Get Smart

BOOK REPORT for Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

Cover Story: She's All That Syndrome
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: Champertastic
Bonus Factors: Goody Goodies, Love Triangle
Relationship Status: Keepin' It Casual

Cover Story: She's All That Syndrome

What is this, a Taylor Swift video? Wearing glasses does not make someone a nerd! HAVE WE LEARNED NOTHING FROM TINA FEY? Not to mention the fact that the main character, while blonde and pretty like the cover model, literally says that she does NOT wear glasses. DONNEVEN.

The Deal:

If Bea, Neerja and Gigi went to my high school, they probably would've been called the Three Dorkateers. They're super smart, slightly goofy and completely obsessed with their grades. Their entire existence has been G-rated, and the only risk they take is a guess on the biology exam bonus question. But when tenth grade begins, they realize that they might be missing out on the whole "having a life" thing, so they make a pact to branch out of their goody goody world. Neerja tries out for the play, Bea joins the ski team and Gigi, our heroine, runs for student rep. Then, of course, boys enter the picture and EFF EVERYTHING UP (like they do). As the three friends begin to blossom on their new paths, they realize that real life can be even trickier than an AP class... and a hell of a lot more fun.

BFF Charm: Yay!

I'll admit, the main reason I'm giving Gigi my BFF charm is because she totally reminds me of my high school self. You might think that makes me conceited, but really, it just makes it abundantly clear that I was a total dork and goody goody in high school. Thankfully, Gigi ends up being more adventurous than I ever was as a YA, and as the story progresses, she really grows into an independent-thinker while maintaining her friendship with Bea and Neerja. Some readers might find her slightly annoying at first, since she is a bit judgy and straight-laced, but by the end, I think you'll be rooting for Gigi as hard as I was. Plus, girlfriend could give me some hair tips, because while she may be clueless about boys, Gigi totally knows how to Tami-Taylor her hair AND THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ME.

Swoonworthy Scale: 6

As listed in the bonus factors, this book features a love triangle but WAIT. WAIT! It's actually a good, totally believable one (which I will detail below). But basically, this new kid Will shows up in school, and he's really hot and charming and seems to have a thing for Gigi. But he's also kind of an asshole. And then there's Mike, the popular jock who initially comes off as a doofus but happens to be incredibly smart. Will is enticing, but Mike is downright adorable, and I really enjoyed feeling the frisson develop between him and Gigi. Things are still pretty G-rated, but the romance is sweet and fun.

Talky Talk: Champertastic

Strohmeyer's style is fun and bubbly, just like a great glass of champers. Gigi's perspective, while not deeply emotional, feels authentic, and the dialogue is fast and breezy. This is one of those books you can read in one sitting, preferably with a margarita by your side and a pool or beach nearby.

Bonus Factor: Goody Goodies

It's tricky to write a goody goody character who isn't snobby or just downright awful, but Strohmeyer really pulls it off in this book, and I love her for it. Usually in YA, the sweet, sheltered girl ends up getting corrupted or transformed by boys and/or supernatural beings, so it's refreshing to see the gals in this book emerge with some of their innocence (and all of their friendship) intact. I mean, sure, Sandy Olsen looked hot in that black spandex, but Danny Zuko soooo wasn't worth the lung cancer.

Bonus Factor: Love Triangle

As I already mentioned, the love triangle in this book is realistically constructed and a far cry from the melodrama of Team Sparkle and Team Jorts. Gigi doesn't fall in insta-love with either guy, but rather, nurses crushes on both of them, which is totes legit for high school. I did get a little sick of Gigi falling for Will's bullshizz, but at the same time, he's a hot dude! And hot dudes can be v. persuasive!

Casting Call:

Skyler Samuels as Gigi

Beau Mirchoff as Mike

Thomas McDonell as Will

Relationship Status: Keepin' It Casual

This book has great intentions, and I totally respect them. Sure, it's not true love, but who cares? We have a blast together, and I never have to worry about things getting Too Serious. Whenever I need some time away from the angsty novels I usually date, I know I can give this book a call and escape to a world that's light on the drama and heavy on the fun.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received my review copy from the Harper Collins.  I received neither money nor cocktails for writing this review (dammit!). Smart Girls Get What They Want is available now.