Search This Blog

Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

Monday, July 23, 2012
Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their "real" lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents) But when an unexpected event shows them they're missing out on the full high school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge--and they will totally "rock" it.
Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking--and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes--until now.
These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want--but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . . .

Goodreads Summary


Gigi, Bea, and Neerja will remind the reader of friends or students from high school.  The author captured that "high school quality" in both the characters and the plot.  Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are very hardworking and strive to get into the very best colleges.  They are slightly dorky, in their own way.  Sure, they study all day to achieve their goal and pick up extracurricular activities, but are they missing out on the "true experience?"  Concerned that they're missing what could be the best years of their lives, the trio decide to try to experience high school.    Gigi tries for a student representative position, but must overcome her fear of public speaking.  Bea wants to pick up skiing once again.  Neerja wants to try for different positions in the drama club.  Can they get the experience they want?

The three main characters are all easy to relate to and very likable.  Gigi is more outspoken than the others and she can be very dense, Bea is sporty and shy, and Neerja tried to live up to the legacy of her older sister and maintained a level head through the book.  Sometimes, their characters fell a little bit flat.  It seemed like there was some dynamic change during the novel, but not too much.  There are other secondary characters who add to the novel.  Their characters are not focused upon, but they are still humorous and add a little romance (Mike). 

The plot itself has probably been done before.  However, the author did write with a certain authenticity.  It didn't feel like an adult was telling the story at all.  It never hurts to look past a brainy exterior and see a leader, sports fan, or actress.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

3 1/2 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

11 comments:

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I'm really glad you enjoyed this book, it looks really swell, like a really nice read and I must pick up a copy soon, the cover is just TOO sweet. I don't think I've seen a plot like this, at least I don't think.

  1. Unknown said...:

    This looks like a fast read! I love how original the characters' names are. Thanks!

  1. Violette said...:

    Thank you for your honest review. Based on everything, this may have to be a pass for me, but seems likely to appeal to a younger, less "old crone" reader than myself. :P

  1. Thanks for the honest review. It sounds like a cute book and I can relate to certain aspects of these girls personalities.

  1. This sounds like a fun and relatable read. I think a lot of teens would enjoy this one. :)

  1. I want to read this so bad! it looks like a really good read

  1. Unknown said...:

    This book seems interesting and pretty much a fast read. Glad you enjoyed it!

  1. Lili said...:

    I've read several reviews for this book because I'm extremely interested in it and one of the few reoccurring thoughts about this book is that the plot isn't unique, but the writer writes it in a unique way that doesn't make your mind scream out "cliche!" Instead, it's almost like an undertow. Thank you for the review!

  1. Cyn said...:

    Thanks for the review. This book sounds pretty interesting.

  1. Unknown said...:

    Great review! I can't wait to read this one...it sounds like a fun read. Thanks for sharing!
    ~Shelby @ Gobs and Gobs of Books

  1. I hate that you didn't enjoy this one as much as I did. :( I fell head over heels for this story and these characters. I feel like it is a book that any and all teenage girls need to read. Its main focus is self-worth. I loved every single word of this story, and I can't wait to see what Sarah writes next. Thanks for the great review!