The summary of this book sounded like exactly my type of thing, so I was looking forward to reading it. And generally, after reading it, I still liked the premise of the book and the whole idea of Penny’s Lonely Hearts Club and how it brings the group of girls together.Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . . and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .
But oh my goodness, I could not handle Penny. She’s almost likeable, but I could not stand what came off to me as her false modesty and naiveté. I mean, she has two handsome, popular boys who obviously are interested in her, and she just acts like she has no idea that they like her. Even after one of them asks her out on what’s so clearly a date, she’s like, “Oh, this must just be a friends thing.” And then later, her attitude seems to morph into “Poor me. All these boys like me, but ALAS! I’ve sworn off dating. My life is so difficult!” Come on, Penny! You’re pretty, got a great body (as everyone keeps pointing out), and flirt like crazy—why are you so surprised these guys like you?
I also felt like the story and its characters never gained any real depth. They were all pretty much one-dimensional—with the possible exception of Diane. Diane was the best thing about this book, in my opinion. I admired the way that she decided to completely turn her life upside down because she was tired of not doing the things that made her happy. But the rest of the characters felt more like caricatures to me than real people—especially Penny’s parents. Don’t even get me started on them.
Overall, a book with a fun premise, but the story and characters felt too shallow even for a light, fluffy read.
Rating: 2.5 / 5
I might steer clear of this one. There's nothing I can't stand more than the pretty girl who somehow doesn't realise she's pretty.
ReplyDeleteI remember really liking the writing style for this book but I can't remember much about it now. Prom and Prejudice is still my favorite of this author's work but Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality had a bit more depth in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI was not a fan of this one. It's been a while, but I didn't connect with Penny. I just thought she was kind of an idiot. And I agree with what you said about other characters lacking depth. There just wasn't anyone to really connect with here.
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