Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison {Contains Spoilers}

Thank you Netgalley.com and Harlequin Teen publishers for allowing me to review an ARC copy of New Girl by Paige Harbison in exchange for my honest review.


Welcome to Maderley Academy
I hadn't wanted to go, but my parents were so excited.... So here I am, the new girl at Manderley, a true fish out of water. But mine's not the name on everyone's lips. Oh, no.
It's Becca Normandy they can't stop talking about. Perfect, beautiful Becca. She went missing at the end of last year, leaving a spot open at Manderley—the spot that I got. And everyone acts like it's my fault that infallible, beloved Becca is gone and has been replaced by not perfect, completely fallible, unknown Me.
Then, there's the name on my lips—Max Holloway. Becca's ex. The one boy I should avoid, but can't. Thing is, it seems like he wants me, too. But the memory of Becca is always between us. And as much as I'm starting to like it at Manderley, I can't help but think she's out there, somewhere, watching me take her place.
Waiting to take it back. (Synopsis taken from Amazon.com)

My Review: C+

This book was tough for me. I enjoyed the writing style and it kept my attention, however I had so many questions when I was done with this book.  It left me frustrated.

I enjoyed the concept of the book. That really kept me going. I had to find out what happened to Becca Normandy.  The drama in it was great and the paranormal aspect was interesting, it just wasn't enough for me.

I am big on characters and character development so this is probably why this book frustrated me so much.  Dana, the new girl is basically a punching bag. She has no depth to her and the supporting characters are all shallow and easily persuaded by a teenage girl, all of them.  It just seems so unlikely.

Becca, I think she frustrated me the most because immediately arriving at Manderly she sleeps with some random guy. This just doesn't make sense. I realize teenagers have sex and drink but the way it is portrayed in this book means the teachers at Manderly Academy are idiots. It was almost like it was thrown in their to make it more "life like"? Her relationship with Max doesn't make sense to me either. I just don't understand how one teenage girl who is so mean can turn a whole school on the "new girl". I just didn't get it.

Another frustration was the relationship between Dana and Max. It too felt forced and underdeveloped.  

I don't think this book was bad, I just think it wasn't for me. It did keep my attention and I read it in 2 sittings I was just left with so many unanswered questions.

Adult content - graphic sexual situations, drug use, cursing, and rape.

Happy Reading!
Stephenie