que_bella's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't expecting a whodunit when I picked up this book, but I loved it! It's what really happens when social media gets out of control and how a girl unused to the spotlight can grow.
Lucy wasn't planning on going to prom. She was going to be in her basement killing zombies with her online group. Instead she's sitting with her BFFS boyfriend who she's had a crush on for years. As the hours pass, the party gets wilder, and it's no easy thing to keep yourself on track. But when compromising photos are posted on Lucy's Facebook that she didn't take, all with #scandal, she's got to find a way to deal with the drama at school and at home, not to mention boys.
Lucy wasn't planning on going to prom. She was going to be in her basement killing zombies with her online group. Instead she's sitting with her BFFS boyfriend who she's had a crush on for years. As the hours pass, the party gets wilder, and it's no easy thing to keep yourself on track. But when compromising photos are posted on Lucy's Facebook that she didn't take, all with #scandal, she's got to find a way to deal with the drama at school and at home, not to mention boys.
blburslem's review against another edition
4.0
Another read in one sitting. Nothing special but I'm a sucker for gossip girl-esque nonsense.
clarynathanwill's review against another edition
4.0
Read in two sittings. A nice quick read. Didn't shock me I saw things coming.
kateozera's review
4.0
Iniciei este livro em Dezembro e terminei em Janeiro, ficando honestamente satisfeita com o que li.
Foi divertido, rápido e teve tópicos interessantes. Gostei especialmente do tom irónico e divertido, das inúmeras referências a outras coisas que me interessam (olá, Buffy e Veronica), da maneira como estruturaram os títulos dos capítulos, dos mistérios envolvidos e das personagens em geral que me pareceram muito frescas (?).
O que podia ter sido melhor: bem, podemos começar pela relação amorosa com a qual, sinceramente, não consegui ligar-me muito. Achei a personagem da directora demasiado exagerada, também. Além disso, a atitude da protagonista foi um pouco irritante porque ela não se decidia a tomar um lado na sua história - e eu gostaria que ela tivesse demonstrado mais atitude e mais preocupação com o assunto.
Entrei à procura de uma mensagem que não consegui encontrar.
Não tem grande profundidade mas, ainda assim, recomendo para quem gosta de leituras rápidas e engraçadas.
Foi divertido, rápido e teve tópicos interessantes. Gostei especialmente do tom irónico e divertido, das inúmeras referências a outras coisas que me interessam (olá, Buffy e Veronica), da maneira como estruturaram os títulos dos capítulos, dos mistérios envolvidos e das personagens em geral que me pareceram muito frescas (?).
O que podia ter sido melhor: bem, podemos começar pela relação amorosa com a qual, sinceramente, não consegui ligar-me muito. Achei a personagem da directora demasiado exagerada, também. Além disso, a atitude da protagonista foi um pouco irritante porque ela não se decidia a tomar um lado na sua história - e eu gostaria que ela tivesse demonstrado mais atitude e mais preocupação com o assunto.
Entrei à procura de uma mensagem que não consegui encontrar.
Não tem grande profundidade mas, ainda assim, recomendo para quem gosta de leituras rápidas e engraçadas.
heisereads's review against another edition
3.0
This one didn't live up to expectations based on the premise for me. I really wanted to like it more than I eventually did. I'm writing this not to slam the book, because I can definitely see the readers for it, but to caution you on some of the concerns I had if you're thinking of using it in a classroom.
It was ok, but not as standout as I was hoping it would be. I did like some of the messages that came out of the story, and I did want to read the whole book to find out what would happen, but I did ultimately feel like there was almost too much going on here, so it felt too long and some of the plot points didn't get as much focus as I felt they could have. It definitely discourages the actions that these characters take by showing the repercussions, but I wish more had happened to the perpetrators.
The bigger concerns I had were:
-The way the principal dealt with the cyberbullying situation didn't seem realistic to me; she was more of a caricature, and that worries me as far as what message students will take from this one what they can do to help themselves if they're ever in a similar situation.
-There are a lot of pop culture and product references and whenever I see that in books I always sense it won't have as much longevity because it will feel dated more quickly, or worry it might alienate readers who don't know those references.
-I never really bought fully into the romance because Cole kept disappearing from the story throughout; I mean, if this was truly the relationship Lucy made it out to be, Cole should have been around more during the fallout. He was there for some of it and in a great way, but then wouldn't be around when I expected him to be and for large chunks.
If you can overlook those things, it may work for you, but it just wasn't an amazing book for me.
It was ok, but not as standout as I was hoping it would be. I did like some of the messages that came out of the story, and I did want to read the whole book to find out what would happen, but I did ultimately feel like there was almost too much going on here, so it felt too long and some of the plot points didn't get as much focus as I felt they could have. It definitely discourages the actions that these characters take by showing the repercussions, but I wish more had happened to the perpetrators.
The bigger concerns I had were:
-The way the principal dealt with the cyberbullying situation didn't seem realistic to me; she was more of a caricature, and that worries me as far as what message students will take from this one what they can do to help themselves if they're ever in a similar situation.
-There are a lot of pop culture and product references and whenever I see that in books I always sense it won't have as much longevity because it will feel dated more quickly, or worry it might alienate readers who don't know those references.
-I never really bought fully into the romance because Cole kept disappearing from the story throughout; I mean, if this was truly the relationship Lucy made it out to be, Cole should have been around more during the fallout. He was there for some of it and in a great way, but then wouldn't be around when I expected him to be and for large chunks.
If you can overlook those things, it may work for you, but it just wasn't an amazing book for me.
raquel494's review
3.0
I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 stars
I've been a fan of Sarah Ockler ever since her 2009 debut with Twenty Boy Summer, so I was extremely excited to get my hands of an eARC of #scandal. Yet, as excited as I was, I had a hard time focusing on this book--it practically took me a whole week to finish it! Nevertheless, here I am, with some mixed feelings in tow.
#scandal picks up at prom, just before Lucy's life blows up. Never one to crave the limelight, Lucy reluctantly agrees to go to prom with her best friend's boyfriend, when said best friend falls sick. Even though Lucy would rather spend the night fighting zombies and such, she agrees, never imagining how the night would turn out. Lucy's been in love with Cole, her best friend's boyfriend, since she met him four years ago, but as the loyal best friend, she's never crossed the line. However, when Lucy finds out about Cole and Ellie's breakup, she can't help but to start hoping, and with a kiss between her and Cole, everything changes.
Filled with guilt, Lucy flees the scene the morning after, not realizing what awaits her. Next thing she knows, Lucy's being labeled a slut and a narc for posting incriminating pictures of various of her classmates, as well as of herself...with Cole, in bed. Now, her best friend is refusing to speak to her, the whole school has a vendetta against her, and despite Cole's support with everything that is happening, Lucy refuses to fall into his arms and damage her relationship with Ellie even more.
Technology plays a huge role in #scandal--from the online gossip columns to emails shown throughout the book, to the actual role Facebook plays in making the events of that night public to everyone. Furthermore, without even having to delve too much into the actual book, the message Ockler delivers is painstakingly clear: despite its many advantages, technology can be a grave and dangerous tool, particularly for the use of cyberbullying.
One of the things I liked the most about this book was the fact that in the end, everything is not all peachy between Lucy and Ellie--which is exactly as it should be. Often authors tie everything up with a neat bow for the sole purpose of making readers happy, and the reality is that life is anything but neat. Yes, technically Cole and Ellie were already broken up when Lucy and Cole kissed, but it was still a recent break up and it would still hurt Ellie. Another thing I liked: the relationship between Lucy and Jayla. Family is messy, and even though it's evident throughout the book that the sisters' relationship is a little rocky, Ockler still manages to show us that Lucy and Jayla truly love each other despite their differences.
With the scandal those pictures bring forth, Lucy sets out to clear her name, and along the way, comes out of her shell. During her sleuthing, she finds allies and friends with the members of (e)VIL. It's so easy to get caught up in one's own clique in high school, never venturing out of one's own comfort zone, and that's an issue that Ockler explores in #scandal. On another topic, I have to admit that a lot of the technology lingo confused me. There were times where I just had to stop and think, and while I admire an author's ability to make the reader contemplate, I don't think that's exactly what Ockler had in mind for those scenes.
We do see Lucy's character develop over the course of the novel. However, there were a couple of relationships that I felt where underdeveloped: Lucy and Ellie's and Lucy and Cole's. First, there was not enough interaction between Lucy and Ellie to really get a feel for their friendship, and without that bond, I found it difficult to feel bad about Lucy making a move towards Cole. At the same time, I felt like Lucy and Cole's relationship also lacked something. Cole doesn't make many appearances in the book and if I couldn't get to know him, then how could I root for him? And to be honest, I actually felt like there was something between Lucy and Franklin. Lucy and Cole do get their happily ever after (as far as we know) but that just seemed a bit redundant to me.
Regardless of the lackluster romance, #scandal makes for an interesting read. I didn't see the perpetrator coming, and that's always a plus in my book. Furthermore, even if #scandal isn't one of my favorites from Ockler, I'd still recommend it.
For reviews and more, visit my blog at Bittersweet Book Love.
3.5 stars
I've been a fan of Sarah Ockler ever since her 2009 debut with Twenty Boy Summer, so I was extremely excited to get my hands of an eARC of #scandal. Yet, as excited as I was, I had a hard time focusing on this book--it practically took me a whole week to finish it! Nevertheless, here I am, with some mixed feelings in tow.
#scandal picks up at prom, just before Lucy's life blows up. Never one to crave the limelight, Lucy reluctantly agrees to go to prom with her best friend's boyfriend, when said best friend falls sick. Even though Lucy would rather spend the night fighting zombies and such, she agrees, never imagining how the night would turn out. Lucy's been in love with Cole, her best friend's boyfriend, since she met him four years ago, but as the loyal best friend, she's never crossed the line. However, when Lucy finds out about Cole and Ellie's breakup, she can't help but to start hoping, and with a kiss between her and Cole, everything changes.
Filled with guilt, Lucy flees the scene the morning after, not realizing what awaits her. Next thing she knows, Lucy's being labeled a slut and a narc for posting incriminating pictures of various of her classmates, as well as of herself...with Cole, in bed. Now, her best friend is refusing to speak to her, the whole school has a vendetta against her, and despite Cole's support with everything that is happening, Lucy refuses to fall into his arms and damage her relationship with Ellie even more.
Technology plays a huge role in #scandal--from the online gossip columns to emails shown throughout the book, to the actual role Facebook plays in making the events of that night public to everyone. Furthermore, without even having to delve too much into the actual book, the message Ockler delivers is painstakingly clear: despite its many advantages, technology can be a grave and dangerous tool, particularly for the use of cyberbullying.
One of the things I liked the most about this book was the fact that in the end, everything is not all peachy between Lucy and Ellie--which is exactly as it should be. Often authors tie everything up with a neat bow for the sole purpose of making readers happy, and the reality is that life is anything but neat. Yes, technically Cole and Ellie were already broken up when Lucy and Cole kissed, but it was still a recent break up and it would still hurt Ellie. Another thing I liked: the relationship between Lucy and Jayla. Family is messy, and even though it's evident throughout the book that the sisters' relationship is a little rocky, Ockler still manages to show us that Lucy and Jayla truly love each other despite their differences.
With the scandal those pictures bring forth, Lucy sets out to clear her name, and along the way, comes out of her shell. During her sleuthing, she finds allies and friends with the members of (e)VIL. It's so easy to get caught up in one's own clique in high school, never venturing out of one's own comfort zone, and that's an issue that Ockler explores in #scandal. On another topic, I have to admit that a lot of the technology lingo confused me. There were times where I just had to stop and think, and while I admire an author's ability to make the reader contemplate, I don't think that's exactly what Ockler had in mind for those scenes.
We do see Lucy's character develop over the course of the novel. However, there were a couple of relationships that I felt where underdeveloped: Lucy and Ellie's and Lucy and Cole's. First, there was not enough interaction between Lucy and Ellie to really get a feel for their friendship, and without that bond, I found it difficult to feel bad about Lucy making a move towards Cole. At the same time, I felt like Lucy and Cole's relationship also lacked something. Cole doesn't make many appearances in the book and if I couldn't get to know him, then how could I root for him? And to be honest, I actually felt like there was something between Lucy and Franklin. Lucy and Cole do get their happily ever after (as far as we know) but that just seemed a bit redundant to me.
Regardless of the lackluster romance, #scandal makes for an interesting read. I didn't see the perpetrator coming, and that's always a plus in my book. Furthermore, even if #scandal isn't one of my favorites from Ockler, I'd still recommend it.
For reviews and more, visit my blog at Bittersweet Book Love.
untitledfornow's review against another edition
3.0
It was good
My only problem was that the middle seemed to drag on for a while =\
My only problem was that the middle seemed to drag on for a while =\
pagesplotsandpints's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
Initial Impressions 6/11/14Really bummed about this book. It wasn't bad but really not my style. There were SUCH sweet moments of cuteness in there but overshadowed by drama and Gossip Girl-style... well, gossip. I liked the overall message but didn't like the style. Not usually my thing and it was hard to maintain my interest.
The reveal was a bummer too. I actually had a suspicion which turned out to be wrong and I would have liked that more. I actually laughed when Miss Demeanor was revealed and as to who stole Lucy's phone? Eh. The Juicy Lucy account? Eh. It just all felt very teen soap opera and I wasn't into it.
I did like the humor but I was hoping it would be more serious. All in all, just not really what I was expecting and I couldn't get over that. I tried, but I just wasn't into the whole theme and the way the book went.
Plus, why did Lucy NEVER stand up for herself? Honestly. I'm a shy person but I would raging. And she doesn't seem like she would be one to really hold back but I guess I'm not the creator of characters.
Review originally posted HERE on The Book Addict's Guide 7/23/14 As I’m sure many of you know, I was a HUGE fan of the first Sarah Ockler book I read, THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS. I have to read any other ones besides that and #SCANDAL but I’ve heard good things about the rest! Obviously, when I went to start #SCANDAL, I had some pretty high expectations. I had heard from others who had already read it that it definitely was a different style than Sarah’s previous books and I tried to put myself in that mindset but… well… I failed.
#SCANDAL was VERY different for me as a reader. Not just in style but it didn’t even feel like I was reading the same author. All of the bare bones were there of the things that I loved in THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS – a strong female character, a rocky but great family relationship to explore, a super swoony boy, and friendship trials/tribulations – but none of those elements really seemed to work or pan out for me in #SCANDAL. Almost all of them felt completely undeveloped and overshadowed by the plot and without that feeling of reality from the characters and their relationship, I was just lost in the drama of the book.
#SCANDAL had some, well, scandalous topics. Lucy finds herself the victim of a social media explosion after being photographed kissing her best friend’s boyfriend (now ex, although that wasn’t news to the school yet) and an innocent situation turned completely and untruthfully raunchy. I really appreciated a lot of the situations that Lucy had to deal with and I thought Sarah Ockler did a great job of showing how social media really does affect our daily lives, especially when it comes to the relationships we have with our peers. Things can easily be taken out of context or thrown out of proportion because of the passive-aggressiveness of social media and many people end up not confronting issues head on. I think Sarah Ockler did a really great job of exploring those angles and I loved all of the questions both characters and reader came up with throughout the course of the book.
What I didn’t enjoy was how most of the characters handled these situations. If Lucy is innocent (we know she is), why didn’t she stand up for herself more? I’m not a vocal person by any means and I don’t really push myself into situations or even speak up for myself at times, but if I was involved in a scandal that was entirely untrue, you BET I would be all over the place defending myself, tracking down the culprit who was spreading rumors about me, and trying to make things right. Lucy was portrayed to be this kickass, zombie and guts-loving, nose ring-wearing girl and I felt like she didn’t once have that sort of personality outside of her videogames. I’m not saying that stereotypical look + attitude combination exists all the time, but it was surprising to me that she would be bold with her looks and actions everywhere EXCEPT for handling this scandal and her friendships. I was just really disappointed with her character.
I really wasn’t sold on many of the relationships, sadly. We find out many different things about Lucy’s relationship with her sister, but they’re only briefly touched upon and then quickly resolved. The swoony aspect between Lucy and Cole are totally glossed over because of the situation surrounding them. They had some REALLY cute moments but there were just so few and far between. I was really disappointed with the friendships too. Everything just seemed so catty and superficial. I just felt like every relationship in the book really could have benefitted from a bit more development.
I really just wasn’t a fan of the overall feel of the book, to be perfect frank. I can appreciate keeping a lighter tone with such a heavy topic, but I would have liked to see it addressed a bit more seriously. Again, all the messages were there but I didn’t quite like their delivery. The whole vibe was just a bit TOO Gossip Girl meets Mean Girls and I think it got a little too silly for my tastes. I would have liked this to feel a lot more realistic instead of getting carried away with being fun.
I’m just so sad that this one didn’t really seem to work out at all for me. I was really hoping for another knockout after THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS and I think that was really just a tough book to follow. The overall feel left me wanting so much more of the reality of each situation and everything just felt a little underwhelming.
Initial Impressions 6/11/14Really bummed about this book. It wasn't bad but really not my style. There were SUCH sweet moments of cuteness in there but overshadowed by drama and Gossip Girl-style... well, gossip. I liked the overall message but didn't like the style. Not usually my thing and it was hard to maintain my interest.
The reveal was a bummer too. I actually had a suspicion which turned out to be wrong and I would have liked that more. I actually laughed when Miss Demeanor was revealed and as to who stole Lucy's phone? Eh. The Juicy Lucy account? Eh. It just all felt very teen soap opera and I wasn't into it.
I did like the humor but I was hoping it would be more serious. All in all, just not really what I was expecting and I couldn't get over that. I tried, but I just wasn't into the whole theme and the way the book went.
Plus, why did Lucy NEVER stand up for herself? Honestly. I'm a shy person but I would raging. And she doesn't seem like she would be one to really hold back but I guess I'm not the creator of characters.
Review originally posted HERE on The Book Addict's Guide 7/23/14 As I’m sure many of you know, I was a HUGE fan of the first Sarah Ockler book I read, THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS. I have to read any other ones besides that and #SCANDAL but I’ve heard good things about the rest! Obviously, when I went to start #SCANDAL, I had some pretty high expectations. I had heard from others who had already read it that it definitely was a different style than Sarah’s previous books and I tried to put myself in that mindset but… well… I failed.
#SCANDAL was VERY different for me as a reader. Not just in style but it didn’t even feel like I was reading the same author. All of the bare bones were there of the things that I loved in THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS – a strong female character, a rocky but great family relationship to explore, a super swoony boy, and friendship trials/tribulations – but none of those elements really seemed to work or pan out for me in #SCANDAL. Almost all of them felt completely undeveloped and overshadowed by the plot and without that feeling of reality from the characters and their relationship, I was just lost in the drama of the book.
#SCANDAL had some, well, scandalous topics. Lucy finds herself the victim of a social media explosion after being photographed kissing her best friend’s boyfriend (now ex, although that wasn’t news to the school yet) and an innocent situation turned completely and untruthfully raunchy. I really appreciated a lot of the situations that Lucy had to deal with and I thought Sarah Ockler did a great job of showing how social media really does affect our daily lives, especially when it comes to the relationships we have with our peers. Things can easily be taken out of context or thrown out of proportion because of the passive-aggressiveness of social media and many people end up not confronting issues head on. I think Sarah Ockler did a really great job of exploring those angles and I loved all of the questions both characters and reader came up with throughout the course of the book.
What I didn’t enjoy was how most of the characters handled these situations. If Lucy is innocent (we know she is), why didn’t she stand up for herself more? I’m not a vocal person by any means and I don’t really push myself into situations or even speak up for myself at times, but if I was involved in a scandal that was entirely untrue, you BET I would be all over the place defending myself, tracking down the culprit who was spreading rumors about me, and trying to make things right. Lucy was portrayed to be this kickass, zombie and guts-loving, nose ring-wearing girl and I felt like she didn’t once have that sort of personality outside of her videogames. I’m not saying that stereotypical look + attitude combination exists all the time, but it was surprising to me that she would be bold with her looks and actions everywhere EXCEPT for handling this scandal and her friendships. I was just really disappointed with her character.
I really wasn’t sold on many of the relationships, sadly. We find out many different things about Lucy’s relationship with her sister, but they’re only briefly touched upon and then quickly resolved. The swoony aspect between Lucy and Cole are totally glossed over because of the situation surrounding them. They had some REALLY cute moments but there were just so few and far between. I was really disappointed with the friendships too. Everything just seemed so catty and superficial. I just felt like every relationship in the book really could have benefitted from a bit more development.
I really just wasn’t a fan of the overall feel of the book, to be perfect frank. I can appreciate keeping a lighter tone with such a heavy topic, but I would have liked to see it addressed a bit more seriously. Again, all the messages were there but I didn’t quite like their delivery. The whole vibe was just a bit TOO Gossip Girl meets Mean Girls and I think it got a little too silly for my tastes. I would have liked this to feel a lot more realistic instead of getting carried away with being fun.
I’m just so sad that this one didn’t really seem to work out at all for me. I was really hoping for another knockout after THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS and I think that was really just a tough book to follow. The overall feel left me wanting so much more of the reality of each situation and everything just felt a little underwhelming.