Natalie Sterling is not the kind of girl to be worry about boys in high school. After spending four years at Ross Academy, she knows that boys are up to no good and cannot be trusted. Her prime example is her best friend Autumn, who was completely ruined by a boy. In fact, Natalie has better things to worry about, like being elected Student Council President, doing well on the SAT, and getting into the college of her dreams.Then, the irresistible Connor Hughes steps into the picture, and the image Natalie Sterling has created of herself ruins as she transforms into that kind of girl...
I read Siobhan Vivian's debut novel, A Little Friendly Advice, two years ago, and I absolutely loved it. Naturally, I had high expectations for this novel. While I did not enjoy this novel quite as much, it certainly did not disappoint. On the surface, Not That Kind of Girl seems like a typical YA chick lit novel, and to an extent it is: boy likes girl, girl falls for him, and the rest is pretty obvious. However, Vivian adds more depth to the novel, by addressing the society's quick-to-judge nature. By doing this, Vivian incorporated aspects of feminism, creating an unique reading experience.
The main flaw in this novel involved Natalie's relationship with Connor. Vivian spent little time developing the relationship outside of physical intimacy. I felt that sex played too large of a role in the relationship. I have no problem in sex in YA novels, as it makes the novel more realistic. However, at times, I felt the relationship was based solely on sex. A little development would have gone a long way.
Overall, Not That Kind of Girl is a good book for someone looking for an unconventional teen romance novel.
Related Links
Siobhan Vivian's Site
Amazon
Indie Bound
I received this book as a part of the Amazon Vine Program.
