My Thoughts:
Paige Harbison has a knack of creating mean and
bitchy characters. In her previous novel ‘Here Lies Bridget’, she created
characters that you love to hate and this book is no exception. New Girl is a
YA mystery/contemporary novel that will have you guessing and engrossed
throughout.
The story is set at Manderly Academy, where the
New Girl fills the empty spot that has become available only due to the disappearance
of a former student named Becca. Every single student at the school loved Becca
and most of the girls idolized her. When the new girl comes in and feels as if
she has to compete with Becca.
Rumors constantly circle around the school about
why Becca disappeared. Becca was constantly pulling stunts to put herself in
the limelight, so is her disappearance another elaborate stunt, was she
murdered or was she pregnant and went into hiding. No one knows. Becca presence
never fades from the school and people’s minds and the New Girl has a hard to
trying to fit in.
The novel alternates from the New Girl (present
time) and Becca (past time). We find out a lot about Becca and her insecurities
and how different she is on the inside than what people perceive her to be. The
New Girl, who we don’t learn the name of till the very end of the book, is intelligent,
witty and down to earth. I loved her character and loved reading the strong
voice she brought across in her chapters.
So are you wondering if there is any romance in
this story?? Well there definitely is romance. Max is the smart and gorgeous
guy who everyone likes, including the New Girl, who falls for him hard.
Unfortunately, he is Becca’s boyfriend, or was until she disappeared. Everyone
sees how the New Girl is falling for Max and constantly remind her of how in
love Max is with Becca and how he would never go out with her.
This book was a brilliant and such an enjoyable
read. I recommend for everyone to read this. *Caution though, there is sex,
drugs mentioned, strong language and underage drinking* (this however didn’t
take away from the experience of the book). This book had me filled with so
many emotions and I loved it. Definitely a book to add to your TBR pile.
For more information on the book go to
Goodreads