tiffyofthemonts's review against another edition
4.0
Simultaneously better and worse than I expected. First of all, who doesn't think secret societies are fascinating, at least to some degree? Second, E. Lockhart's characters are all so ALIVE - they have personalities! They're the type of people I secretly wish my friends could be more like. Interesting people learning things, coming to their own realizations, gaining and losing and maybe walking away with more = A+. I want to read a book (even one deemed "teen fiction") and come away with the sense that I know a little more about what it means to be human. I think that The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks fulfills that for me.
That said, there are a lot of holes in the book. What about Alpha and the frozen custard (now it seems so irrelevant, so... portant) and how he kind of just disappears from the last several pages save for one passive-aggressive email? What about the whole Porter thing? It seemed like a somewhat contrived way to tie up loose ends. What about the dynamic between Frankie and her dad post-infiltration revelation? It seemed like an afterthought in the story. To me, the fact that E. Lockhart chose to focus almost exclusively on the repercussions as related to Frankie and Matthew's relationship* just goes to emphasize this book's place in the YA genre. I would've loved to see her flesh it out a little more.
Still, it was a good read. I mean, I wouldn't shower it with praise and accolades or anything, but it's nice to see a female protagonist who seems to have a brain of her own.
*By the way - Frankie was "in love" with Matthew? What? Really? I didn't see that at all.
That said, there are a lot of holes in the book. What about Alpha and the frozen custard (now it seems so irrelevant, so... portant) and how he kind of just disappears from the last several pages save for one passive-aggressive email? What about the whole Porter thing? It seemed like a somewhat contrived way to tie up loose ends. What about the dynamic between Frankie and her dad post-infiltration revelation? It seemed like an afterthought in the story. To me, the fact that E. Lockhart chose to focus almost exclusively on the repercussions as related to Frankie and Matthew's relationship* just goes to emphasize this book's place in the YA genre. I would've loved to see her flesh it out a little more.
Still, it was a good read. I mean, I wouldn't shower it with praise and accolades or anything, but it's nice to see a female protagonist who seems to have a brain of her own.
*By the way - Frankie was "in love" with Matthew? What? Really? I didn't see that at all.
rubysummers's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
I had abandoned this book after trying to listen to it on CD for weeks.
When I tried again, I got the book instead of the audio and read it a day. This is a rompy prep school book that delves into "Old Boy" system and how one girl tries to topple that type of power structure. She is wickedly intelligent and her ethics are questionable, but she manages to shake things up. Lots of pranks, but also a lot of thought provoking issues.
When I tried again, I got the book instead of the audio and read it a day. This is a rompy prep school book that delves into "Old Boy" system and how one girl tries to topple that type of power structure. She is wickedly intelligent and her ethics are questionable, but she manages to shake things up. Lots of pranks, but also a lot of thought provoking issues.
khairun_atika's review against another edition
3.0
E Lockhart is a brilliant novelist, no doubt about it. The first Lockhart book that I read was We Were Liars, and it totally blew my mind. This book was just as sneaky, intelligent and so well-developed that you just want more of it. From the infiltration of secret societies to the execution of elaborate pranks, it is a wonderful portrayal of Frankie Landau-Banks as a woman who just wants to be heart. Frankie is popular, highly intelligent and beautiful. A sweet and smart girl who would no wrong, until she is underestimated and shunned. This resulted in a series of schemes too smart for the other boys she so badly wanted to be a part of to execute. At the heart of it, is a story about a young woman who just wants to be appreciated as more than just smart and sweet, who has so much potential within her. It is a great book you cannot stop reading.
blakehalsey's review against another edition
4.0
This book was my first E. Lockhart experience and I must say, it was unlike any other book I've read recently. Frankie is a true badass girl, one who makes mistakes and one who, honestly, I disagreed with a lot--not her feminist tendencies, but her actions. The beautiful thing about those mistakes, though, is that Frankie made them, felt free to make them, took initiative of her own life to make them, and faced the consequences with a steady chin. She fought her way through a boy's club and came out hurt, but with a better understanding of herself. A truly unique and funny and empowering read.
megancrews's review against another edition
4.0
I really wish I had read this book when I was 15.
Even as an adult, there is a lot to love about Frankie to be sure.
Even as an adult, there is a lot to love about Frankie to be sure.
lachrymoseleech's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0