Geek Charming
Geek Charming by Robin Palmer is about a girl named Dylan who is at the top of the popularity chain. Dylan makes Regina George look like Eleanor Roosevelt. Anyways Dylan makes a promise to let Josh, one of her geeky classmates, make a documentary about her and the other popular people.
As a character, I couldn’t stand Dylan. I have little tolerance for people who seem too dumb to breath the same air as me. I mean, this character, Dylan though Annie Hall was a person who went to her school, not a film. Also, she has a boy name. I know, I know, as a feminist I should not be irritated when people’s names do not conform to gender standards, but still. Anyways, within the book we get to see that Dylan is a human too. Honestly, I still felt she was one dimensional even while I was reading about her ‘human’ side. Plus, she’s manipulative — she would make others do her homework. All she cared about was shopping and celebrities, not very endearing to me.
Now, Josh on the other hand was wonderful. He’s the film geek. He’s passionate, he’s not an idiot. Josh had qualities I admire, such as being a good friend and not backstabbing his friends. You see, Josh gets a makeover and somewhat enters the popular crowd, but he’s still close with his friends from his pre-makeover days. Josh’s biggest flaw was how nervous he would get. That was aggravating, I couldn’t stop thinking, grow a set and get on with it. Now, this is high school, so obviously I should have let it slide, but man was it annoying.
The writing in Geek Charming by Robin Palmer was average. I was consistently reminded that Josh is a geek (does anyone really use that word anymore?!) and that Dylan is popular and beautiful. The story alternates between Josh’s point of view and Dylan’s. Towards the end Josh and Dylan began to sound alike, which was a weak point for me. Really, I’ve read much better YA. However, Geek Charming was fluff and definitely not a Printz-contender. I suppose Geek Charming is a good read when you are between books and have not a clue as to what to read next, but really need a book in your hand.
While reading Geek Charming, I suggest you sip upon some diet cola, seeing as how that seems to be the type of drink Dylan and her friends enjoy, cuz god forbid you have some calories.
Disclosure: I bought this book at the Penguin-Putnam warehouse sale.
Other reviews of Geek Charming by Robin Palmer:
A Reader’s Adventure
Princess Bookie
The Dreamer Reader
This post was written by...
April (Books&Wine) – who has written 1065 posts on Good Books And Good Wine.
April is 24 years old. She is an educator. In her free time she can be found reading, working out, or eating junk food. She often wears her sunglasses at night.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
this book did seem a little lacking when I saw it in Barnes and Noble.
an honest review, though. a great review. :]
I kind of get where your coming from, but you hate her because her names Dylan?
Oo! This book sounds brilliant. I love nerdling and makeover stories. Will be checking it out (at the library) asap
No, not because her name is Dylan, but because she was mean, manipulative, used people and backstabbed her best friend. I know not all characters are supposed to be perfect, but I just, something about her grated on me. That was just a peeve.
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Fantastic review. Oh how I love concise harsh reviews. Will be avoiding this one like the plague.
Hmmmm…. sounds like a pass. I like your thoughts on this and always appreciate a good honest review.
When a girl makes Regina George look like Eleanor Roosevelt, that's saying a lot Lol
Great review.
I have the same issue with names
Really appreciate your honesty. I think I'm gonna let this one pass on by. I've got too many far better sounding books in my room to waste my time on this one. Great review!
~Briana