Cinderella Geek

by K. Sean Jennkrist

Sixteen and a geek. Delores Chimayo wants to cross over to the other side. Pretty, popular, and a social success is everything she's not. And now she has a plan, ten steps to gain stardom and erase geekdom. But even the best made plans can take some disastrous turns and come out in a way never expected. Maybe that's because she has a few working against her. A stepmom, who Delores secretly calls Cruella, seems to criticize her every move; a sister, Eileen, a preppy cheerleader who at thirteen has already had four boyfriends; and Sheila Thompson, the queen of snobs. She will stop at nothing to gain popularity, and that includes stomping out the competition like Delores. Adding to outside distractions is her home life that's far from idyllic. Delores' dad is doing rescue work thousands of miles away in Ecuador. Her mother passed away when Delores was only twelve. That leaves Grandma Jordan and Aunt Gloria in her corner. They serve up plenty of support. Somehow, with friends like Trey, Lucy, and Penelope, Delores manages to work through her plan, tweaking and adjusting details along the way. Venturing on the other side doesn't turn out to be as sweet a victory as Delores might have guessed, but there are attractive points. Like Griffin Montgomery, the hottie who every girl, including Sheila, would love to have as a boyfriend. It's a duel between the geeks and the populars. Eventually, Delores has to decide what is important enough to fight for and manage to find a happily-ever-after ending in Cinderella Geek, a modern-day fairy tale for teens.

Genres: Young Adult, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Contemporary

222 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2011

Reviews

[Gabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars


This is one of those pleasant surprise kind of books. I'll be completely honest and say that I wasn't expecting too much from this book; if it wasn't for the fact that the word 'Cinderella' is in the cover, and I love retellings, I would have bypassed this book all together. But I didn't, and I am SO GLAD for that!

Cinderella Geek is a bit of a fluffy story, but it's a good, enjoyable kind of fluff. Delores is tired of her geeky image; she decides to get a complete makeover. Things go awry, and she must deal with her new enemy, Sheila.

One thing I liked about this book was simply that it was a Contemporary retelling. I've always loved retellings, but lately I've been getting bored of them. However, I still really like retellings that take place in modern day. So, score one for Cinderella Geek.

I also loved Delores. I was able to connect with her, and I didn't find her to be a Mary Sue, or even simply boring. She was a solid main character.

Thirdly...the ending was sweet and kind of 'awww' worthy. Happily ever after, but not unbelievably happily ever after. I liked it a lot.

Now, the reason and one reason only that I took off half a star...note that I didn't mark spoilers, because everything I'm about to tell you is pretty much mentioned in the blurb.

Delores' transformation and becoming BFFs with the in-crowd both begins and ends veeery quickly. I felt that even if Delores did know Griffin, it should have taken a bit more time for her and the Sheila clique to become friends. And once they do, it doesn't take long for them to break up. I think this part needs to be a teeny bit more stretched out.

Also, just a side note; I think this book needs a new cover. It's not very eye-catching, and it almost made me not get this book. I'm not saying that's why I'm taking off a half star, because it's not, but I thought I should say that.

Other than that, it was a great read. Cinderella Geek is a cute, fun story that you won't want to put down!

[Jo Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book; I thought it was a very cute story, and even though it was supposed to be based on the whole "Cinderella" storyline, I found it to be very different. Delores "Deedee" Chimayo is known for being shy and very unpopular, so she comes up with a plan to make herself more popular. She lists ten different steps that she wants to complete, and she does not allow herself to skip any steps. When her list goes awry, goes back to being her new old self. I was actually rooting for Delores the entire time I was reading the book; I felt sorry that her step-mother was always on her case, her sister was younger than her and technically more popular than her. I loved the fact that her grandmother and her aunt were always by her side; her father was there for her too, but about as close as someone can be for you while they are working in Ecuador. Even though this book was great, I kind of wished there was more to the ending; one of the major shockers in the story (which I will not reveal), I wished Jennkrist would've touched on more.

[Krystyna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was easy to read.
I gave it 2 stars because it kept my attention, but the 'voice' of the Delores sounded... faked, like the high-pitched whine of someone trying to sound like a 6th grader. It was annoying.
Deedee, even while doling out "don't-be-superficial-it'll-get-you-nowhere" words and feelings, seemed immensely superficial. She took on that "I say I don't care, but I really do, and you know it," persona. I didn't like her.

I can see how middle school girls would like this book, but for anyone older than freshman year of high school, I don't recommend it.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was good that I didn't expect anything, otherwise I might've been disappointed.
The story reminds me of a weird-written-down teenage movie mix. Most of the characters
were strange, Delores even highly unlikeable. The way everything came to an end was no
more than rushed as if even the author wanted to get this story finished and done with.
For those who want a quick story without any quirks. Here you are, enjoy.
I certainly didn't.

[A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with great, realistic leading characters and enemies I loved to hate. Lots of deep themes going on as well ‐family, dealing with life after the death of a parent, true friendship versus facades, and so on. I was a bit disappointed in the guy she finally got in the end, though. Delores could do better...

[Jodie Downes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book I'll be recommending to my daughter she she reaches teenage age!