I always enjoy a good YA novel, and although The List is something a bit different from the YA books I generally read, I liked the sound of it so I thought I would give it a go.
The List by Siobhan Vivian
Blurb from The Back Cover
It happens every September – The List is posted all over school. Two girls are picked from each year. One is named the prettiest, one the ugliest.
The girls who aren’t picked are quickly forgotten. The girls who are become the centre of attention, and each reacts differently to the experience.
When they discover they are this year’s victims, Danielle, Abby, Candace, Lauren, Sarah, Bridget, Jennifer and Margo struggle with the judgements of their peers. After all, prettiest or ugliest, once you’re on the list, you’ll never be the same.
My Thoughts on The Book
The book centres around the eight girls on the list and their immediate friends and families. I must admit there were times early on in the book when I forgot who was who, but there’s a handy copy of the list at the front of the book and I quickly remembered the characters’ stories by checking back to it.
I think Siobhan Vivian did an excellent job at showing how objectifying teenagers and holding them to a beauty standard is, quite frankly, damaging – not only for the girls named ugliest, but for the girls named prettiest too.
The List explores body image, confidence and how the two are linked, not to mention friendship, loyalty, jealousy and betrayal. It does a fantastic job of showing how some of the characters are so caught up in getting the approval of their peers – and the lengths they will go to to keep it.
In a similar vein to Thirteen Reasons Why (although a lot more light hearted), I think The List highlights some of the very real issues teenagers are facing today.
Conclusion and Rating
The List is a good coming of age story, dealing with issues that real teenagers face. I enjoyed the book, and I really think it would be a good read for teenage girls, showing them that they’re not alone if they’re having a tough time at school, or on the other side, showing them the consequences their actions can have on others around them. 4/5.
You can grab your copy of The List here.
Have you read The List? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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Sounds like a great read for young adults.I am going to share this with my niece.
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I haven’t read this one but it looks good. Thanks for sharing. #bloggerclubuk
That does sound like a good read for girls at school, I can tell you now I wouldn’t want to go back and I think it must be worse now if I’m honest #bloggerclubuk
I wouldn’t go back if I was paid too lol. And I’m so glad I got it out of the way before smart phones, social media etc.
This is a fascinating premise, can’t wait to check it out! #AnythingGoes
Wow, this sounds like a good read for teenage girls, but it also reminded me of what a tough world it is out there for young people these days. Pen x #AnythingGoes
It’s a good, entertaining read, but it does serve as a reminder of the how hard it can be for teens x
Looks like a good read. Reminded me that I am pleased to have my 14 year old daughter at home being educated as I think she would be torn alive by her peers as she is so sensitive. Out of school she is happy, when in it she was threatening self-harm which says it all for me. #AnythingGoes
It really does say it all, I’m so glad you were in a position to be able to get her out of that system and that she’s happy now.
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Sounds like a great book I am going to download it to my Kindle #bloggerclubuk@_karendennis
I love YA fiction so will definitely check this out. One of my favourite YA novels “Asking for it” by Louise O’Niell. #anythinggoes
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check it out 🙂
It sounds like a book I’d like to read with my daughter once shes a little older. A way to keep in touch with her without being a pushy mum!
Thanks for sharing. Interesting concept. Issues would be different now then 20 years ago due to social media. Gets you thinking doesn’t it.
It really does
Popping back via #BloggerClubUK and even though probably not of interest, thank you as have managed to almost finish a book this year already as you are one of the people who inspires me to read and write more this year
That’s brilliant and definitely of interest. It’s made my day to know I’m inspiring others to read and write more 🙂
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