Review: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever

Following a traumatic school event in which Maelyne reveals herself to be nerd, she comes up with a plan to never be embarrassed or hurt like that again. From that moment on, she shoves nerdy Maddie down during the school year she's "popular Maddie". She's on the cheer squad. She claims to love the same pop music as those around her, even though she secretly can't stand it. She even dates the quarterback of the football team because that's what popular Maddie should do. But that's not who Maddie really is, and her secret identity may get outed by super cutie Logan when he sees through her disguise at the comic book store.

Logan is an UBER nerd, and he doesn't really care who knows it. He's comfortable with himself and his nerdiness and with the exception of being a soccer player he's a card-carrying, nerdy to the max type nerd. We're talking live-action, role playing (aka LARPing) nerdiness. But he's sweet, and thoughtful, and tries to help Maddie be comfortable with herself and with being open about the things she really likes. Because up until now, the only times she's been herself are during the summer breaks.

I really enjoyed this read. I loved both these MC's (and Logan's best friend, Dan. I REALLY loved Dan. Everybody needs a friend like him.) and enjoyed watching their relationship develop. As is to be expected, Maddie has a hard time coming to terms with revealing who she really is and makes some mistakes with Logan along the way, where his "evil" ex is waiting for the opportunity to swoop in and take him back. Fortunately,  Dan (and Logan's mom) were there to help make things right. **Sidenote: I was really happy to see a book where both sets of parents were active and involved in their children's lives**  The story ends with an epic battle of good vs. evil. No, really. It does.

This was a lovely story of being true to yourself, even in the midst of possible criticism and teasing. I recommend this highly. Go ahead. Let your nerd flag fly!