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The Misadventures of Tallulah Casey #1
Withering Tights
Hilarious new series from Queen of Teen – laugh your tights off at the (VERY) amateur dramatic antics of Talullah and her bonkers mates. Boys, snogging and bad acting guaranteed!
Picture the scene: Dother Hall performing arts college somewhere Up North, surrounded by rolling dales, bearded cheesemaking villagers (male and female) and wildlife of the squirrely-type. On the whole, it’s not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was expecting… but once her mates turn up and they start their ‘FAME! I’m gonna liiiiive foreeeeeever, I’m gonna fill my tiiiiights’ summer course things are bound to perk up.
Especially when the boys arrive. (When DO the boys arrive?)
Six weeks of parent-free freedom. BOY freedom. Freedom of expression… cos it’s the THEATRE dahling, the theatre!!
Picture the scene: Dother Hall performing arts college somewhere Up North, surrounded by rolling dales, bearded cheesemaking villagers (male and female) and wildlife of the squirrely-type. On the whole, it’s not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was expecting… but once her mates turn up and they start their ‘FAME! I’m gonna liiiiive foreeeeeever, I’m gonna fill my tiiiiights’ summer course things are bound to perk up.
Especially when the boys arrive. (When DO the boys arrive?)
Six weeks of parent-free freedom. BOY freedom. Freedom of expression… cos it’s the THEATRE dahling, the theatre!!
351 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2010
129 people are currently reading
4066 people want to read
About the author
Louise Rennison
91 books2,773 followersLouise Rennison was the bestselling award-winning author of the phenomenally successful ‘Confessions of Georgia Nicolson’ series, translated into over 34 languages and to the stage and big screen as ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’. She has won the Nestle Smarties Book Prize, the Michael L. Printz Honor Book and the Roald Dahl Funny prize for ‘Withering Tights’. Louise sadly died on February 29, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 763 reviews
May 18, 2020
This is an absolutely delightful Young Adult novel. The main character is a quirky, gawky 14 year old girl off to a performing arts school for the summer. She is relatively self-aware of her oddities; however, not so much of her attributes. While Tallulah doesn't necessarily embrace the clumsiness and awkwardness of being a teen-aged girl, she plods, unapologetically, through our story in a quite charming fashion. She seems to possess a self-confidence despite her belief that she may be a bit odd, or even immature. Her summer adventure encompasses new girl-friends, sweet and innocent crushes and an almost-boyfriend. Tallulah’s way of expressing herself is immensely endearing. I believe that most girls would thoroughly enjoy this fun and interesting book.
February 15, 2021
"This is a tough path. ... Your feet will bleed before you experience the golden slippers of applause!"
Well, this was much funnier than I remember it. And the book offers a very zany, insane look at the whole theater/performance art shindig I know very little about. The humor is less biting (and less offensive), because Tallulah is much kinder than Georgia. Still, a riot.
_______
A new series from Louise Rennison and, thank vati, it does not disappoint.
Talullah Casey is Georgia Nicolson's 14.5-year old cousin and an aspiring performer. She is lucky to have been accepted to a performing arts college Dother Hall for for the summer semester. Here she acquires new (mad) mates and surrenders herself to the wonders of theatre. What is disappointing though is that, it turns out, Dother Hall is an all-girl school. How are girls supposed to enhance their love lives if there are no lads around? Will their sexual experiences remain limited to: getting her bottom felt at a bus stop (Tallulah); having her bra undone through a T-shirt by an unknown guy who ran right away on a bike (Jo); having her cousin put an ice cube down the front of her T-shirt and then offer to get it out for her (Vaisey); watching a boy wear her freshly-washed pants on his head (Flossie)? Luckily, some boy-toys emerge - there are Phil and Charlie, who were shipped to the nearby Woolfe Academy to be taught how to become decent citizens, a local emo boy-band headed by a very-very bad cad appropriately named Cain, then there is an "older man" Alex, the list goes on... Let the summer of theatre and love begin!
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp. It might not be quite as hilarious as Georgia's books, but it still gave me a lot of laughs. Tallulah is much less flamboyant than her cousin, shier and more subdued, but has her moments. The mates are weird and funny, the lads are vair attractive but hard to understand, as usual.
On the negative side, the ending is very open. There is hardly any resolution to any love drama. And secondly, Withering Tights is pretty much the same thing as Georgia's diaries. The setting and the players are different, but the plot is the same - boy troubles, lippies, body insecurities (non-existent corkers a.k.a nungas and knobbly knees - compare to Georgia's nose misfortunes), mad mates, and snogging experiences. But I won't complain, I love this stuff and I am ready to read about these adventures once again. And the theatre bits are a hoot too. I've always known artistic people were crazy, here is another confirmation.
Withering Tights is a great, very light, funny read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Have one request for Rennison though - can we get an update on Georgia/Dave relationship? After all, Lullah is G's cousin, she should know what's what, right?
Night Owl Reviews
Well, this was much funnier than I remember it. And the book offers a very zany, insane look at the whole theater/performance art shindig I know very little about. The humor is less biting (and less offensive), because Tallulah is much kinder than Georgia. Still, a riot.
_______
A new series from Louise Rennison and, thank vati, it does not disappoint.
Talullah Casey is Georgia Nicolson's 14.5-year old cousin and an aspiring performer. She is lucky to have been accepted to a performing arts college Dother Hall for for the summer semester. Here she acquires new (mad) mates and surrenders herself to the wonders of theatre. What is disappointing though is that, it turns out, Dother Hall is an all-girl school. How are girls supposed to enhance their love lives if there are no lads around? Will their sexual experiences remain limited to: getting her bottom felt at a bus stop (Tallulah); having her bra undone through a T-shirt by an unknown guy who ran right away on a bike (Jo); having her cousin put an ice cube down the front of her T-shirt and then offer to get it out for her (Vaisey); watching a boy wear her freshly-washed pants on his head (Flossie)? Luckily, some boy-toys emerge - there are Phil and Charlie, who were shipped to the nearby Woolfe Academy to be taught how to become decent citizens, a local emo boy-band headed by a very-very bad cad appropriately named Cain, then there is an "older man" Alex, the list goes on... Let the summer of theatre and love begin!
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp. It might not be quite as hilarious as Georgia's books, but it still gave me a lot of laughs. Tallulah is much less flamboyant than her cousin, shier and more subdued, but has her moments. The mates are weird and funny, the lads are vair attractive but hard to understand, as usual.
On the negative side, the ending is very open. There is hardly any resolution to any love drama. And secondly, Withering Tights is pretty much the same thing as Georgia's diaries. The setting and the players are different, but the plot is the same - boy troubles, lippies, body insecurities (non-existent corkers a.k.a nungas and knobbly knees - compare to Georgia's nose misfortunes), mad mates, and snogging experiences. But I won't complain, I love this stuff and I am ready to read about these adventures once again. And the theatre bits are a hoot too. I've always known artistic people were crazy, here is another confirmation.
Withering Tights is a great, very light, funny read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Have one request for Rennison though - can we get an update on Georgia/Dave relationship? After all, Lullah is G's cousin, she should know what's what, right?
Night Owl Reviews
January 23, 2017
Louise Rennison is a comic genius. Her books are so good-naturedly, wholeheartedly zany that it doesn't matter that I've read this plot a dozen times, or that Tallulah and her friends are mostly indistinguishable from each other. The scene in which the Tree Sisters yell confidence quotes while running around in a field made me die laughing.
Right there with you, Blaise. This is an instant mood lifter.
As we were going out, Blaise said to me, “What’s your name?” I said, “Tallulah Casey.” She said, “Watching you is like watching someone whose pants are on fire. Strangely fascinating, keep it up.”
Right there with you, Blaise. This is an instant mood lifter.
August 19, 2010
Let me start by saying that I think this new series has great promise. That being said I wasn't as impressed with the first installment as I had hoped to be. The story centers around Tallulah, a 14 year old girl and Georgia's cousin, who is attending an art school for a semester. Of course hilariousity strange wisdomosity follows Tallulah and her new Tree Sisters and their adventures with boys. The reason why I am giving this only 3.5 is because even though I found the story entertaining I felt like I had read it before. There are so many similarities between this book and the authors previous series Georgia Nicolson. I could list them all as I did keep track for my own benefit, but I don't want to spoil anything. I wish Rennison had gone in a new direction with this new series. I loved Georgia and I would definitely pick up a new installment to her life, but I think Tallulah should have her own story. I will continue on with this series as I said I think it has promise , I just hope that Tallulah doesn't follow in Georgia's footsteps.
I did miss the glossary as I had a hard time understanding some of the terms used so please Louise Rennison bring that back!
Edit: Okay after some thought I think this book needs a full 4 stars =) It is quite hilarious.
I did miss the glossary as I had a hard time understanding some of the terms used so please Louise Rennison bring that back!
Edit: Okay after some thought I think this book needs a full 4 stars =) It is quite hilarious.
August 22, 2012
THIS WAS ME THE WHOLE FREAKING TIME:
Read my full review here: http://youngadultbookmuncher.wordpres...
Read my full review here: http://youngadultbookmuncher.wordpres...
May 3, 2020
Such a fun light-hearted read. It follows Tallulah, a teenager exploring the world of performing arts and new friendships. Set in the Yorkshire dales, with many references to classic literature (as you might have guessed from the title). A perfect book to escape into to.
December 27, 2012
Generally speaking, teenage drama takes itself waaaay too seriously. I'm talking about the kind of stuff that keeps ABC Family and The CW in business. It's the sort of thing that makes me want to stab my eyes out with a bamboo shoot, quite honestly (seriously, girls - it's not the end of the world that the boy you like didn't ask you out and you don't need to plot terrible revenge on the girl he did ask out). However, Louise Rennison has a great knack for taking something so horrendous and heinous and turning into something funny and enjoyable - something that you are assured will end when the teenagers become adults. "Withering Tights" does exactly that. It was funny and light and, most of all, it had a lot of heart. Tallulah Casey is a wonderful narrating character. She notices all the quirks of the people around her, but doesn't exclude herself from the "quirk noticing." She's never malicious toward anyone, even if they do something she doesn't like. By the time she's in a position to do something about it, she's off on another tangent and the last slight is all but forgotten. I love that Tallulah and her friends support each other and are good and kind to one another. They aren't mean or catty, even if they do have some of the typical teenage insecurities. It's like they just decided "Okay, we all have our own problems and we all have to deal with being teenagers, so we're going to help each other through it and have fun along the way." They never say it outright like that, but that's the attitude they all have and it's sweet and refreshing to see that in YA fiction.
January 21, 2022
I'd like to imagine that Louise Rennison's publisher was like "Louise, the Georgia Nicolson books were such a hit, you can do whatever you want for your next project." And she was like, "Brilliant, I want to write about a teen at performance art camp, doing a show lightly inspired by Kate Bush's iconic music video 'Wuthering Heights', and the whole thing will be filled with cheeky references to Bruce Robinson's classic 1987 film Withnail and I." And the publisher was like, "Cool, great, can't wait to read it."
At first I thought I was reading into the lines I recognized from Withnail and I ("prancing like a tit", "offer him yourself", "I've [come to Yorkshire] by mistake", etc), that maybe they were coincidences or just so common in British usage that they weren't as meaningful as I thought; but then Monty the rotund, eyeliner-wearing acting teacher started extolling the virtues of the cauliflower over the rose, and any doubts I had were erased.
I don't know how many people fall into the overlapping section of the Venn diagram of Louise Rennison fans and Withnail and I fans, but I'm in there, and this was a joy to read. To be clear, you don't need to have seen (or liked) Withnail and I to read or enjoy this. If you liked the Georgia Nicolson series, this book follows the same basic blueprint and should be right up your alley. Main character Tallulah is Georgia's cousin, she's awkward and a little boy crazy; plus there's a group of fun, quirky girlfriends, a bunch of boys in bands, colorful animal characters (owls, this time), mad toddlers, quirky adults, etc. Four stars for the story, one more star for all the Withnail and I references.
At first I thought I was reading into the lines I recognized from Withnail and I ("prancing like a tit", "offer him yourself", "I've [come to Yorkshire] by mistake", etc), that maybe they were coincidences or just so common in British usage that they weren't as meaningful as I thought; but then Monty the rotund, eyeliner-wearing acting teacher started extolling the virtues of the cauliflower over the rose, and any doubts I had were erased.
I don't know how many people fall into the overlapping section of the Venn diagram of Louise Rennison fans and Withnail and I fans, but I'm in there, and this was a joy to read. To be clear, you don't need to have seen (or liked) Withnail and I to read or enjoy this. If you liked the Georgia Nicolson series, this book follows the same basic blueprint and should be right up your alley. Main character Tallulah is Georgia's cousin, she's awkward and a little boy crazy; plus there's a group of fun, quirky girlfriends, a bunch of boys in bands, colorful animal characters (owls, this time), mad toddlers, quirky adults, etc. Four stars for the story, one more star for all the Withnail and I references.
July 12, 2010
The first book in Louise Rennison’s new series has a lot to live up to and although it didn’t quite reach the standards of The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Louise Rennison really is a comedy genius. She has a gift for creating madcap families and crazy friends to accompany her equally mad heroines. In Withering Tights we meet Flossie, Ruby, Honey, Vaisey and Jo who all go to Dother Hall with Tallulah. I have to admit that although Withering Tights is funnier than most novels, it wasn’t quite as funny as I wanted and expected it to be. There were a few moments that had me shaking with laughter, though.
As ever with Louise Rennison’s novels, there are bucket-loads of boy troubles. And what an array of boy for Tallulah and the girls to choose from! As Georgia’s cousin, choosing her favourite wasn’t easy, but I already know which one I like the most. Their distinct personalities and hilarious Yorkshire dialects really set each guy apart so I’m predicting a tumultuous journey for Tallulah throughout the series.
I really loved Withering Tights (and it’s cover) and I’m looking forward to reading more of Tallulah’s adventures at Dother Hall.
Louise Rennison really is a comedy genius. She has a gift for creating madcap families and crazy friends to accompany her equally mad heroines. In Withering Tights we meet Flossie, Ruby, Honey, Vaisey and Jo who all go to Dother Hall with Tallulah. I have to admit that although Withering Tights is funnier than most novels, it wasn’t quite as funny as I wanted and expected it to be. There were a few moments that had me shaking with laughter, though.
As ever with Louise Rennison’s novels, there are bucket-loads of boy troubles. And what an array of boy for Tallulah and the girls to choose from! As Georgia’s cousin, choosing her favourite wasn’t easy, but I already know which one I like the most. Their distinct personalities and hilarious Yorkshire dialects really set each guy apart so I’m predicting a tumultuous journey for Tallulah throughout the series.
I really loved Withering Tights (and it’s cover) and I’m looking forward to reading more of Tallulah’s adventures at Dother Hall.
October 21, 2012
This was a total let down. I LOVE the Georgia books. (Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging) They are some of my favorites, so I was super excited to read this one.
It was kind of horrible. I gave it my customary 50 pages and then had to stop because I just didn't like it at all. The writing was all over the place - it was a like a fly who can't figure out where to land and just keeps flitting about. There was nothing cohesive tying it together. It wasn't funny, either, like Rennison's other books. This was probably my biggest reading disppointment of the year.
It was kind of horrible. I gave it my customary 50 pages and then had to stop because I just didn't like it at all. The writing was all over the place - it was a like a fly who can't figure out where to land and just keeps flitting about. There was nothing cohesive tying it together. It wasn't funny, either, like Rennison's other books. This was probably my biggest reading disppointment of the year.
August 9, 2019
Funniest book I've ever read
April 11, 2011
Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.
Oh dear God this book is insane. It could have easily killed me with its hilarity, and to be entirely honest it might just be the most hilarious, most ridiculous book I've ever read. I wish I read this when I was younger - I'd have loved it! Or well...it could have easily killed me then. It's just too funny!
Tallulah Casey is seriously insane. In a good way. She is a character so full of life it's hard to not be uplifted whenever I open the pages and read about her adventures ... or I beg your pardon, misadventures. Her voice is genuine, and really a lot like a young teen. You can sense her naivety and insecurity, and it is easy to relive your very own interesting teenage experiences with her. Or compare it with hers, and with it comes the nostalgia. I think that's one of the best things about Withering Tights - as an adult, it not only filled with the the exuberance of a teenage spirit, but also made me reminisce the many misadventures of my own teenage life!
With a cast of equally vibrant characters with Tallulah, Withering Tights blossoms to a book with a life on its own. It's easy to get into the flow of the plot; apart from Tallulah's easy narration, one can expect hilarity at every other page, indignation in between, and a lot of fun mishaps sprinkled throughout.
A little caution on the narrative's tendency to exaggerate, though. Although admittedly, it is so very hilarious, at times it's bordering on stupidity rather than naivety - it's primarily what I disliked about the book, really. I felt that Tallulah as a character with brains was somehow sacrificed just so the humour could continue. My thoughts then, at those points were dominated by - 'surely no teen could be that stupid!' But there you go.
Having said that, I'm sure Withering Tights will be a hit for kids and kids at heart alike. It's hard not to like such a vibrant, hilarious book!
Oh dear God this book is insane. It could have easily killed me with its hilarity, and to be entirely honest it might just be the most hilarious, most ridiculous book I've ever read. I wish I read this when I was younger - I'd have loved it! Or well...it could have easily killed me then. It's just too funny!
Tallulah Casey is seriously insane. In a good way. She is a character so full of life it's hard to not be uplifted whenever I open the pages and read about her adventures ... or I beg your pardon, misadventures. Her voice is genuine, and really a lot like a young teen. You can sense her naivety and insecurity, and it is easy to relive your very own interesting teenage experiences with her. Or compare it with hers, and with it comes the nostalgia. I think that's one of the best things about Withering Tights - as an adult, it not only filled with the the exuberance of a teenage spirit, but also made me reminisce the many misadventures of my own teenage life!
With a cast of equally vibrant characters with Tallulah, Withering Tights blossoms to a book with a life on its own. It's easy to get into the flow of the plot; apart from Tallulah's easy narration, one can expect hilarity at every other page, indignation in between, and a lot of fun mishaps sprinkled throughout.
A little caution on the narrative's tendency to exaggerate, though. Although admittedly, it is so very hilarious, at times it's bordering on stupidity rather than naivety - it's primarily what I disliked about the book, really. I felt that Tallulah as a character with brains was somehow sacrificed just so the humour could continue. My thoughts then, at those points were dominated by - 'surely no teen could be that stupid!' But there you go.
Having said that, I'm sure Withering Tights will be a hit for kids and kids at heart alike. It's hard not to like such a vibrant, hilarious book!
December 30, 2013
Cover: 5/5
Looking at this cover, I couldn't help but smile. It's so cute! The stocking textured background, the baby owl, and the legs wearing pink and black stockings.
I love covers like this. Every element in this picture actually has something to do with the story itself. I hate when I finish reading a book, and still have no clue how the cover ties in. Looking at the cover you could guess what the story actually may be about!
Characters-
Favorite:
Every single character in Withering Tights made me laugh, no matter if it was something they did, said or even thought. Talullah (also known as Georgia Nicolson's cousin, from Rennison's other series, ha!), has to be my favorite. Her insecurities about her knees and height was silly. No one besides yourself notices these microscopic things, you call imperfections. They make you who you are!
Talullah, would try to hide her knees from everyone, especially boys. To do this, she would wear tights, or really high stockings, which made me laugh. Talullah, is definitely my favorite person in this book.
Least Favorite:
I do have a least favorite character, but sadly I don't remember his name. I borrowed this book from the library and had to return (even though I really wanted to keep it!).
But he was one of three brother, who were all part of a rock band. Which in for them was awesome, because they could get more girls that way. Talullah, bumped into a few times throughout Withering Tights, catching him "snogging" with different girls, when she had her first kiss, and lastly in the barn with the baby owls.
Even though, we didn't get to know much about him, I really disliked him. I'm truly not sure why; maybe since I really liked Talullah, who didn't like him. He just doesn't seem like a guy I would want to be friends with, "snog" with, or even know.
Story Line:
Even though singing, acting and dancing aren't any of Talullah Casey's strengths she still on her way to Dother Hall (a school for the artistically talented), for a five week summer program. If you have a high enough score after those five weeks, you'll be able to come back for school.
When arriving, Talullah makes a group of girlfriends very easily (Flossie, Vaisey, Honey and Jo)! Besides worrying about their "corkers" growing, these girls are boy obsessed, and worried about getting their first kiss.
If you've read and enjoy Louise Rennison's other series, than you'll love Withering Tights too. It's not as funny, but I still have to admit I have a lot of fun reading it(:
Looking at this cover, I couldn't help but smile. It's so cute! The stocking textured background, the baby owl, and the legs wearing pink and black stockings.
I love covers like this. Every element in this picture actually has something to do with the story itself. I hate when I finish reading a book, and still have no clue how the cover ties in. Looking at the cover you could guess what the story actually may be about!
Characters-
Favorite:
Every single character in Withering Tights made me laugh, no matter if it was something they did, said or even thought. Talullah (also known as Georgia Nicolson's cousin, from Rennison's other series, ha!), has to be my favorite. Her insecurities about her knees and height was silly. No one besides yourself notices these microscopic things, you call imperfections. They make you who you are!
Talullah, would try to hide her knees from everyone, especially boys. To do this, she would wear tights, or really high stockings, which made me laugh. Talullah, is definitely my favorite person in this book.
Least Favorite:
I do have a least favorite character, but sadly I don't remember his name. I borrowed this book from the library and had to return (even though I really wanted to keep it!).
But he was one of three brother, who were all part of a rock band. Which in for them was awesome, because they could get more girls that way. Talullah, bumped into a few times throughout Withering Tights, catching him "snogging" with different girls, when she had her first kiss, and lastly in the barn with the baby owls.
Even though, we didn't get to know much about him, I really disliked him. I'm truly not sure why; maybe since I really liked Talullah, who didn't like him. He just doesn't seem like a guy I would want to be friends with, "snog" with, or even know.
Story Line:
Even though singing, acting and dancing aren't any of Talullah Casey's strengths she still on her way to Dother Hall (a school for the artistically talented), for a five week summer program. If you have a high enough score after those five weeks, you'll be able to come back for school.
When arriving, Talullah makes a group of girlfriends very easily (Flossie, Vaisey, Honey and Jo)! Besides worrying about their "corkers" growing, these girls are boy obsessed, and worried about getting their first kiss.
If you've read and enjoy Louise Rennison's other series, than you'll love Withering Tights too. It's not as funny, but I still have to admit I have a lot of fun reading it(:
January 2, 2022
Awkward at times (though she would attribute this to her too-long legs), Tallulah is still as spunky, cute, and funny as her cousin Georgia, the main character of Rennison’s first and well-known series, the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson.
Written novel-style rather than in the diary entries of the earlier series, I failed to find this book as enjoyable as I had Rennison’s others, but liked it nonetheless. I came to love each of the characters in his or her own way, especially the gangly main character. Both social and witty, reading about Tallulah’s thoughts and actions made me chuckle at times, as did the antics of her new friends.The only major issue that I have with Withering Tights is that it feels like some things are left out of the plot; it sometimes feels as though Rennison glosses over some parts of the book For example, Tallulah’s bicycle ballet (don’t ask) is narrated by her after the fact, whereas everything else is talked about as Tallulah is experiencing it. A first-person account of the bicycle ballet would have added much-needed humor to a series that is a tad dry compared to Rennison’s earlier laugh-out-loud series. The ending is also a bit flat and could use more detail during one of Tallulah’s performances, seeing as that’s the whole reason Tallulah’s at the school in the first place. The ending is left open for a second book which I plan to pick up based solely in my love for this new (and very tall) heroine.Overall, those who have enjoyed the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series may like Withering Tights, should they have a hunger for the “Queen of Teen”’s writing since her first series ended, but those just starting out with her might want to meet Georgia first.
3.5/4
Written novel-style rather than in the diary entries of the earlier series, I failed to find this book as enjoyable as I had Rennison’s others, but liked it nonetheless. I came to love each of the characters in his or her own way, especially the gangly main character. Both social and witty, reading about Tallulah’s thoughts and actions made me chuckle at times, as did the antics of her new friends.The only major issue that I have with Withering Tights is that it feels like some things are left out of the plot; it sometimes feels as though Rennison glosses over some parts of the book For example, Tallulah’s bicycle ballet (don’t ask) is narrated by her after the fact, whereas everything else is talked about as Tallulah is experiencing it. A first-person account of the bicycle ballet would have added much-needed humor to a series that is a tad dry compared to Rennison’s earlier laugh-out-loud series. The ending is also a bit flat and could use more detail during one of Tallulah’s performances, seeing as that’s the whole reason Tallulah’s at the school in the first place. The ending is left open for a second book which I plan to pick up based solely in my love for this new (and very tall) heroine.Overall, those who have enjoyed the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series may like Withering Tights, should they have a hunger for the “Queen of Teen”’s writing since her first series ended, but those just starting out with her might want to meet Georgia first.
3.5/4
August 5, 2014
I read this right after I finished off the Georgia Nicholson series. I was expecting a lot of sarcastic responses and well-timed wit, much like Georgia's. I was so disappointed. Tallulah is not funny, witty or anything Georgia is. Louise Rennison tried very hard to recreate Georgia but also make Tallulah different, to avoid a book just like Georgia Nicholson... but... not.
Tallulah's antics were just strange and without comedic timing. One star for trying (and because I loved Georgia so much).
Tallulah's antics were just strange and without comedic timing. One star for trying (and because I loved Georgia so much).
June 29, 2016
Cartea nu mi-a placut in mod special, dar recunosc ca mi-au placut fratii aia cu nume ciudat, desi nu au fost atat de bine conturati precum speram.
Si recunosc ca mi-a placut si inca fabgirluiesc cuplul Flossie si Seth. Nu ma judecati.
Si recunosc ca mi-a placut si inca fabgirluiesc cuplul Flossie si Seth. Nu ma judecati.
July 20, 2015
hahahah this book was hilarious
February 4, 2020
Disgusted, I read it thinking it would be some sort of childish link to the real novel which given that part of its in Yorkshire dialect and was written 200 years ago- it does not excuse this utter garbage. I rarely hate a book but I know 12/13 year olds that can write better and with more grammatical accuracy, they at least know how to write fan fiction correctly. The author of trying to make any kind if fan fiction must have obviously only read the first three chapters of the real text, they are blatantly unaware that wuthering heights does not fully consist of Cathy and Heathcliff, it’s as if they have only heard the Kate bush song and wrote a book on that. I am heavily disappointed by the book, the plot line and character developments were crap- can tallulah just let her leg issue go, if it was brought up once it was brought up a million times like that was her key character feature which is just lazy writing. Whole book would have been better if it was just the last two chapters. Did not need it to be so long and so disgracefully inaccurate
October 27, 2020
Tallulah is attending a summer school for the arts in Yorkshire. She struggles to find her artistic niche and seemlying fails with singing, dancing, and acting. She and her fellow 'artists' have amusing encounters with teachers and boys from a neighboring school. Not much really happens in this story but it is a playful romp that kept me smiling (sort of like an episode of Seinfeld...).
Continuing with my search for humorous books, this one was a winner. As usual, Reninison finds a way to capture ordinary human idiosyncracies in funny ways. Fans of British humor in the "Angus, Thongs, and Full Fronal Snogging" books will not be dissappointed but those looking for deep meaning and angst will be left wanting.
Continuing with my search for humorous books, this one was a winner. As usual, Reninison finds a way to capture ordinary human idiosyncracies in funny ways. Fans of British humor in the "Angus, Thongs, and Full Fronal Snogging" books will not be dissappointed but those looking for deep meaning and angst will be left wanting.
Read
October 17, 2019I love Rennison's writing. I think that this book has another good story line, although perhaps not with so many laughs.
The story, about a fourteen girl, was read by Rennison, who by that time, had a lovely rich and husky voice, but clearly that of an older woman. The mature voice didn't work well for me to be that of a young girl!
I don't recommend the audiobook for that reason but think that book or ebook formats would work better.
The story, about a fourteen girl, was read by Rennison, who by that time, had a lovely rich and husky voice, but clearly that of an older woman. The mature voice didn't work well for me to be that of a young girl!
I don't recommend the audiobook for that reason but think that book or ebook formats would work better.
May 15, 2025
This book was good for a light read and some laughs. If your not from the UK it may feel like a bit of a language barrier with all the words they use that I’m not used to but after a chapter or two I was able to mostly understand the slang. This book reminded me of an English, young adult version of Ellen Tebbits. There is not much depth but I think if you are reading this you aren’t really looking for that. Overall, this was a lighthearted fun summer read and I enjoyed the performing arts summer camp setting.
February 6, 2018
This was just a bland copy of the Georgia-series
There were so many similarities that it was laughable...and not in the good way
I didn't think it was funny at all, while the Georgia series always cracked me up
Very disappointed :-(
There were so many similarities that it was laughable...and not in the good way
I didn't think it was funny at all, while the Georgia series always cracked me up
Very disappointed :-(
Read
June 14, 2019A DNF for me. It sounds like it should be hilarious, but this bit of fluff has nothing to sink my teeth in at this time and my attention continues to wander. Perhaps I'll try again when my brain agrees to stay put more than five minutes.
March 15, 2020
I read this for the "Author Whose Last Name Starts With The Same Initial As Yours" part of my 2020 reading challenge. It was good, but I didn't find it as "laugh out loud" funny as the author's other series.
December 3, 2017
Rereading Louise Rennison's books is like hanging out with an old friend and I love it.
October 23, 2019
This is a different take on Wuthering Heights, and I thought it was a very funny book to read in year 6/7
April 12, 2025
optimal book to announce my return to goodreads
July 12, 2025
Louise Rennison my beloved
July 12, 2014
Withering Tights took a while to win me over, but I'm happy to report that it rallied in the second half and kept me reading. Tallulah Casey is a very interesting young girl and that's what this all comes down to. As the story progressed I found myself more and more endeared to her character. She kept the story alive and pushed it forward in ways I would have never expected.
Speaking of expectations. I don't know exactly what I was expecting from this book when I started it. This is the first thing I've read by Louise Rennison and although I've heard a lot of praise for her Georgia Nicolson series, I didn't know much about her storytelling or writing style before this.
Accents, quirky phrases, and Britishness galore! I was surprised how intensely these things came across. A lot of my reading experience was all about finding a way to interpret the writing in a manner that I could connect with and understand. This meant that although I found Tallulah to be quirky and cute, I kept getting thrown from the story as I missed out on conversations that I just could not figure out. Although I loved how British this is (and I hate to say this because I don't want to be that person) it was too British. There. I said it.
I was lost, and confused, and although I could try and use common sense to figure out the finer details, in order to get through the story I had to start glossing over the moments when I was left in the dark. Just humming along with the melody till we came around again to the chores and I could sing along with the group. My understanding of these accents, pronunciations, phrases, and words is just not up to the level that was necessary for me to fully enjoy this experience. Although I hate telling authors to make concessions for readers in other countries, I could have really used some context. Like "college", clearly not the same thing in North America then in the UK. And that's great! I've learned something new! Now if only someone could fill me in on what exactly this means in the UK, I'll be set.
Or maybe we could get even more basic, "Yorkshire" is a place, I think. I'm not totally sure if this is the place where Tallulah was or the type of accent that the people of the area have, but I would love to have some context. I've never been to England, I don't exactly know my way around. In the same way that people who have never been to Canada, don't know what type of accent people have in Manitoba. Do you see where I'm coming from? Am I just terribly uncultured? I know we share a Queen, but that doesn't always mean we share an understanding.
However, I can say that once I got into a rhythm of navigating my confusion, Withering Tights had a steady upswing in the late second half. I started to get really invested in the story. With each humorous misstep and moment of genuine emotion I started to love Tallulah despite our langue barrier. This entire story was adorable and with all the funny quips (coupled with some boy-tastic flirting) I ended up have a lot of fun. Not as much fun as I was maybe hoping for, but still lots of fun.
I don't wish to discourage readers with my complaints, but I would recommend that readers less well versed in British may want to pay extra attention to the Glossary at the back of the book. I didn't know this was there while I was reading, but by the looks of it, it has a few explanations of the more obvious quirky sayings and phrases which might be of use.
Overall: I liked the story. I loved, loved, LOVED Tallulah! And I am actually pretty excited to read the next book.
Speaking of expectations. I don't know exactly what I was expecting from this book when I started it. This is the first thing I've read by Louise Rennison and although I've heard a lot of praise for her Georgia Nicolson series, I didn't know much about her storytelling or writing style before this.
Accents, quirky phrases, and Britishness galore! I was surprised how intensely these things came across. A lot of my reading experience was all about finding a way to interpret the writing in a manner that I could connect with and understand. This meant that although I found Tallulah to be quirky and cute, I kept getting thrown from the story as I missed out on conversations that I just could not figure out. Although I loved how British this is (and I hate to say this because I don't want to be that person) it was too British. There. I said it.
I was lost, and confused, and although I could try and use common sense to figure out the finer details, in order to get through the story I had to start glossing over the moments when I was left in the dark. Just humming along with the melody till we came around again to the chores and I could sing along with the group. My understanding of these accents, pronunciations, phrases, and words is just not up to the level that was necessary for me to fully enjoy this experience. Although I hate telling authors to make concessions for readers in other countries, I could have really used some context. Like "college", clearly not the same thing in North America then in the UK. And that's great! I've learned something new! Now if only someone could fill me in on what exactly this means in the UK, I'll be set.
Or maybe we could get even more basic, "Yorkshire" is a place, I think. I'm not totally sure if this is the place where Tallulah was or the type of accent that the people of the area have, but I would love to have some context. I've never been to England, I don't exactly know my way around. In the same way that people who have never been to Canada, don't know what type of accent people have in Manitoba. Do you see where I'm coming from? Am I just terribly uncultured? I know we share a Queen, but that doesn't always mean we share an understanding.
However, I can say that once I got into a rhythm of navigating my confusion, Withering Tights had a steady upswing in the late second half. I started to get really invested in the story. With each humorous misstep and moment of genuine emotion I started to love Tallulah despite our langue barrier. This entire story was adorable and with all the funny quips (coupled with some boy-tastic flirting) I ended up have a lot of fun. Not as much fun as I was maybe hoping for, but still lots of fun.
I don't wish to discourage readers with my complaints, but I would recommend that readers less well versed in British may want to pay extra attention to the Glossary at the back of the book. I didn't know this was there while I was reading, but by the looks of it, it has a few explanations of the more obvious quirky sayings and phrases which might be of use.
Overall: I liked the story. I loved, loved, LOVED Tallulah! And I am actually pretty excited to read the next book.
November 14, 2025
Tallulah Casey is your average teenager: lack of experience with boys, feels like she doesn't fit in, and is just trying to figure everything out. So when she gets the chance to go to Dother Hall, a place where she thinks she'll finally fit in, she leaps at the chance.
Withering Tights is set in Yorkshire and there are certainly a lot of stereotypes about the North but also just Britain in general. Normally I would be a bit offended but seeing as it is coming from a British author, I actually really don't mind.
Although I haven't read any of Louise's books previously, I was intrigued by her title of No. 1 Queen of Teen and wanted to see why she had been named it. After reading Withering Tights, I can definitely see why she has been granted the title: it is because she writes relatable stories that cater towards a lot of teenage girls. It is also a book that you can fly through. Now I don't know if that is just from Louise's writing style or because her books aren't really the thought-provoking type.
I was a bit apprehensive to read this book as I didn't think I would like Tallulah in the slightest. I assumed she would be dorky, and not have much of a character. I thought I wouldn't be able to connect with her but I did a lot. One of the main reasons why I like Tallulah so much is because she's clearly not perfect, but she is extremely lovable. Another thing I liked about Tallulah is that when she got to Dother Hall, she was introduced to a few boys, all different, but didn't obsess over only one, and let everything figure itself out.
Speaking of Tallulah and her options, let's talk about the boys. Now first up is Ben. I'm sure he's a lovely boy, and he gave Tallulah her first kiss, but I just couldn't see anything special about him and I was glad to see nothing took off with him. And then there's Alex. I really thought he would be the main romantic interest, and it seemed as though Tallulah thought that too. He sees her as more of a little sister though, probably because she spends a lot of time with Ruby. I don't really mind about that, and I think he'll be better off with Lavinia anyway. Charlie is personally my favourite out of the lot, for being funny and really nice towards Tallulah. The way he left it made me wonder if anything will happen in Book 2.
And now let's talk about the stereotypical bad boys of this story. Cain, Seth and Ruben, all brothers and all members of the band The Jones. I'm really glad Cain is portrayed as a bit of an arse, instead of the love of Tallulah's life because it's refreshing to see a story that isn't about the good girl falling in love with the bad boy, for once.
The biggest negative part about this book is the lack of recognition on the big outcome of the story. What I'm talking about is how Louise Rennison made a lot of tension concerning whether or not Tallulah would be staying on at Dother Hall. Even though the outcome was fairly predictable, I felt as though it was skipped over, and instead I read about less important things.
However, if you want an easy-to-read, relatable YA contemporary, I highly suggest you try out Withering Tights.
Withering Tights is set in Yorkshire and there are certainly a lot of stereotypes about the North but also just Britain in general. Normally I would be a bit offended but seeing as it is coming from a British author, I actually really don't mind.
Although I haven't read any of Louise's books previously, I was intrigued by her title of No. 1 Queen of Teen and wanted to see why she had been named it. After reading Withering Tights, I can definitely see why she has been granted the title: it is because she writes relatable stories that cater towards a lot of teenage girls. It is also a book that you can fly through. Now I don't know if that is just from Louise's writing style or because her books aren't really the thought-provoking type.
I was a bit apprehensive to read this book as I didn't think I would like Tallulah in the slightest. I assumed she would be dorky, and not have much of a character. I thought I wouldn't be able to connect with her but I did a lot. One of the main reasons why I like Tallulah so much is because she's clearly not perfect, but she is extremely lovable. Another thing I liked about Tallulah is that when she got to Dother Hall, she was introduced to a few boys, all different, but didn't obsess over only one, and let everything figure itself out.
Speaking of Tallulah and her options, let's talk about the boys. Now first up is Ben. I'm sure he's a lovely boy, and he gave Tallulah her first kiss, but I just couldn't see anything special about him and I was glad to see nothing took off with him. And then there's Alex. I really thought he would be the main romantic interest, and it seemed as though Tallulah thought that too. He sees her as more of a little sister though, probably because she spends a lot of time with Ruby. I don't really mind about that, and I think he'll be better off with Lavinia anyway. Charlie is personally my favourite out of the lot, for being funny and really nice towards Tallulah. The way he left it made me wonder if anything will happen in Book 2.
And now let's talk about the stereotypical bad boys of this story. Cain, Seth and Ruben, all brothers and all members of the band The Jones. I'm really glad Cain is portrayed as a bit of an arse, instead of the love of Tallulah's life because it's refreshing to see a story that isn't about the good girl falling in love with the bad boy, for once.
The biggest negative part about this book is the lack of recognition on the big outcome of the story. What I'm talking about is how Louise Rennison made a lot of tension concerning whether or not Tallulah would be staying on at Dother Hall. Even though the outcome was fairly predictable, I felt as though it was skipped over, and instead I read about less important things.
However, if you want an easy-to-read, relatable YA contemporary, I highly suggest you try out Withering Tights.
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