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nerdie_kitten's review
5.0
This book made me laugh, cry, whine, self doubt, again brace myself up and lead my way.. I haven't read any series before this which is funny, inspirational, emotional a path to self discovery..
This book is supposed be for teenagers but no I will always adore this and held this close to my heart...
Love it immensely!!
You rock Holly Smale and Harriet Manners!
This book is supposed be for teenagers but no I will always adore this and held this close to my heart...
Love it immensely!!
You rock Holly Smale and Harriet Manners!
fixxjn's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I saw that Netflix was gonna release a show for this book, and I realized I never really found out how it really ended. So I had to grab this and see what happens for old times sake.
mehsi's review
3.0
3 stars. There were goods and bads. I will definitely miss this series though, Harriet might be frustrating to the max, but the modelling (whenever that happened) was good and fun, Harriet's friends were a delight (though I had to get used to Toby), Harriet's parents and sister were hilarious, Bunty was fantastic.
Instead of the normal review I will make a good/bad review as I am quite tired, but I still want to tell everyone what I thought about the book.
First up the good:
-Australia! I just loved that Harriet, Nat, and Bunty went to Australia for a vacation trip! It is just a shame that they didn't really go anywhere (yes Sydney, and then when Harriet went to find Nick), but it is the thought that counts. Next time though it would be fun to see them explore a bit more.
-There is some modelling. I was already worried there would be none, but in the end there were 2 modelling jobs for Harriet. And they were oh so fun. Especially the first one. I laughed so hard at what she had to do, if only she had asked. :P
-Nick and Harriet.
-The seriousness in the book. It was still mostly lighthearted but there were some parts that had me in tears. :(
-Nat. I am so glad to see Nat she is a fun character, and I loved that she was able to travel with Harriet to Australia. Not only that but that she is also working hard to make a name for herself in the world of fashion. It was such a delight to see her light up like a Christmas tree when Harriet told her of the plan.
-The ending was perfection. Definitely a perfect closing to a good series.
Now for the bad:
-Harriet. Sorry, on the one hand I just love this girl, but mostly I just want to throw something at her head and hope she gets some common sense. Because she is clearly still missing that. There were lots of moments in this book that just had me frustrated. If only she would just stop, think, and think some more. But oh no, this little girl just goes into a frenzy immediately. *rolls eyes*
-What was going on with Yuka.
-The whole: You must be British. I just was slightly annoyed with that after a while. Yes, we get it.
-The fact that Harriet didn't know that Australia also used Celcius..... I was just rolling my eyes at this part, I would think Harriet would know only the US and its territories use Fahrenheit..
-Nick and Harriet and Jasper.
I felt sorry for Jasper, he is a sweet guy (heaven's know why he is with Harriet), and I just wanted to hit a certain someone for being so crappy towards him. He even made time, he hid in a closet so he could talk to you. But hey, all those schedules you made don't mean a craps butt do they now? I definitely didn't like how she was first obsessed with the schedule, and Jasper, but as soon as Nick pops in she just drops Jasper like he is worth nothing. I hope that she won't find a new person in her life, because sorry Nick she will drop you like you are worth nothing in the blink of an eye.
But all in all I enjoyed this final book, I will miss the series. I have been following it since the first book came out, looking forward to each new book, pre-ordering them as they popped up on Amazon. Hopefully one day Holly Smale will write a new series. Also plus points go to the cover!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Instead of the normal review I will make a good/bad review as I am quite tired, but I still want to tell everyone what I thought about the book.
First up the good:
-Australia! I just loved that Harriet, Nat, and Bunty went to Australia for a vacation trip! It is just a shame that they didn't really go anywhere (yes Sydney, and then when Harriet went to find Nick), but it is the thought that counts. Next time though it would be fun to see them explore a bit more.
-There is some modelling. I was already worried there would be none, but in the end there were 2 modelling jobs for Harriet. And they were oh so fun. Especially the first one. I laughed so hard at what she had to do, if only she had asked. :P
-Nick and Harriet.
Spoiler
I will discuss the other side of my feelings in the bad part. One part of me is definitely squealing in delight. These two are my favourite coupling and I just love them together. Both of them are lovers of the facts and it was always fun to see Nick tell facts as well. The ending, the kiss, everything? It was cute! As were the flashbacks that popped up.-The seriousness in the book. It was still mostly lighthearted but there were some parts that had me in tears. :(
-Nat. I am so glad to see Nat she is a fun character, and I loved that she was able to travel with Harriet to Australia. Not only that but that she is also working hard to make a name for herself in the world of fashion. It was such a delight to see her light up like a Christmas tree when Harriet told her of the plan.
-The ending was perfection. Definitely a perfect closing to a good series.
Now for the bad:
-Harriet. Sorry, on the one hand I just love this girl, but mostly I just want to throw something at her head and hope she gets some common sense. Because she is clearly still missing that. There were lots of moments in this book that just had me frustrated. If only she would just stop, think, and think some more. But oh no, this little girl just goes into a frenzy immediately. *rolls eyes*
-What was going on with Yuka.
Spoiler
I just knew immediately it wasn't Yuka. Who it was, well the hints are there and I found out quite soon who it actually was. And then I was just frustrated with everyone for not telling Harriet. She is 16, going on 17. Yes, she acts like a 12-year old at times, but really? This is her grandma we are talking about, why are you hiding this huge thing from her? She had to find it out through other people that her grandma had cancer and was dying. What the hell?-The whole: You must be British. I just was slightly annoyed with that after a while. Yes, we get it.
-The fact that Harriet didn't know that Australia also used Celcius..... I was just rolling my eyes at this part, I would think Harriet would know only the US and its territories use Fahrenheit..
-Nick and Harriet and Jasper.
Spoiler
Sorry but I was just highly fucking pissed off at Harriet for being the bitch she was. You have a FUCKING boyfriend. You have someone at home who likes you. And what do you do? Hunt after Nick because he is your soulmate. Sorry, I know she was going after him due to Yuka, but really, do you believe that? Hahahahahahahah, no. I don't. She missed him, she wants him, and that is the only reason she was so creepy.I felt sorry for Jasper, he is a sweet guy (heaven's know why he is with Harriet), and I just wanted to hit a certain someone for being so crappy towards him. He even made time, he hid in a closet so he could talk to you. But hey, all those schedules you made don't mean a craps butt do they now? I definitely didn't like how she was first obsessed with the schedule, and Jasper, but as soon as Nick pops in she just drops Jasper like he is worth nothing. I hope that she won't find a new person in her life, because sorry Nick she will drop you like you are worth nothing in the blink of an eye.
But all in all I enjoyed this final book, I will miss the series. I have been following it since the first book came out, looking forward to each new book, pre-ordering them as they popped up on Amazon. Hopefully one day Holly Smale will write a new series. Also plus points go to the cover!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
katykelly's review
5.0
A swansong (for Ugly Ducklings) that combines the usual Harriet humour with pathos and a few surprises...
If I were still 15, I would probably be heartbroken that this is to be the last Manners books. Being the mature thirty-something (super)fan that I am, I am of course sensibly seeing this final foray into Harriet's world as what it is - a goodbye to her adolescence, to our wonderful time with her geeky, control-freak self and quirky family, and not at ALL shedding a tear for my alter-ego. Not one. Nope.
I've read every novel, novella and supplementary Harriet-produced piece of writing Smale has cared to send out into the world. Harriet has been one of the most refreshing and relatable characters I've come across in my twenty years of reading Young Adult fiction, and while I'm very sorry to be losing her, I'm just thrilled that she's out in the world of fiction still, and that this last book ties up her story and leaves us all with happy memories and a feeling (for me at least) of contentment and satisfaction.
I doubt anyone reading this book won't have read the rest, so won't need a recap on the last two years of Harriet's life. Picking up soon after the events of the last book, Harriet and Nat are off to Australia for a holiday/potential modelling assignment, with Bunty, the irrepressible and one-of-a-kind grandmother we all want to know.
But of course, we all know who hails from Oz, don't we? And just how will Harriet and new kind-of-boyfriend Jasper cope with a few continents and time zones between them? And can the recently matured Harriet continue her good work and make this adventure worthwhile for her best friend as well as herself?
We have the expected bungles, random (amazing!) facts, disasters, best-friends-forever scenes, cameos from the best agent ever (Wilbur), love triangle worries, modelling scenes that don't go to plan, the Manners family being one of the best fictional families with not enough page time, and this time we also have an added dimension. I saw the ending coming, but it certainly didn't make it any less poignant. I definitely peeled onions while reading this as well.
A more grown-up Harriet bids us farewell at the end of Forever Geek than the one we've known for the past five or more outings. She's almost ready for the adult world, she knows more clearly who she is (and it's someone to be proud of), and she's not ashamed of her quirks and foibles. Smale has built a wonderful gallery of supporting characters around her as well, from Toby and Rin to the most chilled Dad in the universe and it looks like Harriet has finally learned to both accept them all and want to reciprocate their love and support.
This is a wonderful last fling for Harriet, she's not changed at heart, but has grown up. And though this may be the end, I do wish Smale would revisit Miss Manners in a few years - I want to know where she is after University, what her family are up to, Nat and her other friends. I want to see a Geek at large in the world, shining her own light and inspiring others around her (as well as annoying them).
The book manages to do a written 'montage' of the highlights of the series, with several characters from previous books brought in, even for just a few scenes, bringing it all together (not too subtlely, but it was nice to see them again).
There's also a lovely note, a tribute almost, from Holly Smale at the end, to her creation, a very personal piece of the author if not a portrait of herself.
Lovely series finale. A fantastic series for those of us who have always felt a little different, awkward and apart. Farewell Harriet, I'll miss you.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
If I were still 15, I would probably be heartbroken that this is to be the last Manners books. Being the mature thirty-something (super)fan that I am, I am of course sensibly seeing this final foray into Harriet's world as what it is - a goodbye to her adolescence, to our wonderful time with her geeky, control-freak self and quirky family, and not at ALL shedding a tear for my alter-ego. Not one. Nope.
I've read every novel, novella and supplementary Harriet-produced piece of writing Smale has cared to send out into the world. Harriet has been one of the most refreshing and relatable characters I've come across in my twenty years of reading Young Adult fiction, and while I'm very sorry to be losing her, I'm just thrilled that she's out in the world of fiction still, and that this last book ties up her story and leaves us all with happy memories and a feeling (for me at least) of contentment and satisfaction.
I doubt anyone reading this book won't have read the rest, so won't need a recap on the last two years of Harriet's life. Picking up soon after the events of the last book, Harriet and Nat are off to Australia for a holiday/potential modelling assignment, with Bunty, the irrepressible and one-of-a-kind grandmother we all want to know.
But of course, we all know who hails from Oz, don't we? And just how will Harriet and new kind-of-boyfriend Jasper cope with a few continents and time zones between them? And can the recently matured Harriet continue her good work and make this adventure worthwhile for her best friend as well as herself?
We have the expected bungles, random (amazing!) facts, disasters, best-friends-forever scenes, cameos from the best agent ever (Wilbur), love triangle worries, modelling scenes that don't go to plan, the Manners family being one of the best fictional families with not enough page time, and this time we also have an added dimension. I saw the ending coming, but it certainly didn't make it any less poignant. I definitely peeled onions while reading this as well.
A more grown-up Harriet bids us farewell at the end of Forever Geek than the one we've known for the past five or more outings. She's almost ready for the adult world, she knows more clearly who she is (and it's someone to be proud of), and she's not ashamed of her quirks and foibles. Smale has built a wonderful gallery of supporting characters around her as well, from Toby and Rin to the most chilled Dad in the universe and it looks like Harriet has finally learned to both accept them all and want to reciprocate their love and support.
This is a wonderful last fling for Harriet, she's not changed at heart, but has grown up. And though this may be the end, I do wish Smale would revisit Miss Manners in a few years - I want to know where she is after University, what her family are up to, Nat and her other friends. I want to see a Geek at large in the world, shining her own light and inspiring others around her (as well as annoying them).
The book manages to do a written 'montage' of the highlights of the series, with several characters from previous books brought in, even for just a few scenes, bringing it all together (not too subtlely, but it was nice to see them again).
There's also a lovely note, a tribute almost, from Holly Smale at the end, to her creation, a very personal piece of the author if not a portrait of herself.
Lovely series finale. A fantastic series for those of us who have always felt a little different, awkward and apart. Farewell Harriet, I'll miss you.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
michalice's review
5.0
I've sat in front of the screen for an hours, trying to put down in words what I thought of Forever Geek, and I'm really struggling. How do I put all of my thoughts and feelings about this book into a few words and share how much I loved it.
It's no secret I'm a HUGE fan of these books, I've snagged copies as soon as they hit the shelves, both paperback and hardback, even the novellas for special events. But I was reluctant to make a start on Forever Geek, and it sat in my app for a few days before I began. I wanted to make this series last forever, and not have to read the final words and admit it was all over. Forever Geek takes us to Australia on the trip of a lifetime. Harriet gets to model but have her best friend with her, as well as Bunty. She is excited for this new adventure, but also knows it isn't all about her and has a secret plan.
Forever Geek was so much more than I expected. I love seeing how far Harriet has come throughout this series, and we see all this in the ways she helps Nat with her fashion designs, how she makes plans to help another person, and even more so towards the end of the book.
We also see how much Harriet has rubbed off on Nat, and how perfect this friendship is. I loved that Nat knew everything about Harriet, and that Harriet also knows Nat.
Forever Geek is a book filled with adventure, laughs, mishaps, and because its Harriet, facts. I savoured every page of this book, taking my time and prolonging the ending. But we warned, it's also an emotional book. There are a lot of touching moments where we see Harriet looking back at her time spent modeling, reminiscing over the places and events. There is also a sad moment where a box of tissues simply will not be enough, and that bar of chocolate you were saving for later is suddenly in your hands. This was something I did not expect, and I sobbed my heart out.
Forever Geek is a book you just have to buy, and treasure, and instead of leaving you with my final thoughts (buy this book), I'm going to leave you with a quote instead.
.
.
.
.
It's no secret I'm a HUGE fan of these books, I've snagged copies as soon as they hit the shelves, both paperback and hardback, even the novellas for special events. But I was reluctant to make a start on Forever Geek, and it sat in my app for a few days before I began. I wanted to make this series last forever, and not have to read the final words and admit it was all over. Forever Geek takes us to Australia on the trip of a lifetime. Harriet gets to model but have her best friend with her, as well as Bunty. She is excited for this new adventure, but also knows it isn't all about her and has a secret plan.
Forever Geek was so much more than I expected. I love seeing how far Harriet has come throughout this series, and we see all this in the ways she helps Nat with her fashion designs, how she makes plans to help another person, and even more so towards the end of the book.
We also see how much Harriet has rubbed off on Nat, and how perfect this friendship is. I loved that Nat knew everything about Harriet, and that Harriet also knows Nat.
"Owls can rotate their heads by two hundred and seventy degrees," I say sharply. "Natalie, do I look like an owl to you?"
"Well, you do have unnaturally large, round eyes. And that bird documentary you made me watch last year said they eat whole mice and then barf up the skeleton. I've definitely seen you do that with a chocolate wrapper."
Forever Geek is a book filled with adventure, laughs, mishaps, and because its Harriet, facts. I savoured every page of this book, taking my time and prolonging the ending. But we warned, it's also an emotional book. There are a lot of touching moments where we see Harriet looking back at her time spent modeling, reminiscing over the places and events. There is also a sad moment where a box of tissues simply will not be enough, and that bar of chocolate you were saving for later is suddenly in your hands. This was something I did not expect, and I sobbed my heart out.
Forever Geek is a book you just have to buy, and treasure, and instead of leaving you with my final thoughts (buy this book), I'm going to leave you with a quote instead.
.
.
.
.
But then, with a rush, I can suddenly hear them all: every single unkind word I've ever been called.
Circling in the air above my head like angry flies: buzzing and buzzing, as if they're desperate to find somewhere to land. Ugly. Freckles. Nobody. Boring. Loser. Spotty. Carrots. GEEK.
But for the first time, they can't seem to settle or stick on me. There's nowhere for them to go.
Still smiling, I reach a hand up and start batting at them: hitting the words, one by one, until they're dead on the floor. Empty ghost words that have no meaning, no use, no purpose, no truth in them.
Definitions that aren't in my dictionary any more.
Because from this point onwards, nobody gets to choose the vocabulary I use for myself but me.
patchworkbunny's review
4.0
No more Harriet? Waaah! There was a point in the series that I felt it was getting all too samey, and I wondered where it would go, but Holly turned it around. It’s probably the right time to end her journey but I’ll miss her.
As well as having a fantastic and much-deserved holiday with her best friend Nat, Harriet must also work out what she wants in life. Is it modelling and a jet-set career? Has she learned that fashion is more than just clothes? Is Jasper her boyfriend?
Harriet has learned some lessons along the way, even if she doesn’t get it all right all the time. Her heart is in the right place and at least she’s trying to think of others. There’s a typical misunderstanding that I think most readers will see coming but overall a really enjoyable, and immensely sad in one place, ending to a much-loved series.
Review copy provided by publisher.
As well as having a fantastic and much-deserved holiday with her best friend Nat, Harriet must also work out what she wants in life. Is it modelling and a jet-set career? Has she learned that fashion is more than just clothes? Is Jasper her boyfriend?
Harriet has learned some lessons along the way, even if she doesn’t get it all right all the time. Her heart is in the right place and at least she’s trying to think of others. There’s a typical misunderstanding that I think most readers will see coming but overall a really enjoyable, and immensely sad in one place, ending to a much-loved series.
Review copy provided by publisher.
thepaperbackqueen's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
molly9900's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
audrey_n's review
3.0
Very cliched.
Spoiler
Harriet ends up with Nick in the end which I guess was to be expectedduartepatri's review
5.0
I loved it!
It was everything I was expecting it to be.
I laughed, I cried, I cried, cried, ugly cried and happy cried.
Nick, Lion Boy had a very much hoped for come back.
and Harriet...I am a grown up woman who is not ashamed of saying that I now feel the loss of Harriet, I know I can re read the entire series at any given moment, but I have loved her stories, I have loved seeing her grow up and leave behind the insecure girl who got herself into cringe worthy situations, the one who found love, lost it, felt the utter pain of a broken heart and had the second chance we were all expecting her to have.
Saying good bye is always hard, but I'll say good bye in a very Harriet Manner's style:
“Goodbye” comes from the term “Godbwye” a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye”.
P.S. Holly Smale, if you ever happen to read this review, could you please consider the possibility of writing a grown up Manner's book? I am not saying right this moment, in a few years, perhaps a follow up on her gap-year, college, or Harriet bringing up little Nicholas Hidaka's babies, lol.
It was everything I was expecting it to be.
I laughed, I cried, I cried, cried, ugly cried and happy cried.
Nick, Lion Boy had a very much hoped for come back.
and Harriet...I am a grown up woman who is not ashamed of saying that I now feel the loss of Harriet, I know I can re read the entire series at any given moment, but I have loved her stories, I have loved seeing her grow up and leave behind the insecure girl who got herself into cringe worthy situations, the one who found love, lost it, felt the utter pain of a broken heart and had the second chance we were all expecting her to have.
Saying good bye is always hard, but I'll say good bye in a very Harriet Manner's style:
“Goodbye” comes from the term “Godbwye” a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye”.
P.S. Holly Smale, if you ever happen to read this review, could you please consider the possibility of writing a grown up Manner's book? I am not saying right this moment, in a few years, perhaps a follow up on her gap-year, college, or Harriet bringing up little Nicholas Hidaka's babies, lol.