless, very simple and really dry. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, and usually I'm quite affected by their inner workings.
I have great respect for any author who challenges such an important topic, and I don't think beautiful prose is necessarily needed to capture that; we just need more books out there that accurately portray what it means to be bullied, or perhaps even to be a bully. But the execution of this one misses the mark for me, and I won't be recommending it.
ARC provided from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For me, Mean Girl shows bullying on a really superficial level. The nasty girls use unoriginal, overused "insults" repeatedly, and whilst this is definitely enough to wear at someone, this just doesn't portray the real magnitude of bullying at all. The author had the perfect platform here to really showcase how utterly devastating bullying can be, how psychologically damaging and draining it is for a person to have to work through. And she just didn't take that opportunity. Equally, the ways in which Corby decides to defeat her bullies are just not realistic. I'm sure lots of young people will pick this book up hoping to relate to Corby and see how she moves past her struggles, and I think the outcome is disappointing and not at all the kind of motivator these readers will be reaching for.
The main explanation for this has to be that the writing style in this book is just weird. I think the author genuinely tried to tackle important issues, but the execution caused the key messages to be lost. The writing is choppy, sometimes doesn't add to the story, and can be quite obtuse and blunt. I get that these kinds of (allegedly) psychological thrillers can sometimes benefit from a disjointed narrative, but this is utterly emotionless, very simple and really dry. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, and usually I'm quite affected by their inner workings.
I have great respect for any author who challenges such an important topic, and I don't think beautiful prose is necessarily needed to capture that; we just need more books out there that accurately portray what it means to be bullied, or perhaps even to be a bully. But the execution of this one misses the mark for me, and I won't be recommending it.
ARC provided from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2018
Fifteen-year-old Corby Mackentile, honor student at a private school, is an overweight girl who is severely bullied. She has developed a strategy of survival. This is imperative because there are three girls in particular who bully Corby.
Corby's mother is a TV anchor, and her father is a Buddhist, and, oddly enough. owns a butcher shop. It is at this shop where a shocking tragedy occurs to one of the three girls. This forever changes Corby and her actions. She goes from being an unhappy, overweight girl to one who has a change in power. Despite this, it is quite sad that her parents have been oblivious to her until now, and by the time they recognize her changing, it is really too late. This is where the story becomes rather morbid.
Mean Girl by Natasha Sainkova is a true psychological thriller. Chilling. Brutal. Unsettling. I had to put it down more than once. It was as if I were watching a horror movie with the remote control in my hand, ready to press pause or even shut it off completely. Of course, I was impelled to see it through. There are astonishing twists and turns that lead to a shocking ending.
Corby's mother is a TV anchor, and her father is a Buddhist, and, oddly enough. owns a butcher shop. It is at this shop where a shocking tragedy occurs to one of the three girls. This forever changes Corby and her actions. She goes from being an unhappy, overweight girl to one who has a change in power. Despite this, it is quite sad that her parents have been oblivious to her until now, and by the time they recognize her changing, it is really too late. This is where the story becomes rather morbid.
Mean Girl by Natasha Sainkova is a true psychological thriller. Chilling. Brutal. Unsettling. I had to put it down more than once. It was as if I were watching a horror movie with the remote control in my hand, ready to press pause or even shut it off completely. Of course, I was impelled to see it through. There are astonishing twists and turns that lead to a shocking ending.
March 18, 2018
I receive this book in a giveaway from the author Instagram. Also for honest review.
Omg what a great Psychological Thriller!
While reading this book it broke my heart because I really hate Bullying. I was so hooked, I couldn't stop reading this once I started. It had me on my feet and jumping everywhere in my house. I so badly wanted to know everything in this story. Like Really OMG!
I enjoy the drama, thrill, suspense, and romance. This book had a little of everything. In every chapter was something new! In every page was different! You just didn't now what you was reading or what was coming.
The writing is perfect! The storyline was also perfect! The theme and setting was well written perfect!
I can't wait to read more from this author!
I highly recommend everybody read this book!
💙💙💙💙
Omg what a great Psychological Thriller!
While reading this book it broke my heart because I really hate Bullying. I was so hooked, I couldn't stop reading this once I started. It had me on my feet and jumping everywhere in my house. I so badly wanted to know everything in this story. Like Really OMG!
I enjoy the drama, thrill, suspense, and romance. This book had a little of everything. In every chapter was something new! In every page was different! You just didn't now what you was reading or what was coming.
The writing is perfect! The storyline was also perfect! The theme and setting was well written perfect!
I can't wait to read more from this author!
I highly recommend everybody read this book!
💙💙💙💙
April 3, 2018
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
--
Yikes.
The premise is honestly great. It sounds like the sort of straight-to-DVD horror movie I’d probably watch. But I couldn’t stand this book.
Corby manages to be completely unlikeable, while also having no personality. I just didn’t care about her at all. The other girls she interacted with were interchangeable. None of the characters had any distinct traits or personality, unless you count “mean” for Corby’s bullies.
The writing was bizarre. The narration was completely detached, and weirdly childish, which was majorly dissonant from the content. The dialogue was stiff, and Corby spent much of the book monologuing, which was off-putting.
Once I reached the 50% mark, I merely skimmed the rest of the book, stopping only on scenes that seemed important. Again, the idea was interesting, which is why I didn’t just walk away.
Corby’s relationship with Jacob was weird as hell. I don’t understand why she was into him in the first place. He was mean to her, texted to apologize, she forgave him, he did it again… and it’s never addressed? And then… he’s attracted to her?
I have no trouble suspending my sense of disbelief while reading, but this was entirely too far-fetched. There’s no way in hell that Corby could get away with what she did, and then continue to keep doing it throughout her life. The characters were not individuals, the writing was poor, and I was happy when I finally reached the end.
--
Yikes.
The premise is honestly great. It sounds like the sort of straight-to-DVD horror movie I’d probably watch. But I couldn’t stand this book.
Corby manages to be completely unlikeable, while also having no personality. I just didn’t care about her at all. The other girls she interacted with were interchangeable. None of the characters had any distinct traits or personality, unless you count “mean” for Corby’s bullies.
The writing was bizarre. The narration was completely detached, and weirdly childish, which was majorly dissonant from the content. The dialogue was stiff, and Corby spent much of the book monologuing, which was off-putting.
Once I reached the 50% mark, I merely skimmed the rest of the book, stopping only on scenes that seemed important. Again, the idea was interesting, which is why I didn’t just walk away.
Corby’s relationship with Jacob was weird as hell. I don’t understand why she was into him in the first place. He was mean to her, texted to apologize, she forgave him, he did it again… and it’s never addressed? And then… he’s attracted to her?
I have no trouble suspending my sense of disbelief while reading, but this was entirely too far-fetched. There’s no way in hell that Corby could get away with what she did, and then continue to keep doing it throughout her life. The characters were not individuals, the writing was poor, and I was happy when I finally reached the end.
April 30, 2018
As someone that was bullied in school for her weight, I can attest to the fact that the author captured all of the emotions that are felt during that time period. However, the main character in this book took matters into her own hands and we see a change in power between her and the girls that are bullying her. The author did a superb job of writing this so that the reader can feel the emotions that the main character felt and understand why she chose the actions that she did. Definitely recommend.
April 3, 2018
Corby Mackentile is a 15-year old girl who is bullied in school, regularly, because of her weight.
Academically brilliant, but stuck in a family where her ever-quarrelling parents don’t seem to have time for her, Corby spends most of her free time in the evenings, in her dad’s butcher shop.
The bullying takes a turn for the worse, with every passing day. One day, one of the coolest boys in class, Jacob, adds his comments to the list. He later apologises.
This doesn’t bode well with his female fan-following and Corby’s tormentors, Jane, Sylvia and Vera, who use this as an excuse to bully her more.
Vera comes to pick up an order for her mother, at her dad’s shop, one evening - and a nasty accident happens, which changes Corby’s life course forever.
Till here, the premise looked good and seemed interesting.
After this, the storyline takes a plunge.
The narration is erratic, and the absurdity of the plot baffled me.
I understand psychiatric issues that can stem from bullying, but this was very poorly dealt with.
The intent was there - but just not executed well enough in my opinion.
You can safely give this a miss!
Academically brilliant, but stuck in a family where her ever-quarrelling parents don’t seem to have time for her, Corby spends most of her free time in the evenings, in her dad’s butcher shop.
The bullying takes a turn for the worse, with every passing day. One day, one of the coolest boys in class, Jacob, adds his comments to the list. He later apologises.
This doesn’t bode well with his female fan-following and Corby’s tormentors, Jane, Sylvia and Vera, who use this as an excuse to bully her more.
Vera comes to pick up an order for her mother, at her dad’s shop, one evening - and a nasty accident happens, which changes Corby’s life course forever.
Till here, the premise looked good and seemed interesting.
After this, the storyline takes a plunge.
The narration is erratic, and the absurdity of the plot baffled me.
I understand psychiatric issues that can stem from bullying, but this was very poorly dealt with.
The intent was there - but just not executed well enough in my opinion.
You can safely give this a miss!
April 4, 2018
I wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t happen. It started out promising, but it quickly went downhill. As a warning to potential readers: there are some descriptive, gruesome details, making it a somewhat unpleasant read all around.
The overall premise sounded good, but it wasn’t carried out to its full potential. It’s difficult to like any of the characters, including Corby. So many things, including her parents, teachers, and even what was labeled as “bullying,” seem totally unrealistic.
The narration of the story itself was a bit unusual, and, in this case, it wasn’t a good thing. It made it difficult to connect to anything. Corby spent a lot of time seemingly talking out loud to herself, which got to be a bit much. Her relationship with Jacob was weird, to put it mildly. Granted, this is a work of fiction, but so many things are just too far-fetched, and the writing was subpar, so that didn’t help.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
The overall premise sounded good, but it wasn’t carried out to its full potential. It’s difficult to like any of the characters, including Corby. So many things, including her parents, teachers, and even what was labeled as “bullying,” seem totally unrealistic.
The narration of the story itself was a bit unusual, and, in this case, it wasn’t a good thing. It made it difficult to connect to anything. Corby spent a lot of time seemingly talking out loud to herself, which got to be a bit much. Her relationship with Jacob was weird, to put it mildly. Granted, this is a work of fiction, but so many things are just too far-fetched, and the writing was subpar, so that didn’t help.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
April 9, 2018
A gripping tale filled with the not so usual teenage angst.
October 24, 2017
Let me start by saying this: I'm not a person who is easy to upset. For some reason, while I am anxious by nature, by products of media I don't get scared easily, and as a result of that, I have always been (perhaps morbidly) fascinated by the idea of seeking out the one book, the one movie, that would finally manage to actually give me that feeling of dread that so many describe.
This book... this book may just be a worthy candidate for that. And not because it would be what I call a "gross-out book" (really what little gore there is, it's very matter-of-fact and not the gratuitous horror-porn that so many engage in) but because it dredged up a lot of very complicated, oftentimes contradictory feelings in me. Which is to say, it opened by taking me -and I assume many others- back into that early teenage mindset- back to when we were barely figuring out who we are, when we were quiet, unpopular, and therefore the punching bags of Those Who Mattered... and as things escalate, it keeps hammering that in, holding our eyes open as things get progressively worse and forcing us to sympathize.
It stretches our empathy to the limits, to where it bumps into our conscience, creating this unique sense of discomfort that I don't believe I have ever felt before from a book. Corby, despite all that happens (which I won't go into because I'd rather not spoil this for anyone), remains... eerily relatable all throughout. At least to the young, frightened, bullied girl who is still hiding within me and the young adult who grew up broken because of that, she was a figure as terrifying and as she was sympathetic. (Which sounds incredibly incriminating, but bear with me.)
I will cut myself off here as to not blow the ending for anyone (but believe me, I Have Thoughts™), but... I would highly recommend this book. There are a few typos which are not overly distracting, there are some minor formatting issues, and sometimes the narration seems to get a touch more distant than others (which I assumed was a stylistic choice to enhance the disconnect between Corby and the events at hand), but overall, it deserves my five stars which I only give to books that I suspect are likely to stick with me long after I've put them down.
This book... this book may just be a worthy candidate for that. And not because it would be what I call a "gross-out book" (really what little gore there is, it's very matter-of-fact and not the gratuitous horror-porn that so many engage in) but because it dredged up a lot of very complicated, oftentimes contradictory feelings in me. Which is to say, it opened by taking me -and I assume many others- back into that early teenage mindset- back to when we were barely figuring out who we are, when we were quiet, unpopular, and therefore the punching bags of Those Who Mattered... and as things escalate, it keeps hammering that in, holding our eyes open as things get progressively worse and forcing us to sympathize.
It stretches our empathy to the limits, to where it bumps into our conscience, creating this unique sense of discomfort that I don't believe I have ever felt before from a book. Corby, despite all that happens (which I won't go into because I'd rather not spoil this for anyone), remains... eerily relatable all throughout. At least to the young, frightened, bullied girl who is still hiding within me and the young adult who grew up broken because of that, she was a figure as terrifying and as she was sympathetic. (Which sounds incredibly incriminating, but bear with me.)
I will cut myself off here as to not blow the ending for anyone (but believe me, I Have Thoughts™), but... I would highly recommend this book. There are a few typos which are not overly distracting, there are some minor formatting issues, and sometimes the narration seems to get a touch more distant than others (which I assumed was a stylistic choice to enhance the disconnect between Corby and the events at hand), but overall, it deserves my five stars which I only give to books that I suspect are likely to stick with me long after I've put them down.
December 17, 2016
I don't really know what I thought of this book. I didn't like the ending at all. I thought the first three quarters of the book were brilliantly written. Its about a girl who deals with bullying and how she coped with it. Her parents were so focused on their lives, that they didn't always have time to listen to their daughter and they were more talk then bite. I think murder would give someone's conscience hell but I don't really understand the ending. It was turned around completely, and made as If the boy who stood up for Corby and claimed to love her, became the raving mad lunatic who wanted to take revenge on mankind. I feel that the ending was quite far fetched. I enjoyed the scenes that played out at school, how Corby handled her peers and how at the end she made a friend because one girl didn't want to be popular and she refused to be mean and unkind to one of the unpopular girls in her school. I think its sad that the boy that Corby grew to love was murdered and I'm sad in some ways that she got away with it and she got free. In some ways it teaches that If you murder, you can get away with anything and even when her dad found the bodies, she didn't have much consequences. Its obvious to me that If you lived as an outcast, and you didn't have supportive and encouraging parents, being bullied can lead to bullying other people in reality or to murder. I think this author tried to write a good plot. I think the ending was a bit twisted, but it was still good to read this book.
April 1, 2016
A provocative, intelligent narrative!
I think it's difficult to write a book about a subject as sensitive as bullying without coming off as preachy or just over the top exaggerating. But somehow this author pulls it off beautifully. She's written a very interesting, thought provoking story showing just how out of hand something like the act of bullying can get. The persuasion of the victim in the book changes depending on which peer group you're viewing it from. One would say that the person being bullied is always the truest victim, but after reading this excellent portrayal of high school at its worst, many may change their views on this. There are victims thrown into the spotlight, some because a cause demands it. Then too, there are invisible victims, unseen by many, their punishment exceeding their crimes substantially. A Must Read!!!
I think it's difficult to write a book about a subject as sensitive as bullying without coming off as preachy or just over the top exaggerating. But somehow this author pulls it off beautifully. She's written a very interesting, thought provoking story showing just how out of hand something like the act of bullying can get. The persuasion of the victim in the book changes depending on which peer group you're viewing it from. One would say that the person being bullied is always the truest victim, but after reading this excellent portrayal of high school at its worst, many may change their views on this. There are victims thrown into the spotlight, some because a cause demands it. Then too, there are invisible victims, unseen by many, their punishment exceeding their crimes substantially. A Must Read!!!
September 22, 2015
Awesome a great great read !!
Wow, this was one of the best thrillers I've read. The story kept me on my toes and it was hard to figure out where the Author was going at times. The character's were like watching a movie and I just had to keep reading and the suspense was over the top. I was shocked at the ending but I did have an idea how this might end. Natasha this was a great thriller one of your best. This is the kind of thriller I really enjoy, Don't Miss this one readers you won't be disappointed.
kozetteksmith
Wow, this was one of the best thrillers I've read. The story kept me on my toes and it was hard to figure out where the Author was going at times. The character's were like watching a movie and I just had to keep reading and the suspense was over the top. I was shocked at the ending but I did have an idea how this might end. Natasha this was a great thriller one of your best. This is the kind of thriller I really enjoy, Don't Miss this one readers you won't be disappointed.
kozetteksmith
October 28, 2016
What goes on in Salnikova's mind to write something so disturbing? Loved it!
I gave "Mean Girl" 5 stars because I couldn't find any noteworthy flaws in the story, and I'm OCD about picking them out, whether I want to be or not. Any one who enjoys a thought provoking, yet not too heavy (no pun intended) mind twister, would find this entertaining. This book will satisfy all ages from young adult to my dear old grandma.
Well written and thoroughly thought out. I'm looking forward to checking out more works by Salnikova.
I gave "Mean Girl" 5 stars because I couldn't find any noteworthy flaws in the story, and I'm OCD about picking them out, whether I want to be or not. Any one who enjoys a thought provoking, yet not too heavy (no pun intended) mind twister, would find this entertaining. This book will satisfy all ages from young adult to my dear old grandma.
Well written and thoroughly thought out. I'm looking forward to checking out more works by Salnikova.
May 27, 2018
Enjoyable,and a good focus on bullying
I have read this author in the past and always been blown away. This particular story is a bit more young adultish than her usual work and some repetitive wording such as "pack of meat" was a little annoying, otherwise it had a very good tale to tell. Who is really good and who is really evil when it comes to juveniles? And what part do the adults rearing them have to do with their outcomes. I would recommend.
I have read this author in the past and always been blown away. This particular story is a bit more young adultish than her usual work and some repetitive wording such as "pack of meat" was a little annoying, otherwise it had a very good tale to tell. Who is really good and who is really evil when it comes to juveniles? And what part do the adults rearing them have to do with their outcomes. I would recommend.
August 2, 2015
Very Exciting Thriller
It was hard for me to put this book down! It was a riveting story of bullying and consequences. Some of the author's text was a bit odd, and this is why I didn't give it five stars. However, it was truly a thriller and was a good read.
It was hard for me to put this book down! It was a riveting story of bullying and consequences. Some of the author's text was a bit odd, and this is why I didn't give it five stars. However, it was truly a thriller and was a good read.
December 30, 2015
One messed up plot!! I didn't know who to sympathize with and what I actually wanted to happen! This book certainly gives one a new outlook on bullying!!! Don't bully or you'll und up dead! Pay attention to what your kids are really saying! Fascinating read.
June 22, 2016
Great story, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by Natasha A. Salnikova.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
January 9, 2016
Wow
Mean girl was crazy I can't wait to read more.work by you this book shocked me and.still recovering ready for.more
Mean girl was crazy I can't wait to read more.work by you this book shocked me and.still recovering ready for.more
March 28, 2016
Wow
This was such an intense read for me. Poor girl but she didn't have to gp so far. I got super into it.
This was such an intense read for me. Poor girl but she didn't have to gp so far. I got super into it.
July 23, 2016
very, very different. I think most people can relate to it as I did because so many of us were bullied in school. I recommend it.... just very different.
November 13, 2016
This book was excellent!! I didn't want to put it down until the end, well worth reading!!
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