Scan barcode
johnnymacaroni's review against another edition
2.0
I just finished the galley I got at Book Expo. It's not the Richard Peck I have come to adore but I am sure I will find plenty of eager readers at my library for this contemporary, chick-lit, horror story.
greenbeanteenqueen's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 2.75
It's hard to really review this book because saying too much will give away the spoilers-and it's a fairly short book, you don't want any spoilers or it ruins the whole thing.
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I didn't think the characters were that well fleshed out. We don't really know why the popular girls pick Kerry, we can guess it's because she's easily manipulated, though I don't think that will be clear to younger readers. We also don't really see Kerry interacting with her new friends all that much so it's not always clear why exactly she wants to be friends with them-other than they're popular, which for me, wasn't enough character development.
The twist is creepy but it takes awhile to get the full explanation and when we do it's a bit rushed and not as developed as I would have liked.
For middle school readers wanting a creepy story that reads like a scary story meets Gossip Girl, this might work. It might also be good for fans of Mary Downing Hahn or Lois Duncan.
It's hard to really review this book because saying too much will give away the spoilers-and it's a fairly short book, you don't want any spoilers or it ruins the whole thing.
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I didn't think the characters were that well fleshed out. We don't really know why the popular girls pick Kerry, we can guess it's because she's easily manipulated, though I don't think that will be clear to younger readers. We also don't really see Kerry interacting with her new friends all that much so it's not always clear why exactly she wants to be friends with them-other than they're popular, which for me, wasn't enough character development.
The twist is creepy but it takes awhile to get the full explanation and when we do it's a bit rushed and not as developed as I would have liked.
For middle school readers wanting a creepy story that reads like a scary story meets Gossip Girl, this might work. It might also be good for fans of Mary Downing Hahn or Lois Duncan.
jbojkov's review against another edition
2.0
I picked this one up because I was intrigued by the idea of Richard Peck writing what looked like paranormal chick lit- which was exactly what it was. It was ok- but not as good as some of his other more Richard Peck-ish works like Here Lies the Librarian and The Teacher's Funeral. But then again maybe I haven't read very much Peck. It's not that this was bad and I really didn't NOT like it- I just really didn't LIKE it either.
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Kerry is a 10th grade nothing at one of the top public schools in the US, until Tanya, Natalie, and Mackensie bring her into their tiny, exclusive circle. Kerry is so glad to be part of this ultra cool group, even their casual cruelty to herself and others is acceptable. But how much will she be willing to tolerate?
There are some paranormal elements in this book, but otherwise I think Peck nailed the teenage desire to be accepted by someone, maybe anyone, rather than be alone and outside. He also brilliantly illustrates the ability of so many people, not just teenagers, to do things they find objectionable, simply because it's easier than exerting the will to resist.
There are some paranormal elements in this book, but otherwise I think Peck nailed the teenage desire to be accepted by someone, maybe anyone, rather than be alone and outside. He also brilliantly illustrates the ability of so many people, not just teenagers, to do things they find objectionable, simply because it's easier than exerting the will to resist.
abigailbat's review against another edition
1.0
This book was a hot mess... I think it partially could have been fixed if it had been set in the past, but the strange mix of dated names (high school characters named Sandy [guy], Bob, Tanya...) and modern technology makes the setting muddled. The characters fell flat for me and I was totally confused halfway through, so I ended up putting it down.
tcbueti's review against another edition
5.0
Kerry can't believe that the three most popular girls at her high school--Tanya, Natalie and Makenzie-- have chosen her to join their circle. She basks in their reflected glow, until they are killed in a car crash--and Kerry was calling Tanya, the driver. Kerry feels like her life is over, until a few weeks later, when she gets a text message--from Tanya.
This was a great blend of social commentary--kids always technologically connected, high school popularity wars, taken to extremes--and horror. The combination of life the undead and high school is funny at times, and chilling a few pages later. I could not put this down. Macabre, sly and memorable.
This was a great blend of social commentary--kids always technologically connected, high school popularity wars, taken to extremes--and horror. The combination of life the undead and high school is funny at times, and chilling a few pages later. I could not put this down. Macabre, sly and memorable.
jshettel's review against another edition
4.0
Is it wrong that I liked this cheesy ghost story? Peck sure knows how to draw in the reader!