How to write a classic teen novel
I literally squealed with delight as I finished reading this.
The title is so similar to How to Be Popular, I wondered if this was written as a response to that book. And yet, it bears many more similarities to Stargirl. On a different note, it's wonderful to see an original cover instead of some stock photo.
Maggie (technically Sugar) has spent her entire life moving around at the whim of her lovable, New Age-y parents - and she's sick of leaving the friends she makes every time. So when they move down to Austin, Maggie decides that this time she won't worry about trying to be popular; instead, she'll go out of her way to alienate people so she won't make friends at all. At first, it seems like it's working: she disses the triumvirate of Mean Girls, shakes off the advances of an egotistical jock, and finds herself the lunchmate of Penny, geek extraordinaire. But even as Maggie dresses up in weird get-ups, invites her goofball parents to lunch, and joins the Helping Hands - an environment club that is at the bottom of the popular ladder - she finds that people start to think she's ... cool. She's also attracting the attentions of Jack, a do-gooder who finds Maggie fascinating. Her plan is backfiring, and she feels growing resentment at her parents for their we're-moving-on-not-leaving philosphy for living.
What I loved most about this book - more than Maggie's funny and engaging voice, more than the hilarious scenes with her sweet parents - was how every single character was a clever subversion of a stereotype. In their own ways, Penny, Miles (the jock), Jack, and others end up surprising you with their insights, desires, and actions. I guess what I'm trying to say is that nothing is painted in black and white; everyone is given different layers, and almost nobody turns out how you'd expect. Ziegler gives the same thoughtful attention to the Mean Girls and their dynamic as she does to the dorks in the Helping Hands. On top of this, the character development Maggie goes through is intriguing, gripping, and full of angst about what it means to be yourself - and who your real friends are. I also liked the love subplot with Jack; for once, I actually rooted for the guy instead of being bored by the whole thing. Maggie is at first convinced that he's her exact opposite, politically speaking, but he challenges her preconceived notions, directly and indirectly, and it's when he steps out of his comfort zone and lets himself be free that she's won over.
A truly wonderful book about being true to yourself and not letting your fears get in the way of that - but told in a way that makes it original and exciting. Rating: 5 flowered swimcaps out of 5.