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Emma Nash Series #2
Friendship Fails of Emma Nash
Emma Nash is back….and determined to work out the world of friendships and relationships once and for all (…ish).
Now she’s in the sixth form, Emma’s expecting life to be a breeze but when her best friend Steph suddenly has a boyfriend who she’s spending more time with Emma’s not sure what to do with herself.
So Emma’s got a mission in mind: making new friends. Signing up for the school fashion show seems like the perfect opportunity. Although soon, through a series of mishaps that are absolutely not Emma’s fault (well, sort of), her world is teetering on the edge of disaster again.
Would going back to creating a life for herself online reaaaaaallllyyy be so bad?
Now she’s in the sixth form, Emma’s expecting life to be a breeze but when her best friend Steph suddenly has a boyfriend who she’s spending more time with Emma’s not sure what to do with herself.
So Emma’s got a mission in mind: making new friends. Signing up for the school fashion show seems like the perfect opportunity. Although soon, through a series of mishaps that are absolutely not Emma’s fault (well, sort of), her world is teetering on the edge of disaster again.
Would going back to creating a life for herself online reaaaaaallllyyy be so bad?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Chloe Seager
6 books100 followersChloe Seager grew up in East London with her Mum and much-loved cat, Katie. She studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, where she sadly realised she couldn't act, but did rediscover her love of children's books. Studying them on her favourite module, Children's Literature, made her wonder why grown-ups ever stopped reading them. She now works with them full-time as a YA/Children's literary agent at Northbank Talent, and lives back in East London with her boyfriend, three fish and her cat Edie. Editing Emma is her first novel and the sequel, Friendship Fails of Emma Nash, was published in 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 23, 2019
I am enjoying this series so much. I really don't think I've had this much fun with a light, silly contemporary since Rennison's Georgia Nicholson books. This book continues with Emma's adventures/disasters as she tries to ignore Leon and focus on her friendships instead. But, of course, this is high school, so there's plenty of drama to be had there, too.
Usually I like to open my reviews with a quote, but that's kind of a problem with this book AND why I think it works so much better for me than most other YA humour novels. I've said this before, but I get tired of the kind of humour where the characters constantly talk in jokes. I find it hard to get into and believe in their stories because very few (if any) people actually have the energy to make everything that comes out of their mouth an amusing quip. I much prefer comedy that arises out of carefully-built scenes and situations.
Emma Nash says plenty of funny things, but the funniest moments in the book are the embarrassing things that happen to her. These are especially funny because Seager has built up characterization and relationship dynamics so you know and "get" the characters and the bond (or lack of) between them.
You know how the funniest moments in real life are the kind where you "just had to be there"? It's like that. It's just not very helpful when I want to take quotes in isolation for my review. I can give you one example of the ridiculous (but funny) conversations between Emma and her friends. She's so extra and dramatic, and her friends are so deadpan. Here's when Faith tells her she had sex for the first time:
Well, I think they're funny 😂 The queefing conversation was hilarious, too, but I'd have to copy out a whole page to fully capture it. I'm still not sold on Leon, though. If I'm going to care about a guy in this series, they are going to have to be funnier.
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Usually I like to open my reviews with a quote, but that's kind of a problem with this book AND why I think it works so much better for me than most other YA humour novels. I've said this before, but I get tired of the kind of humour where the characters constantly talk in jokes. I find it hard to get into and believe in their stories because very few (if any) people actually have the energy to make everything that comes out of their mouth an amusing quip. I much prefer comedy that arises out of carefully-built scenes and situations.
Emma Nash says plenty of funny things, but the funniest moments in the book are the embarrassing things that happen to her. These are especially funny because Seager has built up characterization and relationship dynamics so you know and "get" the characters and the bond (or lack of) between them.
You know how the funniest moments in real life are the kind where you "just had to be there"? It's like that. It's just not very helpful when I want to take quotes in isolation for my review. I can give you one example of the ridiculous (but funny) conversations between Emma and her friends. She's so extra and dramatic, and her friends are so deadpan. Here's when Faith tells her she had sex for the first time:
"Oh my God. OH MY GOD. FAITH."
"I know."
"You've gone to the other side!"
"I didn't die."
"You're a oui-sexer."
"A what?"
"I decided I didn't like the term 'virgin' so I came up with non-sexer and oui-sexer instead."
"I'm not sure it'll catch on."
Well, I think they're funny 😂 The queefing conversation was hilarious, too, but I'd have to copy out a whole page to fully capture it. I'm still not sold on Leon, though. If I'm going to care about a guy in this series, they are going to have to be funnier.
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December 24, 2018
3.5 stars
I can’t get over just how much these books are like Louise Rennison’s. Why is nobody talking about it? The language, the friendship dynamics, Crazy Holly is totally Rosie, and Gracie is totally Jess. The furry shorts! This series needs its own Dave the Laugh though, cause I can’t get behind this Leon guy. What in the world does he want?!
Speaking of Rennison, she would have made 4 books out of the material in this one novel. I feel like it’s totally overstuffed with events, not giving story lines room to breathe. Way too much is going on.
It’s funny though. And I have never read a YA book told from a girl’s POV that gave this much page space to masturbation.🤷♀️
I can’t get over just how much these books are like Louise Rennison’s. Why is nobody talking about it? The language, the friendship dynamics, Crazy Holly is totally Rosie, and Gracie is totally Jess. The furry shorts! This series needs its own Dave the Laugh though, cause I can’t get behind this Leon guy. What in the world does he want?!
Speaking of Rennison, she would have made 4 books out of the material in this one novel. I feel like it’s totally overstuffed with events, not giving story lines room to breathe. Way too much is going on.
It’s funny though. And I have never read a YA book told from a girl’s POV that gave this much page space to masturbation.🤷♀️
January 22, 2019
Man I love Emma Nash. I was debating between 4 and 5 stars so I guess this one is a 4.5 for me. It's just so lighthearted and funny. I feel like I'm reading Bridget Jones for the next generation. And though I find many books funny, there are only a few that make me actually laugh out loud. Emma Nash has done that for me in both books.
Does this book change the way I see the world? Did it leave some long lasting impact? Will it be a book that I judge all others by? No no no. But man, it's a good time. I really think we've all got a little bit of Emma Nash in us (much as we may hate to admit it). I will admit that I have definitely texted someone about a guy only to realize that I was texting the guy about himself. So yes, I feel a certain bond with Emma lol.
Netflix Gods, if you're listening, please make these books into a series.
Does this book change the way I see the world? Did it leave some long lasting impact? Will it be a book that I judge all others by? No no no. But man, it's a good time. I really think we've all got a little bit of Emma Nash in us (much as we may hate to admit it). I will admit that I have definitely texted someone about a guy only to realize that I was texting the guy about himself. So yes, I feel a certain bond with Emma lol.
Netflix Gods, if you're listening, please make these books into a series.
December 21, 2018
The second installment chronicling the life of Emma Nash, picking up the book was like reconnecting to a friend. A slightly weird, obsessive, completely bonkers but good hearted friend but that's what I love about it so much.
Replace Emma's use of instagram and twitter with myspace and msn and it could almost be a telling of my teen years. With less motivation and less friends (and that is certainly saying something).
A brilliantly funny read, it's completely realistic in a Bridget Jones esque way.
Replace Emma's use of instagram and twitter with myspace and msn and it could almost be a telling of my teen years. With less motivation and less friends (and that is certainly saying something).
A brilliantly funny read, it's completely realistic in a Bridget Jones esque way.
August 2, 2018
Emma Nash is possibly one of the most relatable characters I've come across in YA. Her life is really just a series of comic catastrophes, tragic romantic escapades and...friendship fails.
December 16, 2019
ive read "Friendship Fails of Emma Nash " again if im 13 years old I would enjoy it ,, I gave it 1.5 out of 5 stars
August 12, 2018
I don’t often read YA novels, but Emma Nash is one of my favourite heroine and I am so happy she is back with more hilarious and engaging adventures. I was so engrossed in the novel that I read it in one afternoon and I didn’t get up from the couch until I finished reading it.
Emma is funny, honest, mature and innocent at the same time, and completely likable. She has her own fashion blog where she posts pictures of the clothes she creates. She was raised by her hypochondriac single mother. She loves watching Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars (which, by the way, is one of the many reasons I like this character).
In this new novel, Emma’s two best friends are busy with their new relationships and she is often left alone. So Emma makes two resolutions: take part in the school fashion show (which causes a few hilarious reactions from her friends and teachers) and find new friends. This last one proves more difficult than Emma thought and she finds herself in awkward and comic situations that made me laugh out loud.
FRIENDSHIP FAILS OF EMMA NASH is written as diary entries and the conversational and clear tone make for an easy and entertaining read. Cat abductions, octopus dancing, mutilated stuffed animals, Matrix coats, and bathroom stalking, there is never a dull moment in Emma’s life. From cyber bullying to today’s obsession with social media, from sex to periods, the author tackles on topics that are typical but sometimes taboo in YA novels and make the book and the characters feel real and relatable.
If you are looking for a funny, captivating and refreshing novel, FRIENDSHIP FAILINGS OF EMMA NASH should be at the top of your list.
Emma is funny, honest, mature and innocent at the same time, and completely likable. She has her own fashion blog where she posts pictures of the clothes she creates. She was raised by her hypochondriac single mother. She loves watching Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars (which, by the way, is one of the many reasons I like this character).
In this new novel, Emma’s two best friends are busy with their new relationships and she is often left alone. So Emma makes two resolutions: take part in the school fashion show (which causes a few hilarious reactions from her friends and teachers) and find new friends. This last one proves more difficult than Emma thought and she finds herself in awkward and comic situations that made me laugh out loud.
FRIENDSHIP FAILS OF EMMA NASH is written as diary entries and the conversational and clear tone make for an easy and entertaining read. Cat abductions, octopus dancing, mutilated stuffed animals, Matrix coats, and bathroom stalking, there is never a dull moment in Emma’s life. From cyber bullying to today’s obsession with social media, from sex to periods, the author tackles on topics that are typical but sometimes taboo in YA novels and make the book and the characters feel real and relatable.
If you are looking for a funny, captivating and refreshing novel, FRIENDSHIP FAILINGS OF EMMA NASH should be at the top of your list.
July 27, 2018
I loved this book so much. Editing Emma made me seriously laugh out loud on more than ten occasions. And this one didn't fail to neither.
Emma just gets herself into so many awkward situations and has many up and downs and I love seeing that. It shows that nothing is easy. Friendships, relationships, they are not easy. But real friends always get back on track. Everything will work out in the end.
I also love how this delves into the consequences of social media. Relying on it too much, the effects of cyber bullying. This touches on a range of other topics too (more seemingly taboo ones) such as periods, masturbation, sex. There is also a same-sex relationship in this book.
I root for Emma all the way. I love her character and her friends, and her mum. Now we're introduced to Charlie too, who I adore. Bring on those guy friendships!
Annnnnnnddd: SPOILER SO BE WARNED...
LEON!!! OMG LEON I LOVE HIM SO MUCH ASDFGHJL. I want him and Emma together. I don't even care, they just need to be. Please keep him, don't let him go or I'll cry. If that happens at least bring in a beautiful new guy for Emma.
Okay. I'm done. But I need the next book ASAP!!!!
Emma just gets herself into so many awkward situations and has many up and downs and I love seeing that. It shows that nothing is easy. Friendships, relationships, they are not easy. But real friends always get back on track. Everything will work out in the end.
I also love how this delves into the consequences of social media. Relying on it too much, the effects of cyber bullying. This touches on a range of other topics too (more seemingly taboo ones) such as periods, masturbation, sex. There is also a same-sex relationship in this book.
I root for Emma all the way. I love her character and her friends, and her mum. Now we're introduced to Charlie too, who I adore. Bring on those guy friendships!
Annnnnnnddd: SPOILER SO BE WARNED...
LEON!!! OMG LEON I LOVE HIM SO MUCH ASDFGHJL. I want him and Emma together. I don't even care, they just need to be. Please keep him, don't let him go or I'll cry. If that happens at least bring in a beautiful new guy for Emma.
Okay. I'm done. But I need the next book ASAP!!!!
August 22, 2018
Lots of moments to chuckle at in this! Emma is a funny bean and she experiences some BONKERS things! Enjoyed this a lot!
December 12, 2018
Warnings: cyberbullying
The misadventures of Emma Nash continue as she tries to reinvent her life with new friends, when Steph has a new boyfriend in Gracie's brother. She has to reevaluate her friendships and try to maintain that balance between giving them space and still being in the loop. To be more active and to have something to do, she takes part in the school's fashion show, where she and Charlie, another student, design clothes for a runway show with the help of other kids who volunteer. Along the way, she makes new friends in Charlie and Holly, but also strengthens her friendship with Gracie, while also finally having a conclusion to the Leon saga. In true Emma style, though, lots of shenanigans happen in between, with loads of pop culture references and apt teen experiences.
Emma's plan to make new friends backfires in spectacular ways as she tries to apply the same tactics as the one she used to get a new boyfriend in the previous book. She also gains a stalker, and also experiences cyberbullying (she is going forward with her fashion designing). The tone of the book, overall, may not be as light as that of the previous, primarily because of the many plot arcs happening during it, as well as the fact that Emma is growing up. But there's also humorous mistakes, hilarious misunderstandings, the fact that Emma 'tries too hard' Nash treats this like a mission to accomplish. And there's also loads of cute moments, like the relationship with her mom and the beheaded teddy bear, Gracie and her frankly discussing friendships with people of the other sex and dismantling some hetero-normative myths by including bisexuals in the equation, and some genuine conversations between the girls as they try to figure out sexuality, relationships and everything else.
So, while it may not be as great as the first book when it came to humor, it did make up for it with everything else.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from HQ Young Adult, via Netgalley.
The misadventures of Emma Nash continue as she tries to reinvent her life with new friends, when Steph has a new boyfriend in Gracie's brother. She has to reevaluate her friendships and try to maintain that balance between giving them space and still being in the loop. To be more active and to have something to do, she takes part in the school's fashion show, where she and Charlie, another student, design clothes for a runway show with the help of other kids who volunteer. Along the way, she makes new friends in Charlie and Holly, but also strengthens her friendship with Gracie, while also finally having a conclusion to the Leon saga. In true Emma style, though, lots of shenanigans happen in between, with loads of pop culture references and apt teen experiences.
“If a PLL fan has had enough drama then you KNOW it’s been enough drama.”
Emma's plan to make new friends backfires in spectacular ways as she tries to apply the same tactics as the one she used to get a new boyfriend in the previous book. She also gains a stalker, and also experiences cyberbullying (she is going forward with her fashion designing). The tone of the book, overall, may not be as light as that of the previous, primarily because of the many plot arcs happening during it, as well as the fact that Emma is growing up. But there's also humorous mistakes, hilarious misunderstandings, the fact that Emma 'tries too hard' Nash treats this like a mission to accomplish. And there's also loads of cute moments, like the relationship with her mom and the beheaded teddy bear, Gracie and her frankly discussing friendships with people of the other sex and dismantling some hetero-normative myths by including bisexuals in the equation, and some genuine conversations between the girls as they try to figure out sexuality, relationships and everything else.
“As it turns out, not being distracted by constant Snapchats from Steph means I’m actually getting lots of stuff done. I bet having a fight with her best mate is how Coco Chanel got started.”
So, while it may not be as great as the first book when it came to humor, it did make up for it with everything else.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from HQ Young Adult, via Netgalley.
August 15, 2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Emma still have that charm that drew me to her in the first book, and she made me laugh so much. This time out, she was looking to acquire some new friends, since her bestie was now in a relationship. Obviously, there were many fails, and it was fun bearing witness to it all, but it was even better seeing her take some steps to expand herself and her social circles.
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Emma still have that charm that drew me to her in the first book, and she made me laugh so much. This time out, she was looking to acquire some new friends, since her bestie was now in a relationship. Obviously, there were many fails, and it was fun bearing witness to it all, but it was even better seeing her take some steps to expand herself and her social circles.
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August 12, 2018
4.5 stars
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August 13, 2018So, so funny! Emma is excellent and I wish I had a friend like her.
September 27, 2018
This book was hilarious. I mean, I already loved the first one but this was straight up relatable and funny and I enjoyed every second of it. To be honest, I could read about the disaster that is Emma Nash for the rest of my life. I really recognised those teenager problems, the stress with friendships and all that school drama. And Emma really has my kind of humor and I cried tears. My dad even asked me once if I was okay because I laugh-cried so hard. Chloe Seager really has written a brilliant piece of literature there. Relatable, funny and realistic.
June 19, 2020
A great book, it’s the second book to the 2 book series with the first book editing Emma. I much prefer this book as I found the first one a slow start and didn’t hook me in really however it wouldn’t make as much sense If you don’t read the first one. It’s all about who only has 2 close friends who are off busy and starts to feel a bit lonely so she decides she wants to go make some more friends. However making friends is not as easy as she thought and ends up with more problems with the first set of friends. However it has a lovely ending, it is one of those books you want another and is annoying that it’s ended. I would recommend over 13 as it can mention sex and does have slight swearing. But otherwise I would definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2018
Emma is back! Which means that my life has once again be carefully studied and spread across the pages for everyone to read! At least that's what it feels like. I should legally look into getting my name changed to Emma Nash. I think its the only appropriate thing to do at this point.
I remember reading Editing Emma and feeling so connected to both the book and the character, like someone had dragged part of my personality out and laid it down in book form. This makes it a joy to come back to a character you feel like you know and have been on a journey with because book one was quite the ride. We'd left Emma full of resolutions to change and so you'd be right in thinking New Book New Emma (I'm apparently very keen of that phrase atm) however as we all know and as Emma finds out, nothing in life is ever that simple, especially when you feel like you've changed and the world around you has its own ideas.
Written in short episodic diary entries we get everything; the before, the during and the after and the result is a really raw an open narrative where we see Emma, thinking, considering and learning with every entry because she is far far to open and observant about everything. She has a very distinct and comedic voice, and I read it like I can hear her talking to me (is that weird?). She's a trier god bless her, I'll give her that. The conversational tone really draws you in and I was addicted to this book, constantly wanting more, cringing with every other entry but more importantly laughing, openly and loudly in all kinda of public places because it was such a fun read. The only annoying thing was I was reading it on my phone so when i got a funny look I couldn't wave my phone in front of their faces and say its a BOOK! like I know Emma would.
Emma has this great selfish point of view. I don't mean selfish in the negative sense of the word, more, and this is something we all do, is that her pov is very single minded to what she think she knows and understands about the world around her. Her reactions to situations then don't always go the way she wants them and it's through these pitfalls that she learns to grow. And when you're Emma Nash/Me you don't make it easy for yourself. Hilarity ensues (thought I've never had and hope not to have a stalker!).
This was sone of the things that I loved about the dynamic of Emma and Steph's relationship. How they could be so close but their lives were both slowly changing and moving in different ways, with new people and new situations to factor in, but as is teenage way they weren't talking about it. So Emma assumes she knows what's best and you should never assume...because when you assume you make an ASS out of U and ME. I'm so glad I've been able to finally write that down. I think Emma would be proud.
This was actually reflective of a lot of Emma's relationships throughout the book, and this is a great example of how friendships are these complicated difficult things. Things that need work, things that we take for granted and more often than not something that is right there in front of us the whole time. It was great then to see how her relation with Gracie changed through out the book. If we learnt anything from this book it's there are just certain ways to approach trying to make new friends, stalking them on Twitter is NOT one ( thoughI'm sure we've all done it) nor is picking someone based on surname! You can have the best of intentions but not everyone is going to get that! I think that's a lesson we can all learn.
Plus there was another Britney reference. It really is the way to my heart in a book!
I can only imagine what situations emma is going to get herself into in the future. Can you image her at university!? I am here for that ride!
I remember reading Editing Emma and feeling so connected to both the book and the character, like someone had dragged part of my personality out and laid it down in book form. This makes it a joy to come back to a character you feel like you know and have been on a journey with because book one was quite the ride. We'd left Emma full of resolutions to change and so you'd be right in thinking New Book New Emma (I'm apparently very keen of that phrase atm) however as we all know and as Emma finds out, nothing in life is ever that simple, especially when you feel like you've changed and the world around you has its own ideas.
Written in short episodic diary entries we get everything; the before, the during and the after and the result is a really raw an open narrative where we see Emma, thinking, considering and learning with every entry because she is far far to open and observant about everything. She has a very distinct and comedic voice, and I read it like I can hear her talking to me (is that weird?). She's a trier god bless her, I'll give her that. The conversational tone really draws you in and I was addicted to this book, constantly wanting more, cringing with every other entry but more importantly laughing, openly and loudly in all kinda of public places because it was such a fun read. The only annoying thing was I was reading it on my phone so when i got a funny look I couldn't wave my phone in front of their faces and say its a BOOK! like I know Emma would.
Emma has this great selfish point of view. I don't mean selfish in the negative sense of the word, more, and this is something we all do, is that her pov is very single minded to what she think she knows and understands about the world around her. Her reactions to situations then don't always go the way she wants them and it's through these pitfalls that she learns to grow. And when you're Emma Nash/Me you don't make it easy for yourself. Hilarity ensues (thought I've never had and hope not to have a stalker!).
This was sone of the things that I loved about the dynamic of Emma and Steph's relationship. How they could be so close but their lives were both slowly changing and moving in different ways, with new people and new situations to factor in, but as is teenage way they weren't talking about it. So Emma assumes she knows what's best and you should never assume...because when you assume you make an ASS out of U and ME. I'm so glad I've been able to finally write that down. I think Emma would be proud.
This was actually reflective of a lot of Emma's relationships throughout the book, and this is a great example of how friendships are these complicated difficult things. Things that need work, things that we take for granted and more often than not something that is right there in front of us the whole time. It was great then to see how her relation with Gracie changed through out the book. If we learnt anything from this book it's there are just certain ways to approach trying to make new friends, stalking them on Twitter is NOT one ( thoughI'm sure we've all done it) nor is picking someone based on surname! You can have the best of intentions but not everyone is going to get that! I think that's a lesson we can all learn.
Plus there was another Britney reference. It really is the way to my heart in a book!
I can only imagine what situations emma is going to get herself into in the future. Can you image her at university!? I am here for that ride!
August 7, 2018
Following on from Editing Emma, Emma Nash is back with her hilarious antics documented in her private blog, and instead of focusing on meeting boys to get over Leon, she's trying to make new friends outside of her original circle as they grow up and move onto newer and different things. Of course with Emma this is not as simple as it seems, and things fall apart as soon as the idea comes into fruition. From cat abductions to designing clothes for the Muppets and even a Matrix coat appearance, Emma is here to give you 384 pages of cringe worthy but hilarious moments.
Once again Chloe has written a corker of a book. As with Editing Emma, I really enjoyed Friendship Fails. From sloth slippers to octopus dancing, the wit and laugh out loud moments felt tenfold as I followed Emma on her mission to make friends. Once again topics you rarely see in YA aren't shied upon here from masturbation to orgasms and periods and this book was so relatable, you might think it was written specifically for you. The online world plays a part in this book just like with the first with Emma's blog, Instagram profile and now a new fashion blog, so expect to see some mishaps and a too accurate depiction of a massage with a masseuse named Dorothy.
I found this book really refreshing to read especially after having my own friendship fail experiences earlier this year. It reminded me that not only is okay to be by yourself and do things for yourself, but people can outgrow each other and that doesn't mean its the end of the world. We've all been there, all had a friendship fail at some point in our life from thinking giving someone space is better than just talking it out, to missing your friends and checking out what they're up to on social media instead of just calling. Seeing Emma go through all this and more, figuring out the complex, or not so complex world of friendships and sharing her fears about adulting, I really felt for Emma and wanted to just nudge her in the right direction. But that's the beauty of YA and books like this, at that age you're still trying to figure things out but of course as I turned each page, Emma continued to amaze me, with her growth, realisations and humour.
All I know is I. Need. Another. Emma. Nash. Book. Asap.
If you're looking for a relatable, comical witty book written with a rawness and honesty leaving nothing uncovered, you should definitely pick this up.
Once again Chloe has written a corker of a book. As with Editing Emma, I really enjoyed Friendship Fails. From sloth slippers to octopus dancing, the wit and laugh out loud moments felt tenfold as I followed Emma on her mission to make friends. Once again topics you rarely see in YA aren't shied upon here from masturbation to orgasms and periods and this book was so relatable, you might think it was written specifically for you. The online world plays a part in this book just like with the first with Emma's blog, Instagram profile and now a new fashion blog, so expect to see some mishaps and a too accurate depiction of a massage with a masseuse named Dorothy.
I found this book really refreshing to read especially after having my own friendship fail experiences earlier this year. It reminded me that not only is okay to be by yourself and do things for yourself, but people can outgrow each other and that doesn't mean its the end of the world. We've all been there, all had a friendship fail at some point in our life from thinking giving someone space is better than just talking it out, to missing your friends and checking out what they're up to on social media instead of just calling. Seeing Emma go through all this and more, figuring out the complex, or not so complex world of friendships and sharing her fears about adulting, I really felt for Emma and wanted to just nudge her in the right direction. But that's the beauty of YA and books like this, at that age you're still trying to figure things out but of course as I turned each page, Emma continued to amaze me, with her growth, realisations and humour.
All I know is I. Need. Another. Emma. Nash. Book. Asap.
If you're looking for a relatable, comical witty book written with a rawness and honesty leaving nothing uncovered, you should definitely pick this up.
August 20, 2018
Chloe Seager has absolutely done it again. I loved her debut Editing Emma last year. Emma is such a fresh, honest and real voice in YA and I just loved reading about her hilarious escapades. As soon as I realised there was a sequel I knew I had to get my hands on it and was lucky enough to pick up an early copy when Chloe came to an event in the city where I live.
Friendship Fails of Emma Nash is just as outrageously funny as the first book, maybe even more so. I love Emma’s personality and the fact that everything that happens to her is absolutely those things we all imagine only happen to us. Emma runs into embarrassing moment after embarrassing moment and I was cringing so hard for her at points but also desperately laughing my head off. She is such a relatable character to young girls and women and also makes it feel okay not to be perfect.
This second books sees Emma leave behind romance and embark on a journey to find new friends when she realises that with her best friends off with partners, she doesn’t actually have many people to hang around with. There begins Emma’s usual internet stalking (with some hilarious outcomes – we’ve all accidentally liked someone’s post/tweet from months ago whilst stalking online, right??) in her endeavour to make new friends. Little does she realise that the friends she will make will come from the unlikeliest of places.
Emma’s voice is still one that I find to be completely unique in YA. She is painstakingly honest about everything from periods and female masturbation (oh, those taboo topics in YA!) all the way up to friendships and relationships. I love that the books are told through the medium of blog posts because they allow for such a personal, insightful narrative and I think that’s one of the reason that I love Emma so much and am able to connect with her. Reading this book made me want to be Emma’s new BFF. Who wouldn’t want to be best friends with this hilarious, messy and brutally honest person?
I love that Chloe Seager uses these books to tackle what are considered to be the ‘big taboos’ but actually are normal, everyday things and I’m so pleased to see them being considered so mundane and normal in a book that I hope many young people will read. It’s about time that girls didn’t feel embarrassed of the norm! Emma Nash is a witty, honest and outrageously funny YA voice and I honestly find her to be a breath of fresh air. I hope there will be more to come!
I read an early finished copy of the novel which was bought at an event but I would also like to thank NetGalley, HQ Books and Chloe for giving me access to an early eARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Review can also be read on my blog: https://kellysrambles.com/2018/08/27/...
Friendship Fails of Emma Nash is just as outrageously funny as the first book, maybe even more so. I love Emma’s personality and the fact that everything that happens to her is absolutely those things we all imagine only happen to us. Emma runs into embarrassing moment after embarrassing moment and I was cringing so hard for her at points but also desperately laughing my head off. She is such a relatable character to young girls and women and also makes it feel okay not to be perfect.
This second books sees Emma leave behind romance and embark on a journey to find new friends when she realises that with her best friends off with partners, she doesn’t actually have many people to hang around with. There begins Emma’s usual internet stalking (with some hilarious outcomes – we’ve all accidentally liked someone’s post/tweet from months ago whilst stalking online, right??) in her endeavour to make new friends. Little does she realise that the friends she will make will come from the unlikeliest of places.
Emma’s voice is still one that I find to be completely unique in YA. She is painstakingly honest about everything from periods and female masturbation (oh, those taboo topics in YA!) all the way up to friendships and relationships. I love that the books are told through the medium of blog posts because they allow for such a personal, insightful narrative and I think that’s one of the reason that I love Emma so much and am able to connect with her. Reading this book made me want to be Emma’s new BFF. Who wouldn’t want to be best friends with this hilarious, messy and brutally honest person?
I love that Chloe Seager uses these books to tackle what are considered to be the ‘big taboos’ but actually are normal, everyday things and I’m so pleased to see them being considered so mundane and normal in a book that I hope many young people will read. It’s about time that girls didn’t feel embarrassed of the norm! Emma Nash is a witty, honest and outrageously funny YA voice and I honestly find her to be a breath of fresh air. I hope there will be more to come!
I read an early finished copy of the novel which was bought at an event but I would also like to thank NetGalley, HQ Books and Chloe for giving me access to an early eARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Review can also be read on my blog: https://kellysrambles.com/2018/08/27/...
June 29, 2018
I love this book! I really enjoyed the first one, Editing Emma, and in many ways this is more of the same, but that is just what I wanted.
After Emma's unsuccessful attempts to find herself a new boyfriend in Editing Emma, she's decided to focus on friendships instead, both looking after her existing (and worryingly small) group of friends and building it up so that she's never left alone. That concern is really at the core of the novel. Steph has a boyfriend now, Faith has a girlfriend, she never made up with Gracie, and she's getting very worried about everyone growing up and moving on and leaving her behind.
Of course her plans don't go quite right. Of course they don't. Emma is still a wonderful, glorious mess. Every time she starts a blog post with the phrase "Something horrible has happened" or some variation of that, my heart leapt. One thing Chloe Seager does really, really well is make you emphasise with Emma. I really felt for her, and watching her walk into disaster after disaster was really tough. One of the other things Chloe does brilliantly is humour though, and I was laughing throughout. This is, at the end of the day, a very fun, very funny book.
It also goes where many books fear to tread, and that is really refreshing. Chloe's characters masturbate, have periods, go to the toilet, fart, queef, and all those things that normal people do but fictional characters are rarely depicted as doing. Sometimes it is embarrassing, sometimes it's perfectly normal, but it feels very real.
The issues Emma faces are also very real though. Underneath the humour there are some really important messages, about the importance of talking to people about your problems rather than letting them lie, trying to understand that other people have their own lives and their own problems and breakdowns in friendships aren't always about what you think it is about. The cyber bullying/slut shaming parts were really powerful. Books like The Exact Opposite of Okay focus on that so well, but Friendship Fails of Emma Nash shows that it doesn't have to be a huge, publicised thing to have an impact. A couple of small comments by an anonymous dick on a blog post can have a huge impact on someone's self-esteem and confidence.
A wonderful book that I enjoyed immensely.
After Emma's unsuccessful attempts to find herself a new boyfriend in Editing Emma, she's decided to focus on friendships instead, both looking after her existing (and worryingly small) group of friends and building it up so that she's never left alone. That concern is really at the core of the novel. Steph has a boyfriend now, Faith has a girlfriend, she never made up with Gracie, and she's getting very worried about everyone growing up and moving on and leaving her behind.
Of course her plans don't go quite right. Of course they don't. Emma is still a wonderful, glorious mess. Every time she starts a blog post with the phrase "Something horrible has happened" or some variation of that, my heart leapt. One thing Chloe Seager does really, really well is make you emphasise with Emma. I really felt for her, and watching her walk into disaster after disaster was really tough. One of the other things Chloe does brilliantly is humour though, and I was laughing throughout. This is, at the end of the day, a very fun, very funny book.
It also goes where many books fear to tread, and that is really refreshing. Chloe's characters masturbate, have periods, go to the toilet, fart, queef, and all those things that normal people do but fictional characters are rarely depicted as doing. Sometimes it is embarrassing, sometimes it's perfectly normal, but it feels very real.
The issues Emma faces are also very real though. Underneath the humour there are some really important messages, about the importance of talking to people about your problems rather than letting them lie, trying to understand that other people have their own lives and their own problems and breakdowns in friendships aren't always about what you think it is about. The cyber bullying/slut shaming parts were really powerful. Books like The Exact Opposite of Okay focus on that so well, but Friendship Fails of Emma Nash shows that it doesn't have to be a huge, publicised thing to have an impact. A couple of small comments by an anonymous dick on a blog post can have a huge impact on someone's self-esteem and confidence.
A wonderful book that I enjoyed immensely.
September 15, 2018
In the sequel to last year`s fantastic Editing Emma, we once again follow the life of Emma Nash as she decides to work on improving her existing friendships and forging new ones, with results just as hilarious as when she attempted to do something similar with her romantic relationships in book one. I was laughing on pretty much every page when I read this as the situations Emma gets herself into are just so awkward and absurd and embarrassing, the witty references to familiar TV shows such as Pretty Little Liars and the Vampire Diaries made me smile each and every time I spotted one and Emma`s narration about everything in her incredibly eventful life is brilliant. Additionally, the dialogue between Emma and her friends/family is always excellent, and her relationships with everyone provides a lot of different opportunities for humour, as well as some touching moments when they show how deeply they care for each other. I`m a particularly big fan of Emma`s best friend Steph and new addition to her life Charlie, as well as her mum, but it was nice getting to know the rest of her friend group better too, particularly Gracie. If you`re looking for a book that shows how wonderful friendship can be as well as all the difficulties, this would be a great choice along with its predecessor. I`m very much hoping this isn`t the last I see of Emma. 4.5/5
September 16, 2018
Editing Emma was one of the funniest books I've ever read in my life, and book two in Seager's series certainly did not disappoint!
Emma is a teenage girl with a private blog that she posts basically everything on - it's kind of like a private Twitter account (I know you have one, own up) but obviously a lot more can be written. It's such a good way to write a book, making it very easy to keep up with and understand, and it gives it such a personalised, private way of writing that is uncomfortable when you just have the first person perspective.
Emma is such a relatable character, and although she gets herself into some hilariously ridiculous situations, they're really not that far-fetched. I love how this book really explores the importance of female friendships, especially as the last one revolved around romantic relationships.
Seager also writes about more "taboo" subjects with ease: like female masturbation, sex, orgasms, what happens when your best friend gets a boyfriend (surprisingly, this one isn't talked about that much??), periods, stalking, cyberbullying and internet safety, and addiction to social media. It's so refreshing to read about these subjects discussed without fear, and it's especially brilliant considering the age range these books are aimed at. Knowing that there are teenage girls out there reading this book and learning that things like this are acceptable to talk about and explore in discussion is really brilliant and I'm sure Seager's books will be recommended by teachers all over the country.
Not only is this book laugh-out-loud hilarious, it's honest, brilliantly written, and exactly what a teenager needs in this 21st-century, technology-heavy world.
Emma is a teenage girl with a private blog that she posts basically everything on - it's kind of like a private Twitter account (I know you have one, own up) but obviously a lot more can be written. It's such a good way to write a book, making it very easy to keep up with and understand, and it gives it such a personalised, private way of writing that is uncomfortable when you just have the first person perspective.
Emma is such a relatable character, and although she gets herself into some hilariously ridiculous situations, they're really not that far-fetched. I love how this book really explores the importance of female friendships, especially as the last one revolved around romantic relationships.
Seager also writes about more "taboo" subjects with ease: like female masturbation, sex, orgasms, what happens when your best friend gets a boyfriend (surprisingly, this one isn't talked about that much??), periods, stalking, cyberbullying and internet safety, and addiction to social media. It's so refreshing to read about these subjects discussed without fear, and it's especially brilliant considering the age range these books are aimed at. Knowing that there are teenage girls out there reading this book and learning that things like this are acceptable to talk about and explore in discussion is really brilliant and I'm sure Seager's books will be recommended by teachers all over the country.
Not only is this book laugh-out-loud hilarious, it's honest, brilliantly written, and exactly what a teenager needs in this 21st-century, technology-heavy world.
August 17, 2018
I absolutely adored Friendship Fails of Emma Nash. Everything I loved in Editing Emma I was so happy to see in this book: gut-busting comedy, cringey moments and also the challenging of real issues so many young people face today. I loved Emma even more in this book and found her character to really develop; I spent the whole book rooting for her, as every good writer should encourage you to do. The development of the friendship between Emma and Gracie was so nice to read about. I think that Seager perfectly captures what friendship in your teenage years is like; when everything is suddenly and helplessly changing around you. I think Emma's reactions to everything that was going on in her life and in the lives of others around her were so realistic and honest, and I think Emma's musings have the potential to provide great support and perspective for teenage (or adult!) readers who may be going through the same things.
As with Editing Emma, I have to applaud Chloe Seager for creating a book that is so gorgeously funny and a delight to read, all whilst keeping it very authentic and inclusive of subjects that are often considered taboo, such as periods, masturbation, sex, and the pressures and pitfalls of social media. More than anything, the Emma Nash series is a perfect portrayal of what it's like to be a young person in today's world, but with it Seager maintains a perfect amount of humour and compassion. What I love about Emma as a protagonist is that however tough her life gets, she has a strong sense of herself, and won't let anyone or anything change that. I think all of us, teenagers or not, could learn a few things from Emma Nash!
If any of you are in a summer or a bank holiday reading slump, make sure you pick up the first two books in the Emma Nash series. You won't regret it <3
As with Editing Emma, I have to applaud Chloe Seager for creating a book that is so gorgeously funny and a delight to read, all whilst keeping it very authentic and inclusive of subjects that are often considered taboo, such as periods, masturbation, sex, and the pressures and pitfalls of social media. More than anything, the Emma Nash series is a perfect portrayal of what it's like to be a young person in today's world, but with it Seager maintains a perfect amount of humour and compassion. What I love about Emma as a protagonist is that however tough her life gets, she has a strong sense of herself, and won't let anyone or anything change that. I think all of us, teenagers or not, could learn a few things from Emma Nash!
If any of you are in a summer or a bank holiday reading slump, make sure you pick up the first two books in the Emma Nash series. You won't regret it <3
October 24, 2020
2.5 *
It was good! Until it was not. Basically, not long after the bullying started, it took a turn for the worst. However, full disclaimer, I'm quite sure it's one of those it's-not-you it's-me-and-my-lack-of-patience type of situation.
Bullying's not necessarily my favourite subject to read about but it's a good one to tackle and my problem is not with the way the subject itself was approached but simply with the choice to make the MC and everyone around her completely oblivious to the number 1 suspect which made the whole ordeal and the way it influenced the plot unbearable to me after a while. The bully's identity was so damn obvious to anyone with half a brain and any basic knowledge or first hand experience with male fragility but it dragged on for pages and pages and pages and I was losing my mind. I had to skip so many pages to pick it up again and finish it. It's really too bad because until then it had really been a lot of fun. I hope there will be more in the series!
It was good! Until it was not. Basically, not long after the bullying started, it took a turn for the worst. However, full disclaimer, I'm quite sure it's one of those it's-not-you it's-me-and-my-lack-of-patience type of situation.
Bullying's not necessarily my favourite subject to read about but it's a good one to tackle and my problem is not with the way the subject itself was approached but simply with the choice to make the MC and everyone around her completely oblivious to the number 1 suspect which made the whole ordeal and the way it influenced the plot unbearable to me after a while. The bully's identity was so damn obvious to anyone with half a brain and any basic knowledge or first hand experience with male fragility but it dragged on for pages and pages and pages and I was losing my mind. I had to skip so many pages to pick it up again and finish it. It's really too bad because until then it had really been a lot of fun. I hope there will be more in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2019
I love Emma Nash! She’s hilariously tragic and way too relatable. I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first. Still plenty of laugh out loud moments and ridiculously embarrassing situations but at times it felt like Emma was having revelations that came out of no where.
There were times when Emma would suddenly have a very mature and important revelation about topics relating to feminism, self-esteem, sex and social media that were rushed and seemingly way above her age. Don’t get me wrong, I think these are definitely important messages for teenagers who are likely reading this book to see but as an adult it did make Emma feel slightly unrealistic.
Overall a great book and I hope another pops up in series. I relate to Emma so much that I will always enjoy reading about her mishaps and blunders.
There were times when Emma would suddenly have a very mature and important revelation about topics relating to feminism, self-esteem, sex and social media that were rushed and seemingly way above her age. Don’t get me wrong, I think these are definitely important messages for teenagers who are likely reading this book to see but as an adult it did make Emma feel slightly unrealistic.
Overall a great book and I hope another pops up in series. I relate to Emma so much that I will always enjoy reading about her mishaps and blunders.
November 14, 2020
"I've liked you since before the old Taylor Swift died!" - will forever be my new favourite quote. This book was a beautiful interpretation navigating through friendships, relationships and one's self. As a teenager, I felt myself asking some of the exact same questions Emma was - as well as the questions being raised by both Leon and Steph. It's definitely an awkward position for Emma to be in for sure, but I guarantee everyone has felt the same way in some point in their life, which is exactly what makes this book so relatable to the reader. It's a very beautifully written novel that completely surpassed my expectations. The book is also extremely up-to-date with all the latest gossip and uses lots of references us 2000s kids can definitely understand. Kudos to Chloe Seager as I'm sure this won't be the one and only book of her's that I read in my lifetime.
June 10, 2018
Editing Emma was one of my favourite 2017 reads. Emma was relatable, honest and that perfect level of weird. The book’s plot was wrapped up so well, I was very happily surprised to see this sequel appear on Netgalley.
Emma is as delightful as ever, her blog still more of a private online diary, which allows her to speak without being edited. She’s sworn off men and making a conscious event to put more effort into her friendships. Conflict occurs when Emma feels her friends are moving on and growing up without her.
The dilemmas Emma faces are even more relateable before. Certainly most people I know have struggled with making new friends.
The book is funny, emotional and educational. From the moment it starts to the last post, you will not want to put it down.
Emma is as delightful as ever, her blog still more of a private online diary, which allows her to speak without being edited. She’s sworn off men and making a conscious event to put more effort into her friendships. Conflict occurs when Emma feels her friends are moving on and growing up without her.
The dilemmas Emma faces are even more relateable before. Certainly most people I know have struggled with making new friends.
The book is funny, emotional and educational. From the moment it starts to the last post, you will not want to put it down.
December 4, 2018
I'm so sad it's over! I've never read anything that has made me laugh out loud as much as this series. It just feels so real. There's something so endearing about Emma. And although - in the first half anyway - it can maybe feel as though there isn't always tons happening, IT DOESN'T MATTER because I didn't feel bored. I would read Emma's shopping list. Emma's brilliant. I love the friendships and Emma's relationship with her mum. Emma is imperfect - hello, she's human - but that's what makes her perfect (if that makes any sense? lol). If you want to laugh then read this series but you'll get so much more from it then just a laugh - there's depth to it, just like Emma.
A favourite! (As you can probably tell lol.)
A favourite! (As you can probably tell lol.)
August 13, 2018
As much ridiculous, hilarious, brutally honest fun as the first. Emma is, be warned, an incredibly intense, in your face kind of protagonist but she is also absolutely precious and so genuinely, hysterically funny. Once again, the tackling of topics like periods, orgasms, masturbation, jealousy, female friendship and so much more was expertly handled, never once felt stilted or forced. These books are basically Geek Girl but for a slightly older readership!!
February 19, 2019
This is an amazing and beautiful story.
I loved the first book, but this has totally blown the doors off. So many emotions of laughter and heartfelt observations.
I didn't want this story to end, as I've loved having Emma in my world, and being in her crazy head.
Thank you, Chloe for a great series :)
Em :)
I loved the first book, but this has totally blown the doors off. So many emotions of laughter and heartfelt observations.
I didn't want this story to end, as I've loved having Emma in my world, and being in her crazy head.
Thank you, Chloe for a great series :)
Em :)
September 6, 2020
What a fun rom-com about friendship. Something happens later in the book, which I saw coming from a mile away. But fun and charming. Tackles some great teen/woman problems/issues without being didactic. Very fun read.
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