The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart"I, Frankie Landau-Banks, hereby confess that I was the sole mastermind behind the mal-doings of the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. I take full responsibility for the disruptions caused by the Order-including the Library Lady, the Doggies in the Window, the Night of a Thousand Dogs, the Canned Beet Rebellion, and the abduction of the Guppy."
I had absolutely no idea what this book was going to be about when I purchased it. The back cover "letter" got me so intrigued, though, that I had to get it without knowing anything else. I had no clue what all that was about but I just had to find out. Turns out, all those mysterious sounding things were pretty cool and funny but the best thing about the book was Frankie.
Frankie, in her sophomore year at Alabaster Prep, has it all. The looks (thanks to a summer growth spurt), a Senior boyfriend and a great supportive roommate, but she wants more. Besides wanting to be accepted she wants to also be seen and respected for who she is. She is smart and resourceful, witty and well-versed and she sees herself as equals to her boyfriend and his friends and hates that they see her as someone to take care of.
I absolutely loved the tone of this book and the author's high level of language and literary references. (P.G. Wodehouse has quite an influence on Frankie.) There was no "dumbing down" of Lockhart's writing that you sometimes see in books for teens. I know what I was capable of reading as a teen and purposely sought out adult literature when I didn't find it in the YA books available back then. I am glad to see that E. Lockhart knows that teens are capable of reading at a higher level than some might think. I would have loved this book in high school and I am sure there are many now that do.
Oh, and on a side note. I absolutely love the cover of this book. The light blue of the envelope and the deep red of the seal wax - love it.
4/5
YA Challenge
4/5
YA Challenge
I've been seeing this a lot around the blogosphere and so far everyone's liked it. :D
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my very favorite books last year. LOVED it.
ReplyDeleteThis one has definitely made it on to my list of favorites. :)
ReplyDeleteI read this about a month ago and I absolutely LOVED it! I read it all in about 2 sittings, and the book was so interesting. I like it especially because I think a lot of people can relate to Frankie, like how she hates to be considered as someone to be taken care of instead of someone who can take care of herself.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this. I'm sure I'll love it. And yes, I love it when children's and YA authors don't underestimate their readership.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part was the way she plays with language. How she drops the beginnings of words to make new words. I do that too, and it drives my DH nuts! =D
ReplyDeleteI think the book cover is really good too. Catches the eye. I'll always remember the bra on top of the building scene.
ReplyDeleteMichelle- Yes, I liked that about her. Very strong girl.
ReplyDeleteNymeth- It is a great book. YOu will enjoy it.
Lissa-The language was what got me really liking this book. It is so smart and witty.
Natasha- :) Very cool prank! I found it hilarious that the boys never realized the reasoning behind Frankie's pranks.
I respect every YA book that respects its readers.
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