The Other Girl

Midvale Academy #2

by Sarah Miller

Molly McGarry is about to learn that the only thing more traumatizing than spending six months trapped in your boyfriend’s head is being stuck inside your ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend’s head. After Molly dumps Gideon because she thinks he’s lusting after some one else, a game of spin the bottle leads to a kiss between Gideon and the beautiful, sexy Pilar Benitez-Jones. Somehow, the kiss knocks Molly out of Gideon’s head—and right into Pilar’s. Now she’s desperate to get Gid back. She uses all her “superpower” to try come between Pilar and Gid, but instead of breaking them up, she seems to be bringing them closer together. Can she stand to be at school with Gid and at the same time be inside the mind of the girl he moved on with? How does Molly win back Gid without letting him know what’s going on? And how on earth is she ever going to get out of Pilar’s head...?

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Teen, Fantasy

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2009

About the author

Sarah Miller is the author of young adult novels including Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn. She grew up in western Massachusetts and graduated from Amherst College. She has written for magazines including Details, Men's Health, Glamour, Mademoiselle, TV Guide and Philadelphia Weekly. She lives in Nevada City, California.

Reviews

[Liana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abismal. Seriously, horrifyingly bad. I honestly don't even know why I finished this one. Crap writing, crap story, couldn't care less about the characters and their ridiculous problems, and on top of that load of crap, there was a pointless amount of sex and vulgarity. Frankly, the quality of this book is in the negatives.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Other Girl is the follow up book to Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn. Molly McGarry has been in the mind of her boyfriend, Gideon, for about six months now. While on one hand this is great because she can anticipate his every desire there is also the downside of over hearing him checking out their beautiful classmate, Pilar. When Molly’s jealousy gets the better of her she ends up breaking up with Gideon and then watching as he hooks up with Pilar. Suddenly Molly finds herself out of Gideon’s mind and in Pilar’s mind instead. She tries to use this opportunity to sabotage the new relationship but everything she does seems to push Gideon and Pilar closer together.

I enjoyed this book much more than the first book in the series and did not want to put it down. Gideon’s mind was pretty one tracked about girls and sex. Seeing inside of Pilar’s mind was much more interesting. We see that while Pilar is arguably the most beautiful girl on campus she still has her own insecurities and wants to be known for more than being the dumb cutie. I found myself liking her much more than I did in the last book and even found myself liking her more than Molly. I actually felt sorry for Pilar and was hoping there would be a happy ending for her. This book will have you smiling and laughing to yourself as you read what goes through Pilar’s head.

While we do not see as much of Gideon’s roommates, Nicholas and Cullen, they do make some appearances that always liven up the story. It was also enjoyable to get to know Devon and Edie more in this story as well. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book that I highly suggest picking up even if not a fan of the first book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Other Girl by Sarah Miller, Molly McGarry and Gideon Rayburn have been happily dating for a few months now. They are happier than ever thanks to Molly’s ability to adjust herself to Gideon’s every want and need. Yes, Molly is still inside Gideon’s head. Everything is perfect until, in a moment of intimacy, Molly sees that Gideon is picturing Pilar Benitez-Jones, the most beautiful girl at Midvale Academy. In a rage, Molly breaks up with Gideon and heads home to Buffalo for a school break.

The problem is, she can still see inside Gid’s head. She sees how heartbroken he is, but tries her hardest to put him out of her mind and focus on studying for an important scholarship that she needs to go to college. While Molly is home in Buffalo, Gideon is stuck at an airport hotel on his way to vacation with Cullen and Nicholas. Coincidentally, the beautiful Pilar is also stuck in the same hotel. Cullen and Nicholas, party boys that they are, decide to throw a party in their hotel room and play a little game of spin the bottle with the attendees. Molly watches in horror as Gideon and Pilar kiss. Then, everything goes silent.

Molly wonders where Gid’s voice in her head went. She goes to bed completely confused and when she wakes up, she hears a new voice….Pilar Benitez-Jones. If Molly thought being in Gid’s head was bad, being in the mind of a girl crushing on your ex-boyfriend will be a whole new adventure.

This book sucked me in from page one, which surprised me since it took me so long to get through the first book. Since this book was mostly told from Molly’s point of view, I think I was better able to relate to the feelings of jealously, heartbreak and insecurity that Molly felt throughout the novel.

I loved the entire story. I was fascinated by Molly getting to hear the inner-most thoughts of the love of her life and her number one nemesis. The emotion in the book was so raw. I could feel my heart ache for Molly.

I couldn’t imagine a better way for this story to end. I was definitely satisfied with the ending and I hope to read more from Sarah Miller.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3 1/2 Stars ** I read the first Midvale book "Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn" a few years ago and gave it 4 stars. This one focuses on Molly and Gid and of course the always gorgeous Pilar. This time though instead of just being in Gid's mind, Molly is bouncing back and forth between Gid and Pilar. Gid, the love of her life, and Pilar (most beautiful girl at school)are now dating...DATING! In a moment of haste and jealously Molly breaks things off with Gid and basically pushes him into Pilar's arms. We then get to experience both Gid and Pilar's thoughts as Molly has managed to get our Gid's head and into Pilars. I would have liked the novel better with the surprise twist at the end with the ATAT professor, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

[Bridget Esposito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have loved to have read this book in High School. All of the drama has a bit of fantasy tingled in, which made this book relatable and very good.

This book has an interesting plot line, but definitely could captivate the audiences of the average high schooler and maybe a little older. The writing is basic, and throws in occasional humor which provides a nice backdrop to the plot.

I would not recommend this book as a romance or thriller, but rather a time consumer. The ending is predictable, and not really worth sticking around for. The book is a quick read, and not very tough in the vocabulary department. Very much written for high school understanding, some of the references are mature and a middle schooler should probably avoid this book for that reason. I do believe because of the content, this book really only suites the High School age group, which in no way is a bad thing.

The characters are drawn either with too much personality or just a tad bit of personality. A lot of the characters aren’t explained or drawn to explaining why the character is as so. This book almost seemed to be open to be needing a prequel, because a lot of things were just breezes over with little detail. So many plots could have been expanded upon and drawn out more, but this book got to the point and left some to the imagination. I found a couple of the characters to be lovable.

The plot was very basic and non-complicated, but the main character puts herself into the trouble of lying and deceiving. It really did feel like this book would make a good chapter in a series due to the fact that there was so much that could have happened before and after the book took place, but the author acted like it was a normal place to start. She really could have cultivated and added more details to the main characters boyfriend.

The setting is what makes this book very basic. Due to the fact this story line takes place with high schoolers, more stories and more additives could’ve created a stronger book.

Overall, I recommend this book to high schoolers but there is a narrow age gap that this book can offer. A lot of the mature content would be too much for middle schoolers and too little for anyone out of high school. The plot is very basic and could have been added to a bit more, while the background stories did not lead to a great plot and could’ve used work. I did enjoy the book to take up time, the characters had some humor which really made me enjoy reading this book. I think the book could’ve taken a lot more information added to it.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope.....just as bad as the first book. So confusing with all the “I’m in Pilar’s head no I’m in Gid’s head no I’m back in Pilar’s head.” This series just wasn’t worth the time and effort I spent reading it.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main hero doesn't care with whom to sleep. This is disgusting.

[The Readings of a Busy Mom Riaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

www.thereadingsofabusymom.blogspot.com

The Other Girl is written by the author of Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn: A Midvale Academy Novel which is a prequel to The Other Girl. There was no need for me to read Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn as The Other Girl does no start off from a point in the previous book, its strait into a new chapter its self explanatory in its own way, but me being my own person couldn't resist the 1st in the pair as it is what sometimes gives you a better understanding of the book after.

The Other Girl is told from Molly's point of view but with a twist of an added two minds, the love of her life Gideon and the stunning, (shes so jealous of) Pilar. When I first started reading this book I disliked Molly I found she was selfish, she only cared for herself and keeping her 'boyfriend' happy. It wasn't until the book warmed up I actually related to her, she was being taught a lesson and it seemed she was learning from it too. Her character wasn't my favourite but i understood her greatly maybe even related to her in many parts, she's a teenage girl with a complex, almost afraid of the other girl.

Pilar was the character I liked the most. I was fascinated by her and the way she pressured herself to always be better, do better, but it wasn't with studying or educational things like a normal teenager, it was only about her appearance. She was very egocentric and detached from those around her and it wasn't until later in the book that she learned to appreciate those who where not like herself and learn that the world isn't all about the way you look. Its a lesson some people don't learn until they are to old to do anything to change all the hurt.

Its true to its word if you like The OC, you will love The Other Girl by Sarah Miller. Sarah writes in the now with slang and bashing one another like you are really in the room and watching it happen although i wasn't too keen on some of the Male references....what can i say I'm old (OK 23 but the word C***weed is not my favourite word from the book). When i first began reading i was not too impressed by The Other Girl, it was only when the story warmed up i felt myself not wanting to put it down, it started to intrigue me to the emotions each character was going through and the reality of how it must of been.

The Other Girl is a must read for all those who love The OC and programmes alike. You can Relate to the characters and find that Every Cloud has a Silver Lining.

[Skyqi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly is a prep school student that is in madly love with her boyfriend Gideon. She has a secret. She is inside his head, meaning she can see and hear everything he does and knows his thoughts. She's been using this advantage to make him fall in love with her. She achieves her goal but is still insecure and when he thinks of school beauty, Pilar, during a private moment, she breaks up with him. The problem is she is still in his head and he starts to get much closer to Pilar. Molly's ability is volatile and she finds herself suddenly out of Gideon's head and inside Pilar's head. She has to try to ignore their thoughts and focus on her own life, her studies and a chance to win a much-needed scholarship. Can she handle the distractions and possibly win back her ex-boyfriend?

This is a great story with a great conflict. The characters of Molly and Pilar were very good. Both start out unlikeable but they grow personally through the course of the story. There are some hilarious moments and sad moments throughout as the students deal with the classifications they've been given, ex. the smart one or the pretty one. What the author does wonderfully in this context is show their inner, secret thoughts, then what they actually say to others. This book was a nice surprise. Highly recommended.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers for the first book, so if you plan on reading it, be aware. :)

When last we left Molly, she’d started dating Gideon. (In the first book, she somehow got sucked into his mind on the first day of school and fell for him.) In this, things are going really well until he starts thinking about another girl while they’re making out. So she breaks up with him. On the plus side, she manages to get out of Gideon’s head…unfortunately, where she goes is inside the mind of the girl he has a crush on. AND the girl may have a crush on him back.

I preferred this book to the first one. There were less gay slurs (but still a lot, which I think is pretty lazy of the author–does she know no other synonyms for lame/stupid/dumb?) and while Molly is totally obsessed with all things Gideon for most of the book, she does eventually realize that guys aren’t the be-all, end-all of life.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually read this book before I read the first one. When I compare it to the first book, this one is definitely the better of the two.

'The Other Girl' is much more intriguing and original than the first.

At first, I expected the antagonist to be portrayed as a manipulative shrew who is only going after Gideon because she wants to rub it in the protagonist's face but instead, Sarah Miller makes the reader like the other girl and see things from her point of view.

Plus, we weren't listening to Gideon talking about how much he loved the protagonist, which got very annoying very quickly.

However, I can't say that I'm a fan of Sarah Miller. The stories she writes just aren't my cup of tea but I can still commend her on her originality in this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the sequal to "Inside the Mind of Girdeon Rayburn",and the like the first one; it is an easy relateable read. With her talent of being able to not only speak, but also understand the teenage language and mind; Sarah Miller easily kept my attention. In this book the main character,Molly, dumps her boyfriend because he is constantly thinking about a girl who she thinks is prettier then her. I can relate,because I have also had many times when I was self consiouse when a prettier more popular girl is around. This book was very entertaining.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to the book Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn which I suppose you wouldn't have to read first, but I do recommend it. These books are pretty dang raunchy for high schoolers and sort of make it seem like high schoolers are always going around having sex with tons of other high schoolers (and the occasional college kid) but otherwise they're funny and interesting if you're in the mood for a light read. Even my little brother liked them, and he pretty much only reads historical/political novels.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to "Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn" this book is funny and gives much more insight into the characters this time around. There aren't as many antics/camera time from Cullen & Nicholas as with the previous book which is a bummer but the scenes they are in are still enjoyable.

I liked this book, maybe even better than the first if only because you're no longer trying to figure out WHO is inside Gideon's head but how and why.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, Molly reveals herself as being inside Gideon's mind. They're dating, but when in the middle of a kiss, Molly catches Gideon thinking of a girl named Pilar in a white bikini. She instantly breaks up with him, and he's majorly depressed, until he and Pilar go to a party together, and kiss. Then Molly finds herself in Pilar's mind, and can't seem to get out!! Will she be forced to listen to the thoughts of a self-obsessed Spanish fashionista forever?!

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book. I think when most people read the book they read about boarding school and sex. it's way deeper than that. it's about a girl who realizes don't judge a book by its cover and believe a person has it all together. people have their own problems that you know nothing about. molly learns to be herself and it doesn't matter what others think or want. it's about her and what she wants.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly, a student at a private boarding school finds herself in the head of her boyfriend--really! She can hear his thoughts, knows what he wants and likees and dislikes. While this may seem like a dream come true - it isn't and Molly finds herself in the head of someone very unlikely. A creative boarding school story, which would make a great companion book to Green's "Looking for Alaska".

[Kimberly709 · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is graet. its about a girl who can read her boyfriends mind and grant him his every wish, every desire(EVERY DESIRE) And once they break up, she is suddenly reading Pilars mind(the girl who adore her boyfriend-now ex) and when her boyfriend is now dating pilar, she will do anything to get him back. but when she becomes friend with pilar, she doesn't know what to do! GREAT BOOK!!!

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was on bargain books and I really like these kind of story themes where the boy cheats but then wants the girl back but it kinda creeped me out how Molly was inside Gideon's head then got flung into Pilar's, Gideon's new girl, mind. Although I have not read the first book, I catch on the story pretty well.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone has their own thoughts, and sometimes that should be kept to themselves. There are about 1000 thoughts circulating someone's head at any given moment, and it's not always a good idea to want to know what someone is thinking.

[Rhiannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel had potential but fell short consistantly thru the entire thing. The main character was annoying and immature, and the story's abrupt ending left me wishing for all those days back i wasted on it.

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read...funny...I didn't even realize that this is a second book... Now that I read this and the book being only ok....no desire to read the first one... Anyway....not a complete waste of time but certainly not a re-read.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book! I found so many grammar and spelling mistakes that I barely could stand it! I wanted to take a pen and change it! The plot was stupid and the story was confusing in whose talking or whose thinking or speaking. Sarah Miller, I understand why I got this in the bargain section.

[Lisa-Jaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series, but I absolutely loved this one. It brought back all the characters from the first series and had quite a few little twists and turns. Its hard to say too much without providing spoilers, so I will just say I loved it.

[Kayla Douglas]

its a great book

[Nicholle Toribio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not done yet

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

..THIS WAS A GOOD BOOK BUT NOT INTRESTING
O

[Justine]

molly switches from gideons head to pilars than back and forth molly learns how it feels to be beautiful and keep an appearance for others while dealing with the brake-up with gid

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel to Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn, and it wasn't a disappointment.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the idea for this book. Pretty cool to actually read your bf's mind and your potential rival's.