In Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, the third of the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter, Cammie and Macey are subjects of a kidnapping attempt over the summer break between their sophomore and junior years. Shaken up more than they have ever been, even for girls who go to a top secret book for aspiring female covert operatives, Cammie has to deal with the trauma and try to protect Macey as best as she can from the same danger as Macey's family goes on campaign for Macey's father's presidency, while trying not to break to many rules.
I know, this book is kind of cheesy and a little lame. THEY'RE MY LITTLE SECRET. I think these books are really fun to read, and though they do not lack in the cheese sometimes, they are well written and always have more than just action and female-empowering main characters. For one thing, the theme of "fitting in" has a lot to do with this installment of the book. Even the title, Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, is talking about how people put on facades for other people. Everyone acts differently around people sometimes, whether you're trying to impress your friends or trying to fit in. The characters in books obviously use covers, mostly as spies, but with example like Macey, she uses them to make her family proud and to do what they want her to do.
The book also deals with losing control of your "cover." An example of this is Cammie is feeling less and less like her trade marked Chameleon nickname, and has to deal with what it's like to stand out, even if it's for a good reason. Macey also deals with fitting in. Even though she has friends, she's two years behind them academically, and as mentioned in the last part of the book, only went to Gallagher Academy because she was a descendant of Gilly Gallagher, and she starts to lose her "cool girl" personality when she shows her real emotions.
I think this book is great example of how not only super-serious books can have great meaning. The characters are believable and fun to follow along, and the series builds up mystery and tension as you read along. I liked this book especially because of the amount of action in it. I love books with good fighting scenes! Can't wait to read the next one.
I read one of the books in the Gallagher series, which I don't remember the name of, and thought it was a really good book. I also really like the suspense in the book. Even though your post was a little bit of a spoiler but I still want to read it. I really like how Ally Carter writes these books. Like you said with the action, she includes other problems and topics. Most of the books out in this world have only one topic and focus on only that topic but Ally carter's books have action, romance, etc. I thought your blog was really interesting and made me want to read the other books. I can't wait to lay my hands on another one of the Gallagher Girls series books.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I really like the books too, because they include a little bit of all the aspects you want in a book. Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteGreat post Emma! I agree that books that may seem silly actually can have great meaning. It's like picture books for kids. They can be fun and appropriate for a youngster, but have a great moral. If you like this book, try reading "The Lying Game." It's very susepnseful.
ReplyDeleteYeah. You and Finn both made the connection to picture books, which I didn't realize until now. I think picture books can be good too, even if they aren't for our age group per say, if they're written well and have a strong message. That allows people to connect and feel for the book.
DeleteAlthough I haven't read these books, and most likely will not for the remainder of my life, you make an excellent point, Emma. The content of many books is appropriate for all readers. However, the messages or themes the author tries to teach the reader is different. For example, although the content in a book about, I don't know, a white elephant and a black elephant frolecking in the snow of Antarctica is completely harmless, the themes such as recial equality is much more suttle for a person of higher maturity.
ReplyDeleteLol. Nice Finn. Like I said with Holly, I agree, I think that if a book has a strong message with well written content, it can be successful no matter who you are, even if you're not a fan of the genre. Obviously you are of the "I read teen chick flick books with sexy male teenage spies" demographic, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and comment.
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