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The Nicest Girl
Sixth-former Anna Campbell is the go-to girl when anyone needs anything. Teachers, friends, random strangers… It never occurred to her that she could say no. After all, Anna Campbell’s always been too ‘nice' to say no. But Anna is sick of being that girl, the nice girl, and she’s going to do something about it. Only, is she prepared to risk losing everything she cares about – even herself – along the way…? A novel for anyone who’s ever struggled to put themselves first.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2022
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 10, 2022
What a book! This is Sophie’s debut, and it reads exactly how I thought it would - I can hear her humour and her voice throughout.
Anna is a really relatable main character - it’s like reading my diary in places - and I found the plot incredibly powerful.
I can only imagine how different my teens would have been if I had this book, so I’m hoping it reaches every teen that needs it.
Paperback
Anna is a really relatable main character - it’s like reading my diary in places - and I found the plot incredibly powerful.
I can only imagine how different my teens would have been if I had this book, so I’m hoping it reaches every teen that needs it.
Paperback
October 16, 2022
A phenomenal debut from Sophie Jo! As a chronic people pleaser who always has to fight off the instinct to be ‘the nicest girl’ to my own detriment, this novel really resonated with me, and I can only imagine how beneficial it would have been for me to read this during my teenage years. I’m so glad this book exists and can find the ears and eyes of other ‘nicest girls’ and reassure them that it’s never too late to put yourself first.
September 6, 2022
What do you do when everyone sees you as a bit of a doormat? This is the question that protagonist Anna Campbell is asking herself. She is there for everybody because she has a pathological inability to say no or to let people down. Not only is she carrying the burden of being a teenager doing her A-Levels but she has to buddy up with the new kid, is pressurised into taking a job that she really doesn’t have time for and deal with a needy best friend and quite frankly it has all got a bit much for her.
We all know an Anna – some of us might even be an Anna – which is why The Nicest Girl is so relatable. We desperately want Anna to grow a backbone and stand up for herself but know that it could come at a cost.
I really enjoyed this short YA story. It was sensitive and handled difficult issues such as toxic friendship in a really approachable way. Sophie Jo got to the crux of the issues whilst still maintaining the dignity of her characters. I did hope for more resolution from other secondary characters like Ryan and her tertiary characters (Sophie’s friends) were interesting enough to have their own plot lines explored – maybe in a multiverse or short story?
The Nicest Girl is a good, solid YA that deserves a place in all libraries.
The Nicest Girl by Sophie Jo is available now.
We all know an Anna – some of us might even be an Anna – which is why The Nicest Girl is so relatable. We desperately want Anna to grow a backbone and stand up for herself but know that it could come at a cost.
I really enjoyed this short YA story. It was sensitive and handled difficult issues such as toxic friendship in a really approachable way. Sophie Jo got to the crux of the issues whilst still maintaining the dignity of her characters. I did hope for more resolution from other secondary characters like Ryan and her tertiary characters (Sophie’s friends) were interesting enough to have their own plot lines explored – maybe in a multiverse or short story?
The Nicest Girl is a good, solid YA that deserves a place in all libraries.
The Nicest Girl by Sophie Jo is available now.
August 31, 2022
3,5*
The best part of this book is how relatable it felt and I believe stories like this are really important for YA readers.
Growing up I always had the feeling that I had to fit in somewhere, that I had to always say yes and be a 'good girl' because that is what you do. If you are in an uncomfortable situation you are just supposed to smile and have a good time because that is what is socially acceptable. If someone asks you for a favor, you say yes. If someone wants to hang out with you, you say yes. Because that is the polite thing to do.
But what about what we want? When do we start losing ourselves by trying to please society and others?
In this book we follow Anna. She is tired of always being there for everyone and always saying yes. She has forgotten that sometimes you have to put yourself first. She has to learn to say no to people and yes to herself.
Our main character felt so real and relatable that many readers are going to be able to see themselves in some of the situations that Anna goes through.
Hopefully we will learn that it is great to be nice and help others but remember your own value as well.
The best part of this book is how relatable it felt and I believe stories like this are really important for YA readers.
Growing up I always had the feeling that I had to fit in somewhere, that I had to always say yes and be a 'good girl' because that is what you do. If you are in an uncomfortable situation you are just supposed to smile and have a good time because that is what is socially acceptable. If someone asks you for a favor, you say yes. If someone wants to hang out with you, you say yes. Because that is the polite thing to do.
But what about what we want? When do we start losing ourselves by trying to please society and others?
In this book we follow Anna. She is tired of always being there for everyone and always saying yes. She has forgotten that sometimes you have to put yourself first. She has to learn to say no to people and yes to herself.
Our main character felt so real and relatable that many readers are going to be able to see themselves in some of the situations that Anna goes through.
Hopefully we will learn that it is great to be nice and help others but remember your own value as well.
February 26, 2023
This was bloody brilliant! I related to this book enormously which tbh is why I bought it in the first place. We've all done things we dont want to do or said things we dont necessarily agree with just to make someone happy or shut them up. This story took me right back to my school days and it makes you realise how constantly helping/being there for others can also be exhausting for you. It doesnt make you a bad person just because you want/need to say no every now and then. We all need time to ourselves to recharge and recuperate and thats perfectly fine. I loved this so much ❤️
August 14, 2022
not everyday you read a book as charming and relatable as this
September 15, 2022
I am an Anna Campbell. 🥲
Soph, I can’t wait to read everything you write! I truly loved this.
Soph, I can’t wait to read everything you write! I truly loved this.
July 22, 2022
The Nicest Girl: a truly enjoyable read that would compliment the shelves of any secondary school’s library.
I love book dedications and the one that features in The Nicest Girl is no exception. Reading ‘For anyone who's ever had trouble saying no’, it certainly hit a nerve for me. To explain why, I’ll just say it made me even more certain of something I’d already guessed from the book’s title and description: that I personally would identify with the main character and feel very attached to the plot and message.
The main character, Anna, has a clear flaw: she is a people pleaser who struggles with the fear of letting people down. As her best friend Marla tells her, she is ‘too nice’. I think this trait of hers is one that any 21st century woman can relate to, particularly in a society that teaches women and young girls to never prioritise themselves. Also, it’s pretty clear from the get-go what her journey will be: growing from a self-proclaimed ‘doormat’ to someone who knows how to put herself, and her needs, first.
With that being said, the story never felt predictable or one-dimensional. In fact, there were lots of other plots interwoven with this central theme. There’s Anna’s past, for example, which involves an absent mother, as well as Marla’s relationship troubles and Anna’s own boy issues. These combined make for an interesting read, since there are just the right amount of storylines to keep the book engaging without feeling overwhelming. (They're all also tied up fabulously at the end, particularly the one involving her mum - who she learns she had more in common with than she'd ever thought.)
I would recommend this book to any teenager (or adult) who has found saying no to be difficult, specifically because they worry about letting others down. This is because, as well as being an entertaining read, its story provides guidance for how a person can set boundaries and learn to say no when they need to. As well as this, the actual writing itself is lovely to read. Chock-full of vivid descriptions (notably someone gripping another’s pinky finger ‘like a kite’) and well-fitting cultural references (I was very happy to see Taylor Swift’s name make an appearance), it is fluent and engaging.
Thank you Sophie Jo for telling Anna's story.
I love book dedications and the one that features in The Nicest Girl is no exception. Reading ‘For anyone who's ever had trouble saying no’, it certainly hit a nerve for me. To explain why, I’ll just say it made me even more certain of something I’d already guessed from the book’s title and description: that I personally would identify with the main character and feel very attached to the plot and message.
The main character, Anna, has a clear flaw: she is a people pleaser who struggles with the fear of letting people down. As her best friend Marla tells her, she is ‘too nice’. I think this trait of hers is one that any 21st century woman can relate to, particularly in a society that teaches women and young girls to never prioritise themselves. Also, it’s pretty clear from the get-go what her journey will be: growing from a self-proclaimed ‘doormat’ to someone who knows how to put herself, and her needs, first.
With that being said, the story never felt predictable or one-dimensional. In fact, there were lots of other plots interwoven with this central theme. There’s Anna’s past, for example, which involves an absent mother, as well as Marla’s relationship troubles and Anna’s own boy issues. These combined make for an interesting read, since there are just the right amount of storylines to keep the book engaging without feeling overwhelming. (They're all also tied up fabulously at the end, particularly the one involving her mum - who she learns she had more in common with than she'd ever thought.)
I would recommend this book to any teenager (or adult) who has found saying no to be difficult, specifically because they worry about letting others down. This is because, as well as being an entertaining read, its story provides guidance for how a person can set boundaries and learn to say no when they need to. As well as this, the actual writing itself is lovely to read. Chock-full of vivid descriptions (notably someone gripping another’s pinky finger ‘like a kite’) and well-fitting cultural references (I was very happy to see Taylor Swift’s name make an appearance), it is fluent and engaging.
Thank you Sophie Jo for telling Anna's story.
October 17, 2023
I write this review as a huge fan of UKYA, and as a follower of Sophie's - but also as someone who in no way could relate to most of Anna's problems, even though I sometimes wished I could. I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I didn't think I was going to devour it in two or three days and place it on my top five books of 2023 list. If you're debating reading 'The Nicest Girl', I can confirm it's best enjoyed on a bench in the park over a bed of autumn leaves, with one of Ben's speciality hot chocolates in hand.
'The Nicest Girl' follows Anna Campbell, a typical "nice girl", the kind everyone knows in school. The girl always asked to help decorate notice boards or help out in the library, the girl you'd go to if you wanted posters printing, flyers handing out. She's kind and gentle and kind of a doormat to best friend Marla, and her father, who hasn't been the same since Mum "went". But Anna Campbell doesn't want to be the nicest girl first. And she wants to start putting herself first.
This book was just so skillfully and warmly written... I think that's the best way to describe it. The UK secondary school setting, grounded by its Birmingham background and the falling leaves, Halloween, bonfire night, cold, dark nights and hot chocolate with the kind of b0y-next-door love interest we're all craving. There were points when I thought Anna was being irrational and silly, that Marla was out of touch and we wouldn't have a satisfying resolution, but Sophie Jo is so much cleverer than that. Every character had such beautiful development and the right ending, a mature ending, and Anna's own development as a person made me want to sob.
I'm not really sure how this book isn't more popular than it is, because there are so many people I can think of in my own life who should give it a read. But even if you don't think you're the nicest girl, you should read this book. It's a beautiful exploration of how it feels to be a teenage girl, to be young and vulnerable and a friend, and of love and relationships, through a more sophisticated adult lens.
'The Nicest Girl' follows Anna Campbell, a typical "nice girl", the kind everyone knows in school. The girl always asked to help decorate notice boards or help out in the library, the girl you'd go to if you wanted posters printing, flyers handing out. She's kind and gentle and kind of a doormat to best friend Marla, and her father, who hasn't been the same since Mum "went". But Anna Campbell doesn't want to be the nicest girl first. And she wants to start putting herself first.
This book was just so skillfully and warmly written... I think that's the best way to describe it. The UK secondary school setting, grounded by its Birmingham background and the falling leaves, Halloween, bonfire night, cold, dark nights and hot chocolate with the kind of b0y-next-door love interest we're all craving. There were points when I thought Anna was being irrational and silly, that Marla was out of touch and we wouldn't have a satisfying resolution, but Sophie Jo is so much cleverer than that. Every character had such beautiful development and the right ending, a mature ending, and Anna's own development as a person made me want to sob.
I'm not really sure how this book isn't more popular than it is, because there are so many people I can think of in my own life who should give it a read. But even if you don't think you're the nicest girl, you should read this book. It's a beautiful exploration of how it feels to be a teenage girl, to be young and vulnerable and a friend, and of love and relationships, through a more sophisticated adult lens.
August 3, 2022
"Sometimes it feel likes I'm running so fast and nobody ever stops me to see if I need a rest or a drink or if I even wanted to start running in the first place." - Sophie Jo, The Nicest Girl.
This story follows the main character, Anna, and her journey through the realisation that she's "too nice" and often treated like a doormat by people around her. Anna has just 3 close friends that she's known her entire school life, and when she's allocated the job of looking after new starter Ryan, she starts to question whether she agrees to the task for all the wrong reasons. Constantly overshadowed by the "fun one" within the group, Marla, Anna questions herself more and more whether she allows herself to fall too much into the background.
I loved this story! The perfect young adult tale and I only wished I had this to read when I was 16 years old. Incredibly relatable from the first page. I feel for Anna as I am her in so many ways, but I also want to shake her and say "snap out of it!" Maybe I really did need this book in my life!
I think we've all had a friend like Marla at some point in our lives. One that maybe makes us feel a little smaller than we deserve to be, that outshines us and dulls our light. But this story really raises the question as to whether we need to believe in ourselves that bit more so we can shine in our own way.
I really enjoyed all of the main characters we got to see in this story, particularly Aleks. Through all of them, we got to a experience a perfect mixture of funny, heartbreaking and equally heartwarming moments.
The only thing I wished for was Anna's change in attitude to come sooner and perhaps to be a little more dramatic. I was willing her on and shouting "come on, girl!" from the first chapter so I would have loved for her to raise hell a little.
This story follows the main character, Anna, and her journey through the realisation that she's "too nice" and often treated like a doormat by people around her. Anna has just 3 close friends that she's known her entire school life, and when she's allocated the job of looking after new starter Ryan, she starts to question whether she agrees to the task for all the wrong reasons. Constantly overshadowed by the "fun one" within the group, Marla, Anna questions herself more and more whether she allows herself to fall too much into the background.
I loved this story! The perfect young adult tale and I only wished I had this to read when I was 16 years old. Incredibly relatable from the first page. I feel for Anna as I am her in so many ways, but I also want to shake her and say "snap out of it!" Maybe I really did need this book in my life!
I think we've all had a friend like Marla at some point in our lives. One that maybe makes us feel a little smaller than we deserve to be, that outshines us and dulls our light. But this story really raises the question as to whether we need to believe in ourselves that bit more so we can shine in our own way.
I really enjoyed all of the main characters we got to see in this story, particularly Aleks. Through all of them, we got to a experience a perfect mixture of funny, heartbreaking and equally heartwarming moments.
The only thing I wished for was Anna's change in attitude to come sooner and perhaps to be a little more dramatic. I was willing her on and shouting "come on, girl!" from the first chapter so I would have loved for her to raise hell a little.
November 28, 2022
I finished this in one sitting and it was very raw and relatable story I’ve ever heard in a young adult I’m thankful for Jo for gifting me her wonderful debut because it really does make you feel a lot of things about being nice and everything in reality…
The story takes place on a sixth former called Anna Campbell who’s known for being too nice Anna struggles with being nice because she’s generally a nice person which makes people take advantage of her that when she welcomes a new boy called Ryan into her friendship group in the end Ryan was mad because he sort of had feelings for her but Anna didn’t have that for him but after she spends time babysitting for a mother and her two sons Anna falls for the oldest boy Ben while she babysits his little brother Charlie I loved the relationship between Anna and Ben you can feel the love they had for each other I hope Sophie gets to expand more in the nicest girl characters in the next book for a debut I really adored this book so much I couldn’t put it down and I never stopped thinking about Anna I left her world with a big smile and a tiny bit of sadness because I want to be able to see her again in a sequel…
The story takes place on a sixth former called Anna Campbell who’s known for being too nice Anna struggles with being nice because she’s generally a nice person which makes people take advantage of her that when she welcomes a new boy called Ryan into her friendship group in the end Ryan was mad because he sort of had feelings for her but Anna didn’t have that for him but after she spends time babysitting for a mother and her two sons Anna falls for the oldest boy Ben while she babysits his little brother Charlie I loved the relationship between Anna and Ben you can feel the love they had for each other I hope Sophie gets to expand more in the nicest girl characters in the next book for a debut I really adored this book so much I couldn’t put it down and I never stopped thinking about Anna I left her world with a big smile and a tiny bit of sadness because I want to be able to see her again in a sequel…
November 8, 2022
Anna is a nice girl. Anna is agreeable, she doesn't say no, and she's there for others to the detriment of herself.
This book is such an important read for anyone who has ever felt like Anna. I sympathised so much with her. The way she would make herself smaller to not impose on anyone. How she would overanalyse everything so as not to upset anyone.
I admired the way this 17(?) year old girl strived to be more assertive with others, but also with herself. Just say no is easy enough advice to give, but difficult to implement. I was rooting for her the whole way through.
This story didn't really have any large plot points, more baby steps towards Anna being the kind of person she wanted to be.
The characters in this story are young, and that is largely reflected in their issues and responses to events. I still enjoyed this book though and would recommend it, particularly to a teenage audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is such an important read for anyone who has ever felt like Anna. I sympathised so much with her. The way she would make herself smaller to not impose on anyone. How she would overanalyse everything so as not to upset anyone.
I admired the way this 17(?) year old girl strived to be more assertive with others, but also with herself. Just say no is easy enough advice to give, but difficult to implement. I was rooting for her the whole way through.
This story didn't really have any large plot points, more baby steps towards Anna being the kind of person she wanted to be.
The characters in this story are young, and that is largely reflected in their issues and responses to events. I still enjoyed this book though and would recommend it, particularly to a teenage audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
Sighh, now this gets added to the list of books where I am the main character and the main character is me. I was reading this in public, and the number of times I had to blink back tears was too many to count.
Being someone who always goes along with the crowd and what other people want, I was being called out on EVERY page.
Anna is a people pleaser. A recovering people pleaser. Sometimes you forget that you don't have to agree with everything, simply to be liked or, in my case, to make life easier for others. It's okay to want what you want and not what others do.
Anna had an identity crisis, and it's something I understand all too well. Who am I? Do I even like this, or is it just because this person likes it that I do? What do I want?
It's hard as someone who gets so caught up in making everyone else's life easier whilst making yours all the more difficult in the process.
Anna's journey is so special, and I hope it's something that I, and any other people pleasers out there, can learn from.
Being someone who always goes along with the crowd and what other people want, I was being called out on EVERY page.
Anna is a people pleaser. A recovering people pleaser. Sometimes you forget that you don't have to agree with everything, simply to be liked or, in my case, to make life easier for others. It's okay to want what you want and not what others do.
Anna had an identity crisis, and it's something I understand all too well. Who am I? Do I even like this, or is it just because this person likes it that I do? What do I want?
It's hard as someone who gets so caught up in making everyone else's life easier whilst making yours all the more difficult in the process.
Anna's journey is so special, and I hope it's something that I, and any other people pleasers out there, can learn from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
Anna is a nice girl. Anna is agreeable, she doesn't say no, and she's there for others to the detriment of herself.
This book is such an important read for anyone who has ever felt like Anna. I sympathised so much with her. The way she would make herself smaller to not impose on anyone. How she would overanalyse everything so as not to upset anyone.
I admired the way this 17(?) year old girl strived to be more assertive with others, but also with herself. Just say no is easy enough advice to give, but difficult to implement. I was rooting for her the whole way through.
This story didn't really have any large plot points, more baby steps towards Anna being the kind of person she wanted to be.
The characters in this story are young, and that is largely reflected in their issues and responses to events. I still enjoyed this book though and would recommend it, particularly to a teenage audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is such an important read for anyone who has ever felt like Anna. I sympathised so much with her. The way she would make herself smaller to not impose on anyone. How she would overanalyse everything so as not to upset anyone.
I admired the way this 17(?) year old girl strived to be more assertive with others, but also with herself. Just say no is easy enough advice to give, but difficult to implement. I was rooting for her the whole way through.
This story didn't really have any large plot points, more baby steps towards Anna being the kind of person she wanted to be.
The characters in this story are young, and that is largely reflected in their issues and responses to events. I still enjoyed this book though and would recommend it, particularly to a teenage audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2022
*review in exchange for netgalley e-arc*
This book was amazing! I felt very called out as a lot of this book was exactly me and what I’ve been struggling to do. I loved Anna as a character and was rooting for her to grow as a character and learn to say no. The story felt natural and authentic and I flew through the book so quickly. I did forget Anna is 17 as to me she felt like she was written younger but this didn’t stop me enjoying it. This is a really quick and easy read about friendship, standing up for yourself, genuine self care and being able to say no - and importantly - the differentiation between nice and kind. I wish I’d had this book when I was younger but feel even now it’s comforted me.
This book was amazing! I felt very called out as a lot of this book was exactly me and what I’ve been struggling to do. I loved Anna as a character and was rooting for her to grow as a character and learn to say no. The story felt natural and authentic and I flew through the book so quickly. I did forget Anna is 17 as to me she felt like she was written younger but this didn’t stop me enjoying it. This is a really quick and easy read about friendship, standing up for yourself, genuine self care and being able to say no - and importantly - the differentiation between nice and kind. I wish I’d had this book when I was younger but feel even now it’s comforted me.
September 3, 2022
Anna is nice and she soon realises that it's become a problem with her friends and life in general. This is a great YA novel which I couldn't put down. The characterisations are brill and felt I could relate to Anna. This book covers a small world and is focused on interpersonal relationships - I thought it covered the idea of being 'nice', the consequences of not asserting yourself and how it makes others feel really well. There's a lot to consider for the reader and I would have benefited from a story like this when I was younger. Navigating friendships/relationships isn't always easy and this book does a great job at highlighting that and how to overcome any bumps along the way. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2024
You know a good novel when you are sad it ended. And then go and look at what the author has to say because the acknowledgements even hit a nerve. Aside from the fact that, because I am a grown woman, I am aware me and the author aren’t really going to be best friends, the novel resonated with me. What is interesting is when you perceive yourself as “nice” sometimes you end up actually not being nice because of all the trying. All of the characters, including Anna, offer learning to the intended audience and it would be a good one to look at in smaller groups and discuss. I really really liked the ending but obviously it would spoil it to say why. When “nice” isn’t a bad thing, this is a nice book!
August 1, 2022
This book follows Anna Campbell, who feels like she can never say no to anyone. We follow Anna as she tries to be 'less nice'.
This book was a book that I would have really loved to read when I was younger because I too sometimes felt it was impossible to say no to people, especially friends. It's a common mishap in young peoples lives where they suddenly become the go to friend but those friends are never there when you need someone to go to.
It was a well written story and i hope this helps young girls realise you don't have to be the most likeable person especially if it is messing with your own self.
I rated this 3 stars!
This book was a book that I would have really loved to read when I was younger because I too sometimes felt it was impossible to say no to people, especially friends. It's a common mishap in young peoples lives where they suddenly become the go to friend but those friends are never there when you need someone to go to.
It was a well written story and i hope this helps young girls realise you don't have to be the most likeable person especially if it is messing with your own self.
I rated this 3 stars!
August 10, 2022
YA fiction? Yes. Just for YAs? Definitely not! I'm in my 30s and I could totally relate to Anna Campbell (or as her best friend calls her: AC). I loved how her journey was supported by a very unexpected encounter! While this certainly wasn't written as a thriller, it was a real page-turner for me. I struggle with similar issues to Anna, so for me I really just had to know how she resolved her angst of being "too nice". I suppose you could call it a self-help book in disguise - but far more digestible and easy to relate to. It also ended with a beautiful message that I will always come back to when things get tough. *****
August 28, 2022
This might be written for the YA market, but as a 43 year old this feels so relatable. All those times of worrying that I'd offend people if I said No, or to go with the flow of those around me. The Nicest Girl is fiction but it's almost like a guideline for readers to follow a better path, to put yourself and your own needs first whilst still being considerate and thinking of others.
Anna is a lovely main character that I'm sure many readers will find relatable and see aspects of themselves in.
The Nicest Girl is a great read that has friendship, family and a little romance throughout. This is a perfect read for fans of authors such as Kate Mallinder or Katy Birchall.
Anna is a lovely main character that I'm sure many readers will find relatable and see aspects of themselves in.
The Nicest Girl is a great read that has friendship, family and a little romance throughout. This is a perfect read for fans of authors such as Kate Mallinder or Katy Birchall.
December 23, 2022
I really like this book. I loved reading about Anna's journey and that she was given a voice. It's a difficult balance to find and I'm glad she found it and the people around her were open enough to receive it and agree/adapt. It was quite a difficult book to read at certain points, as Anna reminded me a lot of myself when I was younger and, though I have put a lot of effort ito setting boundaries and saying no, she also still reminds me of me now. It's difficult to say no to the people you care about, especially when they're not understanding or accepting. In the end, this book ended up feeling a bit more like a therapy session than a novel 😅
September 25, 2022
The Nicest Girl is one of those books that doesn’t come around very often, sensitively exploring emotions and issues felt by many in a way that is utterly relatable. This read was pure cathartic. I wish I’d read this book when I was a teen, it would have helped me learn things that its taken 28 years and multiple burn outs to learn.
We follow Anna a six former with all the usual pressures of teen life as well as the inability to say no. She’s the typical nice girl. Anna is the girl everyone goes too, she’s the one everyone relies on. Not just friends, even teachers and her own father.
But she’s had enough, she desperately wants to change and learn to put herself first. But it’s not that easy, and what might she loose along the way?
We follow Anna a six former with all the usual pressures of teen life as well as the inability to say no. She’s the typical nice girl. Anna is the girl everyone goes too, she’s the one everyone relies on. Not just friends, even teachers and her own father.
But she’s had enough, she desperately wants to change and learn to put herself first. But it’s not that easy, and what might she loose along the way?
November 27, 2022
The Nicest Girl by Sophie Jo follows Sixth Former Anna Campbell on her journey to being less nice. This is not something you normally hear, someone wanting to be less nice, but how far is it before you are too nice? Anna feels taken advantage of and feels as if she is there for everyone else but does not feel the same support back for her so she ultimately takes steps to look after herself with the help of new friends along the way.
For my full review please visit- https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
For my full review please visit- https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
June 10, 2023
What a delight to read! Sophie Jo’s ability to capture the inner anxiety of always being the people pleaser in peoples eyes is remarkable. Characters I liked reading about, a plot that I’m sure a lot of people can relate to. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of young people who pick this up and relate to Anna’s struggle - I know I did and I’m not even the demographic.
Here’s to more from Sophie Jo because their writing style is a breeze to sit down with and perfectly encapsulates why I enjoy reading in the first place.
Here’s to more from Sophie Jo because their writing style is a breeze to sit down with and perfectly encapsulates why I enjoy reading in the first place.
July 29, 2022
This book was so relatable and god I wish it was around to read when I was 17! Like others I saw part of myself in people pleasing Anna who just can't say no to people. Sometimes the frustration of Anna always saying yes to Marla really annoyed me (justice for Grandad) but overall this was thoroughly enjoyable and taught an important lesson on self-care and the power of saying no.
With thanks to UCLan and Netgalley for the ARC.
With thanks to UCLan and Netgalley for the ARC.
August 28, 2022
I am super bad in writing reviews but with this one I will try my best.
I absolutely loved the book and taking into account that this was the author’s first work, I just found it impressive.
The characters were very likable and relatable. I especially adored Ben and his love for the Lord of the Rings.
For me, this book was a nice Sunday read with an important message and a main character that showed growth and compassion. 💛
I absolutely loved the book and taking into account that this was the author’s first work, I just found it impressive.
The characters were very likable and relatable. I especially adored Ben and his love for the Lord of the Rings.
For me, this book was a nice Sunday read with an important message and a main character that showed growth and compassion. 💛
December 14, 2022
I related to Anna (the main character) a little too closely at the beginning of the book and as well as being such a great book about putting yourself first and learning who you are, its actually really helped me see and learn that you dont have to be the same person your entire life, you just have to explore and find yourself and to do that you have to put yourself first. So if you are reading this review i strongly recommend that you check out this book :)))
August 4, 2022
If you've grown up being nice all the time and struggle to say no, you should give this book a read. A lot of people have said they wished they had this book growing up and its true, I wish I did too, but it is still so relevant and I'm sure it will help and comfort others into knowing they're not alone in the way they think.
Well written and really easy to read, I enjoyed this a lot!
Well written and really easy to read, I enjoyed this a lot!
December 8, 2022
This was an excellent and thought-provoking YA novel that a lot of young (and not so young) people would get so much from.
I related so much to Anna, her people-pleasing ways and inability to say no. I've turned down so many pages where there were little bits of wisdom I'd like to return to and I definitely see myself reading this again.
What a brilliant debut!
I related so much to Anna, her people-pleasing ways and inability to say no. I've turned down so many pages where there were little bits of wisdom I'd like to return to and I definitely see myself reading this again.
What a brilliant debut!
September 14, 2023
This book is something I wish I had had when I was younger ❤️ as a people pleaser in recovery, Anna Campbells journey really hit home and warmed my heart - Sophie Jo has a way of writing characters with such depth, warmth, emotion and humour - the story was incredible and very healing I highly recommend!
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