Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Awkward (Smith High, #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Awkward

(Smith High #1)

Marni Bates (Goodreads Author)

3.89 · Rating details · 4,628 ratings · 468 reviews

Mackenzie Wellesley has spent her life avoiding the spotlight. At Smith High, she's the awkward junior people only notice when they need help with homework. Until she sends a burly football player flying with her massive backpack and makes a disastrous - not to mention unwelcome - attempt at CPR. Before the day is out, the whole fiasco explodes on YouTube. And then the str ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Paperback, 239 pages

Published January 1st 2012 by K-Teen (first published December 27th 2011)

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Awkward, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

YA Nerd/Geek Books

185 books — 335 voters

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

The Accidental Movie Star by Emily Evans

YA books with Film Stars/Famous Musicians

151 books — 142 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

3.89 ·

Rating details

· 4,628 ratings · 468 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Dec 29, 2011 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it it was amazing

I LOVED this book! I loved it so much that I want to squeeze the life out of it! Not only did I smile the whole way through the books but I fell in love with the writing and creation of the story. Was this a good book? Heck yes! I want to read it over and over again just to feel happy again!!

So why did I fall in love? Well unlike most books out there, this story of a girl is what I thought. I thought she would let everything get to her and do something stupid. But no. The author took me by surp I LOVED this book! I loved it so much that I want to squeeze the life out of it! Not only did I smile the whole way through the books but I fell in love with the writing and creation of the story. Was this a good book? Heck yes! I want to read it over and over again just to feel happy again!!

So why did I fall in love? Well unlike most books out there, this story of a girl is what I thought. I thought she would let everything get to her and do something stupid. But no. The author took me by surprise by keeping her down to earth. That made me happy. I loved that Mack didn't change friends, ignore old ones and change her clothes. She knew who she was from the very beginning and didn't let fame overcome her. Instead, she embrace it with great maturity in everything that she did.

The plot line of this book is so cute! It is so easy to fall under the writing spell of Ms. Bates. She creates a down to earth girl who knows where she is going into a girl who is just like any other teenager famous by a Youtube video. Let me say, that I adore the character Mackenzie. She is like every teenage senior out there. Works hard, studies hard, and is doing everything she can to get into the college of her dreams. Yes she is a teen and makes mistakes. I like that the author didn't go overboard with teenage mistakes. She made everything fit with Mackenzie.

The love interest of this book is sooo good! I adored how the pieces all came together in the end. I admit that I didn't like Logan in the beginning, but with Ms. Bates giving a great point of view, I learn to like Logan. Their love isn't one created overnight, but one created on front of the readers eyes growing so much.

Have you every felt invisible? I know I have.Do me a favor and read this book. You will see that you are not alone in what you feel. That there is hope and love. I especially loved the dedication in the book. It is so true. And I only wish that I had this book to read when I was in high school. It would of made things a lot easier to understand.

*drinking/cursing* ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2016 Laurence R. rated it really liked it

It's not the first Marni Bates book I've read, but it's definitely the best one. It's just jgkgisbajheuke!

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Jun 29, 2014 ᴍɪᴄs ✖amante de los spoilers✖ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2014-favourites

~~Había hecho la reseña ayer pero justo se me cortó la luz y se me borró todo así que aquí vamos de nuevo.~~

Este libro esta dedicado a todos aquellos que se han sentido fuera de lugar y/o invisibles. Es decir… a todo el mundo. Mejora con el tiempo.

Desde que leí PLAY se me pego eso de leer las dedicatorias de los libros y esta es de lejos una de mis favoritas.

Bueno, leí este libro el año pasado y me había encantado, me pareció divertido, tierno y una linda historia de amor ~~del primer amor~~ pero ah ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

May 17, 2012 K rated it really liked it

Shelves: library

This one falls into the Fun Read category.

Mackenzie introduces herself as an Invisible. She’s awkward and geeky and thankfully, invisible is right where she wants to be. Of course, it’s de rigueur that she has a fantasyland crush on a Notable, and Patrick happens to be marginally responsible for her infamy. She’s caught in a weird power play conversation with Logan, a Notable whose parents pay her very well to tutor, and his Mean Girl ex when Patrick enters her line of sight. At first, she commi This one falls into the Fun Read category.

Mackenzie introduces herself as an Invisible. She’s awkward and geeky and thankfully, invisible is right where she wants to be. Of course, it’s de rigueur that she has a fantasyland crush on a Notable, and Patrick happens to be marginally responsible for her infamy. She’s caught in a weird power play conversation with Logan, a Notable whose parents pay her very well to tutor, and his Mean Girl ex when Patrick enters her line of sight. At first, she commits a minor social faux pas. Possibly embarrassing but not huge. She fully displays her insanity when she overreacts—not about her social standing or who might be watching, but because she panics about the wellbeing of the other guy and loses her sh*t. This scene, and her unabashed terror, is laugh out loud gold. It all gets captured and uploaded to YouTube by the next morning. Pretty soon, she’s David After the Dentist.

It’s bad enough that the kids at school are taunting her in the halls, but all the talk shows know who Mackenzie Wellesley is. Local media catches her off guard and do more to fan the flames. All that brouhaha circles back and suddenly the Notables want her around. She’s suspicious at first but then pleasantly surprised when it turns out that Logan is a nice guy and not evil by association. Some of these new people in her life are pretty genuine and even her Invisible best friends Jane and Corey can’t find fault in them. She expects catty but gets friendly instead. Her infamy is fast and furious and Mackenzie barely has time to react.

Sure, it seems both trope-y and wildly improbable. But this story shows Mackenzie that everyone’s not always as they seem (even herself) and stopped that trope business in its tracks. I love actual characters vs caricatures and I loved when Mackenzie ate a little crow and stopped seeing only caricatures. I genuinely liked these people. It stills seems wildly improbable, but what do I know of notoriety? Cute, fun, and sincere, it was a great ride. I’m a fan. ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jan 28, 2012 Amanda (Good Choice Reading) rated it really liked it

I was extremely surprised by Awkward. It sounded cute, but I will admit the cover made me a bit wary to read it. It looked like this story would be geared toward younger teens, more toward the middle grade age, and I was afraid I wouldn’t end up liking it for this reason. Lucky for me, that isn’t the case.

Awkward is the first book I’ve read in quite some time where I completely let go, and just enjoyed the story. I didn’t over-think things like I normally do, and it was heaps of fun. I read it i ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Abegail Topado rated it really liked it

AWKWARD it is.
4.5 stars. Why? Because:

1. It's very different. The story alters from different perspectives.

2.It's unpredictable and a little predictable at the same time. There were times that I thought a certain something would happen-but didn't. And the thing about Logan, I had a hint that he would be the one ending up with Mackenzie and had been sure about it when the whole stroll-at-the-mall-to-hide-from-paparazzi thing happened.

3.It has a different edge(to me) when first person is used. I m ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 27, 2017 Delores rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: definite-re-read, favorites

"Alex Thompson was invested in the appearance of manliness—an appearance that was greatly diminished when a gawky girl of five feet seven and a half inches knocked him down."

Ahhh!!!!!! Is it over?? I can't look! Can I breathe now? Whew. This. Was. Amazing. I. LOVED. It. Wow. No words can describe my emotions right now. Are you kidding me? I'm just amazed and thrilled and can so totally relate to Mackenzie! I cringed at all of her awkwardness, to close to home for comfort! I spent most of this bo ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 Samia Ruponti rated it really liked it

Shelves: winter-white-challange, humor, young-adult

My first book of Marni Bates was Decked with Holly and I absolutely loved it! God only knows why I didn't read this one sooner (so that I'll have a book left for winter white reading challenge!:p). I absolutely loved it! I adored Mackenzie, because, well, she felt real. I could definitely see myself in her (except the studious part, I never studied that much in my entire life!). I laughed out loud countless times!

Mackenzie was great in the average-teenager way. Logan was also good, but maybe we ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 Bonnie (A Backwards Story) added it

Shelves: 2012, blog-tour, contemporary

Review first posted at A Backwards Story. Cover design analysis available exclusively on my blog as well as a Character Word Association Game with Logan coming March 21st!

If you're looking for a fun, refreshing contemporary YA, look no farther than AWKWARD. Readers will find themselves rooting for socially awkward high school student Mackenzie as she finds her most embarrassing moment broadcast on YouTube for the world to see, which puts her every klutzy moment from there on out in the spotlight Review first posted at A Backwards Story. Cover design analysis available exclusively on my blog as well as a Character Word Association Game with Logan coming March 21st!

If you're looking for a fun, refreshing contemporary YA, look no farther than AWKWARD. Readers will find themselves rooting for socially awkward high school student Mackenzie as she finds her most embarrassing moment broadcast on YouTube for the world to see, which puts her every klutzy moment from there on out in the spotlight. You'll wince, you'll laugh, you'll sympathize. Mari Bates creates a character with so much depth that you want to see her succeed.

The novel begins when high school Notable Chelsea beckons to Mackenzie, one of the Invisibles, in order to get some homework help. Mackenzie trips and falls on top of another Notable and knocks him out, then unsuccessfully attempts to revive him with CPR...and it's all caught on camera. Suddenly, celebrities are tweeting about the girl in the "hilarious video" and the country's biggest music sensation, ReadySet, has integrated the footage into the music video for their latest single. Paparazzi are hanging out at school waiting to badger MacKenzie and designers are sending her packages overflowing with clothing. Mackenzie is even invited to a Notable party and given backstage passes for a ReadySet concert. Yet she still struggles to remain an ordinary girl that blends in and doesn't stand out. She continues to tutor Logan, another Notable, who somehow manages to become her friend and helps her through her most embarrassing flubs. She's not really sure why a Notable would help her unless it's a trick, or why new, nice classmates will sit with her at lunch. She doesn't get why her crush of four-years suddenly seems interested. Is it because of her newfound notoriety? Could it be that people actually like her personality despite her tendency to babble in public? Mackenzie doesn't know, but throughout her journey, she's going to learn a lot about people--and about herself.

I love the character development in AWKWARD. Mackenzie feels so real. As a fellow klutz with some painful moments left behind, I completely sympathize with her. Additionally, I love that she has supportive friends and that her family cares so much about her. It's nice to see the way such a major event bonds Mackenzie and her brother in a way they never had before. Mackenzie grows so much as a person and her character really solidifies by the end of the book. I also loved Logan, the guy she tutored, and love how he went from being one-dimensional to having so much depth. I was really excited when I turned the last page and found that Bates is going to return to the world she's created in 2013 with the release of INVISIBLE, which centers around Mackenzie's best friend Jane. I feel like this companion novel will be in the manner that Stephanie Perkins uses in ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR, and the upcoming ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER, where characters return in later books so you can see how they end up, but the book is centered around someone else. Bates is also releasing FAUXMANCE (Which might have been changed to DECKED WITH HOLLY) this October. This one seems to be in its own self-contained world, but from the sample at the back of the book, also features an awkward moment that leads to a bigger story. If you're looking for a new contemporary author, definitely check out Marni Bates, who's set to have many more books for us to love soon!

Other books mentioned in this review that have previously been reviewed at A Backwards Story are ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS and LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR, both by Stephanie Perkins. Below, Julia Kagawa recommends this book to fans of Meg Cabot. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 26, 2012 nick rated it it was amazing

Read more of my reviews at Nick's Book Blog

After having read the summary for Awkward, I didn't really have huge expectations. I'll admit that the cover is what drew me to read this book. Doesn't it look totally cool ?
You know what ? This book was so perfect, I wanted to give it a big hug ! I loved it.
It wasn't deep or highly philosophical or anything. Instead, it was a cute book with a few themes that are common in YA.

Awkward follows the story of Mackenzie. She is what you can call the invisible Read more of my reviews at Nick's Book Blog

After having read the summary for Awkward, I didn't really have huge expectations. I'll admit that the cover is what drew me to read this book. Doesn't it look totally cool ?
You know what ? This book was so perfect, I wanted to give it a big hug ! I loved it.
It wasn't deep or highly philosophical or anything. Instead, it was a cute book with a few themes that are common in YA.

Awkward follows the story of Mackenzie. She is what you can call the invisible girl in her high school. On top of that, she's awkward. After her failed attempt at CPR on a guy at school is filmed and posted on Youtube , Mackenzie becomes an internet sensation and rockets to popularity. That girl is so likable and adorable. She was relate-able. I think Mackenzie is the kind of character that most people can connect with. I know I did. She is funny, caring and tries to stand up for herself even though she is awkward. Moreover, she doesn't let the popularity get to her too much and it's very interesting to see her wade through her moment of fame. At the end of the book, you realize how much Mackenzie has grown. I especially loved her interactions with her friends. Overall, Mackenzie was a great protagonist.

Logan is the guy Mackenzie tutors. He is also the most popular guy at school. He was down to earth, caring and sweet. Plus, he had issues that made him not so perfect as you would have thought. I think that Logan pretty much proves that not all popular guys are how they are usually depicted in teen movies.

Awkward has a solid set of secondary characters. They are all equally likable. I especially liked the interaction between Mackenzie and the band. I also like the fact that her brother and mother play an important part in this book.

The romance in this book progresses slightly. Although it was quite predictable, I found it cute. The relationship between Mackenzie and Logan starts from tutors then goes to friendship and then into dating.
Also, the book doesn't focus a too much on the romance. Logan and Mackenzie are like a different version of Etienne and Anna ! If you like romances where the characters fall in love really fast, then you probably won't like it.

Marni Bates is a great YA contemporary writer. Her writing style is smooth and fluid. It makes you want to read more and more. Also, she has a very funny voice. I think her writing style is really amazing since this is her first book and all. Plus, she's really young.
I know I'll be picking up her other books when they come out.

Overall, Awkward is a delightful and funny read. If you're looking for a book that is light, fluffy and quick read, then I recommend this book to you.
I haven't enjoyed a YA contemporary book this much ever since Lola and the Boy Next Door.
In fact, all YA book lovers SHOULD read this wonderful piece of work ! ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 30, 2011 tarawrawr rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own

REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED http://hobbitsies.net/wordpress/2012/...

Awkward by Marni Bates is one of those books that you read and think, “WHY didn’t I read this sooner?” See the girl on the cover? That was me throughout all of Awkward – I was a giggly, squealing mess because I was having so much fun. I was giggling in parts of Awkward that weren’t even particularly funny.

And Marni Bates knows teens. I just wanted to hug Mackenzie and be like I KNOW YOU. Awkward is so unbelievably relatable and emb ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 28, 2012 Wendy Darling rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2012-publication, realistic-fiction, young-adult, january, lgbtqi, read-2012, brain-candy, annoying-main-characters

The better, less farfetched, much funnier, and much smarter version of this story? Piper Banks' Geek High series.

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Feb 09, 2012 Sarah {Literary Meanderings} rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: singles-fic, x-read-in-2012, favorites

♥ Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah

- - -

Mackenzie Wellesley has always tried to avoid attention. Being socially awkward and a bit clumsy, the spotlight is a no-no. So, being an “Invisible” at her high school is what she prefers. Her only direct contact with the “Notables” (popular kids) is her tutoring job with Logan - she is paid to tutor him in history. Aside from that, she watches from afar with her two besties, Jane and Corey, and works hard to get into the college she w ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 13, 2014 Yazmin Duran rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014

Después de tener un poco saturada la cabeza por tanta lectura (algunas muy pesadas) decidí darme un ligero respiro y alejarme por unos días de la lectura, pero llegó este libro a mis manos y no me pude resistir, la portada es linda y la sinopsis me llamó la atención; era el tipo de libro que necesitaba: juvenil, fresco y con cero fantasías.

La historia trata sobre una chica cualquiera, Mackenzie, una chica de 17 años, estudiante de la preparatoria Smith, una chica muy estudiosa, e invisible. Pero Después de tener un poco saturada la cabeza por tanta lectura (algunas muy pesadas) decidí darme un ligero respiro y alejarme por unos días de la lectura, pero llegó este libro a mis manos y no me pude resistir, la portada es linda y la sinopsis me llamó la atención; era el tipo de libro que necesitaba: juvenil, fresco y con cero fantasías.

La historia trata sobre una chica cualquiera, Mackenzie, una chica de 17 años, estudiante de la preparatoria Smith, una chica muy estudiosa, e invisible. Pero un día, en el momento equivocado, decide subir corriendo las escaleras del instituto topándose con un jugador de futbol americano haciéndolo volar con su mochila, y como Mackenzie pensó que había muerto le aplicó un desastroso primeros auxilios. No sé dio cuenta de que la estaban grabando y, bueno, se dio cuenta muy tarde justo cuando vio su video en youtube.

No me lo tomen a mal pero se me hace muy, muy ilógico que con un video así como el de nuestra protagonista se vuelva tan famoso. Puede que se haga viral y lo transmitan en la TV, etc., pero que a la chica le dediquen canciones y la acose la prensa lo dudo mucho, es un poco “imposible” (no me digan que con Justin Bieber fue así, él se hizo famoso con música y Mackenzie con un intento de primeros auxilios, no es lo mismo).

La historia a pesar de ser un poco ilógica resultó divertida y entretenida, los problemas de Mackenzie eran atípicos y resultaba entretenido ver la manera en cómo salía de determinado lío. Igual resultaba encantador ver como trataba de solucionar los problemas amorosos (sí, aparte de ese problema con la fama también hay cosas románticas *suspiro*), sólo diré que Mackenzie es un poco ciega en ese aspecto.

Bueno, Mackenzie, aparte de ser una ciega respecto al amor, es una chica con un sentido del humor un tanto irónico, me gusta cómo se expresa de las cosas y de las situaciones, es un poco irónica y sarcástica, también es culta y no le gusta meterse en problemas (por cierto, la historia viene narrada por Mack). Corey, amigo de Mack, se me hizo un chico bastante alegre y me encantó que no le apenara mostrarse tal cual es, también me gustó que fuera un chico con bastante sentido común; Jane, la otra amiga de Mack, bueno, no tengo mucho qué decir, la autora no profundizó mucho en ella pero por lo que leí es una chica también alegre y que piensa muy bien las cosas (sin sonar aburrida ni nada de eso); y sobre Logan, a pesar de que es un chico popular, es tipo muy agradable que no “discrimina” a los “invisibles”, con una actitud muy relajada. En fin, son bastantes personajes (bueno, no tantos) pero no me quiero explayar tanto con los detalles.

Disfruté bastante leyendo este libro, es divertido (bastante) y fresco, lo leí en un dos por tres, fue perfecto para quitar esa saturación en mi cerebro por lecturas pesadas. Disfruté cada página del libro, de principio a fin, había escenas realmente alegres y divertidas, y algunas un poco tontas. Un desafortunado pero maravilloso incidente (vaya nombre tan más largo..) es el libro perfecto para desconectarse un poco de la realidad y para descansar de las lecturas pesadas y cargadas de drama; no es la mejor historia pero es muy entretenida. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 13, 2015 Melanie rated it it was ok

Yup. I am in the minority (if not sitting in a room all by myself) in disliking this book. In fact, I seem to be having one of those "Did we all read the same book?" experiences. Oh, well.

Ugh. Where to start with my problems with this book..... ***There may be spoilers. I don't know if I can control myself. Sorry.

1) Author, Know Thy Setting. As a lifelong Portland-area resident, I was totally excited to see the book set in Forest Grove, Oregon. It's always fun to see how authors infuse their boo Yup. I am in the minority (if not sitting in a room all by myself) in disliking this book. In fact, I seem to be having one of those "Did we all read the same book?" experiences. Oh, well.

Ugh. Where to start with my problems with this book..... ***There may be spoilers. I don't know if I can control myself. Sorry.

1) Author, Know Thy Setting. As a lifelong Portland-area resident, I was totally excited to see the book set in Forest Grove, Oregon. It's always fun to see how authors infuse their books with local flavor, and I hoped for some fun familiarity. Yeah - not. While the author does apparently live here, I can only hope she is a transplant, as she has managed to mangle the Portland area and people completely. Case in point: One simply cannot leave Forest Grove on a whim on a weekday afternoon, trot down to the Lloyd Center (a 45-minute drive WITHOUT the heinous westside traffic), mosey around the mall for a couple of hours, then drive back in one afternoon. That little jaunt would have taken HOURS. Incorrect and weird Portland references were sprinkled throughout the book, constantly slapping me out of the action and making me say, "What the...?". I cannot appropriately convey JUST HOW MUCH this all bothered me.

2) Author, Know Thy Character and Keep It Consistent. The foundation of this story rests on the "awkward", "nerdy", "geeky" main character. An image forms of a certain kind of character from these descriptors; however, aside from her being smart and studious, and one very weird incident, I did not feel she came even close to any of those words. And so I find that offensive to all people who truly are "nerdy", "geeky" or "awkward". This girl is apparently attractive, witty and interesting to other people, quickly making friends wherever she goes and admired by strangers and peers alike. All the awkwardness feels forced into the scenes by the author, because MC is "supposed" to be weird, not because she actually is. And all that falls away or is added back on as the scenes dictate.

3) Get Thee a Better Editor. There was SO MUCH going on in this book. We have the usual high schooler angst, family drama, sexual orientation issues, learning disabilities, fame and paparazzi, rock stars, hockey and... well, I know there was more. The author made the classic mistake of having so much she wanted to "say" and not having an editor rein her in. The book felt very disjointed due to the many subplots floating around. (it would have been much cleaner and just as complete without the whole SUPER IMPLAUSIBLE meet-and-become-instant-besties-with-rockstars/magically-record-a-song-and-become-MORE-famous-but-don't-follow-up-on-it tangent.)

There were good points to the book. I appreciated the growth the MC went through, the friends were a good foil to her often self-centered ways, the crush was a very nice character and one of the most "real" people in the book. Otherwise, this was a total bust for me. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 17, 2011 Amy Lignor rated it it was amazing

This novel really shows you the power of Youtube and all those other technological programs and devices we all seem to love so much. In fact, it will remind you of all those news programs that talk about how the government watches our every move each and every day.

Mackenzie Wellesley was one of those quiet, brilliant nerds who liked to stay far away from the spotlight. In fact, she has named her ‘side’ the Invisibles, and spends a great deal of time avoiding the ‘Notables,’ so she doesn’t have t
This novel really shows you the power of Youtube and all those other technological programs and devices we all seem to love so much. In fact, it will remind you of all those news programs that talk about how the government watches our every move each and every day.

Mackenzie Wellesley was one of those quiet, brilliant nerds who liked to stay far away from the spotlight. In fact, she has named her ‘side’ the Invisibles, and spends a great deal of time avoiding the ‘Notables,’ so she doesn’t have to deal with the teasing or the snooty girls who are a real pain-in-the-butt. The only contact she even has with a ‘Notable’ is when she works with Logan Beckett. He is one of the extremely hot guys in the super-cool crowd who she tutors in history so that he can keep his grades up. Mackenzie not only does this so that she’s more or less off-limits by the ‘Notables’ teasing, but she is also saving up for a Macbook that she really wants.
Besides, Logan isn’t the guy she dotes on or dreams about - that honor is saved for Patrick Bradford who, in Mackenzie’s eyes, is simply dreamy.

One day, however, her calm, quiet life is thrown into a tailspin. Hitting one of the football players with her seriously heavy backpack by mistake, the player hits the cement. Without thinking, Mackenzie begins to go into hysterics, screaming about CPR and whether or not the boy is dead. Unfortunately, this extremely comic episode is filmed by someone’s cell, and by the next morning Mackenzie’s moment of sheer embarrassment has more hits on Youtube than Justin Bieber’s latest concert.

Mackenzie soon misses the invisible part of her life, as reporters take up residence on her lawn. Her younger brother is extremely angry at her for being the family embarrassment. The only ones standing up for Mackenzie are her best friends Jane and Corey, who want her to learn to dress better so that when the Late Night shows put up a video of her, at least she’ll look good.

Soon the video becomes part of a rock band’s song and life goes from just odd to utter nonsense. Logan is talking to her more and more, trying his best to help her through this situation. All of a sudden Mackenzie is on the ‘A’ list at school, even being invited to parties. But going from a nobody to a somebody overnight has just as many risks as it does rewards, and watching Mackenzie try to figure out her new life is absolutely hysterical.

Readers, you’re gonna’ love this one!

Until Next Time,
Amy

...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 04, 2013 Audrey Graser rated it liked it

Shelves: 2013

Title: Awkward
Author: Marni Bates
Series: Awkward #1

Main character: 3/5
Mackenzie was charmingly cute, but sometimes her "awkwardness" was a little over the top. I get it, the book is entitled "Awkward" but sometimes it was a little too much. I loved that she was flawed. It was a little stereotypical, but the fame did change her and she had to realize that.

Secondary characters: 3/5
Mackenzie's friends were so good about making her realize her flaws too. I loved Corey, Melanie and Mackenzie's broth ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 06, 2012 Dea rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012-debut-novels-and-authors, chick-lit, favorites, read-in-2012, romance, young-adult, ya-contemporary, coke-through-the-nose-funny

4.5/5

This is the most adorable book I’ve read in a while! It is a quick and fun and hilarious read that deals with coming out of your own shell and learning how to trust again. Mackenzie, having been famous for her video on YouTube where she knocked out a jock and attempted to do CPR, suddenly faces a life of a Hollywood celebrity over the weekend. She’s been chased by paparazzi and getting the perks of being famous like free designer clothes and backstage passes to her most favorite band’s con ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Nina rated it liked it

Awkward by Marni Bates was a fun and light read. I sometimes find myself having to alternate between more intense and series books with lighter reads otherwise I'd be a nervous wreck. I worry about my characters too much sometimes. Mackenzie is used to flying under the radar and spending her time studying for her multiple AP classes. Usually, she rambles when she's nervous and finds herself in awkward situations. During one of her most embarrassing moments in public, some mystery person decided ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 31, 2012 Avon Bernabe rated it it was amazing

Love love love this book!

The title really suits the book. Mackenzie is one hell of an awkward girl. But that won't be a hindrance dear. Because judging by what happened to her life, you might want to be an awkward too. Seriously, I won't mind. ;)

We all know that there are many YouTube sensations on the rise all over the world. And I liked how this book showed that in a way. Same, but not quite the same. That's why I loved this one. :)

I loved how it was able to make me laugh from the simple "remi ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 30, 2014 Paulina rated it it was amazing

I am sure this book will never win a Novel. It is not a piece of literature that schools will make you read at literature class and no one is going to write an essay on this book.

BUT EVERYONE THAT HAS FELT INVISIBLE OR AWKWARD SHOULD CHERISH THIS BOOK.

Maybe it was the typical 'geek-gal-falls-for-athlete' cliché. BUT Mackenzie is an amazing character and she is not only concerned about grades. She also tries to help her mom out, takes care of annoying little brother and supports endlessly her two ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Mari rated it really liked it

One word: hilarious! I loved how insanely awkward Mackenzie is. I loved how Jane, Corey and Mack's brother Dylan were so protective and loyal to her. And I love Logan, as in "can I have him for myself?" love him. Awkward is chock-full of pop-culture references and for the most part, it works. Of course, the downside to this is it makes the story feel dated. A good example would be that of a celebrity mentioning his wife, when everyone knows (well, everyone who has read Hollywood breaking news in ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 02, 2016 Lexa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Na mindegy is lényeg a lényeg, a történet nekem egyáltalán nem volt csalódás, annak ellenére is, hogy sokan egyáltalán nem szeretik, de ez így van rendben. Nem mindenkinek lehet azonos a véleménye/ízlése, ugyanis akkor nagyon unalmas lenne egy idő után a világ. Az alap ötlet nagyon ötletes, én személy szerint szeretek ilyen „esetlenke” lánykákról olvasni, legtöbbször nagyon nagy fejlődésen mennek keresztül a könyvekben, ebből is sokat lehet tanulni! :)
Bővebben: http://lexakonyveskuckoja.blogspo ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Emily Anne rated it really liked it

Shelves: great-female-character, great-male-character, laugh-out-loud, sweet, lots-o-fun

Okay, for the record, I loved, loved, loved this book! It made me laugh so hard. Pure 100% awesomeness.

I will post a full review later!

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 10, 2011 Aeicha rated it really liked it

Read the complete and original review at Word Spelunking

Marni Bates’ Awkward was a pleasant surprise that had me laughing out loud and left me with the biggest smile on my face. Bates has taken a familiar storyline and breathed new life into it with endearing characters, a story that is outlandish enough to be fun and exciting but realistic enough to be relatable, and a wonderfully quirky spark.

MY BRIEF SUMMARY
Seventeen year old Mackenzie Wellesley has always gone out of her way to be invisible. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 22, 2017 Natalie Swift rated it liked it

This was a really fun, light read, perfect for those moments when you've just finished this really deep book and want to just sit back for a while
Don't take this book too seriously (admit it, its just a little too far-fetched) and you'll definitely enjoy it :)
Note: If you happen to hate unrealistic, chimerical, happily-ever-after books, then step away right now; this book is NOT for you

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 01, 2017 Dewi Puspita Sari rated it really liked it

Shelves: sweet

Lucu. Suka. Suka Mack yang setia dgn teman geeky-nya meski "popular" dan nggak tergiur ajakan Chelsea. Dia nggak ragu ngaku kalau dia suka baju branded-nya.
Sudah agak wanti2 aja awalnya, dikira bakal spt Mean Girl. Tapi ternyata nggak. Ide penulisnya nggak se"pasaran" itu. Perubahan dia positif.

Cuma satu hal yang nggak aku suka dari buku ini. "Wanti-wanti" si penulis di beberapa akhir chapter. Seperti kita disiapkan untuk hal buruk yang akan terjadi. Bukannya penasaran, itu malah bikin aku seb ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 10, 2018 Delores rated it really liked it

Shelves: definite-re-read, favorites

This book is even better reading it the second time! Absolutely loved it.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 08, 2011 Tigris Eden rated it it was amazing

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Chantaal rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, popcorn, contemporary

Review also posted at The Wandering Fangirl.

I was really lucky with high school. Lucky, because my class was only about 120 kids, and we all knew each other. Then I went to a high school in a different state for senior year in a class of about a thousand kids, and I got to see first hand what real cliques were like. When I went to that new high school I became an Invisible, as Mackenzie Wellesley describes in Awkward. I like to think I wasn't as bad as she was, at least, and I got along just fin Review also posted at The Wandering Fangirl.

I was really lucky with high school. Lucky, because my class was only about 120 kids, and we all knew each other. Then I went to a high school in a different state for senior year in a class of about a thousand kids, and I got to see first hand what real cliques were like. When I went to that new high school I became an Invisible, as Mackenzie Wellesley describes in Awkward. I like to think I wasn't as bad as she was, at least, and I got along just fine with the jocks or nerds or whomever when I had cause to talk to them. I was content being an invisible as long as people left me alone. So when I read a book like Awkward, I sort of get what the unpopular high school kids are going through, though I can usually only sympathize with them at best.

Awkward excelled at punching me in the face with what life would be like as a girl like Mackenzie, who was not only an invisible at her school, but totally...well, awkward.

I can't even deal with how much second hand embarrassment I got from Mackenzie as I read, but after the first few ordeals it actually began to be charming. It was just another part of Mackenzie as I got to know her, and I really began to love her. She's a fantastic character, and it's great to watch her evolution as a person as the novel goes on. It's especially great to see her pull up her big girl panties in the last third of the book and become the sort of girl she wants to be. She's still a babbly, awkward mess, but she's taken control of her life and her choices, and it's awesome to watch.

The romance was actually quite adorable, and I loved Logan. Mackenzie's friends were great (loved the LGBT inclusion, yay!). And while I felt parts of the book were very self-indulgent (friends with rock stars who she records a song with, a whole segment of her on the Ellen DeGeneres show, etc) they didn't take away from my feelings on the book as a whole, which were positive. I read Awkward in one delightful two hour sitting, and I don't regret it one bit.

P.S. Awkward is not even a real word to me anymore after writing this review. Awkward awkward awkward awkward awkward. Such a strange sounding word. Awwwwwkwaaaaaard. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Marni Bates should do a sequel to awkward	2	19	Mar 16, 2014 12:31PM
Do you want to know what happened to Logan and Mackenzie after the book? Want a part two?	1	22	Jun 12, 2013 06:31AM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Genres

Young Adult

151 users

Contemporary

84 users

Romance

81 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

37 users

Young Adult > High School

24 users

See top shelves…

About Marni Bates

Marni Bates

375 followers

Marni Bates' autobiography MARNI (part of HCI's Louder Than Words series) was on the New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age 2010 List. She then signed a five book deal with KTeen. Her first YA novel, AWKWARD, has been optioned by the Disney Channel as a made-for-TV movie and translated into several languages. Her latest YA novel DIAL EM FOR MURDER is with Merit Press.

In her free time she ...more