Amazing. ( )

Don't let the cover put you off. This is a laugh out loud funny, well-written, sharp satire. Must-reading for any girl 15 and their parents! ( )

I might have hated this book if I'd read it, but listening to the audiobook was a treat. My stars! I cracked up over and over again, not just because the story and the narration were so outlandishly ridiculous, but because I couldn't believe Libba Bray herself did such a good job performing all the characters (there were tons of accents going on in this book--British, southern, Australian, Midwestern, weird-fictional-country). Completely over the top, but totally fun. ( )

Okay. Was this book super well written? No. It was maybe a 2-star book story-wise. But it made me laugh out loud a lot, which made me really enjoy it. So for that i'd give it 4 stars. I'm averaging it out to 3 stars. ( )

I don't normally enjoy satires, but this wacky romp about beauty queen contestants on a desert island was recommended to me. In fact, it's the best kind of satire - it starts as black comedy but blossoms into a madcap but totally genuine celebration of friendship and girl power.

If you are in the mood for a light, inspiring, delightfully anti-capitalist tale of giant snakes, pirates, corporate conspiracies, and exploding hair removal cream, look no further.

I strongly recommend the audiobook, as Libba Bray's voice-acting is INSPIRED and gives the whole production a Daria meets Lord of the Flies vibe. ( )