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Loser/Queen
Cammy Hall is what anyone would describe as a loser. She lives with her grandparents and has adopted their way of life right down to the comfortable shoes and early bedtime. And can she help it that she actually likes to knit?
At school, her skills with knitting needles and some yarn go completely unappreciated: people like Bekka Bell reign while Cammy and her best friend, the fearless Danish exchange student Gerdi, watch from the sidelines. Cammy's used to being an outsider; after years of humiliating moments, her goal is simply to fly under the radar. Then she suddenly starts receiving mysterious text messages that lead her right to all the embarrassing secrets about the most popular kids in school. Cammy never expected to be able to climb up the high school food chain, and the agenda of the texter may be questionable but how can she possibly give up the chance to be Queen?
At school, her skills with knitting needles and some yarn go completely unappreciated: people like Bekka Bell reign while Cammy and her best friend, the fearless Danish exchange student Gerdi, watch from the sidelines. Cammy's used to being an outsider; after years of humiliating moments, her goal is simply to fly under the radar. Then she suddenly starts receiving mysterious text messages that lead her right to all the embarrassing secrets about the most popular kids in school. Cammy never expected to be able to climb up the high school food chain, and the agenda of the texter may be questionable but how can she possibly give up the chance to be Queen?
260 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2010
14 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Lynn Anderson
43 books1,782 followersI write strange and mythical stories about young people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
December 30, 2010
Loser/Queen was a fun, lighthearted book that put a new twist on the "geek girl becomes popular" cliché. While I didn’t end up loving it, I was still thoroughly entertained by Cammy’s quest to get revenge on the popular crowd.
While Cammy does quite a lot of mean things, at the command of an anonymous texter, she does even more wonderful things. Basically, she’s killing all of the people that laughed at her with kindness. I loved that aspect; it’s new and fun and entertaining.
But there were so many things that left a bad taste in my mouth when I finished this. Gertie, Cammy’s Danish, eccentric best friend, was so overdramatic at times that I felt it didn’t seem realistic. I did enjoy Cammy’s relationship with Luke, but the random change of events in the last chapter very much ruined that for me. But, I appreciate the fact that the identity of the texter, White Rabbit, remained a mystery until the end. It was something to keep me guessing, to keep me reading, while the quirks and decisions of the characters were pushing me to put it down.
Overall, Loser/Queen wasn’t the right book for me, but don’t let that discourage you from picking it up. It’s funny, cute, highly entertaining and the perfect book to pick up when you need some cheering up. I may not have loved it, but I definitely recommend it to my followers who crave a good chick-lit!
While Cammy does quite a lot of mean things, at the command of an anonymous texter, she does even more wonderful things. Basically, she’s killing all of the people that laughed at her with kindness. I loved that aspect; it’s new and fun and entertaining.
But there were so many things that left a bad taste in my mouth when I finished this. Gertie, Cammy’s Danish, eccentric best friend, was so overdramatic at times that I felt it didn’t seem realistic. I did enjoy Cammy’s relationship with Luke, but the random change of events in the last chapter very much ruined that for me. But, I appreciate the fact that the identity of the texter, White Rabbit, remained a mystery until the end. It was something to keep me guessing, to keep me reading, while the quirks and decisions of the characters were pushing me to put it down.
Overall, Loser/Queen wasn’t the right book for me, but don’t let that discourage you from picking it up. It’s funny, cute, highly entertaining and the perfect book to pick up when you need some cheering up. I may not have loved it, but I definitely recommend it to my followers who crave a good chick-lit!
February 11, 2011
I won this book on Goodreads. I entered the giveaway only based on the great book cover. However the book turned out to be a really cute book. While the book was targeted to a younger audience, I really enjoyed it and it had a good message. A fun little book that had me laughing out loud.
The book tells about Cammy, who lives with her Grandparents and is best friends with a Danish exchange student with a funny accent. Cammy is a nobody in her high school but things are about to change when Cammy does something out of ordinary and starts following mysterious text messages left on her phone. Soon Cammy's life turns upside down and she suddenly finds herself being one of the popular kids.
What really bugged me about the book was that the writer had probably mixed up Denmark and Netherlands. It is Netherlands (Holland) that is famous for their windmills, tulips, and wooden clogs. Also, at least once the writer mixed Dutch and Danish. In addition, I thought it was weird that the book cover had crocheted figurines on it when Cammy's hobby was knitting.
The book tells about Cammy, who lives with her Grandparents and is best friends with a Danish exchange student with a funny accent. Cammy is a nobody in her high school but things are about to change when Cammy does something out of ordinary and starts following mysterious text messages left on her phone. Soon Cammy's life turns upside down and she suddenly finds herself being one of the popular kids.
What really bugged me about the book was that the writer had probably mixed up Denmark and Netherlands. It is Netherlands (Holland) that is famous for their windmills, tulips, and wooden clogs. Also, at least once the writer mixed Dutch and Danish. In addition, I thought it was weird that the book cover had crocheted figurines on it when Cammy's hobby was knitting.
January 31, 2020
akkkk. THis was a pretty good book but the ending frustrated me so muchhh.
December 28, 2010
I feel- THIS BOOK- lOSER/QUEEN WILL APPEAL TO MANY MEMBERS OF MY JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB- Perfect for those who love books of all genres-all periods and classic films. Current Titles,Mysteries and Thrillers. Fantasy,Historical Romance, Paranormal fiction/Ghost Stories, Poetry, History/Biographies -OR JUST PLAIN READING GOOD BOOKS AND SHARING THOUGHTS WITH NEW FRIENDS! A group I started on site- some really great posts AND A PLACE FOR EVERYONE!
We have over 2,900 members since October 2009- ranked #14 in membership out of over 29,550 Goodreads Groups-all well read with a variety of interests
A DIVERSE AND FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FOR THOSE WHO LOVE AND APPRECIATE BOOKS. Just give The Group a chance and I am sure you will enjoy it as well as make many friends!- OR I would not be extending this invitation to you. Our Group is quite open and allows you to add your own personal touch to it!
Recent discussions have included-- What you are currently reading and why, What reasons go into choosing a book to read, Current Thrillers, Tudor History and Historical Romance Novels, Upcoming Writers, Vampire Stories/Paranormal Fiction, Your most disappointing book as well as your all time favorite one. Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Shakespeare (How to best approach reading him), Buddy Reads (small group discussions)/Group Reads, Classic Films ,Book Trivia Games as well as whether you are a one book at a time reader or one of those (like me!) who read multiple books at the same time.
The Group also includes many AUTHOR FORUMS - in which writers and readers are able to exchange ideas, questions and comments concerning member books and new releases.
I have a Thread dedicated to BOOKS AND WRITINGS BY MEMBERS
as one published author recently posted "Congratulations to Shane for his award and Leann for the great first review!
Love this group, Rick! " We are a close and very loyal Group - even given our immense size!
WE VALUE DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT AND INTERESTS!!!
TO JOIN!!
you can simply click "groups" on top right of Goodreads Menu
type in James Mason in "search Groups"
and the Group will show up
Click on Group Name and then when you do go to Group Homepage- click join!
Thanks
Rick
We have over 2,900 members since October 2009- ranked #14 in membership out of over 29,550 Goodreads Groups-all well read with a variety of interests
A DIVERSE AND FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FOR THOSE WHO LOVE AND APPRECIATE BOOKS. Just give The Group a chance and I am sure you will enjoy it as well as make many friends!- OR I would not be extending this invitation to you. Our Group is quite open and allows you to add your own personal touch to it!
Recent discussions have included-- What you are currently reading and why, What reasons go into choosing a book to read, Current Thrillers, Tudor History and Historical Romance Novels, Upcoming Writers, Vampire Stories/Paranormal Fiction, Your most disappointing book as well as your all time favorite one. Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Shakespeare (How to best approach reading him), Buddy Reads (small group discussions)/Group Reads, Classic Films ,Book Trivia Games as well as whether you are a one book at a time reader or one of those (like me!) who read multiple books at the same time.
The Group also includes many AUTHOR FORUMS - in which writers and readers are able to exchange ideas, questions and comments concerning member books and new releases.
I have a Thread dedicated to BOOKS AND WRITINGS BY MEMBERS
as one published author recently posted "Congratulations to Shane for his award and Leann for the great first review!
Love this group, Rick! " We are a close and very loyal Group - even given our immense size!
WE VALUE DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT AND INTERESTS!!!
TO JOIN!!
you can simply click "groups" on top right of Goodreads Menu
type in James Mason in "search Groups"
and the Group will show up
Click on Group Name and then when you do go to Group Homepage- click join!
Thanks
Rick
July 30, 2016
I've read this book because it was free on Rivetedlit.com. Sadly, I didn't like it too much.
I couldn't stand Cammy and her actions, I didn't really care for all the other characters, too.
Apart from the characters, there were 2 things that irked me: calling Miss Havisham from The Great Expectations 'Miss Haversham', and writing about Dutch things as Danish.
I couldn't stand Cammy and her actions, I didn't really care for all the other characters, too.
Apart from the characters, there were 2 things that irked me: calling Miss Havisham from The Great Expectations 'Miss Haversham', and writing about Dutch things as Danish.
June 20, 2017
This was a cute, quick book. Perfect for light, summer reading. It's the old tale of a high school cast out who starts to gain popularity and what she does with it. Pretty predictable, for the most part, but there were some different elements thrown in that kept the story entertaining. I enjoyed it.
March 1, 2018
I really liked this book
July 25, 2016
"The old, scared,, dorky Cammy was gone. She'd never that girl again
Summary: Cammy is an outcast at her school and tends to be at the end of all the cruel nicknames and pranks. One day she get an anonymous text from someone calling them self the "White Rabbit". This person helps Cammy rise in popularity, pretty soon the notes and text start getting threatening and could bring Cammy back down to loser status.
I had so many problems with this book, like so many problems. I will start off one good note, the main character Cammy at times reminded me of Alice McKinley from the Alice books series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. I LOVED these books growing up and there were a couple moments that Cammy's awkwardness and clumsiness reminded me of Alice.
Other than that I felt this book was a bit of a mess. The whole anonymous texter who knew everyone's secrets reminded me of the Pretty Little Liar series but all the characters felt very middle schoolish. Cammy and her friends are 15 but I kept picturing it set in a middle school.
I also had a huge problem with the use of mental illness in this book. I was a decent amount through this book when Cammy tells her grandpa she has OCD, it was mentioned one other time in the book. Besides the those mentions it is never brought up again and Cammy never shows any type of obsessive thought or compulsive behavior. This was not a book about Cammy's OCD and since it was hardly ever mentioned or "used" by her character it was totally uncalled for and almost laughable for the author to use it.
The ending of this book was very frustrating, even though I think the author ended the plot line to the best of her abilities a lot of the characters felt rushed, unfinished and not believable for what happened to them. The last chapter of this book also ended being written very differently then the rest of the book. It was told through emails and letters which made since for the plot line but it felt like it dragged on. Instead of having just a couple emails/letters there was a whole chapter dedicated to these conversations and about half them felt unnecessary.
This book was more like a cheap horror film, with D-Lister actors that you will never hear from a again. I was hoping for a fun, campy book but I ended up just getting a bad, cheesy book.
January 14, 2011
Cammy Hall has been a loser in school her whole life. Now that it's finally a new school year, she plans on actually remaining unknown in school and keeping out of getting caught up with the popular people. Unfortunately, after a dance, she's caught changing by the queen of the school, Bekka, and a bunch of other popular people who laugh at her and her underwear. After that, everyone knows who she is and begin to tease her. Then, suddenly, she receives texts from an unknown person with the name White Rabbit, who tells her to go and do certain tasks to other people in school. Some of those tasks are quite humiliating, while other tasks are nice and generous. The White Rabbit tells Cammy he/she wants to help her get revenge on Bekka and get her to become popular. Will Cammy follow the White Rabbit's instructions, or will she just ignore them, as her friend, Gerdi, has suggested?
I thought the idea of this book was interesting. I kind of thought the popular people were really cliched, though. Bekka, Maggie, Martin, and Luke all seem like the typical popular kids you would see in high school: Bekka's rude, obnoxious, and the alpha, Maggie's really nice and the beta, Martin's really annoying and loves mocking others, and Luke's the mellow one of them all. Also, the situation that happens to Cammy is a bit unrealistic because it's not really possible to be humiliated and laughed at one day and the next become all glamorous and loved by everyone. When you change your appearance, people still will tease you no matter what. Another thing was that some of the events were a little rushed and could have been stretched out a bit. Other than that, I thought the overall plot was good and the ending left me hanging and thinking about what could possibly happen later on.
I thought the idea of this book was interesting. I kind of thought the popular people were really cliched, though. Bekka, Maggie, Martin, and Luke all seem like the typical popular kids you would see in high school: Bekka's rude, obnoxious, and the alpha, Maggie's really nice and the beta, Martin's really annoying and loves mocking others, and Luke's the mellow one of them all. Also, the situation that happens to Cammy is a bit unrealistic because it's not really possible to be humiliated and laughed at one day and the next become all glamorous and loved by everyone. When you change your appearance, people still will tease you no matter what. Another thing was that some of the events were a little rushed and could have been stretched out a bit. Other than that, I thought the overall plot was good and the ending left me hanging and thinking about what could possibly happen later on.
June 14, 2014
So this was more than I'd hoped for.
Cammy is becoming popular with the help of a "White Rabbit", an anonymous person helping Cammy help people out (ok...well "help") through text, letters, etc. Eventually Cammy begans to let things get out of control so long as she can remain popular/noticed.
Now if you've read my profile, one of the top things I hate in books (or movies) is when the characters, especially the main ones, are lying to get somewhere. They always get found out although sometimes it can be fun while it lasts.
This book was one of those times.
I really enjoyed Cammy. She was very realistically written. She sometimes did or didn't notice when she'd do messed up stuff to other people, just as theaverage teen girl (scratch that, Human Being!) does.
Her best friend Gerdi was another fave of mine and I love that she would take NO BS off Cammy.
Each character had their own background and their own issues and personalities. Sometimes pretty one dimensional or so you'd think at first...
I also enjoyed Cammy's grandparents and the chapter from their viewpoint, which made me wish for more chapters as such.
Finding out who the White Rabbit was, was a great shock. Perfect. Perfecto.
The last chapter seemed to be invented just to leave me in tears. Maybe it's because I'm dealing with the same thing right now but wow.
Cammy is becoming popular with the help of a "White Rabbit", an anonymous person helping Cammy help people out (ok...well "help") through text, letters, etc. Eventually Cammy begans to let things get out of control so long as she can remain popular/noticed.
Now if you've read my profile, one of the top things I hate in books (or movies) is when the characters, especially the main ones, are lying to get somewhere. They always get found out although sometimes it can be fun while it lasts.
This book was one of those times.
I really enjoyed Cammy. She was very realistically written. She sometimes did or didn't notice when she'd do messed up stuff to other people, just as the
"You are the only person I've ever met who goes the other direction from the things she wants" - Gerdi, Loser/Queen
Her best friend Gerdi was another fave of mine and I love that she would take NO BS off Cammy.
Each character had their own background and their own issues and personalities. Sometimes pretty one dimensional or so you'd think at first...
I also enjoyed Cammy's grandparents and the chapter from their viewpoint, which made me wish for more chapters as such.
Finding out who the White Rabbit was, was a great shock. Perfect. Perfecto.
The last chapter seemed to be invented just to leave me in tears. Maybe it's because I'm dealing with the same thing right now but wow.
February 21, 2011
This is one of those strange books that I kind-of/sort-of liked and, as time goes by, I will like it less and less. But, it's still more of a 3-star book than a 2-star one so here goes...
I picked this up at Borders because I thought the cover was cute. Very superficial, I know, but it caught my eye. The back was a bit of a red flag. The story seemed kind of cheesy and possibly cliche but I figured that, hey, if I didn't like it I'd at least be able to throw it in my classroom library and it would probably get read by sixth graders. (On account of the cute cover!)
The book itself went back and forth between being okay, being somewhat interesting, being very interesting, back to being boring, etc. The premise *is* actually interesting. I liked the mystery. The text message mystery was truly what kept me going. I never really came to like Cammy. I didn't like that this was written in third person. If Cammy had been telling the story, maybe I'd have felt more connected to her? I don't know, but I didn't care for Luke or Gerti either so maybe that was just not-so-great writing.
This sort of reminds me of the Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot but it's SO not nearly as good as that. And this is YA. Meh. I'm sort of debating changing the 3-stars to 2 but for now I'll leave it as is. Basically, don't go out of your way to read/buy this one.
I picked this up at Borders because I thought the cover was cute. Very superficial, I know, but it caught my eye. The back was a bit of a red flag. The story seemed kind of cheesy and possibly cliche but I figured that, hey, if I didn't like it I'd at least be able to throw it in my classroom library and it would probably get read by sixth graders. (On account of the cute cover!)
The book itself went back and forth between being okay, being somewhat interesting, being very interesting, back to being boring, etc. The premise *is* actually interesting. I liked the mystery. The text message mystery was truly what kept me going. I never really came to like Cammy. I didn't like that this was written in third person. If Cammy had been telling the story, maybe I'd have felt more connected to her? I don't know, but I didn't care for Luke or Gerti either so maybe that was just not-so-great writing.
This sort of reminds me of the Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot but it's SO not nearly as good as that. And this is YA. Meh. I'm sort of debating changing the 3-stars to 2 but for now I'll leave it as is. Basically, don't go out of your way to read/buy this one.
March 11, 2011
- Main Conflict: This book is basically about this one high school girl is trying to fit in with other people. Then one day, there was a text message that will changes her life forever. The text messages tell her that if she follow them, she will fit in and get popular and she actually follow them. She suddenly changes from a invisible girl to the most popular girl in school. She fits in with the popular kids and this guy named Luke, the most popular guy in school, is starting to like her. Then they started to go out. Everything is going really good for her and she likes it. Then one day, the texter sent text to her and tell her to do something. It's something really bad. But she denies. She doesn't want to do it. So, the texter threaten her that he can make her, he can also bring her down. But she still refuses to do it. She makes a wrong choice because now, the texter sent out the video that record her doing everything against the school laws. And she's completely destroyed. But this book has the happy ending though. In the end, they understand her and forgive her.
- This is the book that really related to our society today because in high school, everything is about popularity and a lot of dramas. I never really get involve in one of them but I kind of know how people feel about that. For me, I look at that person personality in order for him or her to be my friend. I really like nice people.
- This is the book that really related to our society today because in high school, everything is about popularity and a lot of dramas. I never really get involve in one of them but I kind of know how people feel about that. For me, I look at that person personality in order for him or her to be my friend. I really like nice people.
February 20, 2011
It probably has something to do with the fact that I've read several like this recently, but I'm getting a little tired of the "How to Get Popular" type of book. You know the ones. They go something like this:
1. Why does everyone hate me so much?
2. I know! I'll get a makeover.
3. Yay! I'm popular! Too bad all my real friends think I'm a jerk now 'cause I threw them over at the first opportunity.
4. Oh no! All my new friends found out I'm a phony!
5. Maybe I took things too far. I'll just be myself from now on.
6. Everyone lives happily ever after.
Which isn't to say that's how this book was exactly. But it was pretty close. For what it was, it was fine. I was interested to find out who the svengali "White Rabbit" was, but other than that it was pretty much the same as all those other "be happy being who you are" books. Good message, but you can only read it so many times.
1. Why does everyone hate me so much?
2. I know! I'll get a makeover.
3. Yay! I'm popular! Too bad all my real friends think I'm a jerk now 'cause I threw them over at the first opportunity.
4. Oh no! All my new friends found out I'm a phony!
5. Maybe I took things too far. I'll just be myself from now on.
6. Everyone lives happily ever after.
Which isn't to say that's how this book was exactly. But it was pretty close. For what it was, it was fine. I was interested to find out who the svengali "White Rabbit" was, but other than that it was pretty much the same as all those other "be happy being who you are" books. Good message, but you can only read it so many times.
February 1, 2017
Cammy Hall went through life under the radar. She spent her time caring after her grandparents who took her in as a child. I'm her free time Cammy dreams about people noticing her while her best (and only) friend Gerdi brags about her home back in Denmark. A humiliating incident let's the whole grade, including Cammy’s crush Luke, see her in her granny-panties. After that she is determined to change her image.
The anonymous “white rabbit” comes to her aid and helps her gain the popularity she had always wanted. Cammy learns that popularity has a price and she loses the tight knit relationship she has with her grandparents and Gerdi. While the game to win people over grew old and people became suspicious, the white rabbit began to falter. He/she began jeopardizing everything they had worked for. Cammy gains Luke but loses Gerdi when she gives up on the new person Cammy turned into. Cammy now has to pick up the scraps of her life and re-think her priorities. Popularity? Or happiness?
I think younger girls would be interested in this book. The language isn't very advanced and the plot is simple so it would be easy for elementary or middle school girls to grasp onto. I say girls because it does have more romance and follows the main characters struggles with self confidence as a girl in high school. People who like seeing the battle between different cliques or people who just want to read about drama would find this book fun to read. I don't think anyone looking for a deep book should reach for this one. It leans on the side of lighthearted high school drama.
I wasn't very satisfied with this book. I would give it a 2/5 stars. The plot didn't seem very original and I could almost predict everything that was going to happen. It also didn't seem very realistic either, nothing like this would ever happen in my high school. I like books that cause me to ask myself questions and where I want to stay up all night just to see what the characters dig into next. I found myself reading this book just to get through it because I had already predicted the ending. I thought it was cute how the author showed all the stereotypes in high school but it wasn't my favorite book.
The anonymous “white rabbit” comes to her aid and helps her gain the popularity she had always wanted. Cammy learns that popularity has a price and she loses the tight knit relationship she has with her grandparents and Gerdi. While the game to win people over grew old and people became suspicious, the white rabbit began to falter. He/she began jeopardizing everything they had worked for. Cammy gains Luke but loses Gerdi when she gives up on the new person Cammy turned into. Cammy now has to pick up the scraps of her life and re-think her priorities. Popularity? Or happiness?
I think younger girls would be interested in this book. The language isn't very advanced and the plot is simple so it would be easy for elementary or middle school girls to grasp onto. I say girls because it does have more romance and follows the main characters struggles with self confidence as a girl in high school. People who like seeing the battle between different cliques or people who just want to read about drama would find this book fun to read. I don't think anyone looking for a deep book should reach for this one. It leans on the side of lighthearted high school drama.
I wasn't very satisfied with this book. I would give it a 2/5 stars. The plot didn't seem very original and I could almost predict everything that was going to happen. It also didn't seem very realistic either, nothing like this would ever happen in my high school. I like books that cause me to ask myself questions and where I want to stay up all night just to see what the characters dig into next. I found myself reading this book just to get through it because I had already predicted the ending. I thought it was cute how the author showed all the stereotypes in high school but it wasn't my favorite book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
It was an enjoyable book, if a bit unrealistic. Cammy, the main character, was one of the most interesting character to me. She starts out as a shy, nerdy girl who was happy, just not happy with herself. She didn't see anyone noticing her in a good light except for her one friend. She tended to only see the world around her in a negative light, even if those around her didn't.
When she is given the opportunity to change herself, she takes it despite the cost. Afterwards, it's not so much that people began to see her, it's that she wanted herself to be seen, and let herself be. She extended her social circle, but with her change came other challenges and problems that haunted her and made it unable for her to be truly happy.
It's at the end, when the lies come tumbling down that we see a whole different side to her. She ignores the rude things people do and say to her, and stays confident in herself. She no longer describes everything in such a negative light, instead noticing the good, and taking new chances.
For me, she made the story.
When she is given the opportunity to change herself, she takes it despite the cost. Afterwards, it's not so much that people began to see her, it's that she wanted herself to be seen, and let herself be. She extended her social circle, but with her change came other challenges and problems that haunted her and made it unable for her to be truly happy.
It's at the end, when the lies come tumbling down that we see a whole different side to her. She ignores the rude things people do and say to her, and stays confident in herself. She no longer describes everything in such a negative light, instead noticing the good, and taking new chances.
For me, she made the story.
December 2, 2012
I really didn't expect I'd like this book as much as I really did. When I first picked it off my bookshelf last week, I imagined it as a book about just a normal high school girl craving popularity. I didn't expect it'd have a bit of a mystery to it, as well.
So, this book is about a girl named Cammy Hall who is pretty low on the school social status...like, practically invisible. She embarrasses herself all the time and is pretty much socially awkward. That all changes when she starts to get these text messages from an anonymous person, telling her how to be popular. As the texts keep coming and getting weirder, though, Cammy starts to wonder: is this mysterious person friend or foe?
Let me just start off by saying this isn't an amazingly written novel. It's only 260 pages, so you can't really expect to get really into it anyways--it's just a light-read. An enjoyable light-read, at that. Sure, there were some grammar errors and small things that I noticed (I'll write what later), but overall I was really pleased with the book and surprised. It has a bit of romance in there, extremely embarrassing moments for Cammy where you just want to bury your face in your hands, a mystery, regular high school problems...it basically just had a lot of different elements in it, all contained in a 260 page book.
The cover is pretty dang cute, though! The bright yellow looked disturbing among my bookshelf, but the little bunny hacksacks are adorable, you have to admit. The title isn't very original, haha, but at least it fits with the book. On the back of the book, right before the synopsis, it says "The definitive version of the book YOU came up with!" So, did readers choose the ending or something? I'm not sure about that, but I'm not so curious that I would look it up. If you know, though, feel free to tell me!
*SPOILER TIME*
Now for my actual review for those of you who have read it or, for some reason, want spoilers. I wasn't very happy with who the "White Rabbit" turned out to be! I guess you could say it was a surprise, though I wasn't as shocked as I would have liked to have been. The Donald? Really? He was hardly even mentioned throughout the book! I think, if it had been Maggie, it would have been better. For one, Luke may have ended up with Cammy when he found out the truth, it all made sense, people wouldn't blame Cammy as much, and it would have been a not-so-expected guess. Well, I mean I guess you could have expected her...but I still think it would have been much better.
Speaking of Luke and Maggie...WHAT THE HECK. Like seriously, WHAT THE HECK. THEY end up together?! It was always Luke and Cammy! And the book ends with a letter that Cammy doesn't even SEND telling him of her true feelings! Ahhhhh. Why didn't she just send the damn thing?! But nope, it just ends with Cammy keeping her feelings holed up, once more. Although I loved how the last few pages were letters, and the last chapter was of Luke showing up on the doorstep and talking to Grandma, it should have been Luke showing up in Denmark looking for Cammy or something! Ok, so it's a bit cheesy...don't judge...but it ending without Cammy's "true and first love"? No, that's just a big old no-no.
Also, this whole Becca thing made me a bit frustrated also. Anderson made a big deal of Becca starting to suspect things about Cammy, and her having this big old frustration with Cammy, but do they ever even really talk?! Like, I was expecting at the end for them to connect or something, or for them to at least have a conversation. Or maybe even that Becca was the White Rabbit for some crazy reason. I don't know, I just didn't like how it just ended without another glance back at Becca, who was suspecting everything from the beginning.
A little error I noticed in the book was how Cammy had ridden her bike to Luke's house in one of the chapters, I believe the chapter where they have their first kiss(in which I was squealing with enthusiasm for Cammy...don't judge), and then Cammy walks to her house forgetting about her bike. Okay, I know it's small and you all are probably like, "Um so? It's a bike, get over it Kelli.", but it just irritated me! The smallest things irritate me. Like how there was a grammar error on one of those pages too...they said "too" instead of "to", when "to" was the accurate form. I'm sorry, okay, it just bothered me!
There was a lot of humor in this book. They all came from Cammy being her awkward self...like when Gramps told Luke that Cammy had an STD. I mean, you're not supposed to damn look at the floor and act like it's true! You're supposed to laugh and say "he means OCD". Gosh! Or in the very beginning, how Cammy would knit in class?! Or how she heard Usher play in her head when she talked to Luke...oh, I wanted to hit my head against the wall, my embarrassment for Cammy was so real. Speaking of Usher, though, how did Luke know to show up at Grandma's with the Usher CD? Did Cammy tell him of her little mental Usher CD that came on when he spoke to her? Maybe I missed that part or something.
So, anyways, I was pleased with the book and I didn't expect myself to finish the majority of it all in one day. I thought I'd be glancing down at the page numbers, waiting for the end, but instead I got to the end quicker than expected!
Final rating: 3.6/5 stars. :)
So, this book is about a girl named Cammy Hall who is pretty low on the school social status...like, practically invisible. She embarrasses herself all the time and is pretty much socially awkward. That all changes when she starts to get these text messages from an anonymous person, telling her how to be popular. As the texts keep coming and getting weirder, though, Cammy starts to wonder: is this mysterious person friend or foe?
Let me just start off by saying this isn't an amazingly written novel. It's only 260 pages, so you can't really expect to get really into it anyways--it's just a light-read. An enjoyable light-read, at that. Sure, there were some grammar errors and small things that I noticed (I'll write what later), but overall I was really pleased with the book and surprised. It has a bit of romance in there, extremely embarrassing moments for Cammy where you just want to bury your face in your hands, a mystery, regular high school problems...it basically just had a lot of different elements in it, all contained in a 260 page book.
The cover is pretty dang cute, though! The bright yellow looked disturbing among my bookshelf, but the little bunny hacksacks are adorable, you have to admit. The title isn't very original, haha, but at least it fits with the book. On the back of the book, right before the synopsis, it says "The definitive version of the book YOU came up with!" So, did readers choose the ending or something? I'm not sure about that, but I'm not so curious that I would look it up. If you know, though, feel free to tell me!
*SPOILER TIME*
Now for my actual review for those of you who have read it or, for some reason, want spoilers. I wasn't very happy with who the "White Rabbit" turned out to be! I guess you could say it was a surprise, though I wasn't as shocked as I would have liked to have been. The Donald? Really? He was hardly even mentioned throughout the book! I think, if it had been Maggie, it would have been better. For one, Luke may have ended up with Cammy when he found out the truth, it all made sense, people wouldn't blame Cammy as much, and it would have been a not-so-expected guess. Well, I mean I guess you could have expected her...but I still think it would have been much better.
Speaking of Luke and Maggie...WHAT THE HECK. Like seriously, WHAT THE HECK. THEY end up together?! It was always Luke and Cammy! And the book ends with a letter that Cammy doesn't even SEND telling him of her true feelings! Ahhhhh. Why didn't she just send the damn thing?! But nope, it just ends with Cammy keeping her feelings holed up, once more. Although I loved how the last few pages were letters, and the last chapter was of Luke showing up on the doorstep and talking to Grandma, it should have been Luke showing up in Denmark looking for Cammy or something! Ok, so it's a bit cheesy...don't judge...but it ending without Cammy's "true and first love"? No, that's just a big old no-no.
Also, this whole Becca thing made me a bit frustrated also. Anderson made a big deal of Becca starting to suspect things about Cammy, and her having this big old frustration with Cammy, but do they ever even really talk?! Like, I was expecting at the end for them to connect or something, or for them to at least have a conversation. Or maybe even that Becca was the White Rabbit for some crazy reason. I don't know, I just didn't like how it just ended without another glance back at Becca, who was suspecting everything from the beginning.
A little error I noticed in the book was how Cammy had ridden her bike to Luke's house in one of the chapters, I believe the chapter where they have their first kiss(in which I was squealing with enthusiasm for Cammy...don't judge), and then Cammy walks to her house forgetting about her bike. Okay, I know it's small and you all are probably like, "Um so? It's a bike, get over it Kelli.", but it just irritated me! The smallest things irritate me. Like how there was a grammar error on one of those pages too...they said "too" instead of "to", when "to" was the accurate form. I'm sorry, okay, it just bothered me!
There was a lot of humor in this book. They all came from Cammy being her awkward self...like when Gramps told Luke that Cammy had an STD. I mean, you're not supposed to damn look at the floor and act like it's true! You're supposed to laugh and say "he means OCD". Gosh! Or in the very beginning, how Cammy would knit in class?! Or how she heard Usher play in her head when she talked to Luke...oh, I wanted to hit my head against the wall, my embarrassment for Cammy was so real. Speaking of Usher, though, how did Luke know to show up at Grandma's with the Usher CD? Did Cammy tell him of her little mental Usher CD that came on when he spoke to her? Maybe I missed that part or something.
So, anyways, I was pleased with the book and I didn't expect myself to finish the majority of it all in one day. I thought I'd be glancing down at the page numbers, waiting for the end, but instead I got to the end quicker than expected!
Final rating: 3.6/5 stars. :)
April 9, 2022
Really unrealistic portrayal of highschool that left a sour taste in my mouth. Don’t like how quickly the BFF forgives her?? And how she basically ran away from her problems at the end. But it had a semi-interesting twist
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2017
i didn't necessarily LOVE the ending, but i LOVED the plot
February 5, 2018
I thought this was a very interesting book. An unpopular girl, Rachel, gets blackmailed by an anonymous student. Rachel becomes popular because of the downfall of her popular classmates. The blackmailer made her expose nasty secrets and rumors about lots of people. I thought this was a very interesting book because of the mystery, suspense, and drama. I recomend this book to anyone who likes mystery. I think this book is worthy of 5 out 5 stars.
December 13, 2019
This book was great!! It dealt with issues that some teens face during their high school years.
January 2, 2021
Overall, I think it was good.
Seemed a little all over the place and I’m upset that Maggie and Luke ended up togetehr after they both felt they were like siblings.
Seemed a little all over the place and I’m upset that Maggie and Luke ended up togetehr after they both felt they were like siblings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
4.5 Stars 🌟
April 10, 2021
The bribery plot wasn't realistic or believable for me.
July 11, 2022
eh. mad at ending. donald deserved more.
December 14, 2023
holy sheet.
that ended...WOOO
had me on a rush ride, who would give a girl rolls of money in a box with instructions? you can to me :)
/j
4/5 stars
that ended...WOOO
had me on a rush ride, who would give a girl rolls of money in a box with instructions? you can to me :)
/j
4/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2016
This was free to read for a limited time on Riveted Lit. Not only is it free, but this program has me actively expanding my reading choices. Case in point…
I’d never heard of Loser/Queen before and I wasn’t planning to read it. When I first saw it, I said “meh” and was going to leave it at that. But then I forgot my book one day. Desperate, I started to read.
Cammy immediately grabbed me and I loved watching her bobble between right and wrong with the White Rabbit. I was SO happy. Then…it sank. Not enough for a screeching halt, but it was enough.
Was it me or the book? A bit of both.
The Good:
+ Character progression
+ Epilogue
+ The Start
The Bad & The Ugly:
-Everything else.
Cammy is a charming “old woman in a young body”. She knits, dresses frumpily, stays home with her grandparents and loves the Golden Girls. <- That’s an automatic win in my book. Her relationship with her grandparents are adorable and I loved them as a family.
Her best friend is a Danish exchange student, Geri who loves Cammy’s authentic self. The fixation on Geri’s accent made me uncomfortable at times. At first it seemed natural but Geri’s been here for years and what idioms she didn’t understand seemed convenient. I might be overthinking it and having a hyper-response. I don’t know really, since I don’t have experience in this area. But it definitely gets better with Cammy’s progression at the end.
While Cammy’s sympathetic, she’s too chicken shit to help the other outsiders like her. That is until she’s humiliated in front of her whole class in a changing fiasco. This was my first bump in the road, I found the setup and Cammy’s decisions that lead there hard to believe. That’s the only reason it wasn’t so vicariously embarrassing that I didn’t have to skip it or run away. (The fremdschämen is strong in me.)
This is what prompts the White Rabbit to assist Cammy with keen observations and strategic planning to rearrange the social pecking order.
At first it was ~glorious~. I admired what was done for the most part. It started with a bang that made me worried, but the WR’s plan is more savvy than a prank war.
I was fascinated with Cammy’s transformation. But she makes some really dumb decisions that I don’t understand. That whole misunderstanding with Dream Boy and her gramps? Ugh.
As the White Rabbit’s mischief escalates, Cammy’s increasing torn between her old and new self. I liked this question of where to draw the line and the cost of being noticed, being a someone.
Something has to give, of course. I wasn’t surprised by the hill Cammy decided to die on, but I didn’t understand why WR made the request. At least, not until the very end and even that’s a gut feeling. Or maybe a hopeful wish given WR’s final antics. Guess I’ll never really know.
This is when the book really started to decline for me. The careful planning dissolved and my connection with Cammy eroded.
Once Cammy’s luck turned, the reaction didn’t seem right. There should’ve been more backlash and outrage. And being that coordinated in her punishment? Nope, don’t buy it. It’s so tame in comparison to everything else.
I thought the most disappointing part was how little Cammy did to find out White Rabbit’s identity and how she missed some pretty big clues. Then they were revealed… The red herring was more interesting and less obvious than the true culprit.
I wasn’t feeling Loser/Queen anymore but it was almost over and I wanted to see how Cammy turned out. The epilogue is great, showing the different pieces and parts. She did good. There’s character progression all around and I like how it worked out. Yet my early enthusiasm never came back.
I don’t regret reading it but after falling in love so quickly, it wound up disappointing. Not a bad contemporary, and has a few characteristics you won’t find elsewhere, but it’s hit or miss in the end.
If you don’t love, like, or find its preview intriguing, it’s probably safe to skip it. If you’re looking for a mystery, the White Rabbit’s doesn’t hold up. If you like underdog stories, a shy girl coming out of her shell, and character progression, it’s worth a shot.
I’d never heard of Loser/Queen before and I wasn’t planning to read it. When I first saw it, I said “meh” and was going to leave it at that. But then I forgot my book one day. Desperate, I started to read.
Cammy immediately grabbed me and I loved watching her bobble between right and wrong with the White Rabbit. I was SO happy. Then…it sank. Not enough for a screeching halt, but it was enough.
Was it me or the book? A bit of both.
The Good:
+ Character progression
+ Epilogue
+ The Start
The Bad & The Ugly:
-Everything else.
Cammy is a charming “old woman in a young body”. She knits, dresses frumpily, stays home with her grandparents and loves the Golden Girls. <- That’s an automatic win in my book. Her relationship with her grandparents are adorable and I loved them as a family.
Her best friend is a Danish exchange student, Geri who loves Cammy’s authentic self. The fixation on Geri’s accent made me uncomfortable at times. At first it seemed natural but Geri’s been here for years and what idioms she didn’t understand seemed convenient. I might be overthinking it and having a hyper-response. I don’t know really, since I don’t have experience in this area. But it definitely gets better with Cammy’s progression at the end.
While Cammy’s sympathetic, she’s too chicken shit to help the other outsiders like her. That is until she’s humiliated in front of her whole class in a changing fiasco. This was my first bump in the road, I found the setup and Cammy’s decisions that lead there hard to believe. That’s the only reason it wasn’t so vicariously embarrassing that I didn’t have to skip it or run away. (The fremdschämen is strong in me.)
This is what prompts the White Rabbit to assist Cammy with keen observations and strategic planning to rearrange the social pecking order.
At first it was ~glorious~. I admired what was done for the most part. It started with a bang that made me worried, but the WR’s plan is more savvy than a prank war.
I was fascinated with Cammy’s transformation. But she makes some really dumb decisions that I don’t understand. That whole misunderstanding with Dream Boy and her gramps? Ugh.
As the White Rabbit’s mischief escalates, Cammy’s increasing torn between her old and new self. I liked this question of where to draw the line and the cost of being noticed, being a someone.
Something has to give, of course. I wasn’t surprised by the hill Cammy decided to die on, but I didn’t understand why WR made the request. At least, not until the very end and even that’s a gut feeling. Or maybe a hopeful wish given WR’s final antics. Guess I’ll never really know.
This is when the book really started to decline for me. The careful planning dissolved and my connection with Cammy eroded.
Once Cammy’s luck turned, the reaction didn’t seem right. There should’ve been more backlash and outrage. And being that coordinated in her punishment? Nope, don’t buy it. It’s so tame in comparison to everything else.
I thought the most disappointing part was how little Cammy did to find out White Rabbit’s identity and how she missed some pretty big clues. Then they were revealed… The red herring was more interesting and less obvious than the true culprit.
I wasn’t feeling Loser/Queen anymore but it was almost over and I wanted to see how Cammy turned out. The epilogue is great, showing the different pieces and parts. She did good. There’s character progression all around and I like how it worked out. Yet my early enthusiasm never came back.
I don’t regret reading it but after falling in love so quickly, it wound up disappointing. Not a bad contemporary, and has a few characteristics you won’t find elsewhere, but it’s hit or miss in the end.
If you don’t love, like, or find its preview intriguing, it’s probably safe to skip it. If you’re looking for a mystery, the White Rabbit’s doesn’t hold up. If you like underdog stories, a shy girl coming out of her shell, and character progression, it’s worth a shot.
July 9, 2024
Predictable ending, but the format of online readers voting on what direction the plot goes is definitely interesting
May 16, 2017
It’s a funny story how I got my hands on this book. There was a school book fair and the cover of the book had caught my eye (I was 9 years old and I thought it was going to be about bunnies) so I bought it. I read a page and a half and I completely forgot about the book for 6 years.
Alright, so on with the actual review. This book was… like a bottle of water. Loser/Queen is Fiji Water. The cover, acting as the plastic bottle that contains the water, is attractive (much like Fiji Water.) Most people bought it because of how it was presented, and maybe read the little summary in the back (or didn’t, like 9-year-old me). However, when you drink it, it’s just plain water. Which is how I felt about this book. It was a bit cliché with the whole high-school drama-ish plot.
Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t hate it, it was actually enjoyable. Maybe The White Rabbit and the whole whodunit aspect of it (which I liked) could make it that blk (black) water with the minerals.
In summary, it was nice, but I wouldn't recommend it.
(I would recommend water, though.)
Alright, so on with the actual review. This book was… like a bottle of water. Loser/Queen is Fiji Water. The cover, acting as the plastic bottle that contains the water, is attractive (much like Fiji Water.) Most people bought it because of how it was presented, and maybe read the little summary in the back (or didn’t, like 9-year-old me). However, when you drink it, it’s just plain water. Which is how I felt about this book. It was a bit cliché with the whole high-school drama-ish plot.
Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t hate it, it was actually enjoyable. Maybe The White Rabbit and the whole whodunit aspect of it (which I liked) could make it that blk (black) water with the minerals.
In summary, it was nice, but I wouldn't recommend it.
(I would recommend water, though.)
March 31, 2013
I found this in the library, thinking, I really shouldn't pick this out but.., so I walked out with this, among some other books that are more my style.
Well, let's start off with the fact that I consumed 150 pages of this book in the first sitting. Maybe not that impressive to you more HARDCORE readers who can sit down and read a book in one sitting, whichI don't have the attention span to do I just can't do.
ANYWAYS, I am not going to do a synopsis of this book, because that's boring and I'd much rather prefer to just talk about reactions.
I definitely got a mean girls type vibe from this. [Girl + Cool friend(s]0+ (not noticed/noticed)noticed + revenge to popular girl + [(Boyfriend)-boyfriend]x? + I GIVE UP ON TRYING TO THINK OF A CLEVER EQUATION FOR THIS BOOK.
Anyways, the reason I couldn't put this book down was because I had to figure out who the Anonymous texter/white rabbit was. I found out. Was surprised, but kind of bummed, because it wasn't as plot-twisty as expected. OH WELL.
Also the end Luke/Maggie thingy was uncomfortable for me. I mean, really? They were all talking about being like brother and sister then they end up togeth-ugh. I just don't want to think about it. It bugged me.
It just..
Then there's Cammy's letterwith that whole "Ahhh still love you my bby Luke love love love ur a qt can't even deal" thing at that end.
Not sure..
SO IN THE END, I GIVE FOUR STARS.
Thanks for reading my *cough* wonderful *cough* review.
Sincerely,
India Avocado.
my tumblr
Well, let's start off with the fact that I consumed 150 pages of this book in the first sitting. Maybe not that impressive to you more HARDCORE readers who can sit down and read a book in one sitting, which
ANYWAYS, I am not going to do a synopsis of this book, because that's boring and I'd much rather prefer to just talk about reactions.
I definitely got a mean girls type vibe from this. [Girl + Cool friend(s]0+ (not noticed/noticed)noticed + revenge to popular girl + [(Boyfriend)-boyfriend]x? + I GIVE UP ON TRYING TO THINK OF A CLEVER EQUATION FOR THIS BOOK.
Anyways, the reason I couldn't put this book down was because I had to figure out who the Anonymous texter/white rabbit was. I found out. Was surprised, but kind of bummed, because it wasn't as plot-twisty as expected. OH WELL.
Also the end Luke/Maggie thingy was uncomfortable for me. I mean, really? They were all talking about being like brother and sister then they end up togeth-ugh. I just don't want to think about it. It bugged me.
It just..
Then there's Cammy's letter
Not sure..
SO IN THE END, I GIVE FOUR STARS.
Thanks for reading my *cough* wonderful *cough* review.
Sincerely,
India Avocado.
my tumblr
August 4, 2016
Read as part of RivetedLit's #SummerOfNerds free reads.
Things this book did well:
- the plotline was fairly realistic in that things didn't all wrap up tidily into a happy ending
- Cammy was an interesting and quirky protag
- Gerdi made an unusual but not-overly-wacky best friend
Things this book didn't do so well:
- Luke came across as a really bland nice guy
- Not only did a few Dutch things get thrown in as being Danish, Cammy also writes to her grandparents and says that she hasn't learned how to spell anything yet, so she won't write it in "Dutch"...despite the fact that earlier in the same letter, she says she watched a film in Danish (so it's not like she thinks Danish is called Dutch)
- a secret hallway that leads behind all the lockers and rooms of the school, with convenient panels that let anyone in the hallway access the lockers and rooms? please...some explanation for this would've been good.
- though we find out who White Rabbit is, we don't know how this person got the thousand dollars for Cammy's makeover, the key to the janitor's closet, e-mail passwords, etc. This person also seems like an unlikely benefactor for arranging Cammy's makeover. And this person is essentially around to text tips to her for an unlikely percent of the time, probably having to wait outside her house in the snow for long periods of time (does the person live near her? can't recall if it's mentioned). A plausible explanation would've gone a long way toward tying up the book well.
- Gerdi leaves Secret Santa gifts for Cammy in a public place, with the last gift staying there for MONTHS before Cammy knows to go looking for it? C'mon.
- Grandpa had virtually no reason to announce the thing about STDs, other than to force other plot developments from the consequences...
I like that this wasn't a cookie-cutter book and that everything (such as prom) was down-t0-earth. There were too many dangling threads and plotholes for me to think the book was well-planned, however. A little more time spent on these details could have made the book great.
Things this book did well:
- the plotline was fairly realistic in that things didn't all wrap up tidily into a happy ending
- Cammy was an interesting and quirky protag
- Gerdi made an unusual but not-overly-wacky best friend
Things this book didn't do so well:
- Luke came across as a really bland nice guy
- Not only did a few Dutch things get thrown in as being Danish, Cammy also writes to her grandparents and says that she hasn't learned how to spell anything yet, so she won't write it in "Dutch"...despite the fact that earlier in the same letter, she says she watched a film in Danish (so it's not like she thinks Danish is called Dutch)
- a secret hallway that leads behind all the lockers and rooms of the school, with convenient panels that let anyone in the hallway access the lockers and rooms? please...some explanation for this would've been good.
- though we find out who White Rabbit is, we don't know how this person got the thousand dollars for Cammy's makeover, the key to the janitor's closet, e-mail passwords, etc. This person also seems like an unlikely benefactor for arranging Cammy's makeover. And this person is essentially around to text tips to her for an unlikely percent of the time, probably having to wait outside her house in the snow for long periods of time (does the person live near her? can't recall if it's mentioned). A plausible explanation would've gone a long way toward tying up the book well.
- Gerdi leaves Secret Santa gifts for Cammy in a public place, with the last gift staying there for MONTHS before Cammy knows to go looking for it? C'mon.
- Grandpa had virtually no reason to announce the thing about STDs, other than to force other plot developments from the consequences...
I like that this wasn't a cookie-cutter book and that everything (such as prom) was down-t0-earth. There were too many dangling threads and plotholes for me to think the book was well-planned, however. A little more time spent on these details could have made the book great.
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