Geek Girl Review, GIVEAWAY and Blog Tour

From Goodreads:  Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love.

I think this was one of my more favorite contemporary YA reads in awhile.  I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the blog tour for Geek Girl.  My thanks to Cedar Fort for providing the opportunity.  They are also generously providing for the giveaway!  THANKS!


Wow, life has dealt Jen many cruel blows.  My heart went out to her and the many like her who suffer from such uncontrollably difficult things.  As a young child Jen endured physical and mental abuse.  Her mother left her behind with a horrible excuse for a father.  Her mother ended up in prison so Jen was placed in the foster care system.  No wonder this girl guards her heart with anger and trouble.  


Enter Trevor who seems to envelope all that is good and wholesome.  I love how polite and accepting he is.  He is willing to assume the best in everyone which is a rare thing, I've found.  It's exactly how I hope my son treats others.


I found the developing relationships with Jen, her family and Trevor to be endearing.  I could feel the struggle Jen had as she wanted to be loved but was so afraid of being hurt and abandoned again.  The emotional transformation as well as the physical transformation Jen makes is genuine and sweet.


The thing that makes this book work for me is that I can find bits and pieces of me and my life in there.  Insecurities are a part of us all, I think.  And while I was fortunate to grow up in a house full of safety and love, I know many who were not so fortunate.  This world can be so cruel and ugly.  But it can also be good and kind.  Love is out there and there are so many people who try to make a difference in the lives of these kids who are hurt and scared.  The social labels we put on people, especially as portrayed in high school are also very real.  My kids talk about social groups from school too.  


I know this book touched on so many heavy, sad topics.  But, for all that, it was still hopeful and happy and fun too.  It was real but not overdone.  The happily ever after wasn't easy and it didn't just fall together.  Jen made mistakes and I liked that there was an accountability for that.  This book left me feeling like love can make a difference.  Helping and understanding people takes effort, but it is worth it.  I loved reading this book and I applaud Cindy Bennett for a job well done.


You can find out more about Cindy Bennett here.
If you are interested in reading what others think about Geek Girl, you can find a list of participating blogs here.


This giveaway is open to everyone!  Yipee!  If you are US, you can have either a print copy or an ebook.  International can win an ebook.  To enter, leave a comment letting me know why you are interested in this book, as well as your email address so I can contact you if you win.  Contest ends 11/18/2011.