nobody does it better: a gossip girl novel

After reading Gail's post on the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I was even more disappointed in my latest read: nobody does it better: a gossip girl novel. I began reading this book a few days ago in hopes of getting a head start on the week's assignments (I will be at a coaching clinic Thursday-Saturday). After the first twenty pages, I really wanted to give up on the book but decided to see it through in hopes of finding something worthwhile to justify my 14 year-old cousin's latest fixation with the series. Needless to say, 200 pages later I still wouldn't recommend this book to teenage girls, never mind graduate students.

The first major hurdle I attempted to get over was the overuse of obnoxious labels: Gucci, Prada, LV, you name it, each one was mentioned about twenty times- no exaggeration. I believe Nisreen mentioned similar findings in the gossip girl book she read. I understand that adolescents are often hung up on labels and I have to admit I own a few items from several of the mentioned designers myself, but about half-way through the book I was completely nauseated by the name-dropping and had no motivation whatsoever to read on other than the fact that I said I would finish the stupid book.

The second problem I had with the novel was the absence of any real plot. Minor conflicts arose throughout the book, but everything including being unfaithful, was handled casually and without concrete resolution. For example, when Blair is again let down by her long time, on-again off-again, boyfriend, Nate, she attempts to temporarily replace him rather than address the situation, believing that they will naturally pick up where they left off at a later date. Her anger is fleeting as is his disappointment when he learns that she has moved on. This seemed strange to me due to the fact that they described one another as soul mates.

In summary, the book is loosely based on a group of catty, privileged, girls having difficulty completing their senior year of prep school (for lack of effort, not lack of brains), while deciding which ivy league college to attend. Partying, having casual sex, chasing fame, and maintaining a specific level of fashion are more prevalent themes that contaminate every aspect of the text. There is of course, an aspiring sophomore girl thrown into the mix as to continue the series.

Unlike the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the girls are rarely supportive of each other. These characters seemed more true to the nature of girls (I know I am stereotyping), however, than those in the Sisterhood to me. These girls are extremely cut-throat and manipulative in achieving their desires. much like many of the girls I experienced in high school. Even best friends, frequently betray one another. For example, the novel ends with Serena (Blair's best friend) naked in a tub with Nate (Blair's "soul mate"). -The novel also seemed to be a bit steamy for a teenage audience, but that is another topic for discussion. Overall, I wished I had chosen a better book, but on the other hand, at least I am more familiar with what so many teens are eating up.