YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

An intense look at the rules of high school attraction - and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ well poor bridget is really struggling with an eating disorder. (hide spoiler)]

chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ 4 years in a row is crazy mean. (hide spoiler)]

Starting now. :)

Sarah wrote: "chapter 6 [spoilers removed]"

Yep.

Sarah wrote: "chapter 7 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[It really is! (hide spoiler)]

chapter 39 (view spoiler)[ so it was jennifer who did the lsit! (hide spoiler)]

chapter 44 (view spoiler)[ thank heaven's she finally took a shower! (hide spoiler)]

This is such a horrible idea-how can anyone tolerate this? Mean Girls for the modern age...

First couple of chapters-these girls are vile! No redeeming features that I can see.

They're quite mean, and they're difficult to like.

I'll be starting tonight :) I was away at Harry Potter studios this weekend and I didn't read as much as I hoped so a little behind :)

Up to chapter 7 - can see this being a really popular read with kids I teach. More interested in the reactions of all the girls to the list.

About halfway in. Slowly getting to know the various characters, but at this point I'm not that fussed.

70% in. Finally getting to see little beyond the surface of these kids, but it all seems so very petty and trivial.

Finished...not one of my best reading experiences! Shame, as I really really wanted to like this.

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Reading from the 3rd of September 2017

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Chapters 1-9

(view spoiler)[So far, not sure what to make of it. Basically the first 8 chapters are showing the reactions of the 8 girls on the list when they realise they're on it. I think the premise of the list is cruel, and I am forever grateful that this is fiction and not something that would have ever happened in my high school growing up.

As for the principal trying to get to the bottom of this list, good luck! I have a slight feeling Margo has something to do with it and I don't think she'll take too kindly to an authority figure trying to unravel the mystery. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 10-14

(view spoiler)[Already we can see that the list is having a detrimental effect on some of the girls. I can imagine there's more friction coming. Kind of surprised at Andrew in Chapter 14. Why the hell wouldn't he want to go to homecoming with his girlfriend, and why would he lie about his plans if he's got a party planned? Oh, maybe because he's a shallow arsehole. I guarantee he's gonna try and get with either Abby or Lisa at the party. Also, why the hell hasn't he comforted Danielle about the list? His advise earlier was 'Oh don't let them see you upset about it?' Really dude? That's helpful! I don't like this guy. Complete bastard. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 15-23

(view spoiler)[Starting to enjoy the book a little more now. It helps that it's quite fast-paced.

Few bug-bears: so Sarah's plan is to make people uncomfortable by not showering, not brushing her teeth, not wearing deodorant and wearing the same clothes all week long. Okay, do you girl, but not once so far has it been mentioned that any of her family (I'm assuming she's not living alone) have any questions or queries about what she's doing. You would think a parent would say something. If people at school say she stinks after a couple of days, someone must be noticing it at home.

Also, I'm not sure about Dana and Rachel's intentions with Jennifer. I'm getting Carrie vibes from this book regarding their campaign to help her win Homecoming Queen. I'm hoping they don't shit on her, but it feels like something's coming. (hide spoiler)]

Book finished.

(view spoiler)[The ending was a little too rushed for me and I needed more. I needed to know if Sarah showed up looking clean and beautiful. I needed to know if Lauren stood up to her controlling mother. I needed to know if it was ever revealed that Jennifer made the list. I just needed more. (hide spoiler)]

I'm still waiting on my copy to come in. :(

I am reading this. More than half way through. Wiol update ☺

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[I like Abby (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6. (view spoiler)[ Cant really get the deal with Bridget? Why is she trying so hard? (hide spoiler)]

Ashleigh wrote: "Chapters 10-14

[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
At first I thought he was being cool about the whole list thing, but then later when he started being selfish, he slipped out for me. But can't really blame him can we? It IS awkward and he cant dump his friends too (hide spoiler)]

Ashleigh wrote: "Chapters 15-23

Starting to enjoy the book a little more now. It helps that it's quite fast-paced.

Few bug-bears: so Sarah's plan is to make people uncomfortable by not showering, not brushing he..."

(view spoiler)[ If whatever they are doing is with good intentions, they have to be the best people so far! But the way Margo is acting about it is uncool. Jennifer deserves a chance alright.
And about Sarah, I really dont get why she (or anyone else for that matter) is trying so hard to prove themselves. Shitty or not, this is absurd (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ So it was Jennifer all along. Alright, I kinda was spoiled at that before so it didnt come as a surprise. Quite a good read. But wonder what happened to Sarah and Jennifer. The ending was too abrupt? Is there a sequel? 🤔 (hide spoiler)]

Started !

Updates coming soon.

Ashleigh wrote: "Chapters 1-9

So far, not sure what to make of it. Basically the first 8 chapters are showing the reactions of the 8 girls on the list when they realise they're on it. I think the premise of the li..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah, the beginning was really a different way of opening the book.

I definitely think she might have had something to do with it. (hide spoiler)]

Ashleigh wrote: "Chapters 10-14

[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
I don't like him either. (hide spoiler)]

Ashleigh wrote: "Chapters 15-23

Starting to enjoy the book a little more now. It helps that it's quite fast-paced.

Few bug-bears: so Sarah's plan is to make people uncomfortable by not showering, not brushing he..."


(view spoiler)[It does eventually mention that her mom offered her $100 (I think) if she'd shower and $50 (again, I think) if she changed her clothes. It's so gross though and I can't believe how long she is actually able to do that. O.o

I have that feeling too... (hide spoiler)]

71% done.

(view spoiler)[So I have mixed feelings so far. Even though it is an easy read, it is also an easy book for me to just put down and not pick up for a while (which is why it is taking me so long to finish). I'm gonna try and finish it soon, though! (hide spoiler)]

Fuzaila wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Ending was definitely too abrupt. I wasn't surprised that it was Jennifer. (hide spoiler)]

Ashleigh wrote: "Book finished.

[spoilers removed]"

Exactly.