Review: Awkward
Ever since her dad left, Mackenzie has done all she can to help her mom out. She’s also focused on school – after all, she needs good grades and good test scores to get a college scholarship. All this work at home and school doesn’t leave much time for a social life, so Kenzie is socially awkward.
According to Kenzie, there are two groups at her school, the “Notables” – the popular kids – and the “Invisibles” – which she’s a part of. She’s pretty much ignored by the Notables, the exception being Logan, but then, he has to talk to her since she tutors him.
As she’s walking into school one day, Kenzie accidentally knocks down a football player and, thinking she’s hurt him, tries to administer CPR. Unbeknownst to her, it’s captured on video and ends up going viral on YouTube. Kenzie figures things will die down pretty quickly until a clip of that video ends up being in a video for the latest song by ReadySet, the hottest band around.
I thought Awkward, by Marni Bates, was just delightful! If I had a young daughter, this is exactly the kind of book I’d want her to read. It’s fun and funny and has a good message. Kenzie’s not perfect – she makes some mistakes, but she learns from them.
Kenzie’s a great character. She has big plans and knows what she wants to achieve. She’s certainly driven, but she’s also loyal and kind. It seems she has so much going for her, but she’s still riddled with self doubt and is unsure of herself in social situations. I think she’s a character many young (and not so young) girls can relate to. The secondary characters are wonderful as well, particularly Logan – they were fleshed out pretty well and felt like typical teenagers.
Sure, parts of the story are a little far fetched but, you know, it doesn’t really matter. Awkward is funny and just a little bit romantic and I think it has a great message. Be sure to check this book out!
Review copy provided by Kensington Books. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.
I love the sound of Kenzie’s personality and it seems that Bates was able to create realistic teens. I’ll put this one on my radar and mention it to my niece.
Sounds like a book for Anna’s daughter.
I think she’d probably want to read it. Will definitely keep it in mind.
This one is new to me. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
This one looks like fun!
I hadn’t heard of this oe. Looks cute!
Sounds like a good one.
This sounds very fun. I definitely have to read this one, especially since I was always one of the Invisibles myself! :–)
This does sound good, and it has the perfect title, too!
This sounds sweet, I’ll keep it in mind for my daughter.
This really does sound delightful!
I can certainly understand the feeling of “social awkwardness”, and though this is a book meant for teens, I bet it would be a great read for me as well. Melissa might enjoy this one. So much of the time, I think she feels this way. It’s great to read a story that turns the problem around and that features such a great character like Kenzie. Awesome review today!
Sounds wonderful! Booking Daughter will love it!
Lovely review…this book sounds so good!
Sounds like a perfect read! Social awkwardness is a necessary theme to cover in books!
I know a teen girl who would probably love this one!! Your review was fantastic!!!!
I wish my girls didn’t think they were too old for YA books! They’re exactly at the age that books like Awkward would help….why is it we read older books when we are teens but then as adults the YA books are so much more fun that the adult books…..aargh! great review Kathy! I’ll just have to read it and tell my girls what they’re missing!
Marni is a Portland author and I see her every year at our local writing conference. I can’t wait to read Awkward.
This looks adorable.
That does sound like a fun book! I miss out on these kinds of books because I have boys. I read lots of middle school fantasy instead.
I picked up the kindle edition of Awkward on super sale and look forward to reading it. It sounds so funny, and I want to read the sequel Decked with Holly too. Your review makes me want to start it right away!
Awkward pretty much describes me in school … and now too!