Title: Girl, 15, Charming but Insane
Author: Sue Limb
First published January 1, 2004
214 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385732147 (ISBN10: 0385732147)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
In Sue Limb’s “Girl, 15, Charming but Insane,” Jess Jordan’s life is far from perfect. Her lack of curves and giant behind have left her feeling less than confident.
Luckily, she has her gorgeous and popular best friend Flora to help her navigate the treacherous waters of high school. Jess is convinced that Ben Jones, the school’s most eligible bachelor, is her soulmate.
But her quest to win his heart is filled with embarrassing mishaps, including a soup explosion in her bra and a revealing video that goes school-wide. To make matters worse, Jess’s eccentric grandmother moves in, along with her grandfather’s ashes, and her father’s daily “horrorscopes” are starting to come true.
With her quick wit and overactive imagination, Jess is determined to set things right, but it won’t be easy. Get ready for a wild ride with Jess and her quirky crew in “Girl, 15, Charming but Insane.”
Editoral Review
Girl, 15, Charming but Insane by Sue Limb is a delightful coming-of-age novel that captures the awkwardness and intensity of teenage life with humor and heart. Published in 2004, the book is a classic example of the young adult genre, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of a teenage girl in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.
Limb is a talented writer who has a unique voice and style that is both witty and insightful. Her characters are well-drawn and fully realized, with quirks and flaws that make them feel like real people.
The themes of the book are universal love, friendship, family, self-discovery but Limb approaches them in a way that is fresh and original. The plot follows Jess Jordan, a 15-year-old girl who is navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.
She is intelligent and creative, but often feels out of place in the small town where she lives. Her best friend Flora is her constant companion, but Flora has her own problems to deal with namely, a family that doesn’t understand her and a crush on the local bad boy.
Despite the serious issues that the characters grapple with, the book is full of humor and lightness. Limb’s writing is so engaging that even the most mundane scenes are infused with a sense of fun and adventure.
The setting of the book a small English village adds to the charm and appeal of the story, as readers are transported to a world that is both familiar and foreign. One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of teenage life.
Limb captures the essence of what it’s like to be young and unsure of oneself, and how important friendships and relationships are during that time. The book is also notable for its feminist themes, as Jess is a strong and independent character who refuses to conform to society’s expectations.
That being said, the book does have some weaknesses. The plot can be a bit slow at times, and some readers may find the characters a bit too quirky and unrealistic.
Additionally, the book may feel dated to some readers, as it was written in the early 2000s and references technology and cultural trends that are no longer relevant. Overall, Girl, 15, Charming but Insane is a delightful read that is sure to delight fans of young adult fiction.
Limb’s writing is sharp and witty, and her characters are memorable and lovable. While the book may not be for everyone, it is a must-read for anyone who loves stories about growing up and finding oneself.
This book is rated 4 out of 5.
