Title: Withering Tights
Author: Louise Rennison
First published July 5, 2010
351 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007156832 (ISBN10: 0007156839)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
Get ready to laugh out loud with Talullah and her wacky friends in Louise Rennison’s new series, Withering Tights. Join the gang at Dother Hall performing arts college, where things don’t quite go as planned for Talullah.
Surrounded by cheese-making villagers and wildlife, Talullah’s summer course doesn’t seem like the showbiz experience she had hoped for. That is until her friends arrive, and the boys show up.
With six weeks of freedom, Talullah and her friends are ready to express themselves on stage, and maybe even find some romance along the way. Don’t miss out on the hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) amateur dramatic antics in Withering Tights.
About the Author
Louise Rennison, an acclaimed author, wrote the widely popular ‘Confessions of Georgia Nicolson’ series, which has been translated into more than 34 languages and adapted for both stage and film as ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’. She was the recipient of the Nestle Smarties Book Prize, Michael L.
Printz Honor Book, and Roald Dahl Funny Prize for ‘Withering Tights’. Sadly, she passed away on February 29, 2016.
Editoral Review
Withering Tights by Louise Rennison is a delightful young adult novel that is sure to captivate readers with its humor, wit, and relatable characters. Rennison, a prolific British author known for her iconic Georgia Nicolson series, has once again created an endearing protagonist who struggles with teenage angst and the uncertainties of growing up.
Set in the idyllic countryside of Yorkshire, England, the story follows Tallulah Casey, a 14-year-old aspiring actress who attends the Dother Hall performing arts school during the summer holidays. While Tallulah dreams of becoming a star on the West End, she must contend with the trials and tribulations of teenage life, including awkward crushes, rivalries, and the pressure to fit in.
Rennison masterfully weaves together humor, drama, and romance to create a compelling coming-of-age story that is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for Tallulah as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence.
One of the strengths of the novel is its vivid depiction of the Yorkshire setting, which adds a charmingly rustic and quaint backdrop to the story. Rennison’s prose is also engaging and witty, with plenty of clever wordplay and puns that are sure to elicit laughs from readers.
Another notable aspect of the book is its exploration of timely themes such as body image, social media, and the pressure to conform. Rennison deftly addresses these issues in a way that is both relevant and relatable to today’s teenagers.
Despite its many strengths, Withering Tights is not without its flaws. The plot can sometimes feel meandering and unfocused, and some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped.
Additionally, the romantic subplot may feel a bit clichéd to some readers. Overall, however, Withering Tights is a charming and delightful read that will appeal to fans of young adult fiction, particularly those who enjoy quirky humor, relatable characters, and coming-of-age stories.
While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it is a fun and entertaining novel that is perfect for a lazy summer day. Rating: 4/5
