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Izzy O'Neill #2
Bitches Bite Back
Funnier. Ruder. Angrier. Izzy O’Neill is back in the hilarious sequel to The Exact Opposite of Okay.
It’s been two months since a leaked explicit photo got Izzy involved in a political sex scandal – and the aftershock is far from over. The Bitches Bite Back movement is gathering momentum as a forum for teenage feminists, and when a girl at another school has a sex tape shared online, once again Izzy leads the charge against the slut-shamer. This time she wants to change the state law on revenge porn.
Izzy and her best friend Ajita are as hilarious as ever, using comedy to fight back against whatever the world throws at them, but Izzy is still reeling from her slut-shaming ordeal, feeling angry beyond belief and wondering – can they really make a change?
It’s been two months since a leaked explicit photo got Izzy involved in a political sex scandal – and the aftershock is far from over. The Bitches Bite Back movement is gathering momentum as a forum for teenage feminists, and when a girl at another school has a sex tape shared online, once again Izzy leads the charge against the slut-shamer. This time she wants to change the state law on revenge porn.
Izzy and her best friend Ajita are as hilarious as ever, using comedy to fight back against whatever the world throws at them, but Izzy is still reeling from her slut-shaming ordeal, feeling angry beyond belief and wondering – can they really make a change?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
24 people are currently reading
2101 people want to read
About the author
Laura Steven
11 books2,017 followersLAURA "L.K." STEVEN is a #1 New York Times, Indie & USA Today bestselling author from the northernmost town in England. She has published several books for young adults, such as the instant bestseller Our Infinite Fates, while the forthcoming Silvercloak trilogy, written as L.K. Steven, will mark her adult fantasy debut. When she’s not writing, you can find her trail running, reading chunky fantasy novels, baking cookies, playing old men at chess, or ignoring her husband and son to perfect her Stardew Valley farm. You can find her on Instagram (@laurasteven) and TikTok (@authorlaurasteven).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
March 22, 2020
“A Girl Called Shameless” is the second in author Laura Steven’s Izzy O’Neill series. I haven’t read the first one but it didn’t matter, this can easily be read as a stand-alone and what fun it was too. Dirty, shameless, rude, funny and bang up to date. The ‘Bitches Bite Back’ teenage feminist movement, gather momentum this time taking on local state laws regarding revenge porn. After a fellow student also falls prey to a slut-shaming the girls form a protest march to show the state they aim to stop the degrading actions of spurned men and make it law in their state.
Featuring emotions, friendships, relationships, misogyny, sexuality and racism and more, this is very much an adult book but is aimed at a YA audience. It hits hard but is exceedingly timely and has characters that are realistic, very likeable and ones I wish to follow further in future books.
4 solid stars for a powerfully, well written, emotive but funny novel.
Featuring emotions, friendships, relationships, misogyny, sexuality and racism and more, this is very much an adult book but is aimed at a YA audience. It hits hard but is exceedingly timely and has characters that are realistic, very likeable and ones I wish to follow further in future books.
4 solid stars for a powerfully, well written, emotive but funny novel.
April 26, 2019
4 Stars!
#ENDREVENGEPORN
”So I guess you made me see it’s all life and death, and just because you care deeply about one issue don’t mean other issues can’t matter too.”
Going in to this, my expectations were already pretty high, I absolutely ADORED The Exact Opposite of Okay. Hands down it was one of my favourite books last year, and if you consider yourself a feminist, I strongly suggest you read it! Anyway, before I get off topic and start gushing about another book I best start talking about this!
A Girl Called Shameless starts off two months after the end of The Exact Opposite of Okay, and once again it is dealing with Revenge Porn when a video of a girl is leaked by her ex boyfriend. Once again this book deals with so many problematic issues (when I say problematic I mean issues people face and people react in a shitty way to them) and here are just a few; Revenge Porn, Racism, Sexuality, Money Issues, What to do after School, Toxic Masculinity, Insecurities the list goes on, and these are all looked at in such a way you can’t not see the unjust in it all.
One of the things it touched on was toxic masculinity and with that it was really interesting to see (and I know that not all males behave like this) but it broached the subject on males not being able to talk to one another about feelings and issues because of how they might be seen. This touches on why Danny may be like he is, the way in which both Carson and Zachary feel in different issues. We then also see a situation in which some teenage boys are discussing Izzy and the images that were distributed in front of Zachary and they don’t mention him even though he was involved, and I just loved that he called them out on the bull shit. I legit wanted to stand up and applaud him there and then!
Another interesting topic that is brought up is schools. Now I’m from the UK, so I’m not really sure how exactly it all works, so correct me if I’m wrong (or help a girl out) but the whole concept kind of hit a nerve with me. I felt so sad that people weren’t able to go to college/university (I think that in America college is Uni?) you have to be able to pay a shit ton of money, and if I was in that situation there’s no chance I’d of been able to go. It was just so upsetting to see how much effort so many people have to go through to be able to go, work numerous jobs, try get a scholarship and other things to make ends meet.
Characters
I unashamedly fucking love Izzy O’Neil, my heart truly went out for her. You see the after effect of what happened and boy does it affect her. It was so heart breaking to see her, previously she was such a fun character (she still is don’t get me wrong) but at times things got to her, which is completely understandable and you see that she starts to feel insecure in her own skin on how she looks and acts and has this thought that everyone sees her in a certain way. I was just so proud of what she accomplished in this book, and that speech I was here for it!
We have Ajita and Meg the two best friends! Meg is a new addition and has now become part of the tri-pod which was very much needed after the events of the last book! I honestly loved Meg, she was so uplifting to it all, and with all of the humour it was nice to have a genuinely nice and supportive friend in it all! Then we have one of my other favourite characters that is of course Ajita. This girl has my heart! Her sass and companionship is just everything! She just knows how to do things especially in relation to Izzy and how to make her feel better. She is one of the best friends I’ve read in a book and that is saying something!
Betty-O who is Izzys grandma! I have such a soft spot for her. I think because I have such a close relationship with my nana, I just get it. Betty is so funny, her one liners sometimes are just too good! Not only that but she encourages Izzy, and after everything that happens she’s just so supportive and stands up for what is right. I mean she knew what Izzy wanted before Izzy did and pushed her to talk about it, not only that but there where some SUPER touching moments that I shall mention later!
Finally I’ll touch up on Carson, Zachary and Danny. I’m just going to start off with Danny because I still don’t like him. It’s quite clear he has some shit going on in his life, but sometimes he is beyond infuriating, I’m not going to lie here, I was genuinely worried about what would happy between him and Izzy, but overall I’m happy with the outcome that Izzy chose! Then we have Zachary, I was honestly pleasantly surprised by his character arc in this, he played a double agent and gave plenty of information to help Izzy with her cause, not only that but he opened up and explained how he felt and also how he was treated afterwards, it was pretty insightful to see this and I saw a completely different side to him! Finally we have Carson, my god. I was so so worried about what was to come, he doesn’t open up very often, but when he does it’s just so lovely to see!His relationship with Izzy was just too damn cute and you can see his harsh realities. He wants/needs to provide for his family and how much work and effort he puts in my poor little heart!
”Why would you? It’s not cool for guys to let shit like this to get to them. Gotta laugh along, right? All just banter.”
What I liked?
- I cannot praise this book enough for the representation has. Honestly it’s amazing! There’s so many characters and it’s not added as another “plot” it’s simply everyday life.
- THE GIFTS! My godddddd! And then the end result of the added section from Carson. Yup. I am a sucker.
- Once again Harry Potter references and so many Hunger Games References. I lived
- There’s a section that talks about Izzy feeling a certain way, but then comes on her period, I get that shit!
- White Male Privilege is called out so many times, I legit love it
- Badges
- Carson and Izzy just supporting each other
- Along with Ajita and Meg of course… but different scenarios
- I’ve said it already but Bettys talk on the radio!
- Betty and Izzy talking about her parents, it was so touching and loving it let Izzy see what her mum was like
- The whole protest and a certain banner… oh also boob balloons, just perfect.
- Comeuppance tehehehehehe
What I didn’t like?
- Sometimes the writing or how things were worded didn’t always make sense, and I noticed it a few times, but that might just be a me thing
- I wish I’d of found out what happened with Zachary, I thought we may have seen him at the protest or something else or just seen him again in general, we only saw the outcome of something that he helped.
Even though I am here for Carson and Izzy I wish we’d of seen maybe a teeny tiny bit more? I’m just greedy though!
Bitches Bite Back
Overall I am once again very very impressed with this book! I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Exact Opposite of Okay, but as previously mentioned that book is now stuck with me forever! I still want more, simply for the fact I have become very very attached to these characters and need to know what happens with Izzy next!
The Exact Opposite of Okay - 5 Stars
A Girl Called Shameless - 4 Stars
#ENDREVENGEPORN
”So I guess you made me see it’s all life and death, and just because you care deeply about one issue don’t mean other issues can’t matter too.”
Going in to this, my expectations were already pretty high, I absolutely ADORED The Exact Opposite of Okay. Hands down it was one of my favourite books last year, and if you consider yourself a feminist, I strongly suggest you read it! Anyway, before I get off topic and start gushing about another book I best start talking about this!
A Girl Called Shameless starts off two months after the end of The Exact Opposite of Okay, and once again it is dealing with Revenge Porn when a video of a girl is leaked by her ex boyfriend. Once again this book deals with so many problematic issues (when I say problematic I mean issues people face and people react in a shitty way to them) and here are just a few; Revenge Porn, Racism, Sexuality, Money Issues, What to do after School, Toxic Masculinity, Insecurities the list goes on, and these are all looked at in such a way you can’t not see the unjust in it all.
One of the things it touched on was toxic masculinity and with that it was really interesting to see (and I know that not all males behave like this) but it broached the subject on males not being able to talk to one another about feelings and issues because of how they might be seen. This touches on why Danny may be like he is, the way in which both Carson and Zachary feel in different issues. We then also see a situation in which some teenage boys are discussing Izzy and the images that were distributed in front of Zachary and they don’t mention him even though he was involved, and I just loved that he called them out on the bull shit. I legit wanted to stand up and applaud him there and then!
Another interesting topic that is brought up is schools. Now I’m from the UK, so I’m not really sure how exactly it all works, so correct me if I’m wrong (or help a girl out) but the whole concept kind of hit a nerve with me. I felt so sad that people weren’t able to go to college/university (I think that in America college is Uni?) you have to be able to pay a shit ton of money, and if I was in that situation there’s no chance I’d of been able to go. It was just so upsetting to see how much effort so many people have to go through to be able to go, work numerous jobs, try get a scholarship and other things to make ends meet.
Characters
I unashamedly fucking love Izzy O’Neil, my heart truly went out for her. You see the after effect of what happened and boy does it affect her. It was so heart breaking to see her, previously she was such a fun character (she still is don’t get me wrong) but at times things got to her, which is completely understandable and you see that she starts to feel insecure in her own skin on how she looks and acts and has this thought that everyone sees her in a certain way. I was just so proud of what she accomplished in this book, and that speech I was here for it!
We have Ajita and Meg the two best friends! Meg is a new addition and has now become part of the tri-pod which was very much needed after the events of the last book! I honestly loved Meg, she was so uplifting to it all, and with all of the humour it was nice to have a genuinely nice and supportive friend in it all! Then we have one of my other favourite characters that is of course Ajita. This girl has my heart! Her sass and companionship is just everything! She just knows how to do things especially in relation to Izzy and how to make her feel better. She is one of the best friends I’ve read in a book and that is saying something!
Betty-O who is Izzys grandma! I have such a soft spot for her. I think because I have such a close relationship with my nana, I just get it. Betty is so funny, her one liners sometimes are just too good! Not only that but she encourages Izzy, and after everything that happens she’s just so supportive and stands up for what is right. I mean she knew what Izzy wanted before Izzy did and pushed her to talk about it, not only that but there where some SUPER touching moments that I shall mention later!
Finally I’ll touch up on Carson, Zachary and Danny. I’m just going to start off with Danny because I still don’t like him. It’s quite clear he has some shit going on in his life, but sometimes he is beyond infuriating, I’m not going to lie here, I was genuinely worried about what would happy between him and Izzy, but overall I’m happy with the outcome that Izzy chose! Then we have Zachary, I was honestly pleasantly surprised by his character arc in this, he played a double agent and gave plenty of information to help Izzy with her cause, not only that but he opened up and explained how he felt and also how he was treated afterwards, it was pretty insightful to see this and I saw a completely different side to him! Finally we have Carson, my god. I was so so worried about what was to come, he doesn’t open up very often, but when he does it’s just so lovely to see!His relationship with Izzy was just too damn cute and you can see his harsh realities. He wants/needs to provide for his family and how much work and effort he puts in my poor little heart!
”Why would you? It’s not cool for guys to let shit like this to get to them. Gotta laugh along, right? All just banter.”
What I liked?
- I cannot praise this book enough for the representation has. Honestly it’s amazing! There’s so many characters and it’s not added as another “plot” it’s simply everyday life.
- THE GIFTS! My godddddd! And then the end result of the added section from Carson. Yup. I am a sucker.
- Once again Harry Potter references and so many Hunger Games References. I lived
- There’s a section that talks about Izzy feeling a certain way, but then comes on her period, I get that shit!
- White Male Privilege is called out so many times, I legit love it
- Badges
- Carson and Izzy just supporting each other
- Along with Ajita and Meg of course… but different scenarios
- I’ve said it already but Bettys talk on the radio!
- Betty and Izzy talking about her parents, it was so touching and loving it let Izzy see what her mum was like
- The whole protest and a certain banner… oh also boob balloons, just perfect.
- Comeuppance tehehehehehe
What I didn’t like?
- Sometimes the writing or how things were worded didn’t always make sense, and I noticed it a few times, but that might just be a me thing
- I wish I’d of found out what happened with Zachary, I thought we may have seen him at the protest or something else or just seen him again in general, we only saw the outcome of something that he helped.
Even though I am here for Carson and Izzy I wish we’d of seen maybe a teeny tiny bit more? I’m just greedy though!
Bitches Bite Back
Overall I am once again very very impressed with this book! I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Exact Opposite of Okay, but as previously mentioned that book is now stuck with me forever! I still want more, simply for the fact I have become very very attached to these characters and need to know what happens with Izzy next!
The Exact Opposite of Okay - 5 Stars
A Girl Called Shameless - 4 Stars
August 24, 2025
what a fantastic and important book! revenge porn is a crime. period. I don't care what local legislation has to say about it. If you are abusing the trust and intimacy granted to you by a (former) partner, you are seriously sharing a lot of properties with garbage :)))
I finished this in two sittings and simply must say what an incredible writer Lauren is. humour spot on my queen.
I finished this in two sittings and simply must say what an incredible writer Lauren is. humour spot on my queen.
Want to read
January 29, 2019I AM READY, COME AT ME IZZY. I can't wait for this!
Izzy O'Neill's iPod
Book Review: The Exact Opposite of Okay by Laura Steven
Izzy O'Neill's iPod
Book Review: The Exact Opposite of Okay by Laura Steven
will-avoid-forever
October 30, 2018LOOK AT THAT GORGEOUS COVER. I COULD JUST DIE.
March 18, 2019
I don’t know if it’s possible, but I think I loved A Girl Called Shameless more than The Exact Opposite Of Okay. Izzy the feminist who is trying to change the world for the better spoke directly to my tired heart.
I want the world to be a better place, for people to be held accountable. I want women to be able to go through life without being afraid or belittled or sidelined. I want men to be able to talk about their feelings or indulge in more “girly” pastimes. I want so much it hurts some days, and it’s all things that seem so small that need to change.
Feminist fangirling aside, this book continues to highlight the after effects of what Izzy goes through, and I love how human she is. She is fierce but also terrified. She still struggles. But she has amazing support in Ajita, Meg and Carson. All of whom I loved. And Betty. Oh Betty. You are so wonderful and badass and glorious. You are everything a parent or grandparent should be. 💙💙💙 (I may or may not have an old lady crush on Betty!)
I also loved the look at how the politics system can work for and against. And how fruitless it can feel to fight against it, but also it showed that it is possible to do so even if you are just three high school friends.
All flailing over, this book is still as funny as it’s predecessor and it still is meaningful in a very deep way. But I feel the punch this book packed was even more powerful. And it is inspiring me to look into what causes I can support, as there’s a lot about this country I would change if I could.
I want the world to be a better place, for people to be held accountable. I want women to be able to go through life without being afraid or belittled or sidelined. I want men to be able to talk about their feelings or indulge in more “girly” pastimes. I want so much it hurts some days, and it’s all things that seem so small that need to change.
Feminist fangirling aside, this book continues to highlight the after effects of what Izzy goes through, and I love how human she is. She is fierce but also terrified. She still struggles. But she has amazing support in Ajita, Meg and Carson. All of whom I loved. And Betty. Oh Betty. You are so wonderful and badass and glorious. You are everything a parent or grandparent should be. 💙💙💙 (I may or may not have an old lady crush on Betty!)
I also loved the look at how the politics system can work for and against. And how fruitless it can feel to fight against it, but also it showed that it is possible to do so even if you are just three high school friends.
All flailing over, this book is still as funny as it’s predecessor and it still is meaningful in a very deep way. But I feel the punch this book packed was even more powerful. And it is inspiring me to look into what causes I can support, as there’s a lot about this country I would change if I could.
March 19, 2019
I really loved this book, meeting Izzy and her friend again was really nice. It also angered new, why do we still condemn women for owning their sexuality? A really good follow up to The exact opposite of okay!
July 9, 2022
This series is so impressive. I don't know how the author manages to tackle several of the world's problems at once but she does and I would make a deal with the devil to be able to replicate it.
I'd reccomend this series to everyone, esp guys and any who haven't had any experience with this sorta situation, because the book gives you an informative, emotive and comedic outlook into this experience and the female world a little too. Izzy O'Neill is an incredible character.
I'd reccomend this series to everyone, esp guys and any who haven't had any experience with this sorta situation, because the book gives you an informative, emotive and comedic outlook into this experience and the female world a little too. Izzy O'Neill is an incredible character.
March 25, 2019
Absolutely perfect. I loved the character development Izzy went through and that made this book even more powerful.
There will probably not be more books in this series but if there were I'd most definitely read them.
There will probably not be more books in this series but if there were I'd most definitely read them.
December 31, 2019
I literally can't stop thinking about the shooting in New York. Like, I know that this world is full of violence but somehow, the fact that someone would want to hurt Jews celebrating Hanukkah, after the shooting in New Jersey and the shooting in Germany, it just feels wildly overwhelming and just plain scary.
We had a lesson about antisemitism this week (yeah, good timing) and talked about political power growing from hate, talked about nationalism and globalism, about identity politics and it's wild how you can take a topic that feels so emotional and transform it into something cold and academic.
And if I were living in the states, I'm pretty sure I'd start wearing a kippah or at least, go support these communities. But being here, there's nothing to do (although, idk man, wearing a kippah would probably help further progressive Judaism and/or trans issues here which might be helpful as well). It feels like this is something that can't be truly fought against.
And somehow, this book came to mind because it portrays how you can fight these things. Steven does a fantastic job of showing how change can happen, even when it feels impossible. This book is very 2019 and I am so here for it. We see Izzy organize something, build it together and gain momentum.
Izzy remains a very lovable character. She's hilarious and has this infectious energy, it's so much fun to sink into this book. I read it in one sitting and had a great time delving into this energy. This book is so accessible.
Others will talk about the important subject matter but I'll just say that I loved how this book talks about vulnerability and how challenging that is. I think it's good to talk about how hard opening up can be, even when you're together romantically. There's just something so wholesome about the entire book (Meg!!). I was smiling so much in those last few pages.
In any case, this is lovely! Very cute, very empowering. It gives off such a positive vibe, this is the right book to wrap up 2019. It felt realistic enough to be believable and yet everything works so well that it was a feel-good type of book.
What I'm Taking with Me
- Just checked and thankfully, my country passed a law on revenge porn in 2014. Phew.
- We all need an Izzy in our life.
- I just, I hope there will be more of this series, I just loved it.
We had a lesson about antisemitism this week (yeah, good timing) and talked about political power growing from hate, talked about nationalism and globalism, about identity politics and it's wild how you can take a topic that feels so emotional and transform it into something cold and academic.
And if I were living in the states, I'm pretty sure I'd start wearing a kippah or at least, go support these communities. But being here, there's nothing to do (although, idk man, wearing a kippah would probably help further progressive Judaism and/or trans issues here which might be helpful as well). It feels like this is something that can't be truly fought against.
And somehow, this book came to mind because it portrays how you can fight these things. Steven does a fantastic job of showing how change can happen, even when it feels impossible. This book is very 2019 and I am so here for it. We see Izzy organize something, build it together and gain momentum.
Izzy remains a very lovable character. She's hilarious and has this infectious energy, it's so much fun to sink into this book. I read it in one sitting and had a great time delving into this energy. This book is so accessible.
Others will talk about the important subject matter but I'll just say that I loved how this book talks about vulnerability and how challenging that is. I think it's good to talk about how hard opening up can be, even when you're together romantically. There's just something so wholesome about the entire book (Meg!!). I was smiling so much in those last few pages.
In any case, this is lovely! Very cute, very empowering. It gives off such a positive vibe, this is the right book to wrap up 2019. It felt realistic enough to be believable and yet everything works so well that it was a feel-good type of book.
What I'm Taking with Me
- Just checked and thankfully, my country passed a law on revenge porn in 2014. Phew.
- We all need an Izzy in our life.
- I just, I hope there will be more of this series, I just loved it.
March 24, 2021
Я сначала относилась к книге с неким недовериям. Во-первых, она вторая книга условной, пока без названия, серии автора о девочке Иззи. Во-вторых, моей знакомой, с которой у меня схожие вкусы, первая книга ну вообще не зашла.
В итоге, книга мне не понравилась, не «законнектилась» я с главной героиней. Ее юмор не близок ко мне. В этой книге она делает отсылки к первой книге и произошедшим событиям, вначале это меня смущало, я не понимала героев и не знала их истории, т.к. первую книгу не читала, но потом привыкла. Книга в конце для меня стала чуть ли не историей Золушки, что у девочки все сложилось хорошо. Я за нее рада, но ее историей, увы, не прониклась.
В итоге, книга мне не понравилась, не «законнектилась» я с главной героиней. Ее юмор не близок ко мне. В этой книге она делает отсылки к первой книге и произошедшим событиям, вначале это меня смущало, я не понимала героев и не знала их истории, т.к. первую книгу не читала, но потом привыкла. Книга в конце для меня стала чуть ли не историей Золушки, что у девочки все сложилось хорошо. Я за нее рада, но ее историей, увы, не прониклась.
June 16, 2020
Where The Exact Opposite of Okay was really refreshing and poignant, I thought this sequel lacked a lot of urgency. I just felt like the author was kind of rehashing what happened in the previous book and there wasn't a real plot.
Overall, it was still funny, and I still really liked the characters, but it was just kind of boring as well and it felt a little unnecessary at times.
CWs: revenge porn, slutshaming, victim blaming.
Overall, it was still funny, and I still really liked the characters, but it was just kind of boring as well and it felt a little unnecessary at times.
CWs: revenge porn, slutshaming, victim blaming.
March 5, 2019
3.5 /4🌟 thank you so much to the publishers for sending me an early review copy. I'm finding myself becoming really tough with my 5 star book ratings ATM and I've been in a slight slump lately but this book made me laugh, cry and experience so many emotions. I highly reccomend especially if you loved TEOOO!
November 24, 2021
Ein sehr kraftvoller Roman mit einmaligen Charakteren und einem Humor, den sogar ich lustig finde.
Die interessante Dynamik in Izzys Freundesgruppe aus Teil 1 habe ich stellenweise vermisst, darum muss ich weniger Sterne geben als bei Teil 1, aber ich habe das Buch dennoch sehr geliebt!
Die interessante Dynamik in Izzys Freundesgruppe aus Teil 1 habe ich stellenweise vermisst, darum muss ich weniger Sterne geben als bei Teil 1, aber ich habe das Buch dennoch sehr geliebt!
February 23, 2020
Wow. What a book!
I hadn't realised this was the second in a series so I did have to play catch-up a little bit but that didn't stop me from being in awe of this entire story. There were times when I was so emotionally invested in the topics that I had to take time just to digest and process.
Feminism. Sexual harassment. Misogyny. Exploitation. Sexuality. Patriarchy. Wealth divide. Community. Prejudice. How can a book cover so many important topics with such tenacity and hilarity?!
Unfortunately there were little niggles that didn't make it a 5/5 for me - spelling and grammar errors (being an English teacher I'm a critic by habit. Sorry!) and a dislike for some of the relationships and characters. I found Danny to be a ridiculous human (but I'm guessing if I'd read the first book it would be much clearer for me) and I was unsure at times about the Izzy and Carson relationship; it sometimes seemed a bit petty but then switched to something deeper and mature, so I couldn't quite grasp their relationship dynamics.
Regardless of my little (personal) niggles, this book blew me away. I laughed, I teared up and I raged. How can a book not be great when it evokes such emotion, right?
I hadn't realised this was the second in a series so I did have to play catch-up a little bit but that didn't stop me from being in awe of this entire story. There were times when I was so emotionally invested in the topics that I had to take time just to digest and process.
Feminism. Sexual harassment. Misogyny. Exploitation. Sexuality. Patriarchy. Wealth divide. Community. Prejudice. How can a book cover so many important topics with such tenacity and hilarity?!
Unfortunately there were little niggles that didn't make it a 5/5 for me - spelling and grammar errors (being an English teacher I'm a critic by habit. Sorry!) and a dislike for some of the relationships and characters. I found Danny to be a ridiculous human (but I'm guessing if I'd read the first book it would be much clearer for me) and I was unsure at times about the Izzy and Carson relationship; it sometimes seemed a bit petty but then switched to something deeper and mature, so I couldn't quite grasp their relationship dynamics.
Regardless of my little (personal) niggles, this book blew me away. I laughed, I teared up and I raged. How can a book not be great when it evokes such emotion, right?
October 12, 2019
I'd almost forgotten how much I loved Steven's writing style! It was so much fun to be inside Izzy's head once more. Again, Steven tackles some serious problems, but she manages to keep it light by using humor.
This is a very good sequel to The Exact Opposite of Okay. I didn't really know what to expect, but Steven didn't disappoint at all!
This is a very good sequel to The Exact Opposite of Okay. I didn't really know what to expect, but Steven didn't disappoint at all!
March 14, 2019
I was really looking forward to this book and it definitely did not disappoint. First off, the title of this book is just. Plain. Perfect. Ironic, but it is just totally shameless. I love it.
In terms of the story, I thought it was a great follow up to the first one and is just the perfect example of what feminism truly is and stands for. Revenge porn is real and needs to be addressed and the girls fight throughout this book is both frustrating and empowering with a really rewarding and kick-ass end.
All the characters stayed true to who they are and still remain just as awesome as they are in the first book. This duology really stands out to me because each and every character has their own quirks and are just so unique. It’s a really refreshing read.
The only criticism I have about this book is that it wasn’t anywhere near as funny as the first one. When reading The Exact Opposite of Okay, I literally laughed out loud at Izzy, however when reading A Girl Called Shameless, I not found myself laughing in my head or just slightly giggling. So this did let it down a little bit for me. Although you could argue that this was done deliberately as character development.
Overall, this is a book that girls, women and just society in general really fucking needed. It’s awesome, ruthless, brutally honest and just plain shameless.
In terms of the story, I thought it was a great follow up to the first one and is just the perfect example of what feminism truly is and stands for. Revenge porn is real and needs to be addressed and the girls fight throughout this book is both frustrating and empowering with a really rewarding and kick-ass end.
All the characters stayed true to who they are and still remain just as awesome as they are in the first book. This duology really stands out to me because each and every character has their own quirks and are just so unique. It’s a really refreshing read.
The only criticism I have about this book is that it wasn’t anywhere near as funny as the first one. When reading The Exact Opposite of Okay, I literally laughed out loud at Izzy, however when reading A Girl Called Shameless, I not found myself laughing in my head or just slightly giggling. So this did let it down a little bit for me. Although you could argue that this was done deliberately as character development.
Overall, this is a book that girls, women and just society in general really fucking needed. It’s awesome, ruthless, brutally honest and just plain shameless.
March 9, 2021
figured it was about time I read this, seeing as how I loved the first book. Not sure why it took me so long to get to it.
_________________
Steven does it again.
I LOVED The Exact Opposite of Okay. I loved Izzy's voice as a narrator, I loved the casual tone of the book (makes sense, since it's written as if Izzy threw all her blog posts together to make a book), and most importantly, I loved the story. I loved the commentary on feminist issues like revenge porn, like double standards, like toxic masculinity, like the "friend zone".
And I did enjoy this sequel. I had a big ol' smile on my face by the end. Once again, Steven impressed me with her unique style, the way she crafted Izzy's voice, full of sharp wit, humour, sarcasm, self-deprecation.
Still, I will admit I wasn't as gripped by this story as I was the first book. Which is odd to me, because I loved the additions Steven added into this sequel, weaving in more intersectional issues like BLM and ableism. And it felt especially poignant, since this novel focused more on the political and legislative ramifications of these issues. So I can't quite put my finger on why A Girl Called Shameless didn't capture me as much as The Exact Opposite of Okay.
I will say, while I usually don't like things being introduced or touched on without conclusion, I was happy
Regardless, it was a strong sequel, and I look forward to reading more from Laura Steven!
_________________
Steven does it again.
I LOVED The Exact Opposite of Okay. I loved Izzy's voice as a narrator, I loved the casual tone of the book (makes sense, since it's written as if Izzy threw all her blog posts together to make a book), and most importantly, I loved the story. I loved the commentary on feminist issues like revenge porn, like double standards, like toxic masculinity, like the "friend zone".
And I did enjoy this sequel. I had a big ol' smile on my face by the end. Once again, Steven impressed me with her unique style, the way she crafted Izzy's voice, full of sharp wit, humour, sarcasm, self-deprecation.
Still, I will admit I wasn't as gripped by this story as I was the first book. Which is odd to me, because I loved the additions Steven added into this sequel, weaving in more intersectional issues like BLM and ableism. And it felt especially poignant, since this novel focused more on the political and legislative ramifications of these issues. So I can't quite put my finger on why A Girl Called Shameless didn't capture me as much as The Exact Opposite of Okay.
I will say, while I usually don't like things being introduced or touched on without conclusion, I was happy
Regardless, it was a strong sequel, and I look forward to reading more from Laura Steven!
April 6, 2019
*4.5 stars!!
I really enjoyed it! Hilarious, but very powerful! I definitely recommend it :)
I really enjoyed it! Hilarious, but very powerful! I definitely recommend it :)
June 3, 2019
A read and reviewed The Exact Opposite of Okay at start of the year and I absolutely loved it. I’m very happy to say that A Girl Called Shameless is a more than worthy sequel.
A Girl Called Shameless is an enthralling book. It’s the sort of book you can read in a day because of how fast-paced it is, how layered and funny the characters are, and how it balances tough topics with levity and teenage-relatability.
In A Girl Called Shameless, Izzy and her friends start a movement to get the law changed as in her state revenge porn is legal. It was a great look at grassroots activism, how the pressure and desire for change can be almost suffocating, but also how there can be a lot of support out there. One thing that I thought worked really well is how through this book, the feelings Izzy felt when her explicit photos were shared online haven’t necessarily gone away. She might put on a front, but she is still hurt and angry and her confidence has taken a knock too.
Izzy has a lot going on in her life and it was good that it showed that not everything goes well all the time. Izzy finally gets a part-time job to help her grandmother pay the bills, she has an agent for her scriptwriting, she has school, and she also has this role of an activist. Izzy gets pushed to breaking point in this book, and sometimes she breaks, but she’s got a great support system around her and a strong sense of self so she keeps moving forward.
A Girl Called Shameless is even more inclusive with its message. Being against slut-shaming and fighting to get revenge porn made illegal is still the main focus of the novel, but it brings in other areas of oppression albeit sometimes briefly. There is a trans girl at Izzy’s school that gets involved with the Bitches Bite Back website, writing articles about how trans people can be affected by revenge porn. Izzy’s boyfriend Carson is black and the two of them talk about his fear of the police and the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s a sharp shock when Izzy realises that Carson might not feel comfortable or safe to join a protest with her, because the police mean a different thing to him.
A Girl Called Shameless is funny, thoughtful and empowering. Izzy’s friends and family are just as important and complex as in the first book, and the narrative style of being written in blog posts with interjections from future-Izzy was great too.
A Girl Called Shameless is an enthralling book. It’s the sort of book you can read in a day because of how fast-paced it is, how layered and funny the characters are, and how it balances tough topics with levity and teenage-relatability.
In A Girl Called Shameless, Izzy and her friends start a movement to get the law changed as in her state revenge porn is legal. It was a great look at grassroots activism, how the pressure and desire for change can be almost suffocating, but also how there can be a lot of support out there. One thing that I thought worked really well is how through this book, the feelings Izzy felt when her explicit photos were shared online haven’t necessarily gone away. She might put on a front, but she is still hurt and angry and her confidence has taken a knock too.
Izzy has a lot going on in her life and it was good that it showed that not everything goes well all the time. Izzy finally gets a part-time job to help her grandmother pay the bills, she has an agent for her scriptwriting, she has school, and she also has this role of an activist. Izzy gets pushed to breaking point in this book, and sometimes she breaks, but she’s got a great support system around her and a strong sense of self so she keeps moving forward.
A Girl Called Shameless is even more inclusive with its message. Being against slut-shaming and fighting to get revenge porn made illegal is still the main focus of the novel, but it brings in other areas of oppression albeit sometimes briefly. There is a trans girl at Izzy’s school that gets involved with the Bitches Bite Back website, writing articles about how trans people can be affected by revenge porn. Izzy’s boyfriend Carson is black and the two of them talk about his fear of the police and the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s a sharp shock when Izzy realises that Carson might not feel comfortable or safe to join a protest with her, because the police mean a different thing to him.
A Girl Called Shameless is funny, thoughtful and empowering. Izzy’s friends and family are just as important and complex as in the first book, and the narrative style of being written in blog posts with interjections from future-Izzy was great too.
January 4, 2023
I LOVEEEE THIS BOOK! the ending with everything going good for everyone ahhh i was living for it. Meg and Ajita, Betty and Frank, Carson’s art and Izzy’s internship literally so glad it had such a good ending! The whole journey for Izzy to find the courage to get emotional at the rally was amazing to go through, her ups and downs were so vivid and touching. and betty!!! I LOVE BETTYYYY!!! She made me cry when she did the radio interview and her being at the rally supporting Izzy and the BBB, hands down favourite but a hard pick overall (also her using tinder HAHAHA i love her so much). The support that Izzy had around her through the book was also so admirable, everyone’s way of helping was different and inspiring and I loved it. The cause getting through and Ted Vaughan stepping down was also amazing, I was cheering out loud for it. The whole progression and the rally itself were so powerful it was super emotional. Overall so good, highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
This was an amazing follow up and overall wrap of this story! I loved how everything came together and made sense. I did have the mind-blow-moment at the end, which everyone else probably saw coming haha
Weirdly I can identify quite well with Izzy’s humour. I myself am totally childish and sexual when it comes to that and people find it strange haha. Betty is the coolest and sassiest gran alive and Izzy’s best friends are the heart and soul of this too.
Weirdly I can identify quite well with Izzy’s humour. I myself am totally childish and sexual when it comes to that and people find it strange haha. Betty is the coolest and sassiest gran alive and Izzy’s best friends are the heart and soul of this too.
May 30, 2019
”Because the way the world treats teenage girls- as sluts, as objects, as bitches- is not okay. It's the exact opposite of okay.”
Good Lord, this book was incredible. It is so relevant to the issues in our world today and the way in which Laura Steven lays it all out on the line like that just took my breath away. I will literally read anything she writes from now on.
Good Lord, this book was incredible. It is so relevant to the issues in our world today and the way in which Laura Steven lays it all out on the line like that just took my breath away. I will literally read anything she writes from now on.
March 26, 2019
4.5 stelle!
December 31, 2019
story 4/5
characters 4/5
writing 4/5
audio/paper Paper.
reread? I probably will. Would also enjoy a third book...
characters 4/5
writing 4/5
audio/paper Paper.
reread? I probably will. Would also enjoy a third book...
October 8, 2022
Der erste Band hat mir einen winzigen Ticken besser gefallen, aber das liegt an meinem geringen Interesse an Politik
February 23, 2022
This book had a good intention and good motives behind it but geez, it was so fucking boring and so fucking white. I’m so sorry, Laura Steven.
February 16, 2021
Love a powerful, feminist story
March 5, 2019
4.5/5 actually but who's counting?
Izzy is still her hilarious self, except this time, her "cracking jokes to hide my insecurities" attitude is toned down a bit and it's great. We get to read about how she feels, really feels, about what happened in TEOOO, how Hazel's story brings it all back and how scared and hopeless she feels, not only about revenge porn, but also about her own future. I love the fact that she's clearly poor (I'm so tired of reading about teens who sound richer than me and seem to not realize the value of money) and that we get to see her struggling with things most people take for granted. My mother lost her job right when I started college and a lot of things all the other students could do were just not in the cards for me, so it's really refreshing to feel seen and to be able to connect to a character going through a similar situation.
The side characters are all awesome and they all get their own story. I love Ajita, I love Meg, I love Carson, I love Betty... I love that Vaughan gets to make a come back because he's not a bad person and I love that the person responsible for the horrible website in TEOOO gets to deal with their actions. That no, "sorry" just doesn't cut it when you ruined someone's life, when you made them feel like Izzy feels. And mostly that asking for forgiveness is not all it takes to get it. You can ask, you can beg, you can try to earn it but just like someone's love, in the end, whether you get it or not is a choice that's not in your hands and there's nothing you can do about it.
I can't say the plot is very surprising but it holds. I want my #EndRevengePorn sticket, please thank you. And my hoodie :P
Oddly enough, TEOOO and AGCS kinda remind me of the Legally Blonde films. Which is a pretty great compliment considering I love these films and they are my go-to when I need a little pick me up (with Love Actually and the Rocky Horror). Basically, if you need something funny, feminist and political, you'll probably love this duology.
Izzy is still her hilarious self, except this time, her "cracking jokes to hide my insecurities" attitude is toned down a bit and it's great. We get to read about how she feels, really feels, about what happened in TEOOO, how Hazel's story brings it all back and how scared and hopeless she feels, not only about revenge porn, but also about her own future. I love the fact that she's clearly poor (I'm so tired of reading about teens who sound richer than me and seem to not realize the value of money) and that we get to see her struggling with things most people take for granted. My mother lost her job right when I started college and a lot of things all the other students could do were just not in the cards for me, so it's really refreshing to feel seen and to be able to connect to a character going through a similar situation.
The side characters are all awesome and they all get their own story. I love Ajita, I love Meg, I love Carson, I love Betty... I love that Vaughan gets to make a come back because he's not a bad person and I love that the person responsible for the horrible website in TEOOO gets to deal with their actions. That no, "sorry" just doesn't cut it when you ruined someone's life, when you made them feel like Izzy feels. And mostly that asking for forgiveness is not all it takes to get it. You can ask, you can beg, you can try to earn it but just like someone's love, in the end, whether you get it or not is a choice that's not in your hands and there's nothing you can do about it.
I can't say the plot is very surprising but it holds. I want my #EndRevengePorn sticket, please thank you. And my hoodie :P
Oddly enough, TEOOO and AGCS kinda remind me of the Legally Blonde films. Which is a pretty great compliment considering I love these films and they are my go-to when I need a little pick me up (with Love Actually and the Rocky Horror). Basically, if you need something funny, feminist and political, you'll probably love this duology.
December 11, 2021
Der Schreibstil von diesem Buch ist wirklich toll, denn man fliegt förmlich von einem Kapitel zum nächsten Kapitel. Die Kapitel sind relativ kurz, was aber nicht schlimm ist.
Ich mochte es sehr, dass Izzy eine sehr direkte Art hat, denn es ist etwas komplett anderes im Vergleich zu anderen Büchern und hat etwas sehr erfrischendes. Das Buch hat ein sehr wichtiges Thema, das auch sehr aktuell in unserer heutigen Gesellschaft hat. Es ist zudem sehr humorvoll und ich mag den Charakter der Protagonistin Izzy sehr gerne. Ein wirklich gutes Buch, das einem dazu anspornt zu kämpfen.
Ich mochte es sehr, dass Izzy eine sehr direkte Art hat, denn es ist etwas komplett anderes im Vergleich zu anderen Büchern und hat etwas sehr erfrischendes. Das Buch hat ein sehr wichtiges Thema, das auch sehr aktuell in unserer heutigen Gesellschaft hat. Es ist zudem sehr humorvoll und ich mag den Charakter der Protagonistin Izzy sehr gerne. Ein wirklich gutes Buch, das einem dazu anspornt zu kämpfen.
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