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The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped
The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped is about a Los Angeles girl named Michelle Pena, who's a westside foster child, and a straight A student, as well as a record-smashing track star -- who also happens to come from gang royalty, as her mother, Reina, is a powerful gang leader in Montebello, and her brother, Samson, also ruled his own club. Moreover, Michelle was the girlfriend of the most talented warrior in the city, Silver Mendoza, who promised to always be there for her, and always protect her.
Michelle's destiny as a Montebello Princess, however, looked over when Reina and Samson both went to jail for robbery and drug crimes. Despite her love for Silver, she left the gang life, and didn't look back. She made a new life in Westchester, a tony suburb in L.A., with her foster dad, Frank Redman, and her new best friend, aspiring filmmaker Kiki Markson. Michelle was doing so well, in fact, that both she and Kiki were applying for scholarships to the best prep school in L.A., Yale Westview -- but then Michelle finds all her fine hopes derailed when she and Kiki get kidnapped by her brother's old gang, the Snakes, who bring them to a safehouse in Palm Desert; the Snakes are holding them as hostage for a drug debt that Samson still owes. The worst part is, Silver has transformed from her true love into a heartless soldier known as an "Ice Blood," or "Stone Cold;" now having joined the Snakes after the tragic deaths of his family members, he's the one who tracks down Michelle and brutally snatches her and Kiki from the safety of the westside. He warns her that terrible things will happen to them if Samson doesn't pay -- they could be killed, or sold to another, even more vile drug lord, "The Burner." Though Michelle can't believe how much Silver has changed, he explains that that's what you get when you abandon and betray a savage warrior who once loved you.
During her and Kiki's two day ordeal, Michelle begins slipping back into her old identity, to Kiki's horror: Soon, she's pickpocketing, picking locks, seducing boys, dirty dancing, fighting, stealing cars, and wielding a volcanic temper. But in the end, it's Michelle's amazing speed as a runner that may provide their best chance for an escape. Yet Michelle has to face hard questions in the midst of all this terror: How far is she willing to go to get out of this mess alive, and if she does go to her dark side to defend herself against her attackers, will she ever be able to return to her safe life with Frank? And -- perhaps most pressing of all -- after all he's done to her, and after all they've been through, does she still love Silver?
Michelle's destiny as a Montebello Princess, however, looked over when Reina and Samson both went to jail for robbery and drug crimes. Despite her love for Silver, she left the gang life, and didn't look back. She made a new life in Westchester, a tony suburb in L.A., with her foster dad, Frank Redman, and her new best friend, aspiring filmmaker Kiki Markson. Michelle was doing so well, in fact, that both she and Kiki were applying for scholarships to the best prep school in L.A., Yale Westview -- but then Michelle finds all her fine hopes derailed when she and Kiki get kidnapped by her brother's old gang, the Snakes, who bring them to a safehouse in Palm Desert; the Snakes are holding them as hostage for a drug debt that Samson still owes. The worst part is, Silver has transformed from her true love into a heartless soldier known as an "Ice Blood," or "Stone Cold;" now having joined the Snakes after the tragic deaths of his family members, he's the one who tracks down Michelle and brutally snatches her and Kiki from the safety of the westside. He warns her that terrible things will happen to them if Samson doesn't pay -- they could be killed, or sold to another, even more vile drug lord, "The Burner." Though Michelle can't believe how much Silver has changed, he explains that that's what you get when you abandon and betray a savage warrior who once loved you.
During her and Kiki's two day ordeal, Michelle begins slipping back into her old identity, to Kiki's horror: Soon, she's pickpocketing, picking locks, seducing boys, dirty dancing, fighting, stealing cars, and wielding a volcanic temper. But in the end, it's Michelle's amazing speed as a runner that may provide their best chance for an escape. Yet Michelle has to face hard questions in the midst of all this terror: How far is she willing to go to get out of this mess alive, and if she does go to her dark side to defend herself against her attackers, will she ever be able to return to her safe life with Frank? And -- perhaps most pressing of all -- after all he's done to her, and after all they've been through, does she still love Silver?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2010
6 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Yxta Maya Murray
27 books55 followersYxta Maya Murray is a professor at Loyola Law School.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 15, 2010
This book has one of the coolest covers ever. And the first half of the book is a gripping, page-turning adventure story. It's also a really clever twist on the "regular girl is really a princess" story.
Unfortunately, I just never believed in the main character. She shifts between academic decathlon/track star and gang princess too seamlessly to be completely credible. I just didn't believe in her as a real person.
As other readers have said, the ending feels like a cheat, as it doesn't clearly resolve what seems to me to be the central issue of the book.
I would read another book by this author, as she's clearly a talented storyteller, but this one is a miss.
Unfortunately, I just never believed in the main character. She shifts between academic decathlon/track star and gang princess too seamlessly to be completely credible. I just didn't believe in her as a real person.
As other readers have said, the ending feels like a cheat, as it doesn't clearly resolve what seems to me to be the central issue of the book.
I would read another book by this author, as she's clearly a talented storyteller, but this one is a miss.
February 14, 2010
This is a story about a gang princess and the choices that she has to make. Its a little different than other books out there that have similar outlines (love, power, family that is dead/in jail) and but its also similar because of those things too. She has to decide whether she wants to be with her love and rule the gang or go to prep school with her best friend Kiki and stay with Frank her foster dad. I thought it was a good story.
March 30, 2010
Maybe it's because southern California is really not somewhere I'd ever want to be. Or maybe it's because the whole thing would have been so much more realistic if Michelle had been a few years older. Or maybe it's because the slang was truly bizarre. For whatever reason, this book grated on me. I only finished it for the sake of doing a galley review, and I wouldn't reccomend it to most people. But it wasn't a total disaster- hence the two stars instead of one.
January 25, 2018
The main character, Michelle comes from a Latino background, and holds the title of a princess. Not your average princess of a kingdom who lives in a castle and gets everything she wants... but a princess of a gang. Her mom is the queen of the gang and even though she’s locked up in prison it doesn’t stop her from managing it from inside a cell. Michelle was put in a foster home when her mom got arrested with the hopes of a new chapter, such as getting a good education and becoming successful.All of this is risked when when she and her best friend, Kiki get kidnapped by the gang, the past she once tried to run and hide from, But there is no avoiding when your physically captured In the situation itself. Michelle has to find a way to save not only herself but her best friend who had not a single clue about Michelle’s involvement in the whole mess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2021
i don’t know why it’s rated so low it’s written so well the mc is relatable to most teenage girls that attend public school it’s interesting overall tho it put me in a slump i want to finish it one day bc it’s so good 😭
December 31, 2010
I'm torn over how I feel about the language in this book. On the one hand I appreciated all the slang because the entire book isn't in slang, it's understandable and lends an air of authenticity to the book. On the other hand, some of it is so laughably out-there. No offense to anyone who speaks that way but some of the phrases just seemed to be ridiculous (I wish I had examples but I already returned the book). I wish I knew if the language was authentic. I know Chicago slang can be a whole lot different than L.A. slang (or any other slang from Cali) so don't take my word for it. There was also some really random Latin and it just didn't fit with the story. I think the author was trying to show that even though Michelle/Princess P spoke 'ghetto' she was still educated. But I don't think readers would doubt that in the first place, you can be smart and still speak with slang. I also hated how melodramatic the book was. EVERYONE is ALWAYS crying. Ohmygosh. It was sooo frustrating. One minute the author was describing these 'hard gangstas' and the next these 'hard gangstas' are crying about something or other. I seriously couldn't believe that these 'thugs' who have no problem selling drugs and kidnapping would cry so much (especially Silver. Over and over we are told that all of his goodness is dead and yet he cries A LOT). But maybe that's just the cynic in me. To top it all off, the ending is a non-ending. I finished the book wondering what the whole point was since the ending was so open. I'm not sure if there's going to be a sequel, but there needs to be (although I'm not so sure I'd read it...).
I did like Michelle, she's the right mix of toughness and vulnerability. Plus I think her story is one that many can relate to, trying to stay true to your roots while still forming your own path. The story is quite original, I loved the twist on princesses, Michelle would be awesome as any type of royalty (not just as future Queen of the Snakes). I don't usually comment on this but I really liked that Kiki wasn't the 'sassy Black friend.' I know I've read other books where the Black main character isn't sassy but I can't recall many I've read in which the best friend is Black and NOT sassy, so I wanted to point that out here. Kiki is eccentric and realistic. While she seems wimpy to Michelle (not that Michelle ever comes out and says it), she handles the situation of being kidnapped in a reasonable manner. She freaks out at first but she calms down when she recognizes that her situation could be much worst (after all she's with her best friend who is royalty, very quick-witted and friendly with most of the members of the Snakes). Michelle's brother, King Samson (HA! I just got that reference. Wait, I think his name was Samson? Shoot) was annoying though The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped is an unconventional and suspenseful read. It's a page-turner, although I had to stop every so often to roll my eyes and wish all the Snakes would stop crying. It will be an eye-opening read for everyone if you're from south L.A. and know the lingo, there's probably still something about this book that will surprise you. The ending is certainly a surprise, mainly because it's so anti climatic. I really want to know how the vernacular checks out because it's easy to understand but can seem rather ridiculous. I also think the author was trying to hit us over the head with how amazing Michelle was. Beautiful, best runner in the state, a genius and oh yea, gangsta royalty who now has a loving foster parent. Even with all that Michelle is far from perfect and even though I had issues with the plot and dialogue, I wanted to follow Michelle for a little longer and that's why I finished the book.
I did like Michelle, she's the right mix of toughness and vulnerability. Plus I think her story is one that many can relate to, trying to stay true to your roots while still forming your own path. The story is quite original, I loved the twist on princesses, Michelle would be awesome as any type of royalty (not just as future Queen of the Snakes). I don't usually comment on this but I really liked that Kiki wasn't the 'sassy Black friend.' I know I've read other books where the Black main character isn't sassy but I can't recall many I've read in which the best friend is Black and NOT sassy, so I wanted to point that out here. Kiki is eccentric and realistic. While she seems wimpy to Michelle (not that Michelle ever comes out and says it), she handles the situation of being kidnapped in a reasonable manner. She freaks out at first but she calms down when she recognizes that her situation could be much worst (after all she's with her best friend who is royalty, very quick-witted and friendly with most of the members of the Snakes). Michelle's brother, King Samson (HA! I just got that reference. Wait, I think his name was Samson? Shoot) was annoying though The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped is an unconventional and suspenseful read. It's a page-turner, although I had to stop every so often to roll my eyes and wish all the Snakes would stop crying. It will be an eye-opening read for everyone if you're from south L.A. and know the lingo, there's probably still something about this book that will surprise you. The ending is certainly a surprise, mainly because it's so anti climatic. I really want to know how the vernacular checks out because it's easy to understand but can seem rather ridiculous. I also think the author was trying to hit us over the head with how amazing Michelle was. Beautiful, best runner in the state, a genius and oh yea, gangsta royalty who now has a loving foster parent. Even with all that Michelle is far from perfect and even though I had issues with the plot and dialogue, I wanted to follow Michelle for a little longer and that's why I finished the book.
March 8, 2010
3 1/2 stars. The main character, Michelle Pena or Princess P was born into a gang family - her mother head of the 99's & her brother head of the Snakes.
In her early teen years both mother and brother were jailed for various gang actives, leaving Michelle to feel she had to fend for herself upon entering the Foster Care system. Moving from home to home - finding out that there is more to life then gangs, Michelle turns to school and running with the track team.
While her and her best friend KiKi are both trying out for a scholarship to a prep school, people from Michelle's hidden past - members of the Snakes kidnap them both to hold them for ransom.
Michelle and KiKi need to make some hard choices while being held to survive, leaving many questions as to which road they would choose to take. The decisions in my mind were often hard but written well in the fact that they showed the reader that not all choices in life are the right ones and not everyone will agree with what might be right for you. However, I did feel that if Michelle did indeed want a better life, some of her choices should have been a little harder to make, maybe taken a little more thought.
I felt the ending was a tad rushed - the last few pages were somewhat confusing. The main character makes promises to do one thing, but I felt there was never a clear choice made. If this is the type of ending the author was going for, then it worked well in leaving the reader questioning things. I just felt that the characters and reader needed more closure then was given. Overall it was a interesting story that kept me entertained in a world that I can say I knew nothing about. Future readers enjoy!
For more info and reviews please visit my Book Review Blog here - A Life Bound By Books
In her early teen years both mother and brother were jailed for various gang actives, leaving Michelle to feel she had to fend for herself upon entering the Foster Care system. Moving from home to home - finding out that there is more to life then gangs, Michelle turns to school and running with the track team.
While her and her best friend KiKi are both trying out for a scholarship to a prep school, people from Michelle's hidden past - members of the Snakes kidnap them both to hold them for ransom.
Michelle and KiKi need to make some hard choices while being held to survive, leaving many questions as to which road they would choose to take. The decisions in my mind were often hard but written well in the fact that they showed the reader that not all choices in life are the right ones and not everyone will agree with what might be right for you. However, I did feel that if Michelle did indeed want a better life, some of her choices should have been a little harder to make, maybe taken a little more thought.
I felt the ending was a tad rushed - the last few pages were somewhat confusing. The main character makes promises to do one thing, but I felt there was never a clear choice made. If this is the type of ending the author was going for, then it worked well in leaving the reader questioning things. I just felt that the characters and reader needed more closure then was given. Overall it was a interesting story that kept me entertained in a world that I can say I knew nothing about. Future readers enjoy!
For more info and reviews please visit my Book Review Blog here - A Life Bound By Books
March 29, 2017
I have to say that The Good Girl's Guide To Getting Kidnapped is unlike anything I have read before. That is both parts good and bad. It's a very unique story and well-written but I'm kind of mixed in my feelings for it.
The Good Girl's Guide To Getting Kidnapped is the story of Michelle Pena, former gang princess of Montebello. Her life seems to be looking up until she and her best friend, Kiki, are kidnapped and held for ransom. Things get real crazy, real quick and Michelle has to make a decision. Will she give up everything she has ever known and the one boy she has ever loved to go back to her normal life or will she choose to be Princess P?
The good thing about the book was that it kept me hooked. There was always something going on which made the book really easy to read. Also, Yxta Maya Murray kept me guessing until the very end about what path Michelle might choose.
The things that I didn't like about the book weren't that major but they do kind of nag at me. The ending seemed pretty open. It's like the author doesn't know if she wants to write a sequel so she left it like that so if she wants to in the future, she can. Also, the slang was a little trying. The way Michelle talked to the other gang members got on my nerves after a while. I know it goes with the story but it was a little bit forced, it didn't come natural to Michelle. It was like she was trying too hard to impress the boys.
Overall, The Good Girl's Guide To Getting Kidnapped was entertaining, if nothing else. It's a good book if you are just looking for something that doesn't require a ton of thinking. In the end, I would recommend it!
The Good Girl's Guide To Getting Kidnapped is the story of Michelle Pena, former gang princess of Montebello. Her life seems to be looking up until she and her best friend, Kiki, are kidnapped and held for ransom. Things get real crazy, real quick and Michelle has to make a decision. Will she give up everything she has ever known and the one boy she has ever loved to go back to her normal life or will she choose to be Princess P?
The good thing about the book was that it kept me hooked. There was always something going on which made the book really easy to read. Also, Yxta Maya Murray kept me guessing until the very end about what path Michelle might choose.
The things that I didn't like about the book weren't that major but they do kind of nag at me. The ending seemed pretty open. It's like the author doesn't know if she wants to write a sequel so she left it like that so if she wants to in the future, she can. Also, the slang was a little trying. The way Michelle talked to the other gang members got on my nerves after a while. I know it goes with the story but it was a little bit forced, it didn't come natural to Michelle. It was like she was trying too hard to impress the boys.
Overall, The Good Girl's Guide To Getting Kidnapped was entertaining, if nothing else. It's a good book if you are just looking for something that doesn't require a ton of thinking. In the end, I would recommend it!
May 7, 2010
Take a latino gang princess (her mom is the Queen, still in charge of the gang from prison) away from her gang ties, put her in a good foster home and give her a shot at a great education - what do you get? Well, "who do you get?" is really more the question at the crux of this gritty novel.
I was totally hooked by the main character Michelle. She, and a friend from her new school, are kidnapped by her former gang "family." Michelle has to find a way to save herself and Kiki, who doesn't know a thing about gang life or Michelle's past. This is an urban survival thriller on one level - and it's great at that. On another, it stabs right at the identity of Michelle, tearing apart her life - the old and the new.
To be honest, from my point of view as an adult who has never lived in a world like Michelle's, I kept wanting to scream at her for some of the choices I saw her making. They seemed stupidly insane. But the book is good enough to help any reader understand how she can end up making the decisions she does even if they seem deplorable.
A bit of "deus ex machina" (boy I hope I spelled that right) at the end forces Michelle to look at what she really wants from life. To my frustration, she doesn't make a choice, but rather wants it all. The desire is understandable, but the ending as written felt abrupt. Too much so.
So once again I'm left with a book that screams for a sequel. And I'd really like to watch Michelle grow and make better choices. I'm just afraid, given what I saw so far, that she might dig herself in deeper. I'm not sure I could bear to watch that.
I was totally hooked by the main character Michelle. She, and a friend from her new school, are kidnapped by her former gang "family." Michelle has to find a way to save herself and Kiki, who doesn't know a thing about gang life or Michelle's past. This is an urban survival thriller on one level - and it's great at that. On another, it stabs right at the identity of Michelle, tearing apart her life - the old and the new.
To be honest, from my point of view as an adult who has never lived in a world like Michelle's, I kept wanting to scream at her for some of the choices I saw her making. They seemed stupidly insane. But the book is good enough to help any reader understand how she can end up making the decisions she does even if they seem deplorable.
A bit of "deus ex machina" (boy I hope I spelled that right) at the end forces Michelle to look at what she really wants from life. To my frustration, she doesn't make a choice, but rather wants it all. The desire is understandable, but the ending as written felt abrupt. Too much so.
So once again I'm left with a book that screams for a sequel. And I'd really like to watch Michelle grow and make better choices. I'm just afraid, given what I saw so far, that she might dig herself in deeper. I'm not sure I could bear to watch that.
March 24, 2010
I took the summary from Amazon because the summary from Goodreads was way too comprehensive and practically gave everything away.
Anyway, the plot itself is filled with excitement, action and suspense. I loved how Mish or "Princess P" was able to revert back to her old self just to save her best friend, Kiki. She basically burdened herself and took it upon herself to save her friend who had absolutely nothing to do with the situation and who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She was a strong character and very well-written. She had the strength and the courage to stand up against her old pals, the Snakes. Kiki, on the other hand, was the typical damsel-in-distress. At first, she whimpered and freaked out at practically everything. I mean, it was surprising but it was a tad overdone. Though, I have to admit, she overcame her fear and managed to stand strong with Princess P at the end.
Silver, the good guy at childhood turned bad when "betrayed" by Princess P, is a mysterious character. There were times when I wasn't sure what was going on in his head and was surprised with the way he acted. How could a guy who was so in love with P end up kidnapping her and her friend?
The writing style is a bit rough though - filled with a ghetto style that I wasn't really familiar with. It definitely took a while for me to get used to it but once I did, I was pretty glad that I did.
Overall, The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped is a fresh book that will open your eyes for sure.
Anyway, the plot itself is filled with excitement, action and suspense. I loved how Mish or "Princess P" was able to revert back to her old self just to save her best friend, Kiki. She basically burdened herself and took it upon herself to save her friend who had absolutely nothing to do with the situation and who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She was a strong character and very well-written. She had the strength and the courage to stand up against her old pals, the Snakes. Kiki, on the other hand, was the typical damsel-in-distress. At first, she whimpered and freaked out at practically everything. I mean, it was surprising but it was a tad overdone. Though, I have to admit, she overcame her fear and managed to stand strong with Princess P at the end.
Silver, the good guy at childhood turned bad when "betrayed" by Princess P, is a mysterious character. There were times when I wasn't sure what was going on in his head and was surprised with the way he acted. How could a guy who was so in love with P end up kidnapping her and her friend?
The writing style is a bit rough though - filled with a ghetto style that I wasn't really familiar with. It definitely took a while for me to get used to it but once I did, I was pretty glad that I did.
Overall, The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped is a fresh book that will open your eyes for sure.
December 9, 2009
In all honesty, I wasn't sure I was going to finish this book. All the ghetto talk, slang words scared me a little and the whole gang scene was so Discover / History channel but as I flip through the pages it was a really interesting read.
Michelle Pena was also known as Princess P (from the gang that she was born in back in Montebello), she tried to get away from them, for 2 years she was successful until her past finally catches up with her. She was doing so good. Got a best friend name Kiki, an aspiring film director. A Foster dad named Frank, a Bone Cancer Doctor and totally gay (I love him) and she's on her way to her dreams. Track Champ and she qualified for a scholarship called the Martin Luther King at the Y-Dub. But then the "Snakes" showed up - Lalo, Tha Force, Game, Midget, Earner? and her former boyfriend Silver lead by the despicable Dragon. Michelle and her best friend Kiki got kidnapped and was taken in a safe house by Palm Desert, they are keeping them as a hostage until King (her brother) tell them where the blood money is. I am glad that her mother is in jail she is terrible yet I kind of understand her need to toughen up Michelle to stay alive. But her logic? I will never understand it.
It was a whole new take to YA urban fiction. Fresh, suspenseful, unique and an eye opner. The ending left you hanging though, will there be a sequel or did Murray leave it like that for the readers to make up the conclusion themselves? I recommend this book to 15 year old and up. Warning some languages might not be appropriate, PG is advised.
Michelle Pena was also known as Princess P (from the gang that she was born in back in Montebello), she tried to get away from them, for 2 years she was successful until her past finally catches up with her. She was doing so good. Got a best friend name Kiki, an aspiring film director. A Foster dad named Frank, a Bone Cancer Doctor and totally gay (I love him) and she's on her way to her dreams. Track Champ and she qualified for a scholarship called the Martin Luther King at the Y-Dub. But then the "Snakes" showed up - Lalo, Tha Force, Game, Midget, Earner? and her former boyfriend Silver lead by the despicable Dragon. Michelle and her best friend Kiki got kidnapped and was taken in a safe house by Palm Desert, they are keeping them as a hostage until King (her brother) tell them where the blood money is. I am glad that her mother is in jail she is terrible yet I kind of understand her need to toughen up Michelle to stay alive. But her logic? I will never understand it.
It was a whole new take to YA urban fiction. Fresh, suspenseful, unique and an eye opner. The ending left you hanging though, will there be a sequel or did Murray leave it like that for the readers to make up the conclusion themselves? I recommend this book to 15 year old and up. Warning some languages might not be appropriate, PG is advised.
March 3, 2011
I'm really torn on my rating for "Good Girl's." On the one hand, I definitely tore through it. On the other, the characters seemed so incredibly unrealistic. That said, I'm a white girl raised in the Bay Area - my judgment of how real gang behavior is is quite obviously flawed.
Two things really brought down my rating (SPOILERS AHOY):
1) The characterization of the gay father, which I found to be straight up offensive. Frank is the gay equivalent of a minstrel show in this book, and I'm really shocked that the author would write him this way.
2) The ending. It's not that it was ambiguous, because I don't mind an ambiguous end. The problem for me is that we've gone on a journey with a very strong female protagonist, and then the author tells us that she's not strong enough to pull herself out of a life she knows is dangerous and deadly. It's a very sad end to the character, and I felt like her strength of character deserved better than just "Oh, I love this guy, so I can't escape this life." I realize books can't all be messages, but I did feel like the message to girls reading this is that no matter how strong they are, they're weak when it comes to love. And, you know, fuck that noise.
I would, at the very least, read Murray again because she is a compelling writer. That said, another gay character like Frank would put her on the perma do-not-read list.
Two things really brought down my rating (SPOILERS AHOY):
1) The characterization of the gay father, which I found to be straight up offensive. Frank is the gay equivalent of a minstrel show in this book, and I'm really shocked that the author would write him this way.
2) The ending. It's not that it was ambiguous, because I don't mind an ambiguous end. The problem for me is that we've gone on a journey with a very strong female protagonist, and then the author tells us that she's not strong enough to pull herself out of a life she knows is dangerous and deadly. It's a very sad end to the character, and I felt like her strength of character deserved better than just "Oh, I love this guy, so I can't escape this life." I realize books can't all be messages, but I did feel like the message to girls reading this is that no matter how strong they are, they're weak when it comes to love. And, you know, fuck that noise.
I would, at the very least, read Murray again because she is a compelling writer. That said, another gay character like Frank would put her on the perma do-not-read list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2012
Reviewed by JenJen for TeensReadToo.com
Michelle has finally got her life on track and has a wonderful opportunity to get into a nice private school. She gets awesome grades and is even a great athlete. She has a terrific foster father and a super-duper best friend, Kiki - but she also has a past that refuses to let her go.
I loved this book, which is a pleasant surprise because I didn't think I would! Ms. Murray really has done a great job with the language and settings for this. I was sucked in with the first page, just like a Hoover vacuum in a sandpile!
There were times that I felt I was in the story, maybe even Michelle herself! It was just such a kick-butt book with lots of action and I really felt for Michelle. She was really struggling inside, even amid all the danger she and Kiki were in, just trying to figure out where she really belonged.
The ending, however, left me with mixed feelings because it doesn't really end. It just sort of comes to a point and leaves it up to you to decide what you think happens next. I feel like it was left this way maybe because there is going to be a sequel. At least I hope so, anyhow, because it was so good!
Michelle has finally got her life on track and has a wonderful opportunity to get into a nice private school. She gets awesome grades and is even a great athlete. She has a terrific foster father and a super-duper best friend, Kiki - but she also has a past that refuses to let her go.
I loved this book, which is a pleasant surprise because I didn't think I would! Ms. Murray really has done a great job with the language and settings for this. I was sucked in with the first page, just like a Hoover vacuum in a sandpile!
There were times that I felt I was in the story, maybe even Michelle herself! It was just such a kick-butt book with lots of action and I really felt for Michelle. She was really struggling inside, even amid all the danger she and Kiki were in, just trying to figure out where she really belonged.
The ending, however, left me with mixed feelings because it doesn't really end. It just sort of comes to a point and leaves it up to you to decide what you think happens next. I feel like it was left this way maybe because there is going to be a sequel. At least I hope so, anyhow, because it was so good!
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December 27, 2009Hi everyone, this is Yxta Maya Murray!
I'm loving reading these wonderful reviews of THE GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED, thank you so much for posting them! People seem to be mentioning the end in most of the reviews -- is it that mysterious? Michelle is doing something very specific at the end of the book; I will send a signed copy of the novel and a little painting (a hobby of mine) to the first person who writes me a cool interpretion of the ending. Email me at yxta.murray@lls.edu, and I'll post your answer on goodreads (without spoilers -- I know, that'll be tricky!) as well as on my web page, thegoodgirlsguidetogettingkidnapped.com. Thanks so much! Take care and happy reading, Yxta
I'm loving reading these wonderful reviews of THE GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED, thank you so much for posting them! People seem to be mentioning the end in most of the reviews -- is it that mysterious? Michelle is doing something very specific at the end of the book; I will send a signed copy of the novel and a little painting (a hobby of mine) to the first person who writes me a cool interpretion of the ending. Email me at yxta.murray@lls.edu, and I'll post your answer on goodreads (without spoilers -- I know, that'll be tricky!) as well as on my web page, thegoodgirlsguidetogettingkidnapped.com. Thanks so much! Take care and happy reading, Yxta
May 7, 2010
Michelle used to be known as Princess P, the daughter of a gang king and queen, destined to lead the Snake Brothers one day. But her father is dead, her mother's in jail, and she has started a new life as a track star and successful student. Until some of the boyz find her and kidnap her and her best friend, Kiki, as leverage. Now she must choose between the good girl she wants to be, and the bad girl she was born to be.
I had trust issues with this book, and it was probably just me. It's written heavily in South L.A. Hispanic street slang, and it might be completely authentic. Or not. I'm from Minnesota, how should I know? And not knowing really bothered me for some reason.
I had trust issues with this book, and it was probably just me. It's written heavily in South L.A. Hispanic street slang, and it might be completely authentic. Or not. I'm from Minnesota, how should I know? And not knowing really bothered me for some reason.
June 6, 2010
The cartoonish cover doesn't really go with the story inside. Teen readers were much more drawn in to the cover on Locas by the same author. It does however, reflect the story in which Michelle Pena has hidden her true past as the daughter of a notorious gang leader, Reina Pena. Michelle discovers that she cannot escape her past when she is kidnapped to be used against her mother and brother. Michelle must become the gang princess she didn't want to be in order to save herself and her best friend Kiki from being at the center of a deadly gang war between the Snakes and the Diegos.
July 12, 2010
Michelle Pena is the princess to a gang. After her brother and mother get busted and end up in jail she turns her back on the world of crime and to be the best she can be. Everything she wants is happening, that is until she and her best friend Kiki are kidnapped. Former members of her gang take her as ransom, so her brother will tell them where the drug money is from he night he got caught. Now she has to use her wit and gang savvy to get her and Kiki out before they get killed.
I didn't relate much to the theme of the book, but I thought it was good nonetheless.
I didn't relate much to the theme of the book, but I thought it was good nonetheless.
March 14, 2013
if you like dangerous stories and you like haring how they end wether they live or die well this book is for you a good girl or at least you will think she is a good girl had a life that she left when her mom went to prison has gotten kidnapped by her old life which did her wrong and hurt her she was the most interesting girl who want to get nto a collage so if you want to find out what happened to her when she got kidnapped you better go find the book...........
P.S
this book will catch your eye and it was keeping me interested
P.S
this book will catch your eye and it was keeping me interested
November 22, 2011
Michelle is fast, really fast, all American high school fast. She has a foster father who is taking good care of her. Michelle and her best friend Kiki both have a real shot at getting into a very fancy private school on full scholarships. But her past is going to interrupt those plans. She’s also Princess M, next in line to lead The Snakes. She has to decide what world she will live in.
December 7, 2009
A fresher take for teen urban fiction. It is well written and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it has a non-ending. I'm not sure if Murray is hoping for a franchise and this book is the first of it, but I was certainly disappointed with the way she left this book.
October 12, 2010
I wish there was a little more closure at the end of the book. However, I appreciated Michelle's dilemma and loved how strong and resourceful she is. Not as good as I was expecting (a friend recommended it), but still a good book (which is why the three more stars)
April 29, 2010
This book took me by surprise, I honestly wasn't sure if I would like it. Turns out, I loved it.
May 10, 2010
It's such a refreshing read because it's written very... differently. I loved it; it kept my adrenaline pumping.
June 25, 2010
REALLY GOOD!!!! i really enjoyed how they showed how girls can be tough! two thumbs up!!! =D =D 'star' 'star'
June 3, 2013
good and fun book
but in the end it does have u thinking like,
so does she choose the ganster way of life or does she go to yale?
i liked games character
but in the end it does have u thinking like,
so does she choose the ganster way of life or does she go to yale?
i liked games character
October 13, 2019
Awesome book. I want to read it again.
November 27, 2016
This book is excellent
April 7, 2010
I liked this book, but parts of it were slow.
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