chandaferguson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Queens of Geek” caught my attention from the moment I saw the cover! When I read more about it, I knew it was one I had to read soon. It tells the story of three friends at a convention from alternating points of view, though they’re all closely intertwined as the friends are close knit. It’s about friendship, fandom, and fame, mixed in with a lot of relatable and down to earth moments, conflicts, characterization, and life lessons. It had me laughing, it briefly caught me up in the romance, and the realistic depictions of mental health were so eye-opening and relatable.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so uniquely seen in a character as I did in Taylor, but even though I connected with her the most, I still really enjoyed every chapter, character, and story. It felt validating and comforting to see my own struggles, insecurities, and even what I have considered character downfalls to be depicted in a character who seeks validation, happiness, and acceptance for herself. This book felt like a breeze to read, and I enjoyed it so much. These friends felt special, and I really enjoyed Jen Wilde’s writing style which truly made the story come to life with ease.
I think this is a book with a wide range of diverse depictions that a lot of readers will find important and relatable, while also enjoyable. It’s a perfect book for YA readers and adults who enjoy LGBTQ character depictions, convention-related subjects, stories of friendship, mental health depictions, moments of coping and overcoming, realistic characters and experiences, or even just a feel-good story with relevant themes and discussions. I highly recommend this book, as I couldn’t put it down once I started it! What a great way to spend a spring day 💕
Book 57/150
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so uniquely seen in a character as I did in Taylor, but even though I connected with her the most, I still really enjoyed every chapter, character, and story. It felt validating and comforting to see my own struggles, insecurities, and even what I have considered character downfalls to be depicted in a character who seeks validation, happiness, and acceptance for herself. This book felt like a breeze to read, and I enjoyed it so much. These friends felt special, and I really enjoyed Jen Wilde’s writing style which truly made the story come to life with ease.
I think this is a book with a wide range of diverse depictions that a lot of readers will find important and relatable, while also enjoyable. It’s a perfect book for YA readers and adults who enjoy LGBTQ character depictions, convention-related subjects, stories of friendship, mental health depictions, moments of coping and overcoming, realistic characters and experiences, or even just a feel-good story with relevant themes and discussions. I highly recommend this book, as I couldn’t put it down once I started it! What a great way to spend a spring day 💕
Book 57/150
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
lucyebradley7's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chrisreadsinmhk's review
3.0
There is so much happening in the short timeline of this book that I found it slightly overwhelming but I think that that emotion works because the events of the book ARE overwhelming, to everyone involved. Great representation of mental health and coping mechanisms for anxiety, great representation of bisexuality which is hard to find and necessary - and its just a lot of nerdy fun. I wanted to rate more stars but things sum up a little too quickly for me? But still, absolutely necessary reading. Highly recommend for a quick read.
andreacaro's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Would have been a 4, but I got some severe secondhand embarrassment while reading the ending.
boydgirl's review against another edition
5.0
I don't really read contemporary, preferring to escape into fantasy/scifi, etc. I'm never 100% sure what to expect when going into any book. I definitely didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. Earlier this year I was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, although I'd been suspicious for several years. Until now all I had really seen were parents complaining about how difficult it is caring for there child and, how they perceive, their child's difficulties. Reading from Taylor's perspective is the most I've ever related to a character. I loved all the friendships (both established and new) in this book and loved all the characters (except Reese who, by the end, I just pitied). I also loved that no one person's issues were ever used to invalidate anyone else's. Basically I want more books like this!
PS: I just realized today the irony that ComicCon is going on the same week I read this.
PS: I just realized today the irony that ComicCon is going on the same week I read this.
courtneydavidson1999's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One thing all people on the autism spectrum have in common is that we’re all geeks for life.
bizread's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
OMG OMG OMG OMG *flails and squees* This book was perfection! This book is going in my favourite books of all time list! <3 <3 <3
Sorry if this review is a bit chaotic, I am still experiencing all the feels from this book.
We have 2 MCs, I was thinking it would be three, since we also have Jamie in the party, but he doesn't get any of the spotlight (which isn't so weird given that he is with Taylor all the time and it would just become boring if they also added his POV). I loved both girls instantly. I am not sure how to explain, but they both just struck a chord with me. Later Taylor became even more of a favourite of mine.
And that had to do with how her mind worked, how close that was to mine. I am not as anxious as she is, but I do know the feeling of having to go out, being in a crowd, talking to people, her boyfriend problems, and so much more. Later we find out why Taylor is like this, and I could connect to her even more. It was absolutely fabulous, it doesn't often happen that I can connect to a character on this level.
Add to that the fact she is, just like me, a total geek, and that she can totally fangirl about something that she holds dear. I was just squeeing with her!
Then we have Charlie and while at first I thought she was a guy (sorry, her name, I just don't hear it on girls that often). :P I really liked how hard she worked, and how dedicated she was to her vlogging, her audience, her fangirls. I did feel sorry for her with the whole Reese (what a prick) situation and how her precious convention time turned to something totally different. She wanted to show the world that she was over him, but doesn't really get a chance with what is going on in this book. I loved how she stayed firm and strong though, she clearly told Reese her borders, what he shouldn't do, and what he should do. I was worried this might end up like so many other books, her falling again for the guy. But thankfully, quite soon I could see that this book would take a different route.
Yes, this book is all about the convention, but it is also about two love stories. And I have to say that those love stories were perfect. I was squeeing, shipping, and shouting at my book that the characters should already kiss. It just took so long, and I just wanted to see those two couples get on with it already, there was so much chemistry and so many sparks flying.
The convention was also fabulous, I loved how well everything was described. I just could imagine myself at the con, walking around and having a totally fabulous time.
I also loved how Taylor, even though she was afraid, made several giant steps and leaps during the convention, and it was a delight when she found out she did all that.
Next to the convention, to the love stories, we also have our group thinking about the future. All 3 of them want to go to LA/US for university and live together. This is a big step as all of them are from Australia (well, Jamie only has lived there for a few years). I didn't mind this part at all, if anything it made the book even more interesting to read.
I think I have said all I have wanted to say, of course there are many more elements to this book, but I don't want to make the review too long, plus again, I am still in THE FEELS mode.
All in all, this was a book that I loved, adored, and will recommend to everyone. It is cute, fluffy, but also has lots of real stuff interwoven (Taylor and what makes her tick, bisexuality, the university/college/future stuff, about privacy).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Sorry if this review is a bit chaotic, I am still experiencing all the feels from this book.
We have 2 MCs, I was thinking it would be three, since we also have Jamie in the party, but he doesn't get any of the spotlight (which isn't so weird given that he is with Taylor all the time and it would just become boring if they also added his POV). I loved both girls instantly. I am not sure how to explain, but they both just struck a chord with me. Later Taylor became even more of a favourite of mine.
And that had to do with how her mind worked, how close that was to mine. I am not as anxious as she is, but I do know the feeling of having to go out, being in a crowd, talking to people, her boyfriend problems, and so much more. Later we find out why Taylor is like this, and I could connect to her even more. It was absolutely fabulous, it doesn't often happen that I can connect to a character on this level.
Add to that the fact she is, just like me, a total geek, and that she can totally fangirl about something that she holds dear. I was just squeeing with her!
Then we have Charlie and while at first I thought she was a guy (sorry, her name, I just don't hear it on girls that often). :P I really liked how hard she worked, and how dedicated she was to her vlogging, her audience, her fangirls. I did feel sorry for her with the whole Reese (what a prick) situation and how her precious convention time turned to something totally different. She wanted to show the world that she was over him, but doesn't really get a chance with what is going on in this book. I loved how she stayed firm and strong though, she clearly told Reese her borders, what he shouldn't do, and what he should do. I was worried this might end up like so many other books, her falling again for the guy. But thankfully, quite soon I could see that this book would take a different route.
Yes, this book is all about the convention, but it is also about two love stories. And I have to say that those love stories were perfect. I was squeeing, shipping, and shouting at my book that the characters should already kiss. It just took so long, and I just wanted to see those two couples get on with it already, there was so much chemistry and so many sparks flying.
The convention was also fabulous, I loved how well everything was described. I just could imagine myself at the con, walking around and having a totally fabulous time.
I also loved how Taylor, even though she was afraid, made several giant steps and leaps during the convention, and it was a delight when she found out she did all that.
Next to the convention, to the love stories, we also have our group thinking about the future. All 3 of them want to go to LA/US for university and live together. This is a big step as all of them are from Australia (well, Jamie only has lived there for a few years). I didn't mind this part at all, if anything it made the book even more interesting to read.
I think I have said all I have wanted to say, of course there are many more elements to this book, but I don't want to make the review too long, plus again, I am still in THE FEELS mode.
All in all, this was a book that I loved, adored, and will recommend to everyone. It is cute, fluffy, but also has lots of real stuff interwoven (Taylor and what makes her tick, bisexuality, the university/college/future stuff, about privacy).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
alexisnasya's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
isabelldominica's review against another edition
4.0
read my complete review here: http://isabellsbooks.blogspot.de/
MY OPINION
Relatable
I found this book to be immediately very relatable. As you probably know: I am a very geeky fangirl and proud of it. :) So I absolutely loved that this book was about three geeky friends who went to fangirl heaven, a fan convention, together.
Still, I would have loved it even more if the most important celebrities that the trio geeked out about, would have been actual celebrities - because that could have led to me geeking out over them aswell.
I much more enjoyed all the references to actual fandom stuff that exists outside the book.
Great Introvert Representation
Taylor, one of the two main characters, is a precious geeky introvert and a great representation of introverts in general. Although I consider myself an ambivert, I could still extremely relate to Taylor.
Taylor's social anxiety is extremely realistically portrayed - I haven't yet read anything else in which social anxiety was that well depicted.
I really appreciated Taylor's insights into her anxiety and world view a lot. Her introspection gave her character a lot of depth. And since I aswell overthink everything way too much, I identified a lot with Taylor in that aspect aswell.
Unfortunately, Charlie in contrast to Taylor, lacked a lot of the depth that Taylor was given.
Taylor often posted on her Tumblr blog - which I found cool because I love Tumblr and therefore love it getting mentioned - but she presented herself so entirely different on there than she seemed to actually be. I didn't like that too much since it felt quite fake.
Bisexual Representation
I loved how open Charlie was about her bisexuality. The book talked about her sexuality, but also always made it clear that it was normal but a part of Charlie that one couldn't just deny or ignore. I also enjoyed how authentic Charlie felt to herself. She was clearly mostly happy in her own skin, and although she also had moments of self-doubt, I really enjoyed her self-confidence. It was especially nice to read about two such contrasting characters as Taylor and Charlie, who are such close friends.
I always felt like I knew Charlie when she appeared in Taylor's chapters, but then she seemed totally different in her own chapters and I felt like I lost my bond to her. I would have loved more insight and depth into Charlie.
The two lovestories
Surprisingly, I really loved both the lovestories.
Taylor and Jamie's friendship felt so incredibly healthy and beautiful that it gave a strong ground for a relationship to develop thereon. I loved the way that Jamie treated Taylor: he was perfectly understanding and helpful to her.
Concerning Charlie - I very much liked how clearly it was shown that her ex-boyfriend Reese was toxic for her. The reader was never given a moment to doubt that but instead it was greatly shown why Reese's behaviour was extremely hurtful to Charlie and others. I found that to be very important, especially for younger readers.
I also adored the sparkling lovestory between Charlie and her forever-crush Alyssa. These two were just incredibly sweet together and it was a pure joy for me to read about them fall for each other.
Important quotes
There are many amazing quotes, sentences and whole parts in this book that are very important and beautifully written. This was one of the first books that gave me the urge to mark certain quotes to be able to reread them again.
CONCLUSION
"QUEENS OF GEEK" is a light read that provides geeky entertainment for a couple of hours and I very much enjoyed those. But, since this book got hyped quite a lot on Bookstagram, I had actually hoped for even more than that.
I loved all the happy and fluffy moments in it which make it a book that definitely lifts every reader up and guarantees to put a smile on the reader's lips.
Unfortunately, this book is rather short with not even 300 pages, which is why I would have liked a few more pages more a lot, since that would have given the author the chance to give each of the three friends more depth and make them rounder as characters and in their bond.
The motivation behind this book is amazing (the author wanted to write a book about a bisexual girl and an autistic introverted girl with social anxiety since she herself is a bisexual autistic introverted girl with social anxiety). Diverse books are always needed and I loved the representation in this one because it was greatly done and I think that a lot of people can relate to these characters.
I can definitely recommend this book a lot to other fangirls, and especially to queer and/or introverted fangirls. I really enjoyed it but I had expected more of it because of the huge hype surrounding it.
It does no good to compare books too much to one another, but because the last book I read had been such an extremely amazing one, I can't help but state, that "QUEENS OF GEEK" just couldn't entertain me as much as "THE GENTLEMAN's GUDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE" could.
MY RATING
I award this book with 4 out of 5 stars.
MY OPINION
Relatable
I found this book to be immediately very relatable. As you probably know: I am a very geeky fangirl and proud of it. :) So I absolutely loved that this book was about three geeky friends who went to fangirl heaven, a fan convention, together.
Still, I would have loved it even more if the most important celebrities that the trio geeked out about, would have been actual celebrities - because that could have led to me geeking out over them aswell.
I much more enjoyed all the references to actual fandom stuff that exists outside the book.
Great Introvert Representation
Taylor, one of the two main characters, is a precious geeky introvert and a great representation of introverts in general. Although I consider myself an ambivert, I could still extremely relate to Taylor.
Taylor's social anxiety is extremely realistically portrayed - I haven't yet read anything else in which social anxiety was that well depicted.
I really appreciated Taylor's insights into her anxiety and world view a lot. Her introspection gave her character a lot of depth. And since I aswell overthink everything way too much, I identified a lot with Taylor in that aspect aswell.
Unfortunately, Charlie in contrast to Taylor, lacked a lot of the depth that Taylor was given.
Taylor often posted on her Tumblr blog - which I found cool because I love Tumblr and therefore love it getting mentioned - but she presented herself so entirely different on there than she seemed to actually be. I didn't like that too much since it felt quite fake.
Bisexual Representation
I loved how open Charlie was about her bisexuality. The book talked about her sexuality, but also always made it clear that it was normal but a part of Charlie that one couldn't just deny or ignore. I also enjoyed how authentic Charlie felt to herself. She was clearly mostly happy in her own skin, and although she also had moments of self-doubt, I really enjoyed her self-confidence. It was especially nice to read about two such contrasting characters as Taylor and Charlie, who are such close friends.
I always felt like I knew Charlie when she appeared in Taylor's chapters, but then she seemed totally different in her own chapters and I felt like I lost my bond to her. I would have loved more insight and depth into Charlie.
The two lovestories
Surprisingly, I really loved both the lovestories.
Taylor and Jamie's friendship felt so incredibly healthy and beautiful that it gave a strong ground for a relationship to develop thereon. I loved the way that Jamie treated Taylor: he was perfectly understanding and helpful to her.
Concerning Charlie - I very much liked how clearly it was shown that her ex-boyfriend Reese was toxic for her. The reader was never given a moment to doubt that but instead it was greatly shown why Reese's behaviour was extremely hurtful to Charlie and others. I found that to be very important, especially for younger readers.
I also adored the sparkling lovestory between Charlie and her forever-crush Alyssa. These two were just incredibly sweet together and it was a pure joy for me to read about them fall for each other.
Important quotes
There are many amazing quotes, sentences and whole parts in this book that are very important and beautifully written. This was one of the first books that gave me the urge to mark certain quotes to be able to reread them again.
CONCLUSION
"QUEENS OF GEEK" is a light read that provides geeky entertainment for a couple of hours and I very much enjoyed those. But, since this book got hyped quite a lot on Bookstagram, I had actually hoped for even more than that.
I loved all the happy and fluffy moments in it which make it a book that definitely lifts every reader up and guarantees to put a smile on the reader's lips.
Unfortunately, this book is rather short with not even 300 pages, which is why I would have liked a few more pages more a lot, since that would have given the author the chance to give each of the three friends more depth and make them rounder as characters and in their bond.
The motivation behind this book is amazing (the author wanted to write a book about a bisexual girl and an autistic introverted girl with social anxiety since she herself is a bisexual autistic introverted girl with social anxiety). Diverse books are always needed and I loved the representation in this one because it was greatly done and I think that a lot of people can relate to these characters.
I can definitely recommend this book a lot to other fangirls, and especially to queer and/or introverted fangirls. I really enjoyed it but I had expected more of it because of the huge hype surrounding it.
It does no good to compare books too much to one another, but because the last book I read had been such an extremely amazing one, I can't help but state, that "QUEENS OF GEEK" just couldn't entertain me as much as "THE GENTLEMAN's GUDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE" could.
MY RATING
I award this book with 4 out of 5 stars.