Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “What Kind of Girl” as Want to Read:
What Kind of Girl
by
"Both timely and timeless, a powerful exploration of abuse in its many forms, as well as the strength it takes to rise up and speak your truth."—AMBER SMITH, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be
From New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel comes an unflinching exploration of the labels society puts on girls and women—and the strength it
...moreGet A Copy
Hardcover, 384 pages
Published
February 4th 2020
by Sourcebooks Fire
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of What Kind of Girl

Even though this took me a little longer to read than I expected (because some of the scenes were pretty anxiety inducing for me), it was SO worth the time I spent with it. This book is a hard read for sure, but it was a very important one and I ultimately really liked it.
TW: physical abuse, eating disorders (bulimia), drugs, self harm
TW: physical abuse, eating disorders (bulimia), drugs, self harm

4.5 rounded to 5 stars
'What Kind of Girl' is the type of book that has the ability to deeply affect many people. This book impacted me in a visceral way, and I can tell that I will be left thinking about it long after I closed the last page.
One of the main reasons I loved this story so much was the raw emotions it pulled from me, as well as the ways it made me question my own morals. That in itself is one of my favourite parts of reading. Simply through experiencing another's life for a few hun ...more
'What Kind of Girl' is the type of book that has the ability to deeply affect many people. This book impacted me in a visceral way, and I can tell that I will be left thinking about it long after I closed the last page.
One of the main reasons I loved this story so much was the raw emotions it pulled from me, as well as the ways it made me question my own morals. That in itself is one of my favourite parts of reading. Simply through experiencing another's life for a few hun ...more

This was a tough book to read, which I expected going in. Somehow, I still wasn't quite prepared for how *physically sick* some parts made me feel.
Overall, I think the author handled it beautifully. I did get tripped up a little on the format of the first two sections (section three I *flew* through), so it took me a little longer to read this than I was expecting. I also wasn't fully satisfied with the ending. I know the open-ended part wasn't the *point* but I still kind of wished we'd gotten ...more
Overall, I think the author handled it beautifully. I did get tripped up a little on the format of the first two sections (section three I *flew* through), so it took me a little longer to read this than I was expecting. I also wasn't fully satisfied with the ending. I know the open-ended part wasn't the *point* but I still kind of wished we'd gotten ...more

What kind of girl stays with a boyfriend after he hits her? This is the question that one of our two protagonists continues to ask herself because she stayed for several months and she doesn’t know why. It’s a question that occurs to her peers, her BFF, her parents, etc. She even wonders if the abuser (Mike) knew she would keep quiet.
But then, why did I wait? Why didn’t I come forward sooner? What kind of girl stays after her boyfriend hits her? What kind of girl gets hit in the first place?
No s ...more
But then, why did I wait? Why didn’t I come forward sooner? What kind of girl stays after her boyfriend hits her? What kind of girl gets hit in the first place?
No s ...more

Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
4.5 Stars
A young adult aged novel that explores themes of substance abuse, domestic violence, self harm, and sexuality. Written in a clever way, What Kind of Girl follows teen girls as they face societal expectations in the fast-paced, gossipy high school atmosphere. With no names, only self-given titles, we follow The Bulimic, The Popular Girl, The Pothead, The Abused Girlfriend. We see their interactions with family, friends, their abuser. We are ...more
4.5 Stars
A young adult aged novel that explores themes of substance abuse, domestic violence, self harm, and sexuality. Written in a clever way, What Kind of Girl follows teen girls as they face societal expectations in the fast-paced, gossipy high school atmosphere. With no names, only self-given titles, we follow The Bulimic, The Popular Girl, The Pothead, The Abused Girlfriend. We see their interactions with family, friends, their abuser. We are ...more

3.5 stars
ARC provided via Netgalley. Thanks, guys!
Hey, you!
You reading this book's reviews!
Stop it! Stop it immediately!
Okay, you can read mine, now that you're here, because I promise I'll keep it clean and spoiler-free.
Which is quite hard, considering even telling you the characters' names is a spoiler.
Basically, this books tells the story through the eyes of the abused girlfriend, the most popular girl in school, the pothead and the bulimic girl.
The writer leaves it up to you to figure thei ...more
ARC provided via Netgalley. Thanks, guys!
Hey, you!
You reading this book's reviews!
Stop it! Stop it immediately!
Okay, you can read mine, now that you're here, because I promise I'll keep it clean and spoiler-free.
Which is quite hard, considering even telling you the characters' names is a spoiler.
Basically, this books tells the story through the eyes of the abused girlfriend, the most popular girl in school, the pothead and the bulimic girl.
The writer leaves it up to you to figure thei ...more

Jan 18, 2020
Bookphenomena (Micky)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya,
abuse,
pback-arc,
arc-read,
2020-read,
pback-owned,
ya-contemporary,
important-representation
WHAT KIND OF GIRL was such an interesting read that addressed some relevant but less written-about themes in the context of physical abuse in a dating situation in YA. There are some additional trigger warnings at the beginning of the book for those who seek this out.
This story asked the question, what kind of girl would let something like this happen and focused on the individuals but also very importantly, it focused on the reactions from friends, enemies, family and the school community. I ca ...more
This story asked the question, what kind of girl would let something like this happen and focused on the individuals but also very importantly, it focused on the reactions from friends, enemies, family and the school community. I ca ...more

I loved how part #1 unfolded; revealing different POVs a tiny bit at a time.
I do wish that the author had changed the format starting with part #2.
I think it would have worked better for me.
Obviously this is a difficult topic to address with class as well as reality.
I think the author did a good job of accomplishing both.
The book seemed to drag a bit for me and I would have liked a little better pacing throughout.
Overall a okay read.
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for my DRC.
I do wish that the author had changed the format starting with part #2.
I think it would have worked better for me.
Obviously this is a difficult topic to address with class as well as reality.
I think the author did a good job of accomplishing both.
The book seemed to drag a bit for me and I would have liked a little better pacing throughout.
Overall a okay read.
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for my DRC.

I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. So, ta-da! Here it is:
Video review: https://youtu.be/x62IJLosh8E
The synopsis of this was a little misleading because while this does focus on the abuse claim a girl makes, it is about so much more. It looks into bulimia, self-harm, anxiety, among other high school problems and stresses.
The way this is written from "multiple" points of views (such as The Bulimic, The Popular Girl, The Burnout) does a really good job at breaking down ste ...more
Video review: https://youtu.be/x62IJLosh8E
The synopsis of this was a little misleading because while this does focus on the abuse claim a girl makes, it is about so much more. It looks into bulimia, self-harm, anxiety, among other high school problems and stresses.
The way this is written from "multiple" points of views (such as The Bulimic, The Popular Girl, The Burnout) does a really good job at breaking down ste ...more

The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
*Trigger Warning: depictions of dating abuse, bulimia, self harm & drug use*
It has been a few days since I have read What Kind of Girl and I am still speechless. What ever I write here will not do this book one ounce of the justice and praise it deserves in the slightest. I loved this book with all my heart, I loved the subjects is brought up, the way the author addressed them and the message that there is light at the end of the tunnel. ...more
*Trigger Warning: depictions of dating abuse, bulimia, self harm & drug use*
It has been a few days since I have read What Kind of Girl and I am still speechless. What ever I write here will not do this book one ounce of the justice and praise it deserves in the slightest. I loved this book with all my heart, I loved the subjects is brought up, the way the author addressed them and the message that there is light at the end of the tunnel. ...more

The rumors spread quickly at North Bay Academy. Popular track star Mike Parker's girlfriend has accused him of hitting her. She even told the principal. But, they wonder, why not the police? Why did she wait so long to tell? Why hasn't Mike been expelled? Some students at the school want to hold a rally--to expel Mike. But others aren't so quick to believe his girlfriend.
"But (of course), by lunchtime everyone at school knows, as easily and quickly as if they'd announced it over the loudspea ...more
"But (of course), by lunchtime everyone at school knows, as easily and quickly as if they'd announced it over the loudspea ...more

What Kind of Girl is one of those books that, regardless of your opinions on its execution, you have to acknowledge is vitally important for its willingness to openly address difficult social phenomena that society likes to sweep under the rug. It is a heavy read, but in a necessary way, not the maudlin sort of sob-story that is an inherent risk of writing about so many serious issues that teens face today.
It’s h ...more
“Doing something when you’re scared is braver than doing something when you’re not.”
It’s h ...more

It's difficult book to read and people should be warned about trigger warning as it talks about many sensitive issues: self-harm, abuse, drug abuse, eating disorders and homophobia.
When an act of violence happens in high school, the students are trying to understand what really actually happened. Maya shows up at school with a black eye and she says it was her boyfriend Mike, golden boy. Mike says different story about what happened. But who is telling the truth? School is divided into two team ...more
When an act of violence happens in high school, the students are trying to understand what really actually happened. Maya shows up at school with a black eye and she says it was her boyfriend Mike, golden boy. Mike says different story about what happened. But who is telling the truth? School is divided into two team ...more

Feb 17, 2020
Fall-Out-Book-Nerd
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-as-ebook,
netgalley
I was sent an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Trigger warning: Abuse, self-harm, bulimia
What Kind of Girl is such a difficult and emotional book to read. But I think that's what makes it even more important. The themes this book follows, as shown in the trigger warnings, are what the two protagonists think that's all their life is. They believe that they have been or will be placed into certain stereotypes of what others think about them.
I liked how there wasn't a p ...more
Trigger warning: Abuse, self-harm, bulimia
What Kind of Girl is such a difficult and emotional book to read. But I think that's what makes it even more important. The themes this book follows, as shown in the trigger warnings, are what the two protagonists think that's all their life is. They believe that they have been or will be placed into certain stereotypes of what others think about them.
I liked how there wasn't a p ...more

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, via Netgalley for an honest review.
*sigh*
This one is heavy.
“No self-respecting girl would stay with a guy who hit her.”
What Kind of Girl is more than just a domestic violence story.
It’s about two best friends who are both going through extremely trying times in their lives, but don’t reach out to each other for support. It’s about the expectations put on a person by their parents and peers, the ...more
Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, via Netgalley for an honest review.
*sigh*
This one is heavy.
“No self-respecting girl would stay with a guy who hit her.”

What Kind of Girl is more than just a domestic violence story.
It’s about two best friends who are both going through extremely trying times in their lives, but don’t reach out to each other for support. It’s about the expectations put on a person by their parents and peers, the ...more

"Doing something when you're scared is braver than doing something when you're not."
After reading Alyssa Sheinmel's novel A Danger to Herself and Others last year and thoroughly enjoying it, I was really excited to jump back into another one of her books. The author has a way of discussing tougher topics in thought-provoking ways that make you extremely empathic towards her main characters and this book was no exception. Despite the fact that I did not like this story as much as the book I r ...more
After reading Alyssa Sheinmel's novel A Danger to Herself and Others last year and thoroughly enjoying it, I was really excited to jump back into another one of her books. The author has a way of discussing tougher topics in thought-provoking ways that make you extremely empathic towards her main characters and this book was no exception. Despite the fact that I did not like this story as much as the book I r ...more

"With our whole lives ahead of us, we had a lifetime for things to get worse."
We never really know what’s going on in people’s lives but we are always ready to make assumptions. No matter if we know them or not, we guess or hear rumors and go with what sounds truthful. But what you hear or think might not be accurate. This book travels through those and sets the record straight.
Maya walks into school on Monday and goes into the Principal’s office. Her black eye should clue the Principal in on w ...more
We never really know what’s going on in people’s lives but we are always ready to make assumptions. No matter if we know them or not, we guess or hear rumors and go with what sounds truthful. But what you hear or think might not be accurate. This book travels through those and sets the record straight.
Maya walks into school on Monday and goes into the Principal’s office. Her black eye should clue the Principal in on w ...more

Feb 19, 2020
Rebecca Crunden
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporary,
lgbt-fiction
Why did it take me so long to reach the last straw?
This is an absolutely beautiful, gut-punching book. 4.5/5 rounded up. The only reason it's not a full five stars is because there were a few bits that I felt went on for too long, but overall I thought it was wonderfully well done.
I need you to say that you'll love me whether I change the world or not.
It's rare for me to find a book that writes anxiety well. Few enough do, but this one definitely makes the list. I'm utterly impressed with Sheinm ...more
This is an absolutely beautiful, gut-punching book. 4.5/5 rounded up. The only reason it's not a full five stars is because there were a few bits that I felt went on for too long, but overall I thought it was wonderfully well done.
I need you to say that you'll love me whether I change the world or not.
It's rare for me to find a book that writes anxiety well. Few enough do, but this one definitely makes the list. I'm utterly impressed with Sheinm ...more

3.5 stars - review to come!!
In summary:
I loved this way this portrayed an issue that is, of course, insanely important. There were aspects of the story, however, that kept it from earning a full four - especially when the twist was revealed. I feel like it built up momentum, but after about 25% the suspense aspect is completely gone. I realize this wasn’t the focus of the story, and I understand the direction the author was going, but revealing a massive plot twist so early in made for a very ...more
In summary:
I loved this way this portrayed an issue that is, of course, insanely important. There were aspects of the story, however, that kept it from earning a full four - especially when the twist was revealed. I feel like it built up momentum, but after about 25% the suspense aspect is completely gone. I realize this wasn’t the focus of the story, and I understand the direction the author was going, but revealing a massive plot twist so early in made for a very ...more

Mar 18, 2020
Susana
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
contemporary,
detailed-reviews,
read-in-english,
2020-releases,
arcs,
e-books,
young-adult,
2020-reads
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars ⭐
As soon as I heard about this book, I wanted to get my hands on it. It sounded like my favourite type of contemporary novels: those with a heart-wrenching and often difficult story to read, but nonetheless extremely powerful and important.
What Kind of Girl is not just about domestic violence. Although that is one of this story's main themes, it is so much more than that. It touches on topics such as eating diso ...more
4 stars ⭐
As soon as I heard about this book, I wanted to get my hands on it. It sounded like my favourite type of contemporary novels: those with a heart-wrenching and often difficult story to read, but nonetheless extremely powerful and important.
What Kind of Girl is not just about domestic violence. Although that is one of this story's main themes, it is so much more than that. It touches on topics such as eating diso ...more

4.5 stars
This has an incredible message on self harm, abuse and eat disorders. Along with dealing with mental health. It's told in a beautiful yet thoughtful way. It's a powerful book with a lot to say. It's not easy to accept or hear for some so all I can say is, go into this with an open mind and open heart. Don't let yourself judge. See the girl behind it all. ...more
This has an incredible message on self harm, abuse and eat disorders. Along with dealing with mental health. It's told in a beautiful yet thoughtful way. It's a powerful book with a lot to say. It's not easy to accept or hear for some so all I can say is, go into this with an open mind and open heart. Don't let yourself judge. See the girl behind it all. ...more

Trigger warning: Abuse, self-harm, bulimia
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I think this book did a very good job of showcasing how domestic violence can occur with teens. The last time I recall having a big discussion about this was when that Lifeftime movie starring Fred Savage and Candace Cameron called "No One Would Tell" that followed a young couple in love, but the boy in questions starts abusing the girlfriend. That movie showed ...more
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I think this book did a very good job of showcasing how domestic violence can occur with teens. The last time I recall having a big discussion about this was when that Lifeftime movie starring Fred Savage and Candace Cameron called "No One Would Tell" that followed a young couple in love, but the boy in questions starts abusing the girlfriend. That movie showed ...more

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of WHAT KIND OF GIRL by Alyssa Sheinmel in exchange for my honest review.***
4.5 STARS
After months of abuse, Maya finally tells her principal that her boyfriend Mike, school Golden Boy, hits her. Soon everyone at school has an opinion including Junie, the best friend Maya never told. Junie has her own problems with anxiety disorders and her girlfriend and the two friends aren’t as close as before Mike. Junie plans a rally to get Mike ex ...more
4.5 STARS
After months of abuse, Maya finally tells her principal that her boyfriend Mike, school Golden Boy, hits her. Soon everyone at school has an opinion including Junie, the best friend Maya never told. Junie has her own problems with anxiety disorders and her girlfriend and the two friends aren’t as close as before Mike. Junie plans a rally to get Mike ex ...more

Great young adult book! What Kind of Girl is about teens in high school and the struggles they go through daily. Popular guy Mike’s girlfriend goes to the principals office to report he’s hit her causing a black eye. This is where the students take sides. Why didn’t she tell anyone this has been going on for months? Why didn’t she leave him? People are wondering if this is true or just for attention. This book deals with a lot of important stuff. Bulimia, abuse,self harm. I think it is a very go
...more

First sentence:
It’s hard not to want to defend him.
What Kind of Girl examines many of the problems that teenagers face today with the focal point on dating violence. The book centers on the aftermath that occurs when a teen girl, Maya, accuses her very popular and well-liked boyfriend, Mike, of physically abusing her.
The story is told in three parts, mostly narrated by Maya and her best friend, Juniper aka Junie. There are some parts that are narrated by others i.e. The Best Friend of Mike and ...more
It’s hard not to want to defend him.
What Kind of Girl examines many of the problems that teenagers face today with the focal point on dating violence. The book centers on the aftermath that occurs when a teen girl, Maya, accuses her very popular and well-liked boyfriend, Mike, of physically abusing her.
The story is told in three parts, mostly narrated by Maya and her best friend, Juniper aka Junie. There are some parts that are narrated by others i.e. The Best Friend of Mike and ...more

When resident golden boy, Mike, was accused of hitting his girlfriend, everyone was forced to choose sides. Did they believe him or did they believe her? And, if they believed her, what kind of girl would stay with a boy like that?
There's quite a bit to unpack with respect to the myriad of issues Sheinmel tackled in this book, but I think she did a rather good job. This is a story, that focuses on the challenges faced by females every day. Domestic violence, body image, and mental health take ce ...more
There's quite a bit to unpack with respect to the myriad of issues Sheinmel tackled in this book, but I think she did a rather good job. This is a story, that focuses on the challenges faced by females every day. Domestic violence, body image, and mental health take ce ...more

This story is really close to my heart. Although I never was in an abusive relationship. I have been abused by someone I loved so I really connected with the main character Maya in this story.
This is a dual perspective novel with a twist. We follow two main characters Maya and her best friend but each chapter title is broken up into the different types of labels that they are associated with. For example: the popular girl, the anxious girl, the bulimic, etc. I really loved the way Alyssa did th ...more
This is a dual perspective novel with a twist. We follow two main characters Maya and her best friend but each chapter title is broken up into the different types of labels that they are associated with. For example: the popular girl, the anxious girl, the bulimic, etc. I really loved the way Alyssa did th ...more

What Kind Of Girl is a really well written piece of teen drama, featuring engaging and realistic characters and touching on some emotionally resonant themes.
Maya walks into her principals office and reports boyfriend Mike for abuse. The black eye she is sporting creates gossip and division amongst her peers, best friend Junie is determined to bring Mike down and the author explores the group dynamic beautifully - the underneath of it all, the thoughts and decisions and fallout - and for the most ...more
Maya walks into her principals office and reports boyfriend Mike for abuse. The black eye she is sporting creates gossip and division amongst her peers, best friend Junie is determined to bring Mike down and the author explores the group dynamic beautifully - the underneath of it all, the thoughts and decisions and fallout - and for the most ...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Alyssa Sheinmel is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels for young adults, including A Danger to Herself and Others and Faceless. She is the co-author of The Haunting of Sunshine Girl and its sequel, The Awakening of Sunshine Girl. Alyssa grew up in Northern California and New York, and currently lives and writes in New York City. Follow her on Instagram @alyssasheinmel and Twitt
...more
Related Articles
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...
16 likes · 5 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“But how could I have been a good best friend - or girlfriend, or daughter - when I was so busy balancing the different parts of myself that I never got to actually be myself?”
—
0 likes
“Later, I'll think that there are so many versions of this question, versions that have been asked thousands of times by thousands of people thousands of different ways: Why didn't some girl scream even when there was a knife to her throat? Why didn't another girl bit and kick and scratch even when the man forcing himself on her was a foot taller and twice her weight? Some version of this question has been asked by judges and defense attorneys and journalists and random observers because they think they know something about survival; because they believe they know how they'd behave under cicumstances they've probably never experienced.”
—
0 likes
More quotes…