Infamous

It Girl #7

by Cecily von Ziegesar (creator)

It's Thanksgiving break at exclusive Waverly Academy, and everybody's feeling thankful . . . for the long weekend. New BFFs Jenny Humphrey and Tinsley Carmichael are determined to snap their glum but still uberstylish roomie Callie Vernon out of her funk-it's been weeks since her boyfriend Easy Walsh was kicked out of school, and they're sick of her moping. The plan: head to NYC for some R & R! And some SS (serious shopping). But the girls quickly discover that a quiet holiday is not in store for them. A cozy Thanksgiving dinner turns into a three-day party with a few of their classmates-and some irresistible mystery guests. Jenny meets Mr. Right but is determined not to fall in love for the fourth time this fall. Tinsley has her own holiday mission: to win back adorable freshman Julian McCafferty. And Callie is holding out for Easy . . . which is hard to do with a cute college boy following her around. Brett Messerschmidt is missing in action-forced to spend Thanksgiving in her family's tacky Jersey McMansion. But drama's on the menu at the dinner table. And maybe love too. Forget turkey and stuffing. When you're an It Girl, a holiday is just another excuse to break out the bubbly.

Genres: Young Adult, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, High School, Boarding School

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2008

About the author

Cecily von Ziegesar is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels, upon which the hit television show is based.

Cecily von Ziegesar was born in New York City. Her childhood dream was to grow up to be a ballerina; she began lessons at age 3 and auditioned for the School of American Ballet at age 8, but was rejected.

As a teenager, von Ziegesar commuted to Manhattan at 6 a.m. to attend the Nightingale-Bamford School. After graduating from Nightingale, von Ziegesar attended Colby College before spending a year in Budapest working for a local radio station.

Von Ziegesar returned to the United States to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, but dropped out shortly thereafter.

Back in New York, while working at book-packaging firm Alloy Entertainment, von Ziegesar became inspired to create the Gossip Girl series, which follows the lives of privileged teenagers in New York. The series climbed to the top of The New York Times best-sellers list in 2002. A spin-off series, The It Girl, made the list in 2005.

The Constance Billard School for Girls in Gossip Girl is based upon an exaggerated version of von Ziegesar's alma mater, Nightingale. She also culled events from the book from the lives of her extremely wealthy friends, as well as her own life as a perpetual gossip.

She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love everything Cecily, but this is the worst book out of all. Here's why:
1.Sage. She has a guy, who would basically do anything for her and she dumps him? Sorry for not spanking your ass Sage, but if you want something from him - talk to the guy, he would do anything for you.
2.Most chill parents. Jenny tells her over-protective dad she would be staying at a hotel, yeah cool. Tinsley gets dumped by her parents last minute. Um, phone calls? Callie just calls to say she's not coming for Thanksgiving and it's okay. And all the other parents of the characters seem to be okay with their kids not being with them on Thanksgiving. Besides, did anyone noticed none of the parents called on Thanksgiving?
3.Yvonne. This nerdy unpopular girl throws a party, everyone shows up and everyone magically happens to be in New York. Also, how did her parents allow her to stay there on a family holiday? Personally, to me the whole sleepover weekend was too sugary, too fluffy and too cheesy. That's not The Sleepover Club. It was kind of unrealistic to have everyone stay at one apartment at a girl, who they don't like.
4.Tinsley/Julian/Sleigh. Starting off with Julian, he is super annoying. If he really was into Tinsley, he would've liked her because of her bitchy side or despite it. Then even though he judges Tinsley for her games, he plays one the whole weekend. He was just testing to see how she would act around Sleigh, um yeah, sure Cecily. And then she snaps at one little thing and he is like 'I see it now, she is the biggest bitch'. Then Tinsley is ready to change herself for some guy, who is just described as with a great body and gorgeous. Okay, Tinsley, if you are that pathetic. And it's weird how at one small thing Sleigh breaks her 'cover' and disappears. If she really hates Tinsley that much, she would've held herself when Julian told her about him and Tinsley, or would've found a way to get back in the game. But I was really disappointed in Tinsley and found Julian really, really, really annoying.
5.Brett. She is the character I am least irritated with, but... I do understand where she is coming from and did enjoy her irritating the Coopers, but Sebastian...Couldn't she just texted asking him for help? Or when Bree caught her alone, just don't admit? Like, I didn't invite Sebastian to irritate you, or something like that. A plan as carefully thought out, wouldn't be blown away just like that.
6.EVERY.FREAKING.GUY.IS.GORGEOUS.AND.HOT. Cecily I go to a private school and most guys still don't have abs and are not that good looking. It is impossible for every single guy in this book to be handsome and have abs.
7.Callie. Ugh, Callie, Callie, Callie. So she whines about Easy, plans their wedding, then loses her ring and because she didn't spend 10 hours thinking about the ring dumps Easy. Then at the end she says, she wasn't ready for something serious. Girl, if it was open and you had the time, you would've stopped at Vera Wang to pick a gown. And wear it to the ESB.
8.No Gossip Girl reunion? We did see Rufus, but was it so hard to add Dan or Vanessa? Just for one scene? Dan leaving because of the craziness in the apartment, or Vanessa taking a late flight/train/cab to whatever boring place she was because of Rufus' guests? And how it is possible for Jenny not to run into somebody from the original characters? Look down the window and see Serena passing by? Or run into Blair somewhere outside. Or maybe just a hint at seeing some of them? It was a shame.
9. Know your limits, guys. Brendon could've just said no thanks, I'm pretty buzzed by now, or something like that. Although Brendon and Heath's story is the only one I did not find annoying and I wasn't screaming at how stupid they were.
10.Jenny. Jenny runs from a guy to guy. She changes the love of her life faster than Taylor Swift her boyfriends (I'm a Swiftie, I'm allowed to make this joke). Most of all she is really annoying. And Jenny, if a college dude is texting you that you could stop by his school someday, it's a bootycall. And Jenny, you are generally annoying.
10.Their stomaches were growling all the time. EAT PEOPLE! It's not TV, you are allowed to eat here because the public won't see if you gain weight. And Tinsley, eat your croissants by yourself. Why would you want to treat that bitch to something sweet? And you so don't deserve Julian.

I had to read 100 pages by the end this morning. I thought I was going to finish it tomorrow, but when I realized this was the worst book in the series so far, I got motivated to finish it to write a bad review.

[Nadhira Satria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the worst out of the series

[Tiny Pants · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not my favorite installment in this series. Yes, it got me through a transcontinental flight, but on the whole, it was a bit dull. The whole each-book-only-gets-you-through-like-three-days thing is getting a bit ridiculous -- it's still only Thanksgiving of Jenny Humphrey's sophomore year of high school! In spite of all the drama they've had, time is moving at a crawl. In a weird way though, that almost makes the books truer to how high school is -- and particularly small, private high schools. People are so intimately involved in each other's day-to-day lives, that every little incident and entanglement is blown out of proportion and probably could generate 100 pages' worth of material. That said, do I want to read every piece of minutiae? Possibly not. Overall, the most entertaining plot in this book is the one with Brett, which is truly enjoyable if predictable; the one with Heath and Brandon (which is the most far-fetched) is probably the most disappointing.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm kind of over the are they, aren't they status of most of the couples the It Girl series keeps throwing together and then breaking apart. Callie and Easy are back on, but apart, and then... they aren't. One minute Callie's a little too into Easy and the next she's breaking up with him. Right. Of course.

It's weird to transition from TV Jenny back to book Jenny, but book Jenny is still such a sweetheart that I don't mind the momentary whiplash. I'm hoping she gets to go back to maturing a little more than she did in Infamous.

Bonus points for finding a bigger bitch than Tinsley, and the Heath/Brandon bonding was just the right amount of funny to keep the rest of the book on track.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't say this series is extremely good but there is something about it that just leaves me wanting to read more. In this installment, I believe it was the first time that the majority of the novel was based somewhere outside of Waverly Academy. As well, the story was surrounding Thanksgiving. I found the read pretty decent with descriptions and some of the characters are quite humorous in the way they act.

[Sara W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I prefer this series over the Gossip Girl series. This one has just as much hooking up and drinking, but there's a sweetness to this series that I don't recall the Gossip Girl series having. The characters seem to think about their actions more. I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Becca D · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the series goes on, I think that the books just keep getting better because there is so much character development. If I were to cast people to make the book a film I would cast Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey. The reason being is that the Gossip Girl series is a TV series also, and the author of the Gossip Girl series pulled Jenny out and made a whole series about her life, not on TV. So Jenny Humphrey needs to stay as Jenny Humphrey you know? Then for Tinsley I would have Vanessa Hudgens, just because I feel like she has the type of poker face that you never know what she is thinking. Easy would be Chad Michael Murray because he is gorgeous and in the book Easy is gorgeous to everyone. Callie I think would be Anna Sophia Robb because she is so pretty and innocent.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was pretty boring up until the last 75 pages where things started to pick up with Tinsley and a secondary character. I just wished more things would happen between the two instead of having an abrupt ending. Everyone got their dream guy at some point. At this point I'm just trying to finish the series.

[Kristina Hoerner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have given up on Gossip Girl and it looks like this will be my last It Girl. I don't know if I am outgrowing the genre or just getting tired of the vapid characters. Jenny and her rich friends are stranded in New York during the Thanksgiving holidays.

[India · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really liking this book so far. I don't think I'll finish any time soon.

[ⓘsⓐbεℓℓⓐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah-mazing!

[Roberta love youuuu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay. I read ALL the books before this one and used to bet into it all the time, and it's okay, but it's kind of boring!(:

[Sonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was kind of boring. I only read the first 2 chapters

[Lindsey Gingerich · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished and thank God for that. Note to self: this books sucks and has no real plot so if you're ever wanting to reread this series again, just skip this.
Spoilers ahead:


Tinsley spends the break pining over Julien(don't care), Jenny spends the break like learning to not care so much about the boys she hooks up with(???), Callie pseudo cheats on Easy then dumps him on the top of the Empire State Building (probably the only significant plot point), Brandon gets dumped by Sage for being gay or something(???) then spends the break hooking up with German twins or something with Heath, who isn't into it because he misses Kara(who had dumped him in the previous book for being a bully to Brandon and making her remember him give her an ED or something; sorry don't care about most of that). Oh and Brett went home for Thanksgiving and used Sebastian as a way to embarrass her sister in front of her stuffy future inlaws.

Everyone was boring and/or bitchy (which is honestly most of the content in these books).

[Magda Golinska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone says this is the worst book in the series, but I actually really enjoyed it!
I liked that it all revolves around the Thanksgiving weekend! It was like the special Thanksgiving episode in the Gossip girl series. Maybe a little less iconic that those, but let’s be serious what can top that Thanksgiving dining table scene?
I loved that Tinsley and Jenny finally made up! And I like that it was kinda gradual, they started from the snickering besties to full on help each other out best friends.
I also liked how all the relationships kinda had its own thing and they got wrapped up for now, giving us a kind of happy ending.
And since I’m already talking about the relationships - Sage got served right! Brandon is the sweetest guy on campus! Why would she just dump him! I am sorta obsessed with the fact he got some.
Overall, it’s a bit of a different one from the rest of the series, but it is giving fun and entertaining:)

[Student Symmes]

1. Did you feel that the book fulfilled your expectations? Were you disappointed?
The book definitely fulfilled my expectations. Each chapter had an interesting moment in it. At times I was shocked with some of their decisions that the characters made, like when Callie broke up with the boy she was in love with. I didn’t see that coming but the book was absolutely worth the read.


2. Did you enjoy the book? Why, Why not?
I really enjoyed the book because there was never a dull moment, each sentence was exciting. Each book I’ve read from the “it girl series” never disappointed me, this one definitely didn’t either.


3. How did the book compare to other books by the author (or other books in the same genre)?
All the “it girl books” are very good. This one was definitely one of the better books because it had more of an interesting plot. In this book, “Waverly” is on thanksgiving break so everyone leaves, while in the other books the setting is usually always at school.


4. What about the plot? Did it pull you in; or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?
The plot was definitely more captivating than some of the other books because the stories main setting is in New York City, which is a very wild city. Whenever I started reading I didn’t want to put the book down.


5. Were the characters realistic? Would you want to meet any of the characters? Did you like them? Hate them?
If I could get the chance I’d like to meet all the main characters because, they all have different backgrounds, and personalities. The way the author described them was just so detailed. At times, the characters did things that were selfish and rude.


6. Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Why? Why not?
A lot of the actions weren’t plausible. At one point Sleigh was at the park and she just started playing with these twins and gave them food. Usually parents wouldn’t mind if you asked but Sleigh didn’t even ask. Another time was when Easy had asked Callie to meet him at the top of the Empire State Building. In the letter he wrote it read “I promised that I’d see you again, so meet me at the top of the Empire State Building at 6 o’clock. Things like that don’t happen.


7. How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place?
If the student of Waverly hadn’t left the school for thanks giving break the book would have been completely different. “There’s nothing like spending the weekend in New York and getting away from Waverly”, Jenny said. That clearly shows she was exited to get away from Waverly. New York is a party city so things definitely would have been different. Yvonne wouldn’t have had the party, Callie wouldn’t have dumped Easy, Tinsley wouldn’t have gotten a second chance from Julian and Jenny wouldn’t have met Casey.


8. What are some of the book’s themes? How important were they?
I think the biggest theme in the story was friendship. “I’m so happy we became friends”. Jenny, Callie and Tinsley were enemies throughout the other books but they got over it. The theme friendship was an important theme because almost every girl in Waverly would pick their boyfriends over their friends or believe any little rumour they heard. Jenny, Callie and Tinsley put all the rumours fights and boys behind and became very close.


9. How are the books images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot, or help to define characters?
In one part of the book, Callie found a letter that Easy had written her “if you’ve gotten this, I’m probably at military school and can’t get a word out, with this letter is a promise ring. I promise I’ll see you soon”. That symbolizes Easy’s love for Callie.


10. Did the book end the way you expected?
I did think that the book would have ended differently. “Whoa, dude is it true you hooked up with the Dunderdorf twins?” The way the book was going it didn’t look like Brandon wouldn’t have hooked up with Helga. Also I thought that Sleigh would have for she ruined Tinsley’s chores with Julian, but that didn’t happen either.


11. Would you recommend this book to other readers? To your close friends?
I would recommend this book series to my girl friends because it’s very girly. It’s all about shopping, boys, friendship and gossip. Not that my guy friends wouldn’t like the books, I just think it’s more appropriate for girls.


12. If you were casting these characters in a movie, what actors/ actresses would play them?
If I was casting these characters in a movie Tinsley would be a played by Meagan fox because they are both admired by boys and are very beautiful. They both have long dark hair and remind me of each other. Callie would be played by Blake Lively because they are both tall, blonde, very slim and very pretty. Jenny would be played by Taylor Momsen because the “it girl” series is based sort of around gossip girl and gossip girl is Jenny is played by Taylor Momsen. Easy would be played by Brad Pitt because they are both scruffy looking yet very good looking. Easy’s personality reminds me of Brad’s behaviour in some of his movies. Julian would be played by Zac Efron because they both like sports and are more proper like polite and remind me of eachother.



13. What was your favourite part/scene of the book?
My favourite park of the book was at the end when everyone was talking about their thanksgiving weekend. “Is it true you hooked up with the Dunderdorf twins?” “I just saw Tinsley curled up on the couch next to Julian” “Did you hear Callie and Easy broke up for good?” I liked the end because everyone was shocked that all these things happened over the break!

[Alyssa Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading my favorite series from middle/high school for the guilty pleasure nostalgia.

I devoured this one. Quite a few break ups occurred, some relatable and expected (cough, Brandon and Sage), some surprising (it's not thaaaat surprising that Callie and Easy are on a "off again" part of their on-again-off-again relationship, but Callie really surprised me there by walking away), and some down right gut-wrenching (ok fine, maybe the Alison/Alan breakup is only sad for me, but I was devastated). Plus any book where I get to root for Queen Bitch Tinsley is a win for me.

[Linda]

Of the books I read in this series so far, I liked this one the best. “Infamous” was much less all-about-every-label-that-could-be-labeled and more about the characters and their storylines. Jenny and Tinsley hating each other just got old and repetitive, too. I’m glad it got mixed up in the Thanksgiving snowstorm slush, along with different locations and fleshing out new characters to follow. Unfortunately, it’s the last book I had in the series and I may need to see if the library has them. Otherwise, I’m done and I don’t get to find out if Sebastian graduates or gets held back… I vote for held back. He’s a fun character.

[Diana]

I’m reading these because they offer basic entertainment — low-involvement, low-brain-function — and they keep me off screens… like the CSI/Criminal Minds equivalent but without the crime.

I’m still struggling with the “South Africa doesn’t do Christmas officially” comment. It feels as if the author had channelled the cliché version Europeans have of Americans, or as if the author and the publisher hadn’t done any fact-checking, ending up including information so ridiculous that it doesn’t fit the characters it’s assigned to…

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate how much I enjoy reading these.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series

[Jamie Coudeville · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was weird to see them away from school. I really loved Jenny and Tinsley getting along. But I couldn't have cared less about the boys' storyline.

[Jannieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable. not much to say about it.

[Cat's Bookery · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Aaliyah Rawana · Rating 5 out of 5]

for being the last book in a series and having 0 context on the book thinking it was the first in the series it was pretty entertaining

[Mallory]

still trucking my way through these and will report back if the real Tinsley returns (the peaceful ending to this book seems way too tenuous to last)

[Courtney Shek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full review with spoilers here

[Carlynn]

I was busy all January long and then was sick, but I’m back and finally finished a book. Everyone clap.

[agnes ୨୧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

people say this might be the worst book in the series but i think im biased bc it was the girl book in the series i read + it’s fun to see the characters outside of waverly (for once!!)