Scan barcode
bibliobrandie's review
4.0
The Outsiders meets Grease in this YA novel set in 1964 Houston. Will be booktalking this to a 7th grade class who is currently reading The Outsiders.
maeve_s13's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thepetitepunk's review
3.0
Thank you to the publisher for kindly provided me a finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
A feminist young adult novel laced with anger and hope, Bad Girls Never Say Die depicts the gritty reality of being in a world where autonomy is not a given for women. Although our “bad” girl protagonist Evie Barnes is fighting back in the 1960s, the themes of this novel will remain familiar today.
Evie and her friends defy the rules as they wear makeup, skip class, and smoke cigarettes, branding them as a group of “bad” girls. However, when Evie is saved from a violent attempt at sexual assault by a “good”
girl, her life spins into a new direction. As lies, secrets, and a murder plot unfold, the lack of choices a woman has and the tendency to not be believed becomes more obvious.
This is a great novel to read if you’re looking for strong female friendships, violence and drama, social commentary, and a healthy dose of hope! Although the plot and dialogue did feel a bit too mechanical at times, this book is face-paced and easy to read in a sitting or two. I found the first chapter or so a bit difficult to get into, but things immediately pick up as the novel is plunged into a series of heart-racing events. This book does feel like it would be best suited for a younger teen audience, but overall it was engaging and inspiring!
TWs: attempted rape/sexual assault, murder, teen pregnancy
A feminist young adult novel laced with anger and hope, Bad Girls Never Say Die depicts the gritty reality of being in a world where autonomy is not a given for women. Although our “bad” girl protagonist Evie Barnes is fighting back in the 1960s, the themes of this novel will remain familiar today.
Evie and her friends defy the rules as they wear makeup, skip class, and smoke cigarettes, branding them as a group of “bad” girls. However, when Evie is saved from a violent attempt at sexual assault by a “good”
girl, her life spins into a new direction. As lies, secrets, and a murder plot unfold, the lack of choices a woman has and the tendency to not be believed becomes more obvious.
This is a great novel to read if you’re looking for strong female friendships, violence and drama, social commentary, and a healthy dose of hope! Although the plot and dialogue did feel a bit too mechanical at times, this book is face-paced and easy to read in a sitting or two. I found the first chapter or so a bit difficult to get into, but things immediately pick up as the novel is plunged into a series of heart-racing events. This book does feel like it would be best suited for a younger teen audience, but overall it was engaging and inspiring!
TWs: attempted rape/sexual assault, murder, teen pregnancy
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
4.0
4.5/5
Omg I enjoyed this book so much! I loved the setting and the characters. My only reason why it wasn’t 5 stars for me was because I wish there was more to some characters. The book reminded me of Grease in a way and I heard it is similar to The Outsiders, so naturally I now have that book on hold at my local library.
Omg I enjoyed this book so much! I loved the setting and the characters. My only reason why it wasn’t 5 stars for me was because I wish there was more to some characters. The book reminded me of Grease in a way and I heard it is similar to The Outsiders, so naturally I now have that book on hold at my local library.
marieintheraw's review
4.0
The book advertises itself as a genderswapped The Outsiders, and as someone who didn't super love the Outsiders, I felt this did a good job covering the same themes. Fans of Mathieu will enjoy the writing and how she continues to use her words, but Outsiders fans maybe a little disappointed.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
literaryk's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book is advertised as a feminine Outsiders, and I would agree that people who loved the Outsiders would love this book. There are some elements and call backs to the original story, but the plot and perspective on the gender and economic issues of the 70s are fresh.
love_luci's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cara_ready's review
4.0
It was refreshing to read a book about a group of girls who stick together and don’t unravel over dumb shit. I feel like this book had well developed, deeper conflict that wasn’t just petty drama so many people assume of young girls. I really liked the main character, Evie, I thought she was complex and smart and had realistic worries. This is not to say I don’t think girls have realistic worries, you just don’t typically read about them in literature. It wasn’t the most original story but I still enjoyed it.
atrailofpages's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! It is like a mix of The Outsiders and Grease, a gender-bent version which just makes it even better!
This story follows Evelyn, or Evie as she likes to be called, who is friends with the “bad girls”. She runs with the “bad girl” crowd that her mom refers to them as, but she does because they accept her. They don’t look down on her, and treat her equally, despite her young age. Amongst the kids, there are the “bad” kids, and the “tea sippers”, basically the poorer kids and the rich kids. One evening, Evie is almost assaulted by one of the upper class boys, but is saved by Diane, a girl who once was a part of the upper class, or a “tea sipper” by desperate measures. After the incident, they each have to keep this secret of what happened to that boy, or be arrested. Which they attempt to keep until someone innocent is accused and they have to decide what to do. Tell the truth, or not.
I love Evie. What she almost went through, and how she copes with it afterward is heartbreaking and yet so admirable how she handles it. Her relationship with her best friends, Connie, Sunny, and Juanita, is just lovely. They’re like a found family, always sticking up for each other and protecting each other no matter what. When Diane is introduced, Evie changes so much as a person. Diane really shows Evie she can be a nice person, and yet still be “tuff”; she can still cry, and yet be a “tuff” person. It’s amazing to see how they all transform as friends, and all become so much closer in order to save each other and protect each other.
This book was an emotional read, especially towards the end. It really focused on friends and family, and those bonds you make with them and what you are willing to do to protect those bonds and those people you love. The book broke my heart, but it also made me feel good and really appreciate the friends and family I have. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love The Outsiders, or Grease, or just a unique retelling or twist on an original story. Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for a free digital copy. All thoughts are my own, and I left this review voluntarily.
This story follows Evelyn, or Evie as she likes to be called, who is friends with the “bad girls”. She runs with the “bad girl” crowd that her mom refers to them as, but she does because they accept her. They don’t look down on her, and treat her equally, despite her young age. Amongst the kids, there are the “bad” kids, and the “tea sippers”, basically the poorer kids and the rich kids. One evening, Evie is almost assaulted by one of the upper class boys, but is saved by Diane, a girl who once was a part of the upper class, or a “tea sipper” by desperate measures. After the incident, they each have to keep this secret of what happened to that boy, or be arrested. Which they attempt to keep until someone innocent is accused and they have to decide what to do. Tell the truth, or not.
I love Evie. What she almost went through, and how she copes with it afterward is heartbreaking and yet so admirable how she handles it. Her relationship with her best friends, Connie, Sunny, and Juanita, is just lovely. They’re like a found family, always sticking up for each other and protecting each other no matter what. When Diane is introduced, Evie changes so much as a person. Diane really shows Evie she can be a nice person, and yet still be “tuff”; she can still cry, and yet be a “tuff” person. It’s amazing to see how they all transform as friends, and all become so much closer in order to save each other and protect each other.
This book was an emotional read, especially towards the end. It really focused on friends and family, and those bonds you make with them and what you are willing to do to protect those bonds and those people you love. The book broke my heart, but it also made me feel good and really appreciate the friends and family I have. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love The Outsiders, or Grease, or just a unique retelling or twist on an original story. Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for a free digital copy. All thoughts are my own, and I left this review voluntarily.
little_ducky237's review
5.0
*May Contain Spoilers*
How can I not like a book that combines the Outsiders with a Feminist touch. If you haven't read the Outsiders, I highly recommend it before reading this book so you can see all the comparisons and how she changed them. Especially the usage of the word "tuff". It's a small detail but yet it's such an important wording to keep in. Now to the more spoiler part of this review! I had the feeling that Jennifer was going to break my heart at the end like the Outsiders did! After Diane died, I was so sad that Evie didn't talk to Johnny. I get the main story is about her, but I wanted to get to see his side of the story. How did he handle her death besides crying alone? Even guys need emotional support too. Maybe that could be a small story the author could make later. (wink wink) All the characters,in some form, are realistic to the life of different teenagers. This is a great book that represents the problems girls can go through (beside murder on accident), from the range of rape to teen pregnancy and parent expectations/control on life. I loved the style of this book, so I can't wait to read Moxie!
How can I not like a book that combines the Outsiders with a Feminist touch. If you haven't read the Outsiders, I highly recommend it before reading this book so you can see all the comparisons and how she changed them. Especially the usage of the word "tuff". It's a small detail but yet it's such an important wording to keep in. Now to the more spoiler part of this review! I had the feeling that Jennifer was going to break my heart at the end like the Outsiders did! After Diane died, I was so sad that Evie didn't talk to Johnny. I get the main story is about her, but I wanted to get to see his side of the story. How did he handle her death besides crying alone? Even guys need emotional support too. Maybe that could be a small story the author could make later. (wink wink) All the characters,in some form, are realistic to the life of different teenagers. This is a great book that represents the problems girls can go through (beside murder on accident), from the range of rape to teen pregnancy and parent expectations/control on life. I loved the style of this book, so I can't wait to read Moxie!