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The Popularity Project
High school junior Ariella Winters has raised the position of nerd to an art form. Raking in the straight A’s, she couldn’t be happier. Sure, her social skills are lacking a bit, but who needs that stuff anyway? When you’re smart and dedicated, life is pretty perfect.
That is, until a school project brings her worst nightmare to life. As part of a revolutionary social experiment, Ariella is thrown into a new school and given a new look that’s totally not her. To ace this project, she needs to spend the next six months trying to fit in. But that’s not even the worst part. As part of the assignment, she has to befriend her worst enemies—the popular crew, with their designer fashions and insincere emotions. The ones who would never give Ariella a second glance, except to mock and ridicule her.
Enter Ashton Walker, the boy every girl wants to date. He’s the soccer star, the heartthrob who doesn’t fall in love—the one who could ruin Ariella’s plans. He’s got every girl falling at his feet which is just one out of the infinite reasons Ariella doesn’t need to get wrapped up in his life. Then again, there’s something he’s hiding, something that’s drawing Ariella in. Now she’s left questioning everything she’s ever believed in for a boy that she never should’ve met in the first place.
That is, until a school project brings her worst nightmare to life. As part of a revolutionary social experiment, Ariella is thrown into a new school and given a new look that’s totally not her. To ace this project, she needs to spend the next six months trying to fit in. But that’s not even the worst part. As part of the assignment, she has to befriend her worst enemies—the popular crew, with their designer fashions and insincere emotions. The ones who would never give Ariella a second glance, except to mock and ridicule her.
Enter Ashton Walker, the boy every girl wants to date. He’s the soccer star, the heartthrob who doesn’t fall in love—the one who could ruin Ariella’s plans. He’s got every girl falling at his feet which is just one out of the infinite reasons Ariella doesn’t need to get wrapped up in his life. Then again, there’s something he’s hiding, something that’s drawing Ariella in. Now she’s left questioning everything she’s ever believed in for a boy that she never should’ve met in the first place.
344 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2015
5 people are currently reading
3113 people want to read
About the author
Joddie Zeng
1 book148 followersReader. Writer. Cat fanatic. Husky lover. Crime show enthusiast.
Joddie Zeng writes about strong, witty girls who aren’t necessarily scouring for their other halves and the men that steal their hearts anyway.
If you would like an ebook in exchange for a review, email me at joddie.zeng@hotmail.com
Joddie Zeng writes about strong, witty girls who aren’t necessarily scouring for their other halves and the men that steal their hearts anyway.
If you would like an ebook in exchange for a review, email me at joddie.zeng@hotmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 20, 2015
ღღღTHE POPULARITY PROJECT IS LIVEღღღ
One Click on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00XDKCLK6
Also available on B&N, IBooks, Kobo, and Scribd!
The Popularity Project is a Contemporary YA Romance that's perfect for those days when you want a laugh and a chance to escape the world.
Ariel and Ashton have managed to snatch a little piece of my heart and I've absolutely adored bringing their story into the world.
One Click on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00XDKCLK6
Also available on B&N, IBooks, Kobo, and Scribd!
The Popularity Project is a Contemporary YA Romance that's perfect for those days when you want a laugh and a chance to escape the world.
Ariel and Ashton have managed to snatch a little piece of my heart and I've absolutely adored bringing their story into the world.
March 15, 2016
I recieved 'the popularity project' from goodreads in a giveaway (for free). It's an absolutely stunning and hilarious read! I enjoyed it throughout, not once was I bored of it. A 5 star worthy book. It's the type of YA romance that provides you with an alternative pathway to escape reality for a while and live in a world where things are so much more positive, funny and just heartwarming, it had the perfect amount of romance-not cheesy but heartwarming. It intiguiged me from the very start to the very end of the book and the only reason it took me longer than usual to Finnish this book was because I have my exams coming up in like 3 days or so and had to study but otherwise this is the type of book that keeps you up at night to "read just one more chapter" to finnish off, I'll say that the book has a lovely cover. There's so much more to say but I have to go study now. In the end I'd like to say, Hats off to joddie!
January 11, 2016
One of my biggest pet peeves is whiny heroines who turn into leeches the second they enter relationships. It's incredibly refreshing to see a girl who sets goals and works towards them rather than wasting years hoping to find her soulmate.
The Popularity Project is 17 year old Ariella Winters' story as she is thrown into this completely new situation and is forced to befriend the people she's avoided all her life. Ariel is a girl who's always had a plan, the end result being an acceptance letter to Columbia. But one day, everything changes and now she's going to a new school for six months and turning into a popular girl.
Ariel is such a fun character and honestly, I laughed a whole lot more than I expected to.
Don't even get me started on Ashton. Can you say "I-love-him-so-flipping-much-even-though-he-might've-broken-my-heart-a-little-bit?" I fully planned on hating Ashton when he'd first been introduced and having him ruin the story for me but wow was I wrong. He has definitely worked his way onto my list of amazing-awesome-sweet-adorable-swoony-sexy book boyfriends. Ashton and Ariel's relationship is everything me as well as most people hope first love will be. Hilarious moments, goofy jokes, and hot kisses.
If you're looking for a heartbreaking, earth-shattering novel that's thrillingly gripping and suspenseful, this isn't the book that'll ease those cravings. But it is a hilarious, makes-my-entire-body-tingle read(with more depth than you expect) that leaves you with a floating-in-the-clouds feeling after and I enjoyed every second of it.
"A seventeen year old who knows what she wants to do with her life? Shocker, isn’t it?"
The Popularity Project is 17 year old Ariella Winters' story as she is thrown into this completely new situation and is forced to befriend the people she's avoided all her life. Ariel is a girl who's always had a plan, the end result being an acceptance letter to Columbia. But one day, everything changes and now she's going to a new school for six months and turning into a popular girl.
Ariel is such a fun character and honestly, I laughed a whole lot more than I expected to.
"I never really understood crushes, considering that the last time I had a crush was in third grade. And that was debatable, since the only reason the crush developed in the first place was because a boy, whose name I couldn’t remember, lent me a marker, and I thought he was the sweetest person on the planet. All I really remembered about that time was that I could’ve sworn I was in love. Of course, at the time, I was also picturing how we would get married on a boat and then adopt some dolphins so I could fulfill my everlasting dream of becoming a dolphin trainer."
Don't even get me started on Ashton. Can you say "I-love-him-so-flipping-much-even-though-he-might've-broken-my-heart-a-little-bit?" I fully planned on hating Ashton when he'd first been introduced and having him ruin the story for me but wow was I wrong. He has definitely worked his way onto my list of amazing-awesome-sweet-adorable-swoony-sexy book boyfriends. Ashton and Ariel's relationship is everything me as well as most people hope first love will be. Hilarious moments, goofy jokes, and hot kisses.
“Your tactics are going to come back and haunt you when I sneak into your room at night—”
“Why’s that bad? Pretty sure that’d be a prize.”
“— and dye all your clothes neon yellow,” I said a whole lot less audibly.
“And I would rock it with pride.”
If you're looking for a heartbreaking, earth-shattering novel that's thrillingly gripping and suspenseful, this isn't the book that'll ease those cravings. But it is a hilarious, makes-my-entire-body-tingle read(with more depth than you expect) that leaves you with a floating-in-the-clouds feeling after and I enjoyed every second of it.
"I was officially falling for Ashton Walker, and it was catastrophic— with a pinch of electrifying."
May 29, 2015
The story intrigues the reader from the very start, not allowing readers to put the book down. The Popularity Project follows 17 year old Ariel as she takes on a project to recreate herself at a different school. Zeng creates many humorous yet simultaneously tragic situations for each of the characters. Reader will be kept at the end of their seats as they are transported into this dynamic world.
October 3, 2016
This book was amazing, it was so worth the time I spent in social solitude trying to finish it. It was a cutesy read, and i really loved it. WHOEVER IS READING THIS SHOULD READ THIS BOOK, IT WILL BE WORTH YOUR TIME.
June 13, 2016
Reading this was very enjoyable and I loved all of the characters. Seeing them all interact was interesting; their relationship's were portrayed well too. Also all the fangirling that went on while reading- PHEW ><
October 4, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! I got so hooked that I spent an entire day just laying in my room reading it. I thought it was very clever and unique! I would definitely recommend it :)
October 10, 2016
I started writing at 13. Or maybe it was 12. All I know was that it was in eighth grade - and I thought I was the best thing ever. I wrote my first book in a matter of a few days, and to quote Mr. Trump, it was beautiful. Everyone loved it...or maybe they were just being really, really nice at the time. Because when a few years later, I went back and looked at it? It sucked - hardcore. I had 23 main characters, the narration would shift continuously, and there were names like Hero and November. I seriously don't even know what to do with that.
So when I saw that the writer of this book was only 14 when she wrote it, I panicked and had flashbacks back to this horrid book in my life. Would she create a monster like I did?
The answer is no - because Ms. Joddie Zeng rocked it. To write this kind of book at age 14? We should be expecting some major things from her, because she can only get better from here. And to tell the truth, there really isn't much to get better from with her very good writing style.
I did have some ups and down with this book. I decided to read Crooked Kingdom - high fantasy book set in alternative Russia with questionable moral characters - before this, so it was hard to get back into a cute contemp set in modern day with adorable, cheesy goodness. So it started off a bit rough for me, but once I got into it, I really got into it. It was a quick read and there was a really nice flow which was helped by Joddie's readable writing style.
I liked all the characters for the most part. Even the side characters had so much life to them, which was a real treat. At first, I was worried because I felt Ariella was too judgy, but to be honest, she reminded me of myself a bit. I had a really hipster phase in my youth where I judged the popular crew and mainstream stuff just because they stood for something that my hipster self didn't agree with. I liked that she became less judgey throughout and to be truthful, she reminded me of people I know so I felt it was very realistic.
I loved Flora and Elliot. They were both so realistic, and I totally shipped them hardcore. I wouldn't have minded reading their story as well. XD I also loved Elliot's creepiness for a hot second and then turned out to be one of the best characters in the book. Flora was also great, and I did appreciate the friendship that her and Ariella had. They really seemed to care for one another, and they were kind of offbeat, which worked.
I did have some major issues with Ashton at first. I felt he was wayyyyyy too pushy, and I had to keep looking at the back of the book to make sure he was supposed to be the love interest. A few more chapters in and I was more into him as the love interest, but I still was a little hesitant about him. When he tried to force a kiss between him and Ariella, like, on her first day of meeting her? I thought it was totally creepy and it put me off. Once we got to know him better, I did like him, and I did ship him with Ariella. I just wish that first beginning was addressed a bit better. You could see really well how he did change, and I think that shows Ms. Zeng's ability to form good characterization. She gave a very authentic voice to her characters.
I did like the plot. I mean, walking into this, you know it's going to have the cliche, romance plot and not much else. But I liked the growth that the author provided for the characters and I thought the whole concept with the project was a very unique spin. I liked that little extra twist, and it was the reason for the whole delicious angst at the end (I love me some angst and she gave it so good in the last few chapters).
Can we also talk about how adorable the format was? I loved all the little stars that began each chapter. They were so cute and I loved how it tied back into Ariella's hobby. And look at that! A YA heroine who has a hobby! Can we all take a second and cheer for that?
The only real big issue that I had with this novel was some of the characterization of the other girls in the novel and I suppose you can say shaming. There was a lot of good female characterization in this book - Flora's and Ariella's friendship was great and they never put down one another in a mean way or ditched each other for a guy or anyone else. However, there still was a lot of shaming, and it caused me to put down the book a few times. The whole part in the pizzeria? Where she totally hated on the waitress for no reason? It was so unrealistic that the waitress would even be mad at them in the first place let alone be checking out the guys, and then for the girls to critique her on her life choices? I know I read way too much into that, but I think just seeing it so much in other YA books just made it blow for me. It also happened again with Tara, and she got no other characterization other than dumb, cheerleader slut mean girl. I just wanted something a little more and a lot less shaming. This was the reason I knocked off a star.
Other than that reason, I really did enjoy this book. Joddie Zeng may have only been 14 when she wrote this, but she seemed a heck of a lot older. This a professionally written and crafted book and if you have any qualms because of her age, dash them. She created an interesting plot, finely tuned characters, adorable ships and romances, and just a feel good novel. I did have some issues with it, and while it did make me take some time away from it, I never felt it was enough to stop or detract majorly from the story. Joddie has a bright future for her in writing, and I will definitely be on the lookout for her future books! I would recommend!
*I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. In no way did that change my views or review of this novel. Thank you so much to Joddie Zeng for sending me a copy!*
So when I saw that the writer of this book was only 14 when she wrote it, I panicked and had flashbacks back to this horrid book in my life. Would she create a monster like I did?
The answer is no - because Ms. Joddie Zeng rocked it. To write this kind of book at age 14? We should be expecting some major things from her, because she can only get better from here. And to tell the truth, there really isn't much to get better from with her very good writing style.
I did have some ups and down with this book. I decided to read Crooked Kingdom - high fantasy book set in alternative Russia with questionable moral characters - before this, so it was hard to get back into a cute contemp set in modern day with adorable, cheesy goodness. So it started off a bit rough for me, but once I got into it, I really got into it. It was a quick read and there was a really nice flow which was helped by Joddie's readable writing style.
I liked all the characters for the most part. Even the side characters had so much life to them, which was a real treat. At first, I was worried because I felt Ariella was too judgy, but to be honest, she reminded me of myself a bit. I had a really hipster phase in my youth where I judged the popular crew and mainstream stuff just because they stood for something that my hipster self didn't agree with. I liked that she became less judgey throughout and to be truthful, she reminded me of people I know so I felt it was very realistic.
I loved Flora and Elliot. They were both so realistic, and I totally shipped them hardcore. I wouldn't have minded reading their story as well. XD I also loved Elliot's creepiness for a hot second and then turned out to be one of the best characters in the book. Flora was also great, and I did appreciate the friendship that her and Ariella had. They really seemed to care for one another, and they were kind of offbeat, which worked.
I did have some major issues with Ashton at first. I felt he was wayyyyyy too pushy, and I had to keep looking at the back of the book to make sure he was supposed to be the love interest. A few more chapters in and I was more into him as the love interest, but I still was a little hesitant about him. When he tried to force a kiss between him and Ariella, like, on her first day of meeting her? I thought it was totally creepy and it put me off. Once we got to know him better, I did like him, and I did ship him with Ariella. I just wish that first beginning was addressed a bit better. You could see really well how he did change, and I think that shows Ms. Zeng's ability to form good characterization. She gave a very authentic voice to her characters.
I did like the plot. I mean, walking into this, you know it's going to have the cliche, romance plot and not much else. But I liked the growth that the author provided for the characters and I thought the whole concept with the project was a very unique spin. I liked that little extra twist, and it was the reason for the whole delicious angst at the end (I love me some angst and she gave it so good in the last few chapters).
Can we also talk about how adorable the format was? I loved all the little stars that began each chapter. They were so cute and I loved how it tied back into Ariella's hobby. And look at that! A YA heroine who has a hobby! Can we all take a second and cheer for that?
The only real big issue that I had with this novel was some of the characterization of the other girls in the novel and I suppose you can say shaming. There was a lot of good female characterization in this book - Flora's and Ariella's friendship was great and they never put down one another in a mean way or ditched each other for a guy or anyone else. However, there still was a lot of shaming, and it caused me to put down the book a few times. The whole part in the pizzeria? Where she totally hated on the waitress for no reason? It was so unrealistic that the waitress would even be mad at them in the first place let alone be checking out the guys, and then for the girls to critique her on her life choices? I know I read way too much into that, but I think just seeing it so much in other YA books just made it blow for me. It also happened again with Tara, and she got no other characterization other than dumb, cheerleader slut mean girl. I just wanted something a little more and a lot less shaming. This was the reason I knocked off a star.
Other than that reason, I really did enjoy this book. Joddie Zeng may have only been 14 when she wrote this, but she seemed a heck of a lot older. This a professionally written and crafted book and if you have any qualms because of her age, dash them. She created an interesting plot, finely tuned characters, adorable ships and romances, and just a feel good novel. I did have some issues with it, and while it did make me take some time away from it, I never felt it was enough to stop or detract majorly from the story. Joddie has a bright future for her in writing, and I will definitely be on the lookout for her future books! I would recommend!
*I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. In no way did that change my views or review of this novel. Thank you so much to Joddie Zeng for sending me a copy!*
April 20, 2016
I received a free ebook copy of The Popularity Project from its author, Joddie Zeng, in exchange for a review.
I found the beginning of this book a little discouraging. The characters were immature a lot of the time. I'd feel like they were younger, and then I'd have a reminder like Ariel driving her car, or talking about going to college soon.
The a lot of the dialogue and plot points seemed really unrealistic to me. As far as dialogue goes, particularly the way they jumped from talking about one thing to another and back and forth. The teachers and people of authority were SUPER formal. Literally every adult called the main character, Ariel, “dear.”
While I like the concept of the whole popularity project, I find it extremely unrealistic. It never would have happened at my school, I'll tell you that. You have to lie about who you are for six months? And everyone's okay with that, the adults in your life are pushing you, in fact? I felt like the teacher wasn't explaining it very well, either. His description just seemed too general.
Ariella's parents are away, and her Aunt Stella is in charge, which is fine, but I feel like they should have been consulted about this huge thing in their daughter's life! They were hardly mentioned at all until the end.
Ariel was very pessimistic, and like I said childish, but I don't know, about 20% of the way in, things started to change. I'm not saying it all of sudden got perfect-defo not-but it's like I all of a sudden started getting attached. The writing did get better as the book went on, though it did revert a lot of the time. Still, there were parts in that 80% that made me want to hang on.
The whole book left me questioning a lot of things, and wishing I could have been the editor, but if you can get beyond the rough bits, you can enjoy it.
I found the beginning of this book a little discouraging. The characters were immature a lot of the time. I'd feel like they were younger, and then I'd have a reminder like Ariel driving her car, or talking about going to college soon.
The a lot of the dialogue and plot points seemed really unrealistic to me. As far as dialogue goes, particularly the way they jumped from talking about one thing to another and back and forth. The teachers and people of authority were SUPER formal. Literally every adult called the main character, Ariel, “dear.”
While I like the concept of the whole popularity project, I find it extremely unrealistic. It never would have happened at my school, I'll tell you that. You have to lie about who you are for six months? And everyone's okay with that, the adults in your life are pushing you, in fact? I felt like the teacher wasn't explaining it very well, either. His description just seemed too general.
Ariella's parents are away, and her Aunt Stella is in charge, which is fine, but I feel like they should have been consulted about this huge thing in their daughter's life! They were hardly mentioned at all until the end.
Ariel was very pessimistic, and like I said childish, but I don't know, about 20% of the way in, things started to change. I'm not saying it all of sudden got perfect-defo not-but it's like I all of a sudden started getting attached. The writing did get better as the book went on, though it did revert a lot of the time. Still, there were parts in that 80% that made me want to hang on.
The whole book left me questioning a lot of things, and wishing I could have been the editor, but if you can get beyond the rough bits, you can enjoy it.
September 23, 2016
I received a copy of this from the goodreads first reads giveaways.
First off, I have to say how shocked I was that this was written by a 14 year old. I had to look it up twice to be sure I read that correctly. Great job Joddie Zeng! What an amazing achievement at such a young age.
As for the book, I loved it. The writing flowed well and felt real for a teenager (obviously since it was written by one). The characters were great and the main four were perfect. What I loved about Ariella was that even though she was strong and smart, she was also a scared girl deep down. She and Ashton were adorable together and I loved the changes in her. Falling in love is a terrifying thing since most relationships at a young age don't last, but it is very true that it's always worth going for it anyways. Sometimes you just have to live in the moment with no fear of what the future brings.
First off, I have to say how shocked I was that this was written by a 14 year old. I had to look it up twice to be sure I read that correctly. Great job Joddie Zeng! What an amazing achievement at such a young age.
As for the book, I loved it. The writing flowed well and felt real for a teenager (obviously since it was written by one). The characters were great and the main four were perfect. What I loved about Ariella was that even though she was strong and smart, she was also a scared girl deep down. She and Ashton were adorable together and I loved the changes in her. Falling in love is a terrifying thing since most relationships at a young age don't last, but it is very true that it's always worth going for it anyways. Sometimes you just have to live in the moment with no fear of what the future brings.
August 12, 2016
I was given a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THOUGH!) I adored this book. The pickup lines are really cute. AND I FINALLY MEET A FEMALE CHARACTER THAT ISN'T A SAPPY TRAINWRECK. Ari is an independent woman that don't need nobody. AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT!! I didn't think I would enjoy it but DAMMMMMNNNN!!! It is really good! I hated Ashton then Ashton became BAE #1 and then I married him (figuratively...unfortunately...). I haven't related to any character EVER but Ari is LITERALLY ME IN EVERY WAY!! There aren't enough caps-locked words to describe how much I loved this book.
DEAR JODDIE ZENG,
PLEASE MAKE A SEQUEL (maybe about Elliot and Flora's love story or more Ashton and Ari but a sequel nonetheless)!!!!
DEAR JODDIE ZENG,
PLEASE MAKE A SEQUEL (maybe about Elliot and Flora's love story or more Ashton and Ari but a sequel nonetheless)!!!!
June 25, 2015
I enjoyed this hilarious read. Though not my regular genre or choice, I loved it. The story follows a 17 year old girl being sent to a new environment for a school project. The MC is engaging and awesome from the start. I definitely will recommend this book to any teen or young adult out there that is looking for a meaningful yet hilarious book.
December 1, 2016
Its my type of a book like not so formal and super indulging. Its a great book for teenagers and probably every age group. I would love to read more from this author. Plus the story is really good too its a unique idea and super fun to read. Definitely recommended to a book lover and probably to someone who is not a book lover. Read this book you might become a book lover!
January 31, 2016
This is one of the best books I have read all year. It was a fun read that was always engaging. Joddie, the author, incorporated the perfect amount of romance -- not cheesy, always heartwarming. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 1, 2016
THIS BOOKS IS AMAZBALLS (I ONLY SAY THAT WHEN I REALLLLYY LIKE THE BOOK). Is there a sequel bc that was great.
She had to step out her comfort zone and be plastic for a while and did a great at it and then she found love.
She had to step out her comfort zone and be plastic for a while and did a great at it and then she found love.
November 17, 2016
I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
This is a fun and humorous book. I loved the idea of having a student go to another school and reinvent them self for a grade. It is refreshing to read a book that feels so unique.
This is a fun and humorous book. I loved the idea of having a student go to another school and reinvent them self for a grade. It is refreshing to read a book that feels so unique.
January 14, 2016
I enjoyed this YA book. I loved Ariella and Ashton; Flora was great, as well. This was an easy read, with great characters and I really loved the concept of the story.
October 4, 2022
A man well into middle-old age and never read a YA novel, I was pleasantly surprised by this one accidentally fell into my hands -- it brightened my past few early fall, rainy and gloomy days, and I was enjoying it so much that I frequently interrupted/annoyed my work-at-home wife with my chuckles and out-aloud reading. No prior experience telling me whether all YA stories going like this, this novel reminds me of the high school romance movies like "She's the man" and TV series like "Saved by the bell" that I occasionally caught on TV reruns and enjoyed, with straightforward plots and without the good vs. evil or existential angsts kind of themes omnipresent in adult novels. I can tell the author was writing the world and adolescent emotions she lived in, and with surprising eloquence she made the characters, popular girls and boys, nerds, sports heroes in the midst of ordinary HS crowds of students and teachers so vividly and lovely. For a few days I lived in Ariel's teenage world/mind and thoroughly enjoyed the innocent/clueless first kiss, the all-or-nothing love, the end-of-the-world (but actually little) breakups and make-ups. A really good read for adults who want to escape from the real troubles of existence for a few days (who doesn't!).
February 3, 2018
This book, at first, seems like a worn out theme; a high school girl gets put into a project where she has to fit in with a group that she normally would not associate with. However, Zeng's take on the book and her writing is so good that it doesn't seem worn out.
The main character Ariella is so concerned with going to college and her grades that she could care less about anything else in high school. When she is put in a new school due to the "project" and has to transform into the popular crowd, including catching the eye of the star athlete, things are not what they seem.
Zeng wrote this book as a teenager, so the theme is familiar with her, but it is so well written, you'd think an adult wrote it (some adult writers could take a few writing techniques from her).
The characters (most of them) are likeable and engaging.
For an in depth review, go to : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
The main character Ariella is so concerned with going to college and her grades that she could care less about anything else in high school. When she is put in a new school due to the "project" and has to transform into the popular crowd, including catching the eye of the star athlete, things are not what they seem.
Zeng wrote this book as a teenager, so the theme is familiar with her, but it is so well written, you'd think an adult wrote it (some adult writers could take a few writing techniques from her).
The characters (most of them) are likeable and engaging.
For an in depth review, go to : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
February 24, 2018
I recently won a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review. I highly recommend this book be put towards the top of your reading list. Even though this is about teenagers, all ages can enjoy it. It reminded me of some of my high school days which were long ago.
Ariella Winters is a high school Junior nerd with all A's. She is involved in a new social experiment at a new school. For six months, she is to try to fit in with the popular students who never notice her. The heart throb of the school is Aston Walker, the soccer star. He has a reputation for not falling in love. Ariella is determined not to fall at his feet as the other girls do but something is drawing her to him.
You feel like the characters are your friends. You enjoy their banter and the fun they are having. They are very likeable and I am glad I met them in this book.
Ariella Winters is a high school Junior nerd with all A's. She is involved in a new social experiment at a new school. For six months, she is to try to fit in with the popular students who never notice her. The heart throb of the school is Aston Walker, the soccer star. He has a reputation for not falling in love. Ariella is determined not to fall at his feet as the other girls do but something is drawing her to him.
You feel like the characters are your friends. You enjoy their banter and the fun they are having. They are very likeable and I am glad I met them in this book.
July 25, 2017
Full review coming soon!
July 31, 2017
A novel idea, a young adult novel written by a young adult. I found the story engaging and fun. Definitely a good read!
November 27, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. I wish my school back in the day had a project like this. I felt a strong connection to the characters. Like they were people I ma have known in school. I really enjoyed this book and would let my kids read it. This young lady has a bright future and I look forward to reading more from her.
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October 19, 2016I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my review.
My first impression was surprise that the author is only 14 years old. To be able to write this book at that age is super impressive.
The premise of the story is a fun idea. I did feel like it could use some editing to tighten up the story and some polishing to better highlight the strengths.
My first impression was surprise that the author is only 14 years old. To be able to write this book at that age is super impressive.
The premise of the story is a fun idea. I did feel like it could use some editing to tighten up the story and some polishing to better highlight the strengths.
April 5, 2017
I neither liked nor disliked this book which is why I gave it a 3. The premise is unrealistic and the characters were lacking and shallow. The swearing was vulgar and unnecessary; the book would have been much better without it. There was also a lot of commentary on teenage sexual activity which I felt was crude. I probably wouldn't read this book again and will probably donate the copy I bought to the library.
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