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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am so going to miss Harriet and her world. I've been crying at the end of this book, it feels like Harriet was saying goodbye to the readers as well as being a culmination of the series and dammit if Holly isn't an amazing author for accomplishing that! She's the nicest person as well ... I can't wait for her next books, which I hope will be as funny, informative, well structured and full of great characters like all the Geek Girl books.
I don't have anything else of substance to say. I just wish this wasn't goodbye, Harriet ...
I don't have anything else of substance to say. I just wish this wasn't goodbye, Harriet ...
I have been a fan of this series from the very beginning, since I was lucky enough to review the first Geek Girl on NetGalley. Harriet as a character appealed to me because she isn't perfect and put together. She is quirky and loveable and I feel like I have been on a fantastic journey with her throughout the series.
This is described as the "epic series finale" and I think this is the perfect description. I'm so sad it's over, I had bouts of laughter in places and bawled my eyes out in others but I wouldn't have changed a single word.
I will miss getting to read about Harriet and her crazy antics but this really was the perfect end to a fantastic series.
This is described as the "epic series finale" and I think this is the perfect description. I'm so sad it's over, I had bouts of laughter in places and bawled my eyes out in others but I wouldn't have changed a single word.
I will miss getting to read about Harriet and her crazy antics but this really was the perfect end to a fantastic series.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Alright, I've finished the series and gosh, I confess I'm a bit disappointed. The premise for this series was SO good and there were so many awesome things about it. But the execution just fell a bit flat. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some positives. Harriet's random facts, Wilbur (with an ur not an iam), Nat, Annabeth, Nick, the look into fashion world. But the negatives are also there. Harriet barely grows, despite 2 years of adolescent development occurring and her being very smart, she just doesn't seem to ever learn her lesson. It's like Smale went back to her original character sheet every time she started a new book and never updated it with development made from her mistakes in the previous book(s). In book 5, I finally saw some character growth, so I was really hopeful for book 6, but I feel like Harriet regressed again and we were back to her old antics. She knows everything, she knows best, it's fine if she lies to her friends and family, she can't just fess up when she's made a big mistake that could cost her her life, etc. Smale just really struggled to break out of that box and it is remarkably frustrating. We also have a pointless love triangle in this book. Like why even bother with how hurried and silly it all is? And then there is the death, which (as an adult who has lived through this type of trauma) I saw coming in book 5, but expected to be treated with a bit more care. Instead, it too was rushed and felt forced in to get some free tears from the readers. I'm glad there aren't 6 more books, but I guess I wish the author had used her 6 books to actually grow her character instead of just constantly forcing second hand embarrassment non-stop on the readers. Perhaps she could have used time skipping to make some things a bit more believable. Harriet finds out character is sick. Skip through Harriet watching with grief as that person is slowly taken away. Then a death But it all happens in a matter of days and that really feels unnecessary. Anyway, I still think these are fun books for tweens/younger teens. But I don't know that they accomplished quite what they set out to do and that is unfortunate, because I think it would have been possible.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Cancer
I was so sad to finish this book! This is the last book in the amazing Geek Girl series, and I was really sad to say goodbye to the characters. As happens with all books, I developed a bond with the characters which I'm sure will go way beyond the book as it is very close to my heart. I also feel really bad about the fact that I knew what was going to happen before I read it (damn, spoilers) so at some points I really felt the need to reach out and give the protagonist a good shaking by the shoulders.
This book was like a rollercoaster ride. You go up, and get so excited, and then you come down and everything seems fine, but you know that there is going to be a loop ahead and everything is going to mess up again and there is such a lot of dread and anticipation for that moment. I got so worked up and excited while reading some scenes.
The plot is really fun and interesting. Harriet is travelling again. To Australia. And she hopes that everything turns out okay. Amongst trying to get modelling jobs, kickstarting her best friends's career, avoiding someone special, and making things right between some people, things are bound to go wrong.
To be honest, by the end of the book, I was in tears. I really cried a lot, because everything was going wrong, and when the story ended I was left wanting for more. The way the author writes is just the most beautiful thing, and her choice of words is really commendable. The story taught me to embrace myself as I am, and helped me to stop changing things that are not in my control.
One of my most favourite books, I recommend this series to every one. It is a must read, and I assure you that you will certainly take back some lesson of your own. Happy Reading!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
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.
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.