Adorkable [Paperback]

I have to say I had huge problems writing this review because I liked it so much. Adorkable is one of those books that just draws you in, such an absorbing read; so much so that I actually stayed up all not reading it.

Written in first person narrative, from Jeane's perspective, she's never fitted in anywhere even her own family, so she's exaggerates the differences. She is a fabulously quirky character with confidence enviable for someone her age. Yet, underneath it all she is a complete melting pot of conflicting emotions; a factor that makes her so translatable. How many of us go through each day with a persona we show the world and one that actually goes on inside our heads. Isn't that the reason we are bloggers/writers; to reconcile the 2 parts of ourselves. Jeane is like a mascot for bloggers everywhere.

I felt as if Jeane's narrative voice was far more mature than that of your average teen, this may have been intentional to emphasize just how different Jeane is. Jeane's mature attitude to sex was an admirable quality and quite correct `if you can't discuss it then you shouldn't be doing it.' Jeane's background showed how deeply upbringing impacts our lives in both good and bad ways.

For people like myself, Jeanne is completely relatable, where online interaction is a huge part of life; a way of personal expression and finding like-minded individuals. A way of connecting with people with similar tastes that sometimes doesn't happen in `real' life no matter how many `friends' we have. It's a way of feeling less alone or different, the world really does become a much smaller place.

The portrayal of teen life and the apathy towards education was unnervingly accurate. I liked how Jeane challenged the information she was given in an informed and knowledgeable way. A very different thing to being disruptive. Unfortunately, with the pressure on teachers it is not possible to fully explore alternatives within the classroom. Proving frustrating for both pupil and teacher.

Jeane's presentation about Teens Today really hit the nail on the head for me; the way teens feel they don't have to try in a world full of unemployment, student loans and recession; that they can just live off benefits and debt. Jeane did prove that there are alternatives if you can be bothered to look. It's all about being who you want to be rather than what you're expected to be.

The romance added depth to the story. Michael Lee is Jeane's opposite in every way from family to popularity but when lust takes hold they both just go with the flow, not realizing just how perfect they are for each other. Jeane livens Michael up while he tones her down = balance. Both are caring, genuine people who challenge each other, not willing to put up with any rubbish. An equal partnership, they accept each other even the bits they don't particularly like.

So if you too reach for your phone to check twitter the minute you get up, compose tweets in your head, tweet the instance anything happens and carry a note-book in order to jot down the myriad of ideas floating about in your head - you HAVE to read this book. I promise you'll love it as much as I did.

Now being 26 I may be a little mature to be reading teen fiction but when it's Sarra Manning you know it's not going to be your conventional teen read. Jeane, as all Sarra's best girl characters, isn't perfect but it's her flaws that make her care for her. Being an Internet famous blogger and leader of dorks everywhere she thinks she has the world, and Michael Lee all figured out. Michael Lee thinks being perfect and normal is what everyone wants and people like Jeane are to be tolerated. When their worlds collide with their respective ex's joining forces it makes them both question each others views and realising that if they're that different after all.

Having the perspective from Jeane and Michael is interesting, wilst coming across confident they both have insecurities that all teens (and 'grown ups') can relate to. Jeane is a great character, very strong minded but also someone who learns that being yourself doesn't mean disregarding everyone else's views and Michael may be the least toxic of all Sarra's toxic boys but he is one of my faves.

I disagree with a lot of the other reviews. Jeane IS a likeable character and a great teen role model. She is successful but shows that success isn't everything. She learns during the story without losing who she is totally. Also she does say 'totes' etc a lot but that IS how young people and people in general speak and it's refreshing read.

All in all I loved the book and will be keeping it for re-reading and passing on to my niceses when they're old enough

Ps also loved the appearance of Molly and Jane again, makes you feel like you're seeing an old friend that you lost touch with for a while

As soon as I heard that there was going to be a book called Adorkable, I jumped at the chance to read it! I mean really - a title that includes the word 'dork' just has to be good, doesn't it? The premise sounded pretty cool too - the story is about a self-proclaimed dork called Jeane and her ever-changing relationship with the 'cool' guy at school, Michael. I've not read anything else by Sarra Manning, so I wasn't sure what to expect but this one looked like a fun read.

Every review I've read for this book so far have been raving 4 or 5 stars and I do feel bad that I've not managed to rate this one higher, but I think I must've missed something. I'm all for dorkiness and I'd definitely call myself a nerd. Like Jeane, I am not afraid to speak my mind or opinion (something that's gotten me into trouble a couple of times) and I'm not afraid to express myself in the way I want, whether it's through my clothing, music or art. I am also, as you may be able to tell, pretty much addicted to blogging and twitter. So yes, you could say I'm a lot like Jeane Smith, however, I still just couldn't connect with her. At points, I just felt that she was trying so hard to be different or 'out-there' that it started to annoy me and I felt as though she was a little bit hypocritical at times. Jeane often began criticising other people for what they wore, watched or listened to, even though that may have just been what they liked which I found to be a bit unnecessary - she might like being 'different', but she didn't need to force her opinions on others. At times, I felt she was slightly inconsiderate and making a big deal over nothing. Jeane was also meant to be an international online celebrity which had potential to be really great, but due to her slight arrogance, I couldn't get away with it. I don't know though - maybe I do see a bit of myself in her and I don't like it.

I did enjoy reading about the more personal, quiet side to Jeane though, and that seemed to come out more when she interacted with Michael Lee, the boy who seemed to have it all - looks, popularity and good grades. I didn't dislike Michael until he started to become ashamed of being seen with Jeane which just seemed ridiculous. I did find it interesting to see how his opinions changed and it was good to see them both exploring different aspects of how the other one lived. The more 'hidden' and quiet side of Jeane was probably the most intriguing part of the book for me - I mush preferred the second half of the book as we got to learn more about the real feelings of the characters and it seemed a lot more eventful.

I think that the reason I didn't enjoy this book as much as I could have was because it just didn't ring true to me. I may be living in my own little bubble, but at least where I am, I'd like to think you're not completely excluded because of the way you dress - I actually like to think the diversity in dress is something that's becoming more popular. It's true that Jeane also wasn't very popular due to her attitude, but it didn't really seem that way. I did like the use of fun, teenage language and phrases. There were a lot of popular culture references, and that was enjoyable, but I think the book could age easily. The writing itself was fine - I can't complain about that.

With my inability to really love the characters and my quite high expectations, this book didn't really satisfy me as much as it could have. I think that a lot of people will love the outspoken Jeane and the trials and tribulations of her friendship with Michael. I am certainly not put off the author from this book - I have given this book 3 stars and I think that's actually pretty good. It certainly wasn't painful to read and the writing was new, fresh. Unfortunately, I just couldn't bring myself to really care for the characters, which was disappointing.