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It Girl #2
Notorious
Jenny Humphrey arrived at elite Waverly Academy with dreams of turning herself into the sophisticated, awe-inspiring Jenny she's always wanted to be. And it's finally, finally happening! She's even rooming with the two most popular girls in school, Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt, and bunking in the notorious Tinsley Carmichael's old bed. Coolness is rubbing off on her, even while she sleeps!
Okay, so Callie almost got Jenny kicked out of Waverly on her first night there, but there's a bright side. Like Callie's shaggy-haired boyfriend, Easy Walsh, who just can't seem to focus on his girlfriend anymore. Now everyone is gossiping about boyfriend-stealing Jenny. They can't help but Jenny's it.
But who's that flying in on her seaplane? After getting expelled last year, Tinsley's back and she's not about to let some big-chested, rosy-cheeked city-girl get all the attention. And she's certainly not going to let Callie and Brett forget that she took the fall for them. Now it's their turn.
Is Waverly big enough for Jenny, Callie, Brett, and Tinsley? They're all beautiful, captivating, and a little bit crazy . . . but there can be only one It Girl.
Okay, so Callie almost got Jenny kicked out of Waverly on her first night there, but there's a bright side. Like Callie's shaggy-haired boyfriend, Easy Walsh, who just can't seem to focus on his girlfriend anymore. Now everyone is gossiping about boyfriend-stealing Jenny. They can't help but Jenny's it.
But who's that flying in on her seaplane? After getting expelled last year, Tinsley's back and she's not about to let some big-chested, rosy-cheeked city-girl get all the attention. And she's certainly not going to let Callie and Brett forget that she took the fall for them. Now it's their turn.
Is Waverly big enough for Jenny, Callie, Brett, and Tinsley? They're all beautiful, captivating, and a little bit crazy . . . but there can be only one It Girl.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
96 people are currently reading
3094 people want to read
About the author
Cecily von Ziegesar
105 books2,967 followersCecily von Ziegesar is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels, upon which the hit television show is based.
Cecily von Ziegesar was born in New York City. Her childhood dream was to grow up to be a ballerina; she began lessons at age 3 and auditioned for the School of American Ballet at age 8, but was rejected.
As a teenager, von Ziegesar commuted to Manhattan at 6 a.m. to attend the Nightingale-Bamford School. After graduating from Nightingale, von Ziegesar attended Colby College before spending a year in Budapest working for a local radio station.
Von Ziegesar returned to the United States to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, but dropped out shortly thereafter.
Back in New York, while working at book-packaging firm Alloy Entertainment, von Ziegesar became inspired to create the Gossip Girl series, which follows the lives of privileged teenagers in New York. The series climbed to the top of The New York Times best-sellers list in 2002. A spin-off series, The It Girl, made the list in 2005.
The Constance Billard School for Girls in Gossip Girl is based upon an exaggerated version of von Ziegesar's alma mater, Nightingale. She also culled events from the book from the lives of her extremely wealthy friends, as well as her own life as a perpetual gossip.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.
Cecily von Ziegesar was born in New York City. Her childhood dream was to grow up to be a ballerina; she began lessons at age 3 and auditioned for the School of American Ballet at age 8, but was rejected.
As a teenager, von Ziegesar commuted to Manhattan at 6 a.m. to attend the Nightingale-Bamford School. After graduating from Nightingale, von Ziegesar attended Colby College before spending a year in Budapest working for a local radio station.
Von Ziegesar returned to the United States to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, but dropped out shortly thereafter.
Back in New York, while working at book-packaging firm Alloy Entertainment, von Ziegesar became inspired to create the Gossip Girl series, which follows the lives of privileged teenagers in New York. The series climbed to the top of The New York Times best-sellers list in 2002. A spin-off series, The It Girl, made the list in 2005.
The Constance Billard School for Girls in Gossip Girl is based upon an exaggerated version of von Ziegesar's alma mater, Nightingale. She also culled events from the book from the lives of her extremely wealthy friends, as well as her own life as a perpetual gossip.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 27, 2018
What could possibly happen when the expelled girl comes back? Well you couldn’t possibly imagine what she could do! This novel is probably the cutest and the most real thing I’ve read in awhile! Jenny and Brett reminds me so much of myself, and they are two of the sweetest people ever. Tinsley really knows how to mess with their lives but they have each other so what could go wrong. I have to say this series is starting to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to start reading the Gossip Girl side of things!
October 15, 2012
At Waverly boarding school, no one could get enough drama in Cecily von Ziegesar's "Notorious", just one of the series. So when Jenny, a new student, ended up sharing a dorm room with Callie and Brett, two of the most popular girls in school, she knew she was in for a wild ride. Actually, she was bunking in the most popular and breathtaking girl's bed-Tinsley Carmichael, Callie and Brett's best friend. She heard rumors all the time about Tinsley and whether she was coming back after her suspension last year. When Tinsley is allowed back in school and finds Jenny sleeping in her previous bed, she isn't too happy about it. She immediately doesn't like Jenny; after all, she did steal her spot at Waverly. Of course, Jenny feels extremely intimidated by her and just wants to fit in.
All four girls encounter imponderable decisions throughout the course of their school year. Facing challenges like fitting in, boyfriend troubles, losing friendships, and much more, the girls realize they have to come together to work out their problems with each other. But Tinsley seems to have changed while being gone, Callie and Brett are keeping secrets, and Jenny just doesn't know where to fit in the picture. Can the four girls learn work together in time to save falling apart friendships and broken relationships, and lastly reveal untold secrets? Find out in this intense book.
All four girls encounter imponderable decisions throughout the course of their school year. Facing challenges like fitting in, boyfriend troubles, losing friendships, and much more, the girls realize they have to come together to work out their problems with each other. But Tinsley seems to have changed while being gone, Callie and Brett are keeping secrets, and Jenny just doesn't know where to fit in the picture. Can the four girls learn work together in time to save falling apart friendships and broken relationships, and lastly reveal untold secrets? Find out in this intense book.
June 23, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
These books are exactly the literary equivalent to shows like Gossip Girl where it’s like objectively really bad but it sucks you in and you can’t stop watching 😭😭
However I must say …. I cannot BELIEVE this is written by a woman. Jenny’s boobs are truly a character of their own. Rather than explain further, I will let you read this snippet for yourself:
“Her cheeks were a rosy pink, and her small, slightly upturned nose was dotted with freckles. She was wearing a flowered button-down from J.Crew that wasn’t exactly tight yet still managed to hug her curves, a short distressed jean skirt, black tights, and gray suede flats so small they looked like kids’ shoes. Her legs were crossed daintily at the ankles. “Hey, Brandon! What’s up?” Brandon was momentarily distracted by the movement of Jenny’s breasts when she sat up straighter, but he didn’t want to be one of those guys who could only stare at a girl’s chest, no matter how inviting it might look, so he forced his eyes to return to her face.”
IT WOULD HAVE COST $0 TO NOT WRITE THIS !!!!! I am so serious when I tell you there is a line like this every second chapter 😭 bye
These books are exactly the literary equivalent to shows like Gossip Girl where it’s like objectively really bad but it sucks you in and you can’t stop watching 😭😭
However I must say …. I cannot BELIEVE this is written by a woman. Jenny’s boobs are truly a character of their own. Rather than explain further, I will let you read this snippet for yourself:
“Her cheeks were a rosy pink, and her small, slightly upturned nose was dotted with freckles. She was wearing a flowered button-down from J.Crew that wasn’t exactly tight yet still managed to hug her curves, a short distressed jean skirt, black tights, and gray suede flats so small they looked like kids’ shoes. Her legs were crossed daintily at the ankles. “Hey, Brandon! What’s up?” Brandon was momentarily distracted by the movement of Jenny’s breasts when she sat up straighter, but he didn’t want to be one of those guys who could only stare at a girl’s chest, no matter how inviting it might look, so he forced his eyes to return to her face.”
IT WOULD HAVE COST $0 TO NOT WRITE THIS !!!!! I am so serious when I tell you there is a line like this every second chapter 😭 bye
January 30, 2017
This book is based off of a book and television series known as Gossip Girl. Gossip Girl is about the struggle to fit into Constance, a school on the rich upper east side of Manhattan. It focuses on the struggles of many characters to fit in as well as how being an outsider on this wealthy elite society affects their life. Dan Humphrey is known as “Lonely Boy”, “outsider”, or “Brooklyn Boy” because he does not live on the upper east side and is not as wealthy. Harassed, beaten up, cyber bullied, and excluded; Dan Humphrey experienced it all for his differences. His sister, “Little Jenny Humphrey from Brooklyn” faces the same problems as him. As she moves in and out of the “elite” or popular group, things don’t end on great terms in Manhattan. After things get too tough for Jenny to handle, she changes schools to a completely different environment. “Notorious girl” is the story of Jenny’s experience at her new school. Like Manhattan, this school is filled with mean girls and drama. Jenny struggles to keep herself from being an outsider in her fresh start. At Waverly Academy, her elite boarding school, all that matters to Jenny and the others is popularity. In her eyes, there is one "it girl", and it needs to be her. To take down Tinsley, her snobby yet beautiful and popular peer, Jenny crosses many lines that are the reasons she left Constance.
January 30, 2009
I hate Tinsley and I wouldn't read this book unless you have your parents permission.
May 19, 2016
An okay read.
December 3, 2024
This is complete trash, but I love it.
October 23, 2018
This was a really fun read. Jenny is finally feeling like she is fitting in to Waverley and then previously expelled student Tinley Carmichael returns to Waverley . Cue fireworks and clashing personalities. This is a spin of off Cecily von Ziegesar's popular Gossip Girl series and it has all the fun and personality of that series without being an exact copy. I enjoyed this instalment as now we are starting to know all the main characters and get the hang of the intersecting storylines and the secrets and intrigue. Definitely looking forward to reading book 3.
September 1, 2023
Meh but I must commend how well the characterisations were done.
August 9, 2024
the biggest inaccuracy in this book is the idea that someone could get a table at Balthazar same-day without a reservation lol
September 17, 2025
DNF @ 60%
I can’t torture myself like this anymore.
I can’t torture myself like this anymore.
Read
December 15, 2025Notorious
Tinsley Carmicheal comes back to Waverly after her father gets her expulsion down graded to a suspension and isn’t happy to find Jenny in her room and in her bed. She’s even less happy to find out that Callie and Brent denied taking E where she confessed (making her the only one to get suspended). Callie sincerely apologizes and Tinsley accepts. On the way to the Chapel tho Callie wonders -with the way Tinsley and Easy are flirting- what’s up with them and if the rumors really are true that they hooked up in the past. (It looks like there’s a mutual attraction between Mr. Dalton and Tinsley). Callie agrees to help Tinsley move Jenny out of her bed.
Things are a little more awkward with Brett and Tinsley’s reunion. Brett wonders if she told everyone her secret (that she’s from New Jersey). Tinsley expects Brett’s gratitude and enthusiasm over her return, but after some awakward small talk Brett makes up an excuse that she’s supposed to be studying with someone else and leaves. Unfortunately, as Tinsley makes her her own excuse to leave, she hears Brett call her a bitch.
Jenny isn’t too happy to find out she’s been moved to a cot in the corner. She and Brett have a heart to heart moment where Brett confesses she’s called Mr. Dalton “two times” (really eleven) but he isn’t answering her texts or phone calls. She realizes when Jenny blushes after hearing some girls outside saying Easy’s one of the hottest guys on campus that Jenny might have a secret of her own.
Tinsley catches Easy, Brandon, and some of the other guys coming out of the woods. (Heath’s?) brother told him a secret spot where to find “sroons”. While all the guys can talk about is Tinsley’s return, Brandon can only think about Callie and Easy (who’s had Tinsley) can only think about Jenny. Tinsley asks what they were doing in the woods and Easy says they have a secret society. When told she can’t join next time, she says she’ll just have to start her own.
Finally, Brett gets a call to meet up with Mr. Dalton. He tells her even tho he knows that what they’re doing is wrong, he doesn’t want to stop. She’s amazing! Still, it feels off. How many other women has he said this too before her? She tells him she’s still not ready for sex (and feels immediately ashamed) but he tells her there’s no pressure (they can take it slow). In art class, the assignment given is to pair up and sketch your partner. Jenny and Easy work together. Jenny asks Easy are he and Callie brojken up and he says they no its over but technically they’re still together. He invites her to his special spot in the woods where he goes to paint. (Earlier we found out he’s only ever told Callie about this place but never showed her),
Callie’s been leaving messages to Easy to meet him in the stables. Instead, she finds him in his room. He calls it off with her and tells her its just not working (despite her telling him they can fix it). She accuses him of it being over Jenny but he says its not that. Even tho he really doesn’t know why his feelings have changed himself. She gets it together, says its fine, and leaves his room, but once walking back she’s in tears again (and this starts the students talking). Tinsley says they should get back at Easy and start their own secret society without guys. Callie decides she should take a break from long relationships. Callie admits to Brett seeing someone and that someone is Mr. Dalton (confirming the rumors).
Tinsley meets with Mr. Dalton for their first advisor meeting. During the meeting, she ends up opening up to him about how passionate she feels about the documentary she worked on while in South Africa. She notices a link bracelet of his that’s similar to one that was stolen from her father. He says it was a “gift” from his great (great great) grandfather (but it comes off sketchy). He lets Tinsley easily borrow the bracelet when asked (as she did as a test to see how into Brett he really is) and she promises she’ll give it back to him when she sees him again. She aims to give him a kiss on the cheek but he turns his head and it lands on his lips. Easy surprises Jenny when she finds his secret spot and he tells her he plans to sketch her for his midterm project. On the way back they run into Tinsley (who it appears doesn’t see them).
Tinsley calls for a BFF meeting at a bar. Over drinks they “renew” their friendship and start a club called “The Café Society”. Brett notices Mr. Dalton’s bracelet but Tinsley lies and says it was given to her by her dotty old aunt. Shortly after Mr. Dalton sends Brett a email says he doesn’t think it’s a good idea that they see each other anymore. Previously we see that Tinsley has seen him an email telling him she read the book about the heroine he said she reminded her of and mentioning she had a skimpy (similar) flapper dress. Brett tells Callie she’s been dumped and Callie knows its because of Tinsley but doesn’t say anything. Brett invites Jenny to join the Café Society but Tinsley questions her about what’s going on with her and Easy. Jenny (lies) and says it’s nothing. They’re friends and they just take an art class together.
Brett leaves Mr. Dalton a note in front of his door that she can no longer be his assistant but she will remain on the Disciplanary Committee. She bumps into Jeremiah and he and she get to talking about what happened. Jeremiah makes her feel better by reminding her that he *was* a teacher and she was 16. He asks if its alright if he comes to Boston on a trip that their secret societies have planned. (Coincidently she was thinking about how much she missed him before they bumped into each other). Café Society has their first meeting and during the meeting Tinsley and Mr. Dalton make plans to go to NY together on Tuesday. Brandon meets up with Callie after leaving a pizza place. He assures her she’s too good for Easy and she kisses him in hopes that it will make Easy jealous (and someone will see).
On Sunday, Jenny meets with Easy (whose invited her to go horse-back riding) and he teaches her to ride his favorite hourse (Credo). At the end of the lesson, they kiss. Mr. Dalton calls Easy in to a meeting and informs him that he was told he skipped a class and even if it was a rumor this is a warning. Easy says he’s one to talk about *rules*. He thanks him for the advice before leaving. There’s another Café Society meeting and Angelo (the cute Italian pizza guy) shows up to make a delivery and ends up staying to play Spin the Bottle. Callie aggressively kisses Angelo. Jenny is pressured into kissing Angelo. She means it just to be a quick kiss on the mouth but it ends up being a tongue kiss. She’s disgusted after its done and upset that she kissed someone else other than Easy. Brett leaves with Jenny to go watch tv and this doesn’t make Tinsley happy. Tinsley confesses to Callie that she’s going away with Mr. Dalton to NY. Callie wants to go tell Brett but decides she’s too busy with her new friend Jenny.
Callie wakes up drunk the next day and tries to call Easy but he doesn’t answer his phone. Jenny gets Rufus to give her a mental health day and since Dalton is off for a sick day she invites Easy and they spend the day at the MET. Jenny and Easy end up at a hotel where Easy bumps into Tinsley. Tinsley tells him she saw Jenny hook up with someone last night but Easy blows it off as her just being jealous. Jenny sees Tinsley with Dalton (and worried about him seeing Easy) asks if he thinks they saw them. Easy says yes but he has a plan to take Dalton down.
Easy tells Brett that he saw Tinsley with Mr. Dalton. Brett doesn’t want to go public but she and Easy decide to get him on having weed. Tinsley reveals Brett’s secret to Mr. Dalton and is surprised to see he already knows. Eric Dalton “resigns” from his position. By now Tinsley’s already over Mr. Dalton as half the fun was stealing him from Brett and she admits she doesn’t give a ish what happens to him now. Tinsley drops the bomb to Callie that she saw Easy and Jenny together in New York and Callie is furious. Tinsley kicks Brett and Jenny out of the Café Society. Jenny tries to apologize. Brett calls Callie and hypocrite, says she doesn’t need the Café Society, and storms out of the room. Jenny again tries to apologize and says maybe one day Callie will forgive her but Callie thinks not likely.
Easy confronts jenny about making out with someone else and Jenny confesses. Easy says he thinks they “shouldn’t talk for a while”. Callie is surprised to see Easy in Boston and tries to put her hand on him but he stops her. Brandon tries to make a play to get her to come back to his room and she stops him. She suddenly gets upset that the only one that wants her is boring and if there’s one thing she isn’t it’s boring.
Back at the dorm, Brett and Jenny bond over their embarrassing parents. Brett admits she misses Jeremiah and Jenny admits she misses Easy. Jenny calls Jeremiah’s phone while Brett steps out the room and tells him Brett is in love with him and she knows because she is with someone and they shouldn’t let misunderstandings come between them. Brett comes back in the room and says she can’t believe Jenny did that but she’s not mad. Jenny says maybe she’ll return the favor one day.
Tinsley and Callie decide to put on a strip show and this pisses off Brandon. Jeremiah shares the message on his phone with Easy and they both leave. Callie wakes up in bed but it isn’t Easy kissing her it’s Heath. Tinsley says they have to reward him because he’s the only one that stayed conscious. So, Tinsley and Callie go out to the balcony with Heath Brett and Jermiah and Jenny and Easy get back together. Callie decides she doesn’t need to compete with Tinsley pushes Heath off her and gets off the bed. But as she does, she’s caught and they’re all seen by their dean (whose their with Pardee-another teacher?-) He sends them back to school and warns them not to say a word. (Mrs. Pardee is someone else’s wife). They make it back late but he tells them they can’t be room mates. Callie and Jenny will be roomates and Brett and Tinsley will be room mates in separate rooms.
My Thoughts:
SOOOO MUCH MESS! I don’t even know where to start. How about we start with this situation because here we go again with a male teacher trying to have an inappropriate relationship with not one but TWO of his sixteen-year-old students. He has one damn near naked in his bed and the other he probably slept with in New York. Thus, I LOVE that Easy got him fired! Again, I’m asking because this is so common a plot in these popular series was this really a thing? As I said way back when I never would have given second thought to ANY of my male teachers AT ALL because they were OLD!
Then there’s the Dean that’s fooling around with the married teacher in a hotel with a balcony that gives people ACCESS! Even tho these *are* adults and I’m pretty sure he thought (with his hormones) its an of the way hotel (we won’t get caught), it has an open balcony that you can SEE INTO! There was a old song whose lyrics went something like “Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a gd door?!” In this case, it would be haven’t you people ever heard of closing a gd window! What if either the wife’s husband would have been in this apartment (accidently or on purpose). Or what if he would have sent an investigator (detective) to give him proof she was having an extramarital affair. Might as well just have put the keys to their room in his hands.
I hated Tinsley from page 1 where she acted like she was entitled to the bed Jenny was sleeping in. Then why would you go after someone your “friend” is involved with? To get back at them because they don’t greet you properly? That’s PETTY! But I commended Brett for dropping her IMMEDIATELY when she found out about what she did. I use to have a “friend” just like that that I had to slightly cut loose because every time I was involved with someone, she’d find a reason to be involved with them too. And what the hell is the point of “The Café Society?” Do you really need a secret organization to hoe around with anything with a piece? Cause that’s all this club seems to do.
Jenny and Easy seem like a good fit for now but I just don’t know. It’s just not a good sign when someone can just walk away from you that easily and “not even know why”. Do you really think he won’t walk away from you. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT PEOPLE SHOW YOU. Then I’m just never really sure if these guys want Jenny of if it’s her big breast that we hear about on every other page. And I do not care what Google search says that lady is married and has kids. She has GOT to have some bi-tendecies in her because I haven’t even read a book (yet) from a male author that mentions a character’s big breast as much as this author. But at least Easy is a little easier to stomach than Nate. Still, I don’t think I could do that (see my room mates ex) because that’s just not a good look. I’d have to transfer rooms (so she wouldn’t be my room-mate) or classes (so I wouldn’t be in any with him to resist the temptation). Or maybe not have taken Callie up on that “favor” in the first place.
And then -and I had to learn this the hard way- its just dumb to waste tears and energy for people that walk away from you without a thought. Yes, I know it hurts but. What I’ve found is when some time goes by, all of a sudden look who’se back. So it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if it doesn’t work out with Jenny and Easy starts to think about what he had with Callie and finds some reason to start trying to talk to her again. Callie was also dumb to try to out hoe Tinsley by putting herself on display at that party and trying to come on to Heath. But the DUMBEST thing Callie did was turning down Brandon for being “boring”. Because the “boring” ones ARE almost always the most loyal. So this was just ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Rating: Hmmm what can I rate this? It definitely wasn’t boring but these characters… I’ll give it a 6. It was horrible but it wasn’t uninteresting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2016
Cross-posted from my blog right here
My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leading towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.
Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leading towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.
Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
October 25, 2009
Notorious is the second book in the series The It Girl (by Cecily Von Ziegesar.) I found this one much more interesting than the first novel, The It Girl, because it was really intense, and kept me on the edge. Jenny Humphrey is still recovering from the fact she was almost expelled from Waverly Academy her first night there when legendary Tinsley Carmichael, another student who was expelled last year, arrives. Tinsley is described to be beautifully intimidating, and she gives Jenny the cold shoulder the minute they meet. This book differs from the original novel because there is an added character, Tinsley, who is quick to reestablish her place in Waverly and will do anything to do so. The author’s writing was very intriguing because she used so many adjectives to describe each and every person, so that the reader was able to obtain a very good sense of each personality. Von Ziegesar also puts a lot emphasis on the feuding between Jenny and her roommates (mainly Tinsley and Callie Vernon) and how Tinsley rapidly judges Brett Messerschmidt, another roommate, for rejecting her and becoming friends with Jenny. I would definitely recommend that people who either haven’t read the series at all or are just starting, continue to read all the books because they are AMAZING.
January 2, 2019
I'm not even sure if I should rate these or not. I don't even know myself.
Again, trashy drama goodness. I am such trash for stories about the elite 1%. T R A S H ! The drama was entertaining, although some characters are just... ugh. I could do without some of them.
Brandon has got to learn to get a clue. It's not cute. Let the girl gooooooooooo.
I am so sick and tired of Jenny. She is such a pain, I don't know why but she annoys the heck out of me. Also do we need to be reminded every freaking scene that she has obscenely large boobs? I got it the first time, the second time, the third time... now it's just ridiculous. We get it. The girl has boobs, can we please move on.
Really enjoyed the drama between Tinsley and Brett. I really like how Brett handled it as well!
Tinsley is a bitch, and I kind of love her for it??? :o
The drama is, again, just so ridiculous yet I cannot stop reading.
Just what the doctor ordered for a reading slump.
Again, trashy drama goodness. I am such trash for stories about the elite 1%. T R A S H ! The drama was entertaining, although some characters are just... ugh. I could do without some of them.
Brandon has got to learn to get a clue. It's not cute. Let the girl gooooooooooo.
I am so sick and tired of Jenny. She is such a pain, I don't know why but she annoys the heck out of me. Also do we need to be reminded every freaking scene that she has obscenely large boobs? I got it the first time, the second time, the third time... now it's just ridiculous. We get it. The girl has boobs, can we please move on.
Really enjoyed the drama between Tinsley and Brett. I really like how Brett handled it as well!
Tinsley is a bitch, and I kind of love her for it??? :o
The drama is, again, just so ridiculous yet I cannot stop reading.
Just what the doctor ordered for a reading slump.
June 3, 2016
Again an entertaining read.
I read most of the it girl books back when I was younger. I remember liking them so as part of a challenge I'm rereading them (maybe finishing the series if I feel like it).
Now that I'm older. I've read more books, been to places, did stuff and all that. I feel like these books aren't as good as I remembered them. And I think it's largely because when I first read them, I was a lot younger and inexperienced at life. I was in the same phase as the main characters really. Wanting to belong and wanting to stand out. So it was relatable to me. Now the story just isn't as relatable anymore.
Still I think they're enjoyable and I like reading them in between some of the other books that are more relatable to me now as more of a New Adult.
I read most of the it girl books back when I was younger. I remember liking them so as part of a challenge I'm rereading them (maybe finishing the series if I feel like it).
Now that I'm older. I've read more books, been to places, did stuff and all that. I feel like these books aren't as good as I remembered them. And I think it's largely because when I first read them, I was a lot younger and inexperienced at life. I was in the same phase as the main characters really. Wanting to belong and wanting to stand out. So it was relatable to me. Now the story just isn't as relatable anymore.
Still I think they're enjoyable and I like reading them in between some of the other books that are more relatable to me now as more of a New Adult.
July 31, 2015
Notorious is the second book in the It Girl Series. It picks up right where it left off in the first book, when the notorious Tinsley Carmichael is being readmitted into Waverly Academy. Everything about Tinsley is glamorous. In a matter of a week she has messed up Jenny's,Callie's and Brett's friendship, stolen Brett's boyfriend and regained her position as queen. After a very rocky patch, Callie and Easy have split. Leaving Callie heartbroken and Easy already with a new girl... Jenny. The book ends with Tinsley ruling school, a severed friendship and new love.
February 2, 2013
Why? Because it was cheap at Borders :) I guess it's similar to some show on television I've never heard of. I read it, it was short and somewhat cute. Just a bunch of rich kid drama of love, sex, school and alcohol. I'm a sucker for young adult books but this one wasn't that good, although I'm considering picking up the first one just so I can understand what I read a little bit better I suppose.
August 2, 2010
I hate how these basically plotless books manage to keep me interested somehow. They're such light readings and perfect for when you don't want to think too much about twisting plots or anything like that. It's just such a guilty pleasure for a lazy day.
July 13, 2022
The most annoying part about it was the constant fashion label dropping. The best part about it was I got exactly what I wanted: a brainless read. Should have taken me no more than three days to read, but I just couldn’t get into it.
February 7, 2025
Svo léleg en gat samt ekki hætt að lesa. Fjórar stjörnur. Meira takk. Tinsley Carmicharl er despicable manneskja, meira meira meira kaos takk.
September 22, 2024
The second book in the It Girl Series (a Gossip Girl spinoff featuring Dan’s younger sister Jenny), this brings Tinsley into the mix, so far she’s a villain with pretty much no redeeming value that I could find, but if you like a character who seemingly just lives to stir things up you might enjoy her addition to the story.
I tended to prefer Jenny, Brett, and Callie, as they seem to have a bit more dimension to them. I do wish this had gotten into someone’s eating disorder more and not played off inappropriate relationships with a teacher as casually as this does, but I get that it wouldn’t really fit the tone to do that, this isn’t where you look for serious exploration of serious things.
I could do without the thousand and one mentions of Jenny’s breasts and I spent every secret society meeting wondering what the point of it was for the girls when the only person seemingly reaping any benefits from it was a “chosen” boy. I just didn’t see the appeal of that for the girls in the secret society or the appeal for what I imagine is the prominently female audience for this book series, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me to have something that seemed more male fantasy fulfillment than female fantasy fulfillment.
As I’m sure you’d guess, the writing here isn’t attempting to be anything to wax poetic over, it is very simplistic but it does the job well enough, the pacing zips along, and there’s enough scheming, romantic entanglements, frenemy drama to keep things interesting. Plenty of readers will abhor the brand-name dropping that’s done with zeal here, sometimes I feel that way, too, here though, it seemed to fit that the characters would be concerned about those things and if you’re a reader who’s into fashion and beauty, the specifics of what lip gloss shade or designer label a character is wearing does sort of add another descriptor of their personality type.
This is a way, way heightened world of very wealthy teenagers at a boarding school that I doubt will feel realistic or reflective of most people’s teenage years, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re in the mood for escapist entertainment that doesn’t need you to think too hard, just kick back and enjoy the backstabbing.
I tended to prefer Jenny, Brett, and Callie, as they seem to have a bit more dimension to them. I do wish this had gotten into someone’s eating disorder more and not played off inappropriate relationships with a teacher as casually as this does, but I get that it wouldn’t really fit the tone to do that, this isn’t where you look for serious exploration of serious things.
I could do without the thousand and one mentions of Jenny’s breasts and I spent every secret society meeting wondering what the point of it was for the girls when the only person seemingly reaping any benefits from it was a “chosen” boy. I just didn’t see the appeal of that for the girls in the secret society or the appeal for what I imagine is the prominently female audience for this book series, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me to have something that seemed more male fantasy fulfillment than female fantasy fulfillment.
As I’m sure you’d guess, the writing here isn’t attempting to be anything to wax poetic over, it is very simplistic but it does the job well enough, the pacing zips along, and there’s enough scheming, romantic entanglements, frenemy drama to keep things interesting. Plenty of readers will abhor the brand-name dropping that’s done with zeal here, sometimes I feel that way, too, here though, it seemed to fit that the characters would be concerned about those things and if you’re a reader who’s into fashion and beauty, the specifics of what lip gloss shade or designer label a character is wearing does sort of add another descriptor of their personality type.
This is a way, way heightened world of very wealthy teenagers at a boarding school that I doubt will feel realistic or reflective of most people’s teenage years, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re in the mood for escapist entertainment that doesn’t need you to think too hard, just kick back and enjoy the backstabbing.
June 13, 2017
I loved this book as well. Not as much as the first and I'm finding myself slipping out of the I LOVE THIS SERIES daze. But maybe it's only because some romances are just disapointing me in the direction their going. Oh well that can change easily! I still love how short of a time the book takes place over but how quickly I blaze through the pages. I can't wait to see what happens next. Unfortinitly I have to until the next book comes in the mail. Sad, sad. Definitly not a disapointing sequel!
December 28, 2018
A perfect book highlighting on youth and their petty problems. Cecily perfectly captures the mind of these spoiled teens and their struggles in a private boarding high school. New love, heartbreak, light flings and just romance in general play enormous roles in the book. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you thirsting for the next book. Because of multiple factors the book is incredibly shallow as many characters are to.
March 22, 2023
Rereading my favorite series from middle/high school for the guilty pleasure nostalgia.
I'm having such a good time rereading this series. Two books down and I'm still on a high from all the trashy drama. Each book is only taking about 3 hours to binge read, and I can't stop screaming at all the secrets and drama and dumb decisions. Also Tinsley Carmichael is back and she is that bitch.
I'm having such a good time rereading this series. Two books down and I'm still on a high from all the trashy drama. Each book is only taking about 3 hours to binge read, and I can't stop screaming at all the secrets and drama and dumb decisions. Also Tinsley Carmichael is back and she is that bitch.
October 4, 2017
So this was okay, not great. I was able to enjoy it a lot more once I got into the right mindset, the chick lit mindset. The only thing that bothered me aside from the usual lack of diversity was that the drama was all so similar. Would've liked a bit more variation than just "you stole my boyfriend" drama.
August 10, 2019
It Girl series is such a guilty pleasure for me, this book is so easy to read and the characters are so interesting and high school. If you want something relaxing with a lot of drama and a ton of fashion knowledge, it's a great read. Made for Gossip Girl fans, it's a spin off of the original and talks about Jenny's life at boarding school.
August 23, 2022
Net als deel 1 echt een top zomerread! leest lekker en makkelijk weg, zeker een guilty pleasure. Nu kom er erachter dat er nog 8 delen zijn...(die ik (nog) niet heb)
Ohja en Brett babe toppertje wat een schat
Ohja en Brett babe toppertje wat een schat
July 12, 2017
Von Ziegesar is simply great at describing young girls behavior against each other and themselves.
June 15, 2018
While I still like some aspects of the book I did not like the addition on Tinsley. She is a bully and a terrible friend. I cannot wait until someone takes her down a beg or two.
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