A Novel Idea

by Aimee Friedman

Required reading has never been so hot.

Once upon a time there was a Brooklyn hipster named Norah. Unlucky in love, and short on extracurriculars for her college apps, Norah decided to start a book group. She knew the perfect locale -- a local indie bookstore with a crush-worthy cutie manning the soy latte counter.

When the first meeting arrives, Norah gets a page-turning surprise. The attendees may be bookish, but there are also a few hotties! Most noteworthy: sweet, literary James. He's like a modern Jane Austen hero.... Only, how to snag him?

Ever the romantic heroine, Norah devises a secret plan. And if it works, Norah may just find her "Happily Ever After" love story. The End.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Teen, Young Adult Romance, Fiction

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 7, 2005

About the author

Aimee Friedman was born and raised in Queens, New York, in an apartment filled with books and different languages. She wrote her first story at the age of five, and was off and running from there. Aimee wrote all through her years as a student at the Bronx High School of Science and then Vassar College. After graduating from college in 2001, she became a children's book editor, a job she still does, and loves, to this day! Aimee published her first novel, the New York Times bestseller, South Beach, in 2005, and is now the author of several novels for young adults, the latest being Two Summers. Aimee lives in New York City, where she can usually be found writing in cafes, window-shopping, or searching for the perfect iced latte.

Reviews

[Badz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay don't judge me. I picked this book up because I want a break from high fantasy & too emotional contemporary novels. Simon Pulse rom-com teen books used to be my favorite back when I was in highschool and I enjoyed the stupid, hilarious and light-heartedness of each book.

Anyway, I guess it's because I'm 21 now and I have read a lot of other books--both YA and adult--but I really had a hard time not rolling my eyes at the main character in this book. I used to relate to these kinds of characters when I was younger. You know, the I'm-not-like-the-other-girls-because-I-enjoy-books-and-I-am-simple-and-natural-and-I-hate-dresses-and-makeup-because-that's-shallow-and-fake type. Now, when I encounter this kind of personality, I can't help but cringe. It comes off as slut-shaming, predjudice-driven, and counter-bullying to me. Not only that, but the character, even being when she is a self-declared bookworm, judge other readers by the book they read and look down on them if she finds the book they are reading as shallow and uninteresting. How snob is that? Like, we shouldn't judge others because they are different from us or that they have varying interests. People are actually more complicated that their facades. Wow. I guess I really did learn things in life.

Though I am annoyed with the characters in the book, I think it served its purpose. I breezed through the book without having to discern deeper meanings and just take the story as it is. It's funny and it's was like how I regard rom-com movies. I watch them, have a laugh at the predictabilty of the plot and the insanity of characters, and never take it too seriously. Just something to lighten up my mood.

[Leela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personaly thought that "A Novel Idea" was an amzing read. A lot of you seem to be lost in the plot, or dislike it because it seems more "pre teen" or because Griffen (That WAS his name, right?) and Scott were gay. I disagree with both of those statements. After I read this book, it ultimatly soared it's way over to "My Favorite Books" list.
Honestly, I think this is an amazing teen book that fills the heart with both joy and exitment. It may have some gay people, but so what? It may be a little fluffy, but who cares? If you don't like it, don't read it. And for the one girl who didn't finish it, you don't know what your missing out on. Your loss, my gain.
And that is all I'll be saying on this particuler review.

[Sarah]

DNF at 15% This book might have been okay if I'd read it back when it first came out, but as it is I just can't. It is too much a product of it's time and I just can't handle the 'not like other girls' vibe

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aimee Friedman had me hooked in the first chapter of A Novel Idea!

First of all I hated high school like Norah does. My guidance councillor seemed to be under the impression that I was friendless (untrue!), pregnant (untrue and where did he get that?! I wasnt even fat yet) and wouldn’t amount to much (untrue?). Valentines Day was my least favourite holiday, like Norah.

These striking resemblances to my life are not what draws me in though, it’s the bookstore they hang out in that I wish we had in town, it’s the way she blurts things out she means to only think, it’s the longing for college life that I remember so clearly. Mostly what I love about the book so far is Friedman’s casual tone and use of language. She sounds educated but laid back, sophisticated minus the snobbery.

In chapter 2 Norah confesses to secretly reading romance novels.

“it would kind if ruin my reputation as Literary Girl among my friends”

I really hate that she feels the need to hide her reading habits. I think if people who were known for reading literary classics and “good” reads admitted to reading beyond those then people who didn’t feel up to reading the classics would be less put off by reading due to the negative stigma associated with the books that might appeal to them. Also by decreasing the divide between artsy and intellectual reading and the reading of romance or crime drama or whatever, they might encourage more people to cross the boundaries and read outside of their comfort zone occasionally dabbling in the artsy or intellectual.

“the sweet, simple storylines are just yummy and comforting-like eating pistachio ice cream in a hot, bubbly bath”

This description of reading “fluff” is awesome. It’s true that some books are like comfort food, they don’t have the protein of social commentary, the vitamins of great ideas and challenging language but sometimes all you really want is a cookie! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with reading these types of books for fun. There was a time when all fiction was scoffed at, and I will not be one of those librarians who only approves of reading that is of “substance”. The other thing is that a lot of people make the mistake of thinking genre fiction is all junk food when in fact science fiction (for example) is often full of amazing insights into our society and deals with big issues that feel less overwhelming when discussed at a distance. So I hate when people judge people by what they get at the library. Never be ashamed to borrow or buy a book!

I have to say I was disappointed with the romance plot lines of the book after chapter 2.

The main character tried to make a boy jealous by seeming to date a lot of men, and thinks asking out your crush’s best friend is a good idea for getting your crush. Ugh! I have so many problems with this. The only guys who would go for those tactics are the ones that are happy you are easy. A guy like the one she is after would not fall for someone who juggles too many guys to keep track of and is dating his best friend. A decent guy does not go for his best friend’s girl….and a decent girl does not use poor geeky boys as pawns and risk breaking their hearts

I could go on and on but basically I find the dating strategies that somehow work in this book horrifying.

On the other hand, I love the speech Nora gives about Philippa and authors in general at the Book Nook. I also enjoy the last line of the book:

Because boys are boys, and books are books, and, in the end, it’s best to have a little of both

I liked the discussion of reading, I did not care for the over the top drama, but that’s just my taste

[Bonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember reading this back in 2006 after eying it in the bookstore on numerous occasions. The title, A Novel Idea, and the adorable illustrated cover with the characters looking at their books just made me want to pick it up.

It also looked like it was going to be a quick and light read. Sometimes if I am reading a more complicated read, I like to also pick up a light one as I did with this book.

For a light romantic comedy targeted towards teenage girls, this book was rather...dumbed down. While I did look forward to reading this, at the same time, I did not expect it to be amazing or anything of the sort. As the pages turn though, it turns out to be very underwhelming.

The story revolves a teenage girl who starts a book club. Things happen. Eventually the main character runs into an actual teenage author known for her poetry and having to hide from the general population like a Hollywood celebrity. So the main character has to handle a book club, getting the author into a book signing and of course, falling for a guy.

The book was waaaayyyy too fluffy for my taste. The worst example is when the main character is reading a few pages of a romance novel of when two Regency(?) characters named Lady Something and Lord (Earl?) Something confess their "romance novel love" for one another and begin to start making lov- thankfully the pages only alluded to it before going back to fictional real life with the main character.

Another annoying factor revolved around a "beautiful" but prissy member of the club. She throws a hissy fit over Life of Pi which she did not like and just threw it on the table like a typical popular high school girl with a bad attitude. She is also predictable. She used to be a dorky girl but due to her crush on another guy in the club (I believes he is described as a dork as well), she changes her entire persona to act like "a cool girl" so he would get to notice her. In the end, there is YET ANOTHER ANNOYING FLUFFY SCENE where stereotype and HER MAN make out in complete ecstasy with no care to the general public around them.

Then ANOTHER factor: The poet agreed with the main character to do a book signing at the book store. Yet never shows up. Instead the main character is left with a note from the poet saying it was "just not her thing." Main character understands and smiles despite having a largely unsatisfied crowd who showed up to see the poet. A big crowd too. This poet taught readers that its alright to abandon your responsibilities and potentially ruin a bookstore's credibility and reputation, not to mention might've had the main character lose her job.

The characters were flat. The plot was blahhh because of the discribed factors. It was a waste of time reading this book.

[Laurence R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, but so cringy sometimes!

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reeeeeeally far-fetched and reeeeeeeeeeally cheesy, with a reeeeeeeeeally clueless main character, but it still had a few funny moments and was overall a cute, fast read.

[Ailla Magcamit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read full review HERE! :)

As another Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy, A Novel Idea surely did not disappoint! From characters you can easily relate with, to an intriguing plot, it surely was worth the read! When I started, I didn't really put it down and after just three hours, I finished it.

I could totally get Norah. She reminds me of myself at some points especially about the extracurricular thing. Also, I love the fact that she's a big bookworm. Starting my own book club is an idea that I want to turn into reality but maybe it's not for me right now.

The love interest is definitely interesting. James is practically a male version of Norah and to keep it short, who wouldn't want a guy who shares the same likes with you? Plus points because he's into poetry AND he's such a family guy! :)

Aside from the two, the other characters (like Neil, Audre, Griffin, Scott, and Francesca) are as well-written. Who knew such a weird group mix would be a great idea? The substories are cool and makes you want to read more. Some of the events are predictable but there are also some scenes that would surprise you. All while remaining hilarious but warm and fuzzy at the same time.

[Charmaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was this a modernization of a Jane Austen novel? If so, I definitely missed the connection. This was total chicklit and far too juvenile for my tastes. I liked the idea of a book club romance, but the story got away from itself.

Norah's motives were somewhat petty, and her actions were eyeroll-inducing. I really disliked all the Rosamund schemes. It's obvious that James was humouring her, and she really did not need to do things like send herself flowers. Seriously, that's wasteful and a bit too extra! From that plot onwards, I felt detached from the story.

I also found our reclusive author annoying. If you make promises to people, you better deliver! A manuscript for a tight-knit group of people is unimpressive. Think about how disappointed everyone else must've been.

Fluffy, shallow, and inconsequential.

[Geli · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the beginning and in the end of reading this book, I did enjoy it. It was parts in the middle that made it seem a bit too silly and unbelieveable. Not to say all novels must BE believeable but there were just points where there was no way a girl would ever go through such lengths to win over a guy. Well, in my opinion anyway. But other than that i really enjoyed the book. I felt i could see myself in a lot of the characters during the story. Its not a great read but i do recommend it to others because it was indeed still entertaining. I will probably search out more of Aimee's books too see if there are ones bettert than this one.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my little cousins was reading through this simon and pulse books and these were my old books and she swore it was good. I do like it for a younger age group, it was a quick read but some points made me kind of want to smack some of the characters. I think the overall plot was great. Norah seemed a bit obsessed at the beginning with James who tbh didn't seem that interesting to me.

I feel bad that Norah felt the need to hide who she was and what she loved but actually I think that's a correct representation - despite the fact that I've never felt it - I know others who have.

3/5 stars, won't reread.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

As painfully faux indie hip as only a novel about self-involved Manhattenite teens hanging out at a (non Starbucks) coffee shop can be. Friedman flogs the reader with her lead character's supposed literary tendencies, but it would take far more brain-damaging abuse to convince me of the reading chops of a girl who dismisses Heart of Darkness only to seemingly seriously consider Louise Rennison's books for her book club. Neither novel, nor particularly literary, but moderately serviceable if you're absolutely dead set on a romantic comedy.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to figure out how to highlight on my Kindle while at the gym because I came across the most extraordinary quote: "I love Park Slope; even though it's an urban neighborhood, its indie bookstores, boutiques, and cafes give it a small-town vibe." HAHAHAH. Spoken like someone who's never been to a small town.

Final: Eh, didn't hate it...

[Ariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

After getting over my initial irritation over the trashy romance comment, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very likeable and relatable, at least to my teenage self. Everyone has done something a little crazy over someone they liked. Although, Norah took it to a whole new level. It was a quick, extremely adorable, and funny read.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get over how stupid the main character was. I was so embarrassed for most of the time it was painful.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

review coming soon

[D. Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly love these old rom-coms. I read a ton of them when I was in high school, and I loved the fun and cute romantic plot lines. However, re-reading them as an adult, a lot of them are hit and miss. Some are still just as cute and fun as I remember them, but others make me cringe.

This one was cringeworthy. It has a little too much “not like other girls” energy for me. The book literally starts with the main character saying, “I’m happiest wearing a charcoal zip-up hoodie and vintage jeans, not some floaty pastel dress with kitten-heeled mules.” She then goes on to compare herself to the school’s guidance counselor discussing how insecure she feels in this blonde, curvy, grown woman’s presence. In the next few paragraphs, she makes fun of the “popular” girls who the main character and her friends refer to as "Plums." The main character and her best friend instantly start making fun of the new girl who joins their book group saying that the only way she could have gotten into Dartmouth is if she slept with the admissions officer. All the girl hate was too much.

Not Even the romance could save this. For the majority of the book, the main character is pretending not to like the love interest. The antics in this book gave me so much second-hand embarrassment.

[Kaitlyn Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cheesy and full of tons of hilarious romantic acts that I couldn't put it down. I kept laughing and wanting to follow the characters on the whole adventure of being in a book group. Being so enthralled that I even forgot where I was (listening for when my baby woke up) is truly what a great book is all about. If anyone says they are looking for a good high school romance starter novel, it is this one right here.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up from a thrift store because it seemed like it might have been interesting..., it was cute. The main character, Norah, loves reading as well as all kinds of genres. She began a book club for extracurricular activities for college. A diverse group of kids join along with a guy that Norah crushes on. To get his attention, Norah decides to take a page from a romance novel. Funny situations ensue through her shenanigans. This was a cute story.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the first time when i was around 12 and instantly became my go to romance by the end of high school my copy was literally falling apart, i reread it recently and was so embarrassed that this was my ideal romance, but it really is a fun novel for young introverted girls trying to find a little more space for themselves in the world.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book at a library sale where you fill a bag up and pay $1. I found it in my closet when we had no electricity and books were keeping me sane. It was a very quick read,and I thought it would be cuter. It started off good, I guess,but then it just seemed a bit silly.

[Summer Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute YA rom-com. It wasn't a stand-out read for me, but it was enjoyable. The shenanigans as Norah tries to catch the attention of her crush were fun. I figured out the secrets of the other characters rather early on, but it was fun to watch them develop as the plot went on.

[Leisel The Spacemercat Sempf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but super cheesy and predictable.

[Suzanna]

DNF

Nothing wrong with it, really, but I found, about a third of the way through, that it was quite a bit too high school for me. I don't mind YA in principle, but this one wasn't for me.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute and cheesey 🧀 but I did enjoy the easy read.

[Jack Strunk · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the most unlikable set of characters I've ever read, but that's okay. Cheesy in a just-okay way. Great read if you've got 2 hours free, but no self-respect.

[Lainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite cozy, guilty pleasure reads. I found this book in middle school and it still holds the same level of charm for me all these years later.

[Anna Coy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found it on my bookshelf at my mom’s, remembered loving it. It’s cute, short and fun!

[Ann Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly high-school romance

[Bailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

did I have an idea of the ending? Yes!
Was I close to being right? Only a little 😐