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It Girl #2
Notorious
Jenny Humphrey arrived at elite Waverly Academy with dreams of turning herself into the sophisticated, awe-inspiring Jenny she's always wanted to be. And it's finally, finally happening! She's even rooming with the two most popular girls in school, Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt, and bunking in the notorious Tinsley Carmichael's old bed. Coolness is rubbing off on her, even while she sleeps!
Okay, so Callie almost got Jenny kicked out of Waverly on her first night there, but there's a bright side. Like Callie's shaggy-haired boyfriend, Easy Walsh, who just can't seem to focus on his girlfriend anymore. Now everyone is gossiping about boyfriend-stealing Jenny. They can't help but Jenny's it.
But who's that flying in on her seaplane? After getting expelled last year, Tinsley's back and she's not about to let some big-chested, rosy-cheeked city-girl get all the attention. And she's certainly not going to let Callie and Brett forget that she took the fall for them. Now it's their turn.
Is Waverly big enough for Jenny, Callie, Brett, and Tinsley? They're all beautiful, captivating, and a little bit crazy . . . but there can be only one It Girl.
Okay, so Callie almost got Jenny kicked out of Waverly on her first night there, but there's a bright side. Like Callie's shaggy-haired boyfriend, Easy Walsh, who just can't seem to focus on his girlfriend anymore. Now everyone is gossiping about boyfriend-stealing Jenny. They can't help but Jenny's it.
But who's that flying in on her seaplane? After getting expelled last year, Tinsley's back and she's not about to let some big-chested, rosy-cheeked city-girl get all the attention. And she's certainly not going to let Callie and Brett forget that she took the fall for them. Now it's their turn.
Is Waverly big enough for Jenny, Callie, Brett, and Tinsley? They're all beautiful, captivating, and a little bit crazy . . . but there can be only one It Girl.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
95 people are currently reading
3076 people want to read
About the author
Cecily von Ziegesar
105 books2,945 followersCecily von Ziegesar is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels, upon which the hit television show is based.
Cecily von Ziegesar was born in New York City. Her childhood dream was to grow up to be a ballerina; she began lessons at age 3 and auditioned for the School of American Ballet at age 8, but was rejected.
As a teenager, von Ziegesar commuted to Manhattan at 6 a.m. to attend the Nightingale-Bamford School. After graduating from Nightingale, von Ziegesar attended Colby College before spending a year in Budapest working for a local radio station.
Von Ziegesar returned to the United States to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, but dropped out shortly thereafter.
Back in New York, while working at book-packaging firm Alloy Entertainment, von Ziegesar became inspired to create the Gossip Girl series, which follows the lives of privileged teenagers in New York. The series climbed to the top of The New York Times best-sellers list in 2002. A spin-off series, The It Girl, made the list in 2005.
The Constance Billard School for Girls in Gossip Girl is based upon an exaggerated version of von Ziegesar's alma mater, Nightingale. She also culled events from the book from the lives of her extremely wealthy friends, as well as her own life as a perpetual gossip.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.
Cecily von Ziegesar was born in New York City. Her childhood dream was to grow up to be a ballerina; she began lessons at age 3 and auditioned for the School of American Ballet at age 8, but was rejected.
As a teenager, von Ziegesar commuted to Manhattan at 6 a.m. to attend the Nightingale-Bamford School. After graduating from Nightingale, von Ziegesar attended Colby College before spending a year in Budapest working for a local radio station.
Von Ziegesar returned to the United States to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, but dropped out shortly thereafter.
Back in New York, while working at book-packaging firm Alloy Entertainment, von Ziegesar became inspired to create the Gossip Girl series, which follows the lives of privileged teenagers in New York. The series climbed to the top of The New York Times best-sellers list in 2002. A spin-off series, The It Girl, made the list in 2005.
The Constance Billard School for Girls in Gossip Girl is based upon an exaggerated version of von Ziegesar's alma mater, Nightingale. She also culled events from the book from the lives of her extremely wealthy friends, as well as her own life as a perpetual gossip.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
April 27, 2018
What could possibly happen when the expelled girl comes back? Well you couldn’t possibly imagine what she could do! This novel is probably the cutest and the most real thing I’ve read in awhile! Jenny and Brett reminds me so much of myself, and they are two of the sweetest people ever. Tinsley really knows how to mess with their lives but they have each other so what could go wrong. I have to say this series is starting to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to start reading the Gossip Girl side of things!
October 15, 2012
At Waverly boarding school, no one could get enough drama in Cecily von Ziegesar's "Notorious", just one of the series. So when Jenny, a new student, ended up sharing a dorm room with Callie and Brett, two of the most popular girls in school, she knew she was in for a wild ride. Actually, she was bunking in the most popular and breathtaking girl's bed-Tinsley Carmichael, Callie and Brett's best friend. She heard rumors all the time about Tinsley and whether she was coming back after her suspension last year. When Tinsley is allowed back in school and finds Jenny sleeping in her previous bed, she isn't too happy about it. She immediately doesn't like Jenny; after all, she did steal her spot at Waverly. Of course, Jenny feels extremely intimidated by her and just wants to fit in.
All four girls encounter imponderable decisions throughout the course of their school year. Facing challenges like fitting in, boyfriend troubles, losing friendships, and much more, the girls realize they have to come together to work out their problems with each other. But Tinsley seems to have changed while being gone, Callie and Brett are keeping secrets, and Jenny just doesn't know where to fit in the picture. Can the four girls learn work together in time to save falling apart friendships and broken relationships, and lastly reveal untold secrets? Find out in this intense book.
All four girls encounter imponderable decisions throughout the course of their school year. Facing challenges like fitting in, boyfriend troubles, losing friendships, and much more, the girls realize they have to come together to work out their problems with each other. But Tinsley seems to have changed while being gone, Callie and Brett are keeping secrets, and Jenny just doesn't know where to fit in the picture. Can the four girls learn work together in time to save falling apart friendships and broken relationships, and lastly reveal untold secrets? Find out in this intense book.
June 23, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
These books are exactly the literary equivalent to shows like Gossip Girl where it’s like objectively really bad but it sucks you in and you can’t stop watching 😭😭
However I must say …. I cannot BELIEVE this is written by a woman. Jenny’s boobs are truly a character of their own. Rather than explain further, I will let you read this snippet for yourself:
“Her cheeks were a rosy pink, and her small, slightly upturned nose was dotted with freckles. She was wearing a flowered button-down from J.Crew that wasn’t exactly tight yet still managed to hug her curves, a short distressed jean skirt, black tights, and gray suede flats so small they looked like kids’ shoes. Her legs were crossed daintily at the ankles. “Hey, Brandon! What’s up?” Brandon was momentarily distracted by the movement of Jenny’s breasts when she sat up straighter, but he didn’t want to be one of those guys who could only stare at a girl’s chest, no matter how inviting it might look, so he forced his eyes to return to her face.”
IT WOULD HAVE COST $0 TO NOT WRITE THIS !!!!! I am so serious when I tell you there is a line like this every second chapter 😭 bye
These books are exactly the literary equivalent to shows like Gossip Girl where it’s like objectively really bad but it sucks you in and you can’t stop watching 😭😭
However I must say …. I cannot BELIEVE this is written by a woman. Jenny’s boobs are truly a character of their own. Rather than explain further, I will let you read this snippet for yourself:
“Her cheeks were a rosy pink, and her small, slightly upturned nose was dotted with freckles. She was wearing a flowered button-down from J.Crew that wasn’t exactly tight yet still managed to hug her curves, a short distressed jean skirt, black tights, and gray suede flats so small they looked like kids’ shoes. Her legs were crossed daintily at the ankles. “Hey, Brandon! What’s up?” Brandon was momentarily distracted by the movement of Jenny’s breasts when she sat up straighter, but he didn’t want to be one of those guys who could only stare at a girl’s chest, no matter how inviting it might look, so he forced his eyes to return to her face.”
IT WOULD HAVE COST $0 TO NOT WRITE THIS !!!!! I am so serious when I tell you there is a line like this every second chapter 😭 bye
January 30, 2017
This book is based off of a book and television series known as Gossip Girl. Gossip Girl is about the struggle to fit into Constance, a school on the rich upper east side of Manhattan. It focuses on the struggles of many characters to fit in as well as how being an outsider on this wealthy elite society affects their life. Dan Humphrey is known as “Lonely Boy”, “outsider”, or “Brooklyn Boy” because he does not live on the upper east side and is not as wealthy. Harassed, beaten up, cyber bullied, and excluded; Dan Humphrey experienced it all for his differences. His sister, “Little Jenny Humphrey from Brooklyn” faces the same problems as him. As she moves in and out of the “elite” or popular group, things don’t end on great terms in Manhattan. After things get too tough for Jenny to handle, she changes schools to a completely different environment. “Notorious girl” is the story of Jenny’s experience at her new school. Like Manhattan, this school is filled with mean girls and drama. Jenny struggles to keep herself from being an outsider in her fresh start. At Waverly Academy, her elite boarding school, all that matters to Jenny and the others is popularity. In her eyes, there is one "it girl", and it needs to be her. To take down Tinsley, her snobby yet beautiful and popular peer, Jenny crosses many lines that are the reasons she left Constance.
January 30, 2009
I hate Tinsley and I wouldn't read this book unless you have your parents permission.
May 19, 2016
An okay read.
December 3, 2024
This is complete trash, but I love it.
October 23, 2018
This was a really fun read. Jenny is finally feeling like she is fitting in to Waverley and then previously expelled student Tinley Carmichael returns to Waverley . Cue fireworks and clashing personalities. This is a spin of off Cecily von Ziegesar's popular Gossip Girl series and it has all the fun and personality of that series without being an exact copy. I enjoyed this instalment as now we are starting to know all the main characters and get the hang of the intersecting storylines and the secrets and intrigue. Definitely looking forward to reading book 3.
September 1, 2023
Meh but I must commend how well the characterisations were done.
August 9, 2024
the biggest inaccuracy in this book is the idea that someone could get a table at Balthazar same-day without a reservation lol
January 12, 2016
Cross-posted from my blog right here
My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leading towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.
Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leading towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.
Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
October 25, 2009
Notorious is the second book in the series The It Girl (by Cecily Von Ziegesar.) I found this one much more interesting than the first novel, The It Girl, because it was really intense, and kept me on the edge. Jenny Humphrey is still recovering from the fact she was almost expelled from Waverly Academy her first night there when legendary Tinsley Carmichael, another student who was expelled last year, arrives. Tinsley is described to be beautifully intimidating, and she gives Jenny the cold shoulder the minute they meet. This book differs from the original novel because there is an added character, Tinsley, who is quick to reestablish her place in Waverly and will do anything to do so. The author’s writing was very intriguing because she used so many adjectives to describe each and every person, so that the reader was able to obtain a very good sense of each personality. Von Ziegesar also puts a lot emphasis on the feuding between Jenny and her roommates (mainly Tinsley and Callie Vernon) and how Tinsley rapidly judges Brett Messerschmidt, another roommate, for rejecting her and becoming friends with Jenny. I would definitely recommend that people who either haven’t read the series at all or are just starting, continue to read all the books because they are AMAZING.
January 2, 2019
I'm not even sure if I should rate these or not. I don't even know myself.
Again, trashy drama goodness. I am such trash for stories about the elite 1%. T R A S H ! The drama was entertaining, although some characters are just... ugh. I could do without some of them.
Brandon has got to learn to get a clue. It's not cute. Let the girl gooooooooooo.
I am so sick and tired of Jenny. She is such a pain, I don't know why but she annoys the heck out of me. Also do we need to be reminded every freaking scene that she has obscenely large boobs? I got it the first time, the second time, the third time... now it's just ridiculous. We get it. The girl has boobs, can we please move on.
Really enjoyed the drama between Tinsley and Brett. I really like how Brett handled it as well!
Tinsley is a bitch, and I kind of love her for it??? :o
The drama is, again, just so ridiculous yet I cannot stop reading.
Just what the doctor ordered for a reading slump.
Again, trashy drama goodness. I am such trash for stories about the elite 1%. T R A S H ! The drama was entertaining, although some characters are just... ugh. I could do without some of them.
Brandon has got to learn to get a clue. It's not cute. Let the girl gooooooooooo.
I am so sick and tired of Jenny. She is such a pain, I don't know why but she annoys the heck out of me. Also do we need to be reminded every freaking scene that she has obscenely large boobs? I got it the first time, the second time, the third time... now it's just ridiculous. We get it. The girl has boobs, can we please move on.
Really enjoyed the drama between Tinsley and Brett. I really like how Brett handled it as well!
Tinsley is a bitch, and I kind of love her for it??? :o
The drama is, again, just so ridiculous yet I cannot stop reading.
Just what the doctor ordered for a reading slump.
June 3, 2016
Again an entertaining read.
I read most of the it girl books back when I was younger. I remember liking them so as part of a challenge I'm rereading them (maybe finishing the series if I feel like it).
Now that I'm older. I've read more books, been to places, did stuff and all that. I feel like these books aren't as good as I remembered them. And I think it's largely because when I first read them, I was a lot younger and inexperienced at life. I was in the same phase as the main characters really. Wanting to belong and wanting to stand out. So it was relatable to me. Now the story just isn't as relatable anymore.
Still I think they're enjoyable and I like reading them in between some of the other books that are more relatable to me now as more of a New Adult.
I read most of the it girl books back when I was younger. I remember liking them so as part of a challenge I'm rereading them (maybe finishing the series if I feel like it).
Now that I'm older. I've read more books, been to places, did stuff and all that. I feel like these books aren't as good as I remembered them. And I think it's largely because when I first read them, I was a lot younger and inexperienced at life. I was in the same phase as the main characters really. Wanting to belong and wanting to stand out. So it was relatable to me. Now the story just isn't as relatable anymore.
Still I think they're enjoyable and I like reading them in between some of the other books that are more relatable to me now as more of a New Adult.
July 31, 2015
Notorious is the second book in the It Girl Series. It picks up right where it left off in the first book, when the notorious Tinsley Carmichael is being readmitted into Waverly Academy. Everything about Tinsley is glamorous. In a matter of a week she has messed up Jenny's,Callie's and Brett's friendship, stolen Brett's boyfriend and regained her position as queen. After a very rocky patch, Callie and Easy have split. Leaving Callie heartbroken and Easy already with a new girl... Jenny. The book ends with Tinsley ruling school, a severed friendship and new love.
February 2, 2013
Why? Because it was cheap at Borders :) I guess it's similar to some show on television I've never heard of. I read it, it was short and somewhat cute. Just a bunch of rich kid drama of love, sex, school and alcohol. I'm a sucker for young adult books but this one wasn't that good, although I'm considering picking up the first one just so I can understand what I read a little bit better I suppose.
August 2, 2010
I hate how these basically plotless books manage to keep me interested somehow. They're such light readings and perfect for when you don't want to think too much about twisting plots or anything like that. It's just such a guilty pleasure for a lazy day.
July 13, 2022
The most annoying part about it was the constant fashion label dropping. The best part about it was I got exactly what I wanted: a brainless read. Should have taken me no more than three days to read, but I just couldn’t get into it.
February 7, 2025
Svo léleg en gat samt ekki hætt að lesa. Fjórar stjörnur. Meira takk. Tinsley Carmicharl er despicable manneskja, meira meira meira kaos takk.
September 22, 2024
The second book in the It Girl Series (a Gossip Girl spinoff featuring Dan’s younger sister Jenny), this brings Tinsley into the mix, so far she’s a villain with pretty much no redeeming value that I could find, but if you like a character who seemingly just lives to stir things up you might enjoy her addition to the story.
I tended to prefer Jenny, Brett, and Callie, as they seem to have a bit more dimension to them. I do wish this had gotten into someone’s eating disorder more and not played off inappropriate relationships with a teacher as casually as this does, but I get that it wouldn’t really fit the tone to do that, this isn’t where you look for serious exploration of serious things.
I could do without the thousand and one mentions of Jenny’s breasts and I spent every secret society meeting wondering what the point of it was for the girls when the only person seemingly reaping any benefits from it was a “chosen” boy. I just didn’t see the appeal of that for the girls in the secret society or the appeal for what I imagine is the prominently female audience for this book series, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me to have something that seemed more male fantasy fulfillment than female fantasy fulfillment.
As I’m sure you’d guess, the writing here isn’t attempting to be anything to wax poetic over, it is very simplistic but it does the job well enough, the pacing zips along, and there’s enough scheming, romantic entanglements, frenemy drama to keep things interesting. Plenty of readers will abhor the brand-name dropping that’s done with zeal here, sometimes I feel that way, too, here though, it seemed to fit that the characters would be concerned about those things and if you’re a reader who’s into fashion and beauty, the specifics of what lip gloss shade or designer label a character is wearing does sort of add another descriptor of their personality type.
This is a way, way heightened world of very wealthy teenagers at a boarding school that I doubt will feel realistic or reflective of most people’s teenage years, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re in the mood for escapist entertainment that doesn’t need you to think too hard, just kick back and enjoy the backstabbing.
I tended to prefer Jenny, Brett, and Callie, as they seem to have a bit more dimension to them. I do wish this had gotten into someone’s eating disorder more and not played off inappropriate relationships with a teacher as casually as this does, but I get that it wouldn’t really fit the tone to do that, this isn’t where you look for serious exploration of serious things.
I could do without the thousand and one mentions of Jenny’s breasts and I spent every secret society meeting wondering what the point of it was for the girls when the only person seemingly reaping any benefits from it was a “chosen” boy. I just didn’t see the appeal of that for the girls in the secret society or the appeal for what I imagine is the prominently female audience for this book series, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me to have something that seemed more male fantasy fulfillment than female fantasy fulfillment.
As I’m sure you’d guess, the writing here isn’t attempting to be anything to wax poetic over, it is very simplistic but it does the job well enough, the pacing zips along, and there’s enough scheming, romantic entanglements, frenemy drama to keep things interesting. Plenty of readers will abhor the brand-name dropping that’s done with zeal here, sometimes I feel that way, too, here though, it seemed to fit that the characters would be concerned about those things and if you’re a reader who’s into fashion and beauty, the specifics of what lip gloss shade or designer label a character is wearing does sort of add another descriptor of their personality type.
This is a way, way heightened world of very wealthy teenagers at a boarding school that I doubt will feel realistic or reflective of most people’s teenage years, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re in the mood for escapist entertainment that doesn’t need you to think too hard, just kick back and enjoy the backstabbing.
June 13, 2017
I loved this book as well. Not as much as the first and I'm finding myself slipping out of the I LOVE THIS SERIES daze. But maybe it's only because some romances are just disapointing me in the direction their going. Oh well that can change easily! I still love how short of a time the book takes place over but how quickly I blaze through the pages. I can't wait to see what happens next. Unfortinitly I have to until the next book comes in the mail. Sad, sad. Definitly not a disapointing sequel!
December 28, 2018
A perfect book highlighting on youth and their petty problems. Cecily perfectly captures the mind of these spoiled teens and their struggles in a private boarding high school. New love, heartbreak, light flings and just romance in general play enormous roles in the book. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you thirsting for the next book. Because of multiple factors the book is incredibly shallow as many characters are to.
March 22, 2023
Rereading my favorite series from middle/high school for the guilty pleasure nostalgia.
I'm having such a good time rereading this series. Two books down and I'm still on a high from all the trashy drama. Each book is only taking about 3 hours to binge read, and I can't stop screaming at all the secrets and drama and dumb decisions. Also Tinsley Carmichael is back and she is that bitch.
I'm having such a good time rereading this series. Two books down and I'm still on a high from all the trashy drama. Each book is only taking about 3 hours to binge read, and I can't stop screaming at all the secrets and drama and dumb decisions. Also Tinsley Carmichael is back and she is that bitch.
October 4, 2017
So this was okay, not great. I was able to enjoy it a lot more once I got into the right mindset, the chick lit mindset. The only thing that bothered me aside from the usual lack of diversity was that the drama was all so similar. Would've liked a bit more variation than just "you stole my boyfriend" drama.
August 10, 2019
It Girl series is such a guilty pleasure for me, this book is so easy to read and the characters are so interesting and high school. If you want something relaxing with a lot of drama and a ton of fashion knowledge, it's a great read. Made for Gossip Girl fans, it's a spin off of the original and talks about Jenny's life at boarding school.
August 23, 2022
Net als deel 1 echt een top zomerread! leest lekker en makkelijk weg, zeker een guilty pleasure. Nu kom er erachter dat er nog 8 delen zijn...(die ik (nog) niet heb)
Ohja en Brett babe toppertje wat een schat
Ohja en Brett babe toppertje wat een schat
July 12, 2017
Von Ziegesar is simply great at describing young girls behavior against each other and themselves.
June 15, 2018
While I still like some aspects of the book I did not like the addition on Tinsley. She is a bully and a terrible friend. I cannot wait until someone takes her down a beg or two.
March 24, 2020
I love this!! Again, books about the very wealthy and privileged are ones I love!
June 4, 2020
I really can’t stand Tinsley! I hope she’s not around for the whole series, I can’t deal with her.
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