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Poser

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MEAN GIRLS MEETS BLUE CRUSH!

Tallulah Jones makes a huge splash at her new high school when the popular It Girl invites her to go surfing. The only problem? Tallulah can't surf. After a humiliating near-death experience, her little lie backfires completely and the in-crowd labels her a poser. Only a miracle can save her from outcast hell--one that arrives in the form of a frizzy-haired, nearsighted, completely unhip surfing phenom who takes Tallulah under her wing and teaches her to surf. When an enticing phone call tempts Tallulah to risk her new best friend's trust, Tallulah must prove once and for all that she's no poser; she's the real deal--- as a surfer and, more importantly, as a friend. Full of authentic surfing situations from an author who's caught a wave or two, readers will be hooked by the surf, sun, and teen drama.

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

7 people are currently reading
353 people want to read

About the author

Sue Wyshynski

9 books85 followers
Sue Wyshynski's writing style has been described as immersive, emotional, and action-packed.

According to Sue, "Writers must do more than write; they must try to speak to the hearts of the world."

Sue wants to connect with you.
@suewyshynski
facebook.com/authorsuewyshynski
www.suewyshynski.com

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Community Reviews

5 stars
54 (40%)
4 stars
36 (26%)
3 stars
28 (20%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
1 star
9 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Eliora Vespera.
38 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2010
http://scholarberry.blogspot.com/

"After today, I'd speak up. Be totally honest. Even if it was the most awkward, embarrassing thing ever. Unless, of course, it was some life-or-death situation."

My Rating: 10/10

Poser is fun from the beginning and all the way to the end! Wyshynski definitely grab any reader who would read past the first page! Definitely a beach-read and a good book to reread for surfers and non surfers!!! :D

In High School, teenagers tries hard to fit in. In Poser, Tallulah Jones' first day was great she had the right clothes (Roxy head to toe). Her one (and biggest) mistake, though, was that she told a lie just to fit in. Jenna is the most popular girl in Tallulah's new high school and Jenna surfs.

Tallulah did surfed once...but it ended up very badly.

But the thing is, Tallulah told Jenna that she surfed. Through the hurricane waves. Now she's Hurricane Girl and the whole school knows it. Plus, she has to prove it--she has to surf with Jenna. Everyone's going to be there.

Tallulah decided to come clean...but can she?

Jenna was glad she finally has a surfer friend that's a girl. What will Tallulah do?

Well...she tries to explain to Jenna at times. But then there's Corey--Jenna's brother who's really hot and he's the guy who lent Tallulah his short surfboard. Unfortunately, Jenna broke his surfboard, her chance to be with him, her rising popularity and also her friendship with Jenna.

Hurricane Girl becomes Poser in no time.

Sue Wyshynski's debut novel is definitely fresh and funny. If you enjoy Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Dessen or Meg Cabot's novels, you'll definitely be captured in reading Poser. Despite Tallulah's desire to make friends, Wyshynski had created a fresh personality in the bookstore's shelves.

What I love about this book: I fell for the cover and when Bloomsbury USA sent me a copy, I knew I was going to love it--I read it in 2 and a half hours! It was very funny from beginning to end. In some parts readers will just be confused (unless, of course, they surfed) but since Wyshynski created Tallulah as a girl who only pretends, we as the readers get the explanations, too. I read something different (because I have no clue about surfing except the part that it's done in the beach, with a board and a surfer wears the wetsuit...) and I learned from it. Readers can definitely relate to Tallulah Jones because everybody needs somebody and Tallulah only wants her friend. In Poser, Wyshynski also describe how cruel high school can be, which can be pretty funny sometimes.

What I dislike about this book: In the beginning, when Tallulah wanted to come clean, her mind conflict stopped there. I think Poser would be even better if Tallulah's conflict was displayed throughout the novel--although it's well shown in her actions and words, I think a bit more of the mind-conflict wouldn't hurt... ;)
Profile Image for Liss Martz.
196 reviews23 followers
August 29, 2014
This really was a quick read. Just started yesterday in the night, and finished it today. And today isn't even night yet. Tallulah, her named shined "surf". Cool name. At first, she was really annoying, lying didn't matter to her the consequences of it. But when they all found out she lied, everyone calls her a Poser. She wanted to be accepted, that's where she sees in Katie her salvation. But when she hangs out more time with her, she realizes she really likes her, not because she's helping her to be cool by teaching her to surf. Anyway, at the end she has to prove herself, more than anyone, she really can do whatever she proposes. Is a funny book, a little cheesy, but good. Now that I finished reading, I'm seriously thinking to learning to surf. But, in my country, there's not too many places to go where there are big waves to ride. I just know of one place, at four or five hours from here. But maybe, in a future I'll do it! It sounds like a really fun stuff!
17 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2015
Would you lie to fit in with the popular crowd? That's what Tallulah does. After Tallulah becomes the poser of her school after lying about being able to surf, Tallulah meets a frizzy redhead girl who holds the key to surfing. With a hot guy on the line and her reputation Tallulah attempts to surf. I thought this book was a great and I loved it! It definitely puts you in a summer mood and I'd definitely recommend it to people.
Profile Image for Donna Lyn.
106 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2010
read in one night...a page turner, but a total downer as far as all the bullying and meanness...are girls really that mean? and if so, do we really care that much about impressing them? it took a life-threatening experience to put it all in perspective. great humour throughout the book lightened things up and made me laugh out loud. fun, frustrating summer read. :D
Profile Image for Megan Shultz.
92 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2013
this is like my 4th time reading this book, but my thoughts have not changed. it is absolutely amazing! I've decided that if I could marry any book, it would be this one.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
574 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2016
It was a really cute story!! =) Liked how it talked about surfing alot which is always something i've wanted to do but couldn't lol....
Profile Image for Hilary.
2,312 reviews50 followers
October 26, 2010
As the new kid on the block, Tallulah Jones desperately wants to fit in with the popular crowd. But when she lies about being an expert surfer to Jenna, the most popular girl in school, she is caught out and officially labeled a “poser.” Outcast and humiliated, Tallulah finds a friend in Katie, a smart, nearsighted, fashion-challenged individual – who also happens to be an amazing surfer. She takes Tallulah under her wing and teaches her to surf.

But it takes more than great surfing tricks to cement a friendship. When Tallulah’s thoughtless words undermine her friendship with Katie – and a budding romance with Corey – Tallulah must prove that she can be a genuine person and friend.

Author Sue Wyshynski is familiar with contemporary surfing culture, as she spent two years traveling around the world on a surf expedition, and worked on location as a body double for fourteen episodes of "Beyond the Break," a TV drama about teen surfers. "Poser," her debut novel, is fresh and funny. Readers do not have to know anything about surfing to enjoy the story -- although they may pick up some surfing tips and lingo along the way. Students will identify with Tallulah’s conflict – most teens are concerned about fitting in. In some ways, the book reads more like a script for an episode of a television program. The short novel does not have space to more fully flesh out some of the interesting minor characters, such as the Russian convenience store clerk or the school secretary, which is a shame. The plot is predictable, with a tidy ending, but as a beach-read for teens, it will find an appreciative audience.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wardrip.
Author 5 books517 followers
September 29, 2010
Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

New to California, Tallulah Jones gets noticed her first day of school by the popular crowd because she is wearing surfer clothes. They unfortunately, however, also assume that she knows how to surf.

Tallulah lies and ends up having a dangerous fall while surfing with them. Hurt by her lies and the fact that she ruins the most popular girl's brother's expensive new surfboard, she gets labeled as a poser. When her father's work brings her into contact with a social outcast surfer girl, Tallulah invokes the girl's help to teach her how to surf, so she can shed her new "poser" status.

The girls in school are making her life unbearable, and the boy whose surfboard she broke is being overprotective about her surfing. Will Tallulah find a way to shed her "poser" status and show the guy she likes that she really can surf?

POSER is a funny and interesting book. Although the girls in her school seem overly mean and the characters lack some dimension, the story is a quick read and enjoyable. Readers who like realistic fiction, surfing, and romance will enjoy reading this book.
1 review5 followers
June 18, 2010
Great read. I'm an over 40 man and not only did I thoroughly enjoy this book but so did my fifteen year old daughter. How often does a teenage girl love a book that her father loves...? Neither one of us is really a "surfer" but the issues dealt with, in this book are universal. My daughter sees the same issues in her friends at school and I certainly see them in my co-workers. A very smart and often funny book.
Profile Image for Jazzy.
20 reviews
Want to read
October 26, 2010
I`m going to borrow Poser from Noosa Libary as soon as it comes in!
I read the blurb on good reads and it sounds really great I`m into that sort of book.
I like funny kinder books. And Books about Teenagers
Profile Image for Stephanie A..
2,946 reviews94 followers
July 19, 2012
There's something you have to love about books that shamelessly own their fluff-tastic, dumbed down determination to appeal to teens without choosing the perspective of a rich/popular/slutty main character.
Profile Image for Katie.
19 reviews
October 26, 2010
I hope Poser is a good book.I have read the blurb and it seems really funny so I hope it is.
1 review
January 4, 2018
Poser is a nonfiction book, Readers who like Drama and a strong story would enjoy this book. This book is about a Cali girl moving up North with her family. In this book you can read about her failed attempts and her achievements between her love life, Friendships and surfing up in the cold waters. Also some background for her in her past back in Cali. Personally the part i like about this book is her failed attempts i think its relate able and realistic to people personally because we all fail sometimes. I also like how it starts off straight off into the story nor to slow and caught my attention
Profile Image for Diane Ferbrache.
2,006 reviews33 followers
January 18, 2011
Talullah is new in school. She just moved from central Florida to the California coast. When one of the popular girls asks her if she surfs, Talullah says “of course!” and tells a story of surfing during a hurricane. In reality, her first and only surfing experience resulted in a broken arm. Of course, her lie is discovered, it seals her status as a “poser”, and she becomes the brunt of a series of jokes and pranks. Every time she tries to recover her reputation, something backfires and things only get worse…..until one fateful day when everything changes!
This is a first novel from a real surfer girl, so the surfing language and descriptions are accurate and exciting. Talullah is so ridiculous, though, I almost stopped reading. Then it dawned on me, it’s supposed to be FUNNY! Read with that attitude, the book is very enjoyable, and it is really funny in places. It’s silly fluff, but with a serious message – be true to yourself and lies never pay off. The climax is exciting and tense, if predictable. Strictly middle school stuff, although the characters are clearly young high schoolers. It’s worth the time and I’m sure 7th & 8th grade girls will really like it.
Profile Image for Cleverly.
145 reviews18 followers
March 21, 2011
I have not read many surfing related books. I can say surfing is extremely hard and I have no talent for it. Poser was a fun book but it also had a hidden message underneath. It showed you to be yourself. The lingo was spot on and it showed exactly how exclusive the surf world is. Tallulah was a annoying brat until she finally figured it out. When she started acting like a real person Tallulah shined. I also thought the bullying in this book was excessive and with no real punishment. My mouth hung open while reading it. Yes I was shocked that these girls got away with so much.

As far as the guy's go.. Does a relaxed hot surfer do it for you? Corey was a great addition to Poser. I would and do plan on reading more of Sue Wyshynki's books in the future. Though I do believe this is her Debuting book.
Profile Image for The Library Lady.
3,877 reviews681 followers
September 12, 2010
This gets a 3 not a 4 because though it is enjoyable it has a plot that is too predictable and has a denouement that just steps over the lines of belief.

It also gets a 3 because of the crappy misuse of sub-characters. Just when you think that an interesting, significant character is being added, Wyshynski abruptly removes that character from the plot. As in the Russian lady at the convenience store, the school secretary and the nice guy in Tallulah's class, the one that she probably SHOULD get involved with.Instead she gets the seemingly unattainable perfect guy. Poor plotting, poor writing.
Profile Image for Shelby.
92 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2014
After coming up with the brilliant idea to pick the most cheesy books the library had and swap, my roommate picked Poser.

I will be honest, it was easily one of the most poorly written books I've read. Then again, I didn't expect any Jane Austen from Poser. As a YA, though, it was kind of a fun read. Very quick and funny (although sometimes I laughed at how bad the dialogue was). Characters were extremely flat and the overall book just lacked something. Maybe it was too much girl drama and label-dropping for me.
Profile Image for Stefanie.
1,696 reviews23 followers
August 7, 2018
I loved this book and I know I enjoyed this because after my Lightning Point binge I'm obsessed with surfing. This could also be from a lack of surfing where I live.

While I can see why people would rate this lower because of certain plot points, I found this book just be fun and lighthearted and filled with surfing. I loved how it was written by someone who surfs having first hand knowledge.

So if you read this don't take it seriously. Read it for fun.
Profile Image for Literary Chanteuse.
1,056 reviews180 followers
December 27, 2014
I enjoyed this story and the fact that it didn't just focus on sweet teen romance and girls being boy crazy. It focused on surfing, bullying and the moral lesson of gaining true friends isn't a popularity contest but earning their respect and trust. It could be read easily by a tween or teen. A great summer read!
Profile Image for Brittany.
28 reviews
April 24, 2012
To be honest this book made me want to vomit. It was SO cheesy and everything was SO exaggerated that it took away from anything else in the book. NO ONE is actually that mean and as a high schooler I would definitely say that if someone actually lied about that, nobody would care for more than five minutes let alone weeks.
Profile Image for tana.
49 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2011
this was so cheesy from the get go, i didnt even get past the first few chapters.
Profile Image for Nance.
289 reviews
September 25, 2010
The protagonist is shallow and not well developed. The story follows what may seem like typical high school dealings centered around surfing.
Profile Image for Megan.
75 reviews
April 15, 2012
I enjoy reading books from a local author, all the mentioned scenarios in the Seattle area were spot on and gave me a chuckle.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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