I received this book for free from Harlequin Teen in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett Series: Confessions #1
Published by Harlequin Teen on August 28th 2012
Genres: Contemporary, YA
Source: Harlequin Teen
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Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make
1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?
2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.
3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)
Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.
(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)
(Sorry. That was rude.)
If it wasn’t for my friends’ recommendations I don’t think I would have read this book. The synopsis makes it sound like it involves an annoying, bratty main character who whines and complains about stupid high school stuff. Lucky for them, my friends didn’t fail me and I found myself really enjoying it. The protagonist, Rose, is a little younger than I usually like my MCs – at only 14 and starting high school – but in a way it brought me back to how jarring it can be to go from one grade to the next where, suddenly, the rules are different, boyfriends and sex seem to be constant hot topics, and popularity seems to be what counts.
Rose is someone I think a lot of people could relate to. For many, starting high school was not an easy – or a welcome – change. Rose is the awkward, confused girl who’s feeling like a clueless kid when all her friends seem to be miles ahead of her. On top of everything, she is also dealing with the recent death of her father. Her character could be fairly judgmental at times, even a little prudish, and while she’s simply overwhelmed and confused, having been jarred by the sudden changes in her life, I can’t say I particularly liked her from the start. Still, I found myself sympathizing with her for how she was made to feel so alone. I also admired her for sticking to what she believed in, and doing the right thing knowing the dire consequences it would bring. It’s not everyone who can stay so true to themselves in high school with all the pressures it entails. Most of the book is Rose trying to find where she fits in this big world she was thrown in. Her not fitting in anymore has made her angry, and you could clearly feel her confusion throughout.
I’m not sure how I feel about the romance in the book. Jamie confused me as much as he did her. He has a girlfriend, or so it seems, yet he keeps running to Rose. Then when Rose gets in trouble with this girlfriend he does nothing to defend her. It irritated me in a way that I didn’t find him worthy of Rose at all. It’s hard to discern what about him had Rose so charmed. I was actually rooting for her friend Robert who is incredibly sweet and obviously in love with her, but for some reason she doesn’t feel the same. The novel doesn’t dwell on the romance completely, though; the plot keeps its focus on Rose figuring herself out.
Topics in this book range from bullying, to death, to friendship, and family. Her father’s passing gives this story quite a bit of emotional depth – more than I was expecting in this type of book. I could easily feel Rose’s grief overshadowing her. How her family is dealing with the pain is realistic as well as disheartening, having yet to heal from this sudden gaping hole in their lives. This, along with everything else that is happening at school, forced Rose to grow up. And she does. At the end of the book I found she was a much more determined and confident girl, showing some great character growth. One result of this growth made me especially satisfied at the end, and I can’t wait to see its delightful unraveling in the sequel. *evil laugh*
Filled with sarcasm and loud opinions, Confession of an Angry Girl is perfect for when you’re looking for your next high-school drama with a lot of heart.
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Megan K.
I thought this was very nicely done as well, though yeah. I didn’t like the romance much. Jamie was too much of a jerk (if I remember correctly; I read this about a year ago >.<) for me to fully understand their connection with each other, but the author definitely managed to portray Rose in a realistic teenage light. Fab review, Giselle! Can't wait to see your thoughts on the sequel. 🙂
bookittyblog
This sounds like a great read. Adding it to my TBR pile.
Jenni @ Alluring Reads
huh happy to see that this one ended up working for you. I had written this one off because of the blurb, just like you. I mean it is an annoying freaking blurb and makes me think that I would hate the MC with a firey passion. May have to give this one a go some time.
Amy
I actually skipped this one because I figured it was going to be like a cheesy ABC Family Channel teen drama or something lol! I’m glad that it wasn’t and that you enjoyed it. The romance seems a bit blah, but besides that I think I would like it. Great review pumpkin!!
Jenea Whittington
High school isn’t an easy time, especially after losing a parent. Rose was so great though and I really liked her too. Jamie was one I couldn’t make my mind about, makes me curious how he’ll be in the next book. Great review. 🙂
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
Reading the synopsis, I never really gave this one a second glance but I’m glad you gave this a shot on recommendations and ended up liking it. I may need to reconsider and give this a chance too. 🙂
Soma Rostam
Well, Giselle, I read the second book in this series last week. I can promise you that the second one is even better than the first and i gave it 4 stars
Louize Rosette has a really great writing style and Rosie is such a unique, witty character
I think you will understand the romance more in the second book. And I think that the reason I liked this series so much was that Rosie is almost the same age as me. In the second book she’s 15, and I am 16. So I felt for her a lot
GREAT review, as always
Your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
Alexa Y.
I was honestly not very interested in this novel before. It just didn’t seem like the type of book I’d enjoy reading, since I’m fairly new to reading contemporaries. However, this review has made me give this book a second glance! Perhaps if I’m feeling so inclined, I’ll check it out.
Faith Sullivan
Thumbs up for the whole concept. Title, cover art, numbered synopsis. And judging by your review, Giselle, it seems this sarcastic, witty vibe is carried throughout the book. Definitely refreshing.
Christianna Marks
This one actually sounds really good! I had kinda written it off as well, but after reading your review I’m thinking that I need to rethink that plan!
kimbacaffeinate
Great review Giselle, and honestly I had the same opinion as you after reading the synopsis. While the MC is too young for me to relate to, I can see why this would appeal to so many. I love the topics the author addressed and am glad they were well done. I do love that it is witty, and a little sarcastic. I will be sure and share your review with friends!
Michelle
Great review!!! I’m glad you read this one! It was one of my favs from last year 🙂
Candace
Sarcasm and loud opinions, huh? Sounds like my kind of book! This has actually been on my wishlist since it came out! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Stephsco
There are so many upper-YA aged books, I’m glad to see any with freshman-aged characters. That transition to high school can be so scary, so I imagine this book available for middle schoolers (who’ve aged out of MG) is needed. Sarcasm , to me, is useful in books when it’s tempered with weightier issues and a character you can root for.
Krazzyme(Young Readers)
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as you… I just found the whole relationship between Rose and Jamie to be ridiculous . She barely talked to him and she’s convinced he’s a great guy and that really irritated me Plus I thought Rose was a little mean to nice people and not exactly angry but that could be just me
Savannah Bookswithbite
I loved this first book. Still have to read the second books. So stoked about that one.
Nereyda @Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Yay! Really glad you liked this one. I don’t like books with 14-15 year old MC’s either but I had to read this one because Rose sounds exactly like me. I loved this book because I could really relate to Rose. I wasn’t sold on the romance either but I think that was the purpose of it, seeing as the title of the next book has Almost-Girlfriend. Can’t wait to read book 2. Have to find room for it!
Jasprit
Yay I’m so glad that you had fun reading this too Giselle. I actually didn’t realise how young Rose would be until I started reading the book and although I don’t like my MC’s young, I really enjoyed reading this from Rose. Her voice was fresh and so much fun! Like you I am eager to see how the story will unfold in the next book! Fab review! 🙂
Molli
I think it’s a good sign that despite the various topics covered, it didn’t get out of hand. That’s the worst. I’m like you, Giselle – this one is one I’ve seen around, but TBH it’s never really made it on my radar in that “MUST READ” kind of way. I think, like you, I was afraid the protagonist would get on my nerves.
So hmmmm. It seems I’ll have to reconsider my reservations, and maybe give this one a chance at some point. Thanks for the awesome review, girl!
Eileen
OMG I totally agree I loved this book!! EEK Rose was really raw and angry and she’s only a year older than me which made me so happy that I could relate to her so well. I agree, there was so much emotion in the book, and Rose grew so much that it was so inspiring. Because seriously, there aren’t enough YA books with younger protagonists because I’m totally biased but still. What can I say the younger you are the crazier you are *goes loopy* *falls down*
Fantastic review, Giselle! I’m so happy that you thought Rose’s voice was fresh and fun and that you enjoyed this book <3 (Can't wait to see you at BEA because yes I am still freaking out like AHH WHAT DO I DO WITH MYSELF NOW)
Esty Nestea
Loud, sarcastic, big vocabulary high-schooler? I HAVE A BIOGRAPHER;) This sounds great, glad you enjoyed it!
Esty @ Boarding with Books
Mia
You know I kept picking this up at the bookstore but couldn’t walk away with it just because I wasn’t sure at all if it was interesting enough and, as you said, the MC sounded bratty. Your review gives a much better picture of what the novel is like and I think I’ll pick this up my next library trip. Actual character growth in novels is so nice to find.
Leanne Yang
I’m glad you liked this one! I thought it was really good as well, but the romance was confusing for me too! I think it really represented most teenagers and probably myself too since I’m going to high school next year. 🙂